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Things to do in Haarlem

Our most recommended things to do in Haarlem

Haarlem: Open-Boat Canal Tour in the Historical City Center

1. Haarlem: Open-Boat Canal Tour in the Historical City Center

Join this guided boat trip along the Spaarne River and see the sights from Haarlem’s oldest open canal. Immerse yourself in the stunning views of Teylers Museum, St. Elisabeth Gasthuis, St. Bavo Church, and many more famous buildings. Meet your guide and fellow travelers at the pier to begin your tour. Jump aboard, take a seat and enjoy the scenery from the open boat.  Cruise along the magnificent Spaarne to the Nieuwe Gracht. Admire the Wildemansbrug, Begijnebrug, and Korte Jansbrug bridges. Glide along the river and listen as your guide tells you about Haarlem’s history as you glide along the river. Make sure you take photos of iconic sights and monuments, such as the former hospital De Egelantier, de Nieuwe Kerk, the new church, and the city theater. See iconic sights such as the Kathedraal Sint Bavo, club Patronaat, Barnaart residence, the medieval horse stables, Adrian’s Windmill, Teylers Museum, and the St. Bavo Church.

Haarlem: 50-Minute Sightseeing Canal Cruise

2. Haarlem: 50-Minute Sightseeing Canal Cruise

Experience and discover the beautiful historic city center of Haarlem from a unique perspective as you cruise around the Old Town's canals on a 50-minute cruise. After meeting your professional skipper and boarding the boat in the city center, begin your journey of discover of Haarlem's unique architecture, picturesque buildings, and romantic canals. Once onboard, admire attractions such as the Molen de Adriaan, the Teylers hofje, Frans Hals Museum, and the Jopenkerk. Munch on complimentary snacks and drinks as you sail in the company of a crew with many years of experience on the water of Haarlem. The boat is heated for your comfort.

Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

3. Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

Langs de kade naast het teyler museum stapt u aanboort van de XXX10. In onze comfortabele antieke sloep uit 1954 wordt u door onze ervaren en vriendelijke crew rond geleid door de prachtige grachtengordel van Haarlem. Op de sliep wordt u voorzien van een ruime selectie van gekoelde drankjes tezamen met heerlijke versnaperingen en een selectie van kazen, Zo kunt u optimaal genieten van het prachtige uitzicht. Tijdens de tocht wordt u voorzien van alle belangrijke informatie over de highligts van Haarlem. Tijdens de tocht komt u langs verschillende hoogtepunten waaronder molen de Adriaan, Stadschouwburg, Jopenkerk, Teylersmuseum en nog veel meer. Na een rustgevende en informatieve tour wordt weer afgezet op de opstap locatie nabij het Teyler museum. On the quay next to the Teyler museum, you step aboard the xxx10. In our comfortable antique sloop from 1954, our experienced and friendly crew will guide you around the beautiful canal belt of Haarlem. On the sloop, you will be provided with a wide selection of chilled drinks, delicious snacks, and a variety of cheeses, allowing you to fully enjoy the magnificent view. During the tour, you will receive all the important information about the highlights of Haarlem. Along the way, you will pass various landmarks, including Molen de Adriaan, Stadschouwburg, Jopenkerk, Teyler Museum, and much more. After a relaxing and informative tour, you will be dropped off at the boarding location near the Teyler Museum.

Haarlem: Dutch Windmill and Sightseeing Spaarne River Cruise

4. Haarlem: Dutch Windmill and Sightseeing Spaarne River Cruise

Explore the Spaarne river on a sightseeing cruise. Stay comfortable aboard ships that are semi-open in the summer and fully-heated and covered in the winter. Get carried away on the Spaarne river and see the city center and the Unicorn and Adriaan windmills from the water. Check in at the activity provider's office and board the river boat. Settle into your chair and have the option to purchase snacks and drinks as you sail along. Capture pictures of the 18th-century Adriaan windmill. Glide past the historic Waag weigh house. Take in views of the Teylers Museum of art, natural history, and science. Make your way past colorful houseboats and verdant parks as you go towards Heemstede. Go by the 17th-century Unicorn windmill before heading back to the starting point of your cruise.

Amsterdam: City Card with Free Entrance & Public Transport

5. Amsterdam: City Card with Free Entrance & Public Transport

Make the most of your time in Amsterdam with an I amsterdam City Card, and enjoy free entrance to many of the city's top museums and attractions, including the Rijksmuseum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Moco Museum, and Rembrandt House Museum. Benefit from discounted entry to other attractions, such as Heineken Experience, Johan Cruijff Arena, and Amsterdam Dungeon. Valid for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours from first use, unlimited access to the city's public transportation system for the duration of your card allows you to get around quickly. Enjoy one free canal cruise from several canal cruise companies at many locations in Amsterdam and 24-hour free bicycle rental. Complete listing offers included in the I amsterdam City Card Free admission to the following museums/attractions (timeslot booking may be required): • Allard Pierson Museum Amsterdam • Amsterdam Museum • Amsterdam Pipe Museum • Amsterdam Tulip Museum • Architectuur Centrum Amsterdam • ARTIS Royal Zoo • ARTIS Micropia • ARTIS Groote Museum • Cobra Museum Amstelveen • Diamond Factories and the Diamond Museum • Do-It-Yourself Foodie Tour • Embassy of the Free Mind • EYE Filmmuseum • Fashion for Good • Foam - Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam • Fun Forest • Gassan Diamonds • Geelvinck Pianola Museum • Het Grachtenhuis - Museum of the Canals • Hermitage Amsterdam • Hermitage - Museum of the Mind • Hortus Botanicus - Botanical Garden • Huis Marseille - Museum for Photography • Jewish Cultural Quarter - Portuguese Synagogue • Jewish Museum - Jewish Cultural Quarter • Luther Museum • Moco Museum • Molen van Sloten & Kuiperijmuseum • Multatuli Museum • Museum de Dageraad • Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder - Our Lord in the Attic • Museum Het Rembrandthuis - Rembrandt House Museum • Museum Het Schip - Amsterdam School Arts and Architecture • Museum Tot Zover - Funeral Museum • Museum Van Loon • Museum Willet-Holthuysen • De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam • Outsider Art Museum – Hermitage • Oude Kerk • Rijksmuseum • Het Scheepvaartmuseum - The National Maritime Museum • Science Center NEMO • The Studio NEMO • Stadsarchief Amsterdam - City Archives • Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam • THIS IS HOLLAND • Tropenmuseum • Verzetsmuseum - Dutch Resistance Museum • Woonbootmuseum - Houseboat Museum In Haarlem: • Frans Hals Museum • Teylers Museum • Verwey Museum • Free Canal Cruise In Volendam/Marken: • Rederij Volendam Marken (ferry) • Volendams Museum In Enkhuizen: • Zuiderzee Museum In Zaanse Schans: • Zaans Museum & Verkade Experience • Kuiperij Tiemstra (Coopery) • Wevershuis- The Weaver’s House • Tsar Peter House, Zaandam • Mill Museum • Zaan Time Museum • De Bonte Hen (Oil Mill) • De Kat (Chalk Mill) • De Schoolmeester (Paper Mill) • Het Jonge Schaap (Sawmill) In Muiden: • Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot • Amsterdam Fortress Island Pampus In Naarden: • Amsterdam Fortress Museum Naarden-Vesting In Laren: • Singer Laren Freebies: • De Drie Fleschjes - Free shot of genever (18+) • Holland Casino Amsterdam - Free entrance (18+) • Haarlem Tourist Office Free canal cruise in Amsterdam: • Blue Boat Company • Stromma Canal Cruise • Lovers Canal Cruises • Amsterdam Circle Line B.V. Free 24h Bike Rental 25% Discount: Music & Stage • Bimhuis – Jazz • Boom Chicago - English improvisation comedy theatre • Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ - Contemporary music & classical music • Nationale Opera & Ballet - Dutch National Opera & Ballet 25% Discount: Attractions • The Amsterdam Dungeon • Johan Cruijff ArenA Stadium Tours • Body Worlds • Dutch Cheese & Wine Cruise or Cocktail Cruise • Fabrique des Lumieres • Heineken experience • House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience (18+) • Het Kattenkabinet - The Cat Cabinet • Madame Tussauds Amsterdam • NXT Museum • Our House • Rembrandts Amsterdam • STRAAT museum Upside Down Amsterdam • 25% discount - Transport & Rentals • Pedal boat • Bicycle rental & Bike Tours • Mokumboat.com – Rental boats to drive yourself 25% Discount: Food & Drink • Blue Amsterdam • Pancakes Amsterdam • The Pancake Bakery • Restaurant de Hoop op d'Swarte Walvis • Restaurant Wagamama - Asian restaurant • Taverne de Visscher • Zuiderzee Museum

Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

6. Amsterdam: Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days

Travel easily in Amsterdam and the surrounding area by purchasing an Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT).  You can use the ARTT for unlimited travel by train (2nd class) between any of the following stations in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Region: Amsterdam Amstel, Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA, Amsterdam Central station, Amsterdam Holendrecht, Amsterdam Lelylaan, Amsterdam Muiderpoort, Amsterdam RAI, Amsterdam Sciencepark, Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Zuid, Duivendrecht, Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, Halfweg-Zwanenburg, Haarlem, Haarlem Spaarnwoude, Overveen, Zandvoort aan Zee, Zaandam, Zaandam Kogerveld, Purmerend Weidevenne, Purmerend, Purmerend Overwhere, Koog aan de Zaan, Zaandijk Zaanse Schans, Hoofddorp, Diemen, Weesp, Almere Poort, Almere Centrum, Almere Muziekwijk, Almere Parkwijk, Almere Buiten, Almere Oostvaarders, Lelystad Centrum, Diemen Zuid, Naarden-Bussum, Hilversum, Hilversum Mediapark, Hilversum Sportpark, Bloemendaal, Santpoort Zuid, Santpoort Noord, Driehuis, Uitgeest and Beverwijk. The ticket is also valid on all trams, buses, night buses, metros and ferries run by the Amsterdam Transport company GVB, EBS and Connexxion in Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Region including the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 and N97 (operated by Connexxion). During Keukenhof Season this ticket is valid: From Amsterdam (Europaplein) to Keukenhof on bus route 852 operated by Arriva From Schiphol Airport to Keukenhof on bus route 858 operated by Arriva From Hoofddorp station to Keukenhof on bus route 859 operated by Arriva From Haarlem station to Keukenhof on bus route 50 operated by Connexxion

Haarlem Highlights Bike Tour

7. Haarlem Highlights Bike Tour

Join a 2-hour city highlights bicycle tour departing every weekend at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM or 3:30 PM on Saturdays. Discover many great hidden places in Haarlem and learn stories about the city's rich history. Get tips on where to go, what to see and where to eat. Peddle past historical churches and famous windmills. Wind your way through the old city center and see the former city gate. Learn about Haarlem's hidden streets and secrets from your professional guide. 

Haarlem: Windmill De Adriaan Guided Tour

8. Haarlem: Windmill De Adriaan Guided Tour

Molen de Adriaan is a working windmill including a museum. The museumpart shows you the development of various types of mills, such as polder mills, flour mills, oil mills and sawmills. The sawmills were instrumental for war and trade ships with which the VOC reached the globe. Molen de Adriaan started to function in 1778 as trasmolen (cement for Roman mortar), in 1802 it was sold to be used as tobacco snuff mill. In 1865 it was converted in to a double grainmill, with wind- and steam power. The introduction of electrical power meant the end of most Dutch windmills. In 1932 the Adriaan burnt down and it took 70 years before it was rebuilt as a wotking grain mill. The Adriaan is a landmark at the river Spaarne very near the centre of Haarlem. In the milling loft below the top you can see the millstones with which grain can be grounded into flour. The flour loft below the stone floor is where the flour is put into bags. Outside on the balcony you are close to the wings and can enjoy the beautiful view of Haarlem at 12 meters height. When a miller is in De Adriaan and with enough wind you will enjoy the turning wings. The span of the wings is 26 meters. Please be aware, that the tour is in English and Dutch. Other languages will be provided with a handout to learn while being on the tour. For safety reasons, you can only go upstairs accompanied by a tour guide.

Haarlem: Interactive City Discovery Adventure

9. Haarlem: Interactive City Discovery Adventure

Your challenge starts at Grote Markt, in front of the church’s entrance. All the information you’ll need for your exciting adventure will be found in an email delivered to you before the game. You’ll then embark on a special mission of solving 12 unique riddles, each leading you from one hidden location to the next and unlocking local recommendations and fun facts about Haarlem's history along the way. Curious facts: Get to know more about the city, discover the secrets of the main attractions, and learn about curious facts that you won't read elsewhere. Find monuments and hidden secrets: Our local creator created an interactive walk through the city. Cryptic indications make you wind through the cities streets, inviting you to pay attention to details which you usually won't notice. Once you've arrived at the next stop, you will have to solve a question: open your eyes and mind and use your location to find the right answer! Enjoy: While doing this discovery trail, you will get to know the city from another point of view. Even locals discover new facts while doing secret city trails! Discover unique locations around town that even most locals don’t know about. See renowned landmarks from a different angle, literally. Find independent cheese and candle making shops, discover the cutest courtyards and learn about the city’s curious statues.

Haarlem: Frans Hals Museum Entrance Ticket with Audio Guide

10. Haarlem: Frans Hals Museum Entrance Ticket with Audio Guide

Enjoy a combination entry ticket to the HOF Museum and the Frans Hals Museum. The locations are 7 minutes away from each other in the historical center of Haarlem. Experience the collection’s stimulating mix of old masters, modern, and contemporary art. Show your ticket at the door and explore the Frans Hals Museum, a place where old and new connect in a way that challenges visitors to take a fresh look. Take in highlights like the six Civic Guard paintings by Frans Hals himself. Go for a short 7-minute stroll to the museum’s HOF location which features the world’s largest collection of paintings by Frans Hals, alongside old masters and modern art. On view now in Frans Hals Museum HOF: are the exhibits 'Haarlem Heroes,' 'Other Masters'(permanent collection show), and from 30 September 2022, 'Newcomers.'

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What people are saying about Haarlem

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 3,248 reviews

so glad we got this!! it was great and such good value for money. easy to pick uo the ticket from the machines once we landed at amsterdam airport. literally just tap in and out of ny transport you use and you have unlimited use. covers trams, metro, trains, buses and ferries! we stayed just outside of Central so it was perfect for us. we got off at the wrong stop on the metro, so it was fab that we could just jump back on the next metro and head to the correct stop without any extra cost involved. if you arr staying in central and not venturing outside then id just walk everywhere but otherwise this is great value for money

Our son lives in Harrlem and it was a must to go to see the Windmill. Our guide on the 1pm tour was such a delightful pleasant lady and very enthusiastic about the workings of this incredible windmill. We arrived a little early and was encouraged to watch the video in English to see the full history of the windmill, which again was fascinating.

Great value for money as it was so easy to travel on the teams and the bus. The many attractions were fantastic as well! Took the 3 day card and even when we decided to do a last minute visit to the Maritime Museum, it was easy too!

Excellent tour. Very informative. And received great recommendation to go to Jopen (Beer church) in Haarlem for lunch.

The best choice for your three day stay within Amsterdam.