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Things to do in Haarlem

Our most recommended things to do in Haarlem

Haarlem: 50-Minute Sightseeing Canal Cruise

1. 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: Dutch Windmill and Sightseeing Spaarne River Cruise

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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: Teylers Museum Entry Ticket

5. Haarlem: Teylers Museum Entry Ticket

Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon, Einstein, and so many others with this admission ticket to the first museum in the Netherlands, The Teylers Museum. Walk through the stunning antique interiors and gain access to the temporary and permanent exhibitions of art and collectibles within. Exchange your admission ticket at the front office and enter a world dedicated to art and science. Be in awe of the preservation of the space as you stroll through one of the most beautiful 18th century interiors in the world. Visit the various exhibitions on display showcasing valuable artefacts of art, coins, metals, instruments, books, fossils, and minerals. Receive access to the Pieter Teyler House, an additional wing of the museum that is included in this admission ticket. Be in awe of some of the best-preserved historical interiors from the 18th-century Netherlands.

Haarlem: Frans Hals Museum Entrance Ticket with Audio Guide

6. 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.'

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: City Center Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour

8. Haarlem: City Center Highlights Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore the beautiful city-center of Haarlem at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour will take you to all the well-known spots and undiscovered gems of Haarlem. The audio guide will tell you all the historical and current ins and outs of each place. Haarlem, the city that has everything. From a convivial historic center with numerous stores and restaurants to world-famous museums. To explore this city, an audio tour is a clever idea. During this walking tour history comes to life again and you will walk along beautiful places such as the Grote Kerk, the Teylers Museum, the Jopenkerk and the Spaarne. Discover all the secrets of the ancient courtyards that you pass during the guided tour and be amazed by the history of the city. Did you know that the inhabitants of Haarlem are also called "mosquitoes"? There are many theories about the origin of this nickname which will be shared with you in detail during the audio tour. Go on a journey of discovery with your self-guided audio tour and get to know Haarlem and its history in a unique way.

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: Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame

10. Haarlem: Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame

Go back in time to the year 1637 with the Escape Tour Haarlem. Frans Hals, the world famous painter, can no longer pay his debts at his favorite bar and had to get money quickly. For this, he hired a few thieves to steal his paintings from the rich so he could resell them. Clever, right? Of course, the police didn't think so and want to arrest him. So Frans must flee! There is only one way out, to find the secret exit of Haarlem. But how? Choose your starting time with your teammates, beginning at anytime day or night. Make your way across the city, checking off tasks to find all the clues you need to reach the secret passage. As you search for clues, marvel at the beautiful sights of the town. Walk past the Grote of St.-Bavokerk, wander through the lovely streets and keep an eye out for the many historic buildings in the city center. Work quickly, and you and your team could set the record for the fastest tour. Good luck!

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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.

Best investment while visiting Amsterdam. I discovered so many placed I would not have known about if it wasn't for the card. And the money is so worth it when booked for multiple days. I took the 5 day card and it was way cheaper than paying separately for attractions and public transport.

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.