Top Haarlem Private Sightseeing Tours: Reviews & Tips

Thinking of checking out Haarlem? This city, with its like, pretty canals, totally old buildings, plus an atmosphere that’s somehow both, like, energetic and completely laid-back, is definitely worth the trip. So, when it comes to actually exploring, forget those super big, crowded tour buses. No, what you probably need is a private sightseeing tour that can actually show you Haarlem up close. Let’s talk about five options, shall we?

1. Haarlem Highlights: A Private Walking Tour

Why this one’s kind of popular: A walking tour? Very cliché I know, yet this is kind of how a ton of people properly experience a place. You stroll through Haarlem’s cobblestone streets. Very picturesque to see with your own eyes, too it’s almost the best way to fully soak in the feel. It typically gives you a more relaxed sense to roam in comparison with a bike.

What you might experience: Now, I’m told the Haarlem Highlights tour kinda wants to show you, like, what the city’s known for. Of course, Grote Markt, with its historic City Hall, tends to be first on the list. That St. Bavo Church, with that really great Müller organ? Might get a peek. You are actually able to explore areas others often overlook; some tours sometimes hit up those hidden courtyards, which, by the way, show you some cool history, too it’s almost like discovering secret spots, very nice touch.

The Perks: You can usually ask any questions you’ve got; you can really learn much more and actually go off on different tangents depending on what catches your eye. Basically, you’re seeing Haarlem with that person helping you out.

Keep in Mind: Check the weather forecast! A great part of these tour guides don’t conduct this tour on a bus. So, wear comfy shoes, basically bring an umbrella if it’s drizzly or very, very slightly possible it might rain, or, like, put on a hat if it’s going to be hot, yet.

Read our full review: Haarlem Highlights Private Walking Tour Full Review and Details

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2. Haarlem by Bike: Private Cycling Adventure

Why you may enjoy this one: Join the like locals! Pretty much everyone in Haarlem uses bikes! So, to see it this way? You start to, like, actually feel, feel how Haarlemers go about their day-to-day.

What you might experience: Okay, so basically instead of just sticking around Grote Markt, you might go a bit further! I mean it depends. Explore spots such as the Bavo Church, get out to spots by the Spaarne river, even head to the outskirts very briefly if it tickles your fancy. And you will usually come across quiet lanes others have, maybe, never thought about. I understand.

The Perks: Getting around might be much quicker. Usually, covering so, too it’s almost a much greater, much greater amount of distance in just, just a little, little bit of time isn’t always a bad thing! You’re, basically, you’re able to just explore more.

Things to consider: Gotta feel confident on two wheels for the trip, basically make sure you have very good balance, alright! Haarlem does usually get packed, particularly during the times for, like, tourist times, in fact! That doesn’t make this less popular though.

Read our full review: Haarlem Private Cycling Adventure Full Review and Details

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3. Canal Cruise: Private Boat Tour of Haarlem

Why you might enjoy this one: Ever see pictures of those Dutch canals? What are they referred to by others again? Canals are a main part of why people flock here. So, that’s kinda why experiencing Haarlem right on the water is something else.

What you might experience: Instead of roads, streets and such? Very quiet canals. You typically sail under small bridges that can be a bit cute. You, like your tour usually tells you what a bunch of those waterfront houses use to be, as a matter of fact and then goes on and on about what is known for this part of the city.

The Perks: A more relaxed way to explore than just hoofing it; very fun. These are sometimes fun in light of that. Perfect if the dogs are getting really really tired! Enjoy a lot of scenic viewpoints as well that show different landmarks.

Keep in Mind: Canal tours usually slow a bunch because of the weather conditions! It just varies at the moment that might seem slightly annoying, just a little. Confirm a solid understanding of all the costs upfront as a safety precaution. Sometimes costs vary depending on the size of a boat and whether or not the person operating is there for the full ride.

Read our full review: Haarlem Private Boat Tour Full Review and Details

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4. Haarlem Food Tour: A Private Culinary Experience

Why you may enjoy this one: Pastries and beer? Pretty popular foods, yet something to behold if done just right. That sounds good. Haarlem gives you some choices.

What you might experience: Instead of old sites, a ton of tasty snacks or tasty morsels? And typically the people in charge usually take everyone to hidden food places where lots of local people seem to like to frequent at night. A few food excursions can easily include sampling neighborhood cheeses, stroopwafels. Are you, basically, prepared to go to small places most people gloss over, seemingly?

The Perks: An excursion might just be way better than what you have been normally doing every time and this provides some of that. It does a much better job of getting that done, yet. Also it is not always expensive for these type of situations.

Things to consider: Consider whether some places have options for what you require such as alternatives that account for diet alternatives. Similarly to if anyone, if you are in such of, if you need the alternatives, I should look into how lengthy an experience to choose a day tour; people tend to choose too big which cuts in all of our hours of relaxation!

Read our full review: Haarlem Private Culinary Experience Full Review and Details

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5. Haarlem and Zaanse Schans: A Private Day Trip

Why you may enjoy this one: Haarlem is really great, so I’m saying, and Zaanse Schans usually delivers like this with windmills. Why would a visitor miss it when that is super fun and that doesn’t give you, like your everyday feel? And so it isn’t too much and still makes for new discoveries in the city.

What you might experience: Right after your Haarlem tour of that city center area? The tour will often drive everyone up a bit that tends to make its trip, and is usually around the general area of Zaanse Schans! Usually people would discover things there like people working a super old windmill. Usually you are in this old town while being immersed a few new pieces! Now imagine what fun facts this person or team is getting to impart on to everyone! A bunch more of Zaanse Schans has more cute things to behold! That seems very rewarding.

The Perks: Getting to take your Haarlem excursions beyond that is kind of awesome for new people, typically you want those photos, do you not? The ones that aren’t your norm that will catch all others by awe for your experiences.

Keep in Mind: Trips to those places? Trips just take some of that to organize it all to schedule everything effectively that isn’t so so easy if everyone went there themselves in light of that. These places are still in use as of today. Very fun, I would, definitely definitely say so I think.

Read our full review: Haarlem and Zaanse Schans Day Trip Full Review and Details

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