Haarlem Walking Tour: Dive into Culture, History, Art and Architecture
5.0
39 Ratings
Haarlem
Immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, art, and architecture of Haarlem on a captivating walking tour. Discover the city's fascinating story with a knowledgeable local guide and gain insights into its medieval and Renaissance times. Uncover hidden gems, receive sightseeing tips, and indulge in local cuisine. Enhance your journey through the Low Countries by recognizing famous architectural styles and understanding the stories behind them.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Grote Markt - This original tour of Haarlem covers many of the city’s best loved places, including the Grote Kerk of Sint Bavo, the historic town market square Grote Markt, the Town Hall Gravenzaal, the Molen Adriaan Windmill, the Teylers Museum, a beautiful Hofje (Almshouse) with it’s secret walled garden and many many more beautiful buildings, you will discover the history of Dutch architecture and hear about the Medieval town, the Golden Age, Haarlem in the Second World War and hear stories about the city’s most famous residents and visitors.

If you love History, Art, Architecture culture and photography then this tour was made for you.

What's Included
  • Certified English-speaking guide
  • Walking tour
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • A tip for the guide
  • Caveat Emptor - When visiting on a Sunday all the Hofjes in Haarlem are closed for public viewing.
  • The Hofjes close daily at 5pm therefore the Summer tours starting at 5pm do not go inside the Hofjes
Additional Information

Explore the intriguing history of Haarlem in an intimate group, escorted by a local guide who is a native English speaker.

Bean for its Beer, Linen, and Tulips, Haarlem boasts of a vibrant and rich history filled with sieges, conflicts, fires, and subsequent rebuildings. This comprehensive tour encompasses a variety of elements such as Art, Architecture, Life, Death, and the High Culture of Late Medieval and Renaissance eras. With tips for optimal sightseeing, recommendations for must-visit spots and local dining options, the tour ensures that you make the most of your time in Haarlem.

We culminate the tour at a picturesque rooftop terrace, or at a local craft brewery if that aligns with the group’s interest.

If your travel itinerary includes other destinations in the Low Countries after Haarlem, this tour will amplify your experience. It will equip you with the ability to identify and understand the renowned architectural styles, comprehend the purpose of the buildings and provide some insight into their historical occupants.

  • Not recommended for travellers with difficulty walking (the tour covers 4 km or 2.5 miles)
Location
Water Tap
Grote Markt
In the Grote Markt (main square) next to the entrance of the Grote Kerk of Sint Bavo (great church) there is an enormous Statue of Laurens Jansz Coster holding up a letter A, this is the meeting point and starting point for the tour. Grote Markt, 2011 NZ Haarlem 9JJP+HJ Haarlem
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(39 Ratings)
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Jody_v
May 22, 2024
Excellent Tour - Small group tour ended up being a private tour and it was excellent. We’ve done several tours on our European tour this year and this one was definitely the best. Our guide was very detailed, knowledgeable and articulate. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Travelor_7
May 13, 2024
Enriched our visit. - James was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He added so much to our appreciation and enjoyment of Haarlem. One small suggestion: It might be nice to add a brief stop for a local snack and a chance to get off our feet. Thanks so much for making our day in Haarlem memorable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shane_d
May 8, 2024
Worth every minute - our guide, James, was highly engaging, friendly, insightful, and patient with the multitude of questions that I presented. If you are in Haarlem surrounding area I would definitely suggest taking this tour early in your stay. James will definitely enhance your enjoyment as you continue to explore the area.
Review provided by Viator
Anton_m
May 4, 2024
Great town full of history - I’ve learned so much from James and walked so many interesting places. Highly recommend, the town is small but full of history.
Review provided by Viator
Kit_d
Apr 30, 2024
Would recommend. - Never would have found so many places on our own! Learned a lot. Small group allowed for asking questions. Would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Beverly_t
Apr 18, 2024
This was a very interesting tour and we,especially enjoyed the history of Haarlem! - Seeing the historical WWII Dutch Resistance photos was very memorable. Corrie Ten Boon's facts and home was extremely fascinating. Our guide James was wonderful!
Review provided by Viator
Martin_h
Apr 18, 2024
Great architectural and historical overview of Haarlem. - James provided a very useful and informative tour of Haarlem, focusing on architecture and history. He clearly did a lot of research in preparing for this tour, and brought along a tablet to show pictures of historical points and artifacts. This added greatly to the impact of his points during the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Sallie_s
Apr 14, 2024
Just great! - James was funny and informative. He gave me the best tip: visit the Huis Barnaart in Haarlem. You should reserve a time. It is a 19th century canal home, Empire style. GORGEOUS! There’s a second one managed by the HDK monumenten in Amsterdam: Huis Bartolotti. Also need to book a reservation for this 18th century canal home.
Review provided by Viator
A9069ybpatriciaj
Apr 13, 2024
Haarlem highlights - James was very knowledgeable about the history and architecture of Haarlem. He shared many interesting stories. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ewa_p
Apr 10, 2024
A great tour of Haarlem - James was a really knowledgeable and engaging guide. He led the group with sensitivity and even showed us where to have a good beer afterwards. We learnt a lot about Haarlem.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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