Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem

4.4 (357 reviews) 50 min Free cancellation

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357 reviews

4.4

Open & Semi-open boats in Haarlem — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Canal cruise Haarlem city centre — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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 narrow canals and elegant façades reflect in the water.

As the boat glides gently along, you pass former merchant houses, charming bridges and hidden corners that many visitors never see from the streets. The calm pace allows you to truly take in the atmosphere, while stories from the skipper bring Haarlem’s past and present together.

This cruise is perfect for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the city without rushing. Whether it is your first visit or a return to a favorite place, the canals offer a fresh and memorable way to experience Haarlem’s character and beauty.

Day Cruises Private and Luxury Audio Guides Water Tours Sightseeing Cruises Excellent Quality Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 50 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 40 people
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: German, English, French, Dutch, Spanish
Guide: English, Dutch
Written guide: English
Operated by: Haarlem - Smidtje Canal Cruises

Ages: Children (4–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Audio guided tour
Included: 50 minutes canal cruise
Included: Local skipper

Itinerary

Teylers Museum

Passing by

Teylers Museum is an art, natural history, and science museum in Haarlem, Netherlands. Established in 1778, Teylers Museum was founded as a centre for contemporary art and science. The historic centre of the museum is the neoclassical Oval Room (1784), which was built behind the house of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst (1702–1778), the so-called Fundatiehuis (Foundation House). Pieter Teyler was a wealthy cloth merchant and banker of Scottish descent, who bequeathed his fortune for the advancement of religion, art, and science. He was a Mennonite and follower of the Scottish Enlightenment.
Molen De Adriaan Museum

Passing by

De Adriaan is a windmill in the Netherlands that burnt down in 1932 and was rebuilt in 2002. The original windmill dates from 1779 and the mill has been a distinctive part of the skyline of Haarlem for centuries.
Haarlem Railway Station

Passing by

Haarlem railway station is located in Haarlem in North Holland, Netherlands. The station opened at September 20, 1839, on the Amsterdam–Rotterdam railway, the first railway line in the Netherlands. The station building itself is a rijksmonument.
Stop 4

Passing by

Jopen's beer is a result of the work of Stichting Haarlems Biergenootschap, which was founded in 1992. The mission of the Biergenootschap is to re-create traditional Haarlem beers and bring them to the commercial market.

In December 1996, the commercial company Jopen BV acquired the beer. The name Jopen refers to the 112 litre beer barrels that were used in early times to transport the Haarlem beer.

Until the end of 1996 Jopen beer was brewed in the Halve Maan brewery in Hulst, after that it was made in the La Trappe brewery in Berkel-Enschot. Since 2001, the Jopen beer brands were brewed in Ertvelde, Belgium, in brewery Van Steenberge. The current brewer is Chris Wisse.

At the end of 2005, it was announced that the old Jacobskerk, in the Raaks area in the city centre of Haarlem, would be transformed into a brewery. In November 11, 2010, the "Jopenkerk" (Jopen church) opened its doors for the public. Besides the brewery it also hosts a café and restaurant.
Frans Hals Museum

Passing by

The Frans Hals Museum is a museum located in Haarlem, the Netherlands.

The museum was established in 1862. In 1950, the museum was split in two locations when the collection of modern art was moved to the Museum De Hallen (since 2018 called Hal). The main collection, including its famous 17th-century Frans Hals paintings, for which the museum is named, is located in the former Oude Mannenhuis on the Groot Heiligland.