Top Haarlem landmarks
Top Haarlem landmark tours
Cool Destinations
Top Haarlem activities
Top Haarlem landmarks
Beyond Haarlem
Haarlem trip ideas
  • Tours by category
  • Tours by accessibility
  • Tours by feature
  • Top Haarlem landmark tours
  • Tours in nearby places
  • Explore Netherlands tours
  • Haarlem travel guides
  • Haarlem travel calendar
Rewards
Rewards
Wishlist
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Cool Rewards My Rewards
$0.00
Cool Rewards My Rewards
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates

Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Haarlem, Netherlands
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $348.66 per group (up to 14)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide Image 1
Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide Image 2
Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide Image 3
Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide Image 4
Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide Image 5

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
Add to Wishlist
1 hour 40 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, German, Dutch

Overview

Discover Haarlem on a private walking tour through one of the most elegant historic cities in the Netherlands. Often described as Amsterdam’s refined neighbor, Haarlem was once just as wealthy and powerful, and its past is still visible today.

With your own knowledgeable local guide, you stroll through cobbled streets, grand market squares, and along tranquil canals. During this guided tour, your guide shares stories of the innovators, merchants, artists that shaped Haarlem during the Dutch Golden Age. You learn about Haarlem as the birthplace of Frans Hals and the home of the oldest museum in the Netherlands.

The private tour of Haarlem takes place entirely on foot in the compact historic center and normally lasts about 1.5 hours. Because this is a private walking tour, the pace and focus are flexible and can be adapted to your interests.

This guided walking tour is ideal for travelers who want insight, atmosphere, and stories rather than a standard checklist of sights.

What's Included

  • All fees and taxes
  • Local private guide
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

You can be picked up from your hotel, if you stay in the city center.

OR
Meeting point

Grote Markt
2011 Haarlem, Netherlands

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Haarlem

We start in front of the most beautiful train station of The Netherlands. The railways made a significant contribution to the revival of Haarlem after 1850, as improved infrastructure allowed small businesses to grow into important industrial complexes. Examples include the Figee machine factory, Droste chocolate factory, Conrad shipyard (all located on the Spaarne), and the Beijnes railway carriage factory at Stationsplein.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Grote Markt

Of course we will walk over the Grote Markt. The Grote Markt has traditionally been the heart of Haarlem. Before the Middle Ages, when the square was not yet paved, it was called 't Sant. Justice was administered on 't Sand at that time. However, the gallows were located on the outskirts of the city to deter people. Tournaments were held on the square, as well as markets. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the square was even larger than it is now because there was no building on the south side (right). The appearance and character of this place were and are largely determined by the historical buildings surrounding it.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The St. Bavo Church in Haarlem

On the Grote Markt, we find the Grote Kerk. Here once stood a smaller church that was damaged during a city fire. Subsequently, the Grote or St. Bavo was built here. The floor plan is based on the cruciform shape. Construction began in 1390 with the choir built around the old Romanesque church, followed by the transept. The nave followed from the mid-15th century. The tower is an oak construction covered with lead and was added to the church in 1520. In 1559, St. Bavo was elevated to a cathedral. On May 19, 1578, the 'Haarlemse noon' took place, a delayed iconoclastic event. During a Catholic sacrament procession in the St. Bavo Church, Geuzen soldiers stormed the church. The soldiers killed the priest and destroyed everything. Afterward, the church came into the possession of the Reformed Community. In the church, in addition to the world-famous Müller organ, there are the graves of painters Frans Hals, Pieter Saendam, linen merchant Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, and many others.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Botermarkt

We cannot skip the Botermarkt. In 2012, during the installation of underground waste containers on the Botermarkt, skeletons from the Middle Ages were discovered. These were found on an old cemetery belonging to the medieval St. Gangolf's Chapel. The excavation of these skeletons has provided more insight into the men, women, and children who lived in Haarlem around 1450. The combination of forensic science, archaeology, anatomy, and sculptural art can give a lifelike face to an excavated individual. For the reconstruction, a skeleton with a skull was selected from a 35-year-old man with a remarkable face. Since his name was unknown, the name Cornelis was chosen. Cornelis was a common name in Haarlem in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Jopen

Another church! For centuries, Haarlem was one of the largest beer brewing cities in the Netherlands. Beer brewing dates back to the medieval period in Haarlem, with many breweries located along the Spaarne River and Bakenessergracht. The proximity to water was convenient for both beer production and the transportation of beer barrels. The beer barrels, with a capacity of 112 liters, were called 'Jopen.'
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Frans Hals Museum

We pass by the beautiful Frans Hals Museum. Frans Hals was born in Antwerp in 1582 or 1583, the son of a linen merchant. Like many South Netherlanders at that time, the family moved to Haarlem around 1586. Frans Hals was a pupil of Carel van Mander until 1603 and became a member of the Saint Luke's Guild. In 1616, he painted his first civic guard pieces. In 1639, he created his last civic guard pieces, considered the pinnacle of Hals' oeuvre due to the great variety of facial expressions, shining uniforms, and nuanced colors.In the 18th century, he fell out of favor but was rediscovered by the Impressionists in the 19th century, who appreciated his so-called rough style. His style was characterized by independent, sweeping, and loose brushwork, as well as intimate and enigmatic drama. He had the ability to capture subtle human emotions.
Read more

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 5 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operated by a business

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-447887P8

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.
Haarlem Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Delightful Haarlem
5.0 (10)

Delightful Haarlem

This is time to visit Haarlem! This ancient city makes the perfect get away from Amsterdam. Haarlem dates back to pre-medieval times. With its ancient...

2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
2 hours • Free Cancellation
5.0 (10)
from
$373.15
90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour with puzzles in Haarlem
4.1 (12)

90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour with puzzles in Haarlem

During the Discovery Trip "The Missing portet of Pieter Teyler" you will explore the city of Haarlem during a 90-minute self-guided walking tour. In 90...

1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 30 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.1 (12)
from
$22.78
Haarlem Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide (Electric Boat)
4.9 (248)

Haarlem Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide (Electric Boat)

Explore the charm of Haarlem the way locals love it most: from the water. Step aboard a stylish, comfortable open electric sloop and cruise through...

50 to 55 minutes • Free Cancellation
50 to 55 minutes • Free Cancellation
50 to 55 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (248)
from
$21.46
Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour
4.8 (9)

Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour

Experience a new way to discover a city with this 'gamified' tour! Explore Haarlem during this self-guided walking tour that lets you see the city...

1 to 2 hours • Free Cancellation
1 to 2 hours • Free Cancellation
1 to 2 hours • Free Cancellation
4.8 (9)
from
$32.07

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Luxury Shared Canal Tour with live guide
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.9 (110)

Luxury Shared Canal Tour with live guide

Our company was born from a passion for Haarlem, a love for boats, and a desire to connect with people. Our 1-hour journey through Haarlem's...

1 hour 15 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 15 minutes • Free Cancellation
1 hour 15 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (110)
from
$33.23
Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem
Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.5 (210)

Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem

Experience Haarlem from its most peaceful perspective, the water. This scenic canal cruise takes you through the old city, where centuries of history line the...

50 minutes • Free Cancellation
50 minutes • Free Cancellation
50 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.5 (210)
from
$19.82
Haarlem Battle Quest: Self-Guided City Defense Adventure
4.8 (12)

Haarlem Battle Quest: Self-Guided City Defense Adventure

Step into the year 1573 and fight to defend the city of Haarlem during one of the most legendary battles in Dutch history. Take on...

90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
90 to 120 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.8 (12)
from
$7.33
Haarlem Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide (Electric Boat)
4.9 (248)

Haarlem Open-Boat Canal Cruise with Live Guide (Electric Boat)

Explore the charm of Haarlem the way locals love it most: from the water. Step aboard a stylish, comfortable open electric sloop and cruise through...

50 to 55 minutes • Free Cancellation
50 to 55 minutes • Free Cancellation
50 to 55 minutes • Free Cancellation
4.9 (248)
from
$21.46

Popular Haarlem Attractions

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • All fees and taxes.
  • Local private guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Historical Haarlem: Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • All fees and taxes
  • Local private guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Operated by a business

Protecting you

Activity name

For your protection and stress-free bookings, use our secure platform to pay for bookings. Holland City Tours

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Lowest Price Guarantee

Activity name

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your Cool Destinations Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email priceguarantee@mybookings.zendesk.com with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • Cool Destinations promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Destinations and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool Destinations reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Destinations.
Activity name

Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

Cool Destinations wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool Destinations over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Support

Ask us anything!

Activity name

Cool Robot

Choose an option

Activity name

or

Cool Rewards Terms & Conditions

Activity name

Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
  • If a booking where rewards were issued is canceled, the earned rewards will not be redeemable and will be moved to a canceled state.

Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
  • There is no minimum order value required to redeem your rewards. This means that you can pay for 100% of your order with rewards.
  • Rewards are non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash.
  • If rewards are redeemed against a booking that is canceled or refunded, the rewards will be reissued to your account.

Miscellaneous

  • You can check your Cool Destinations account to see the rewards you have collected at any time. You are responsible for ensuring that your rewards balance is correct.
  • We reserve the right to modify these Cool Rewards Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without notice, including the rules for earning and redeeming rewards. Any changes will be reflected in the updated Terms and Conditions.
  • We reserve the right to terminate the Cool Rewards program and cease issuing any further rewards on future bookings. All pending and available rewards balances will be honored.
  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.