From Amsterdam: Private Haarlem Day Trip with St. Bavo Entry
Description
Leave Amsterdam’s crowds behind and reach Haarlem by fast train on a private 5-hour day trip with a local guide. Meet at your central Amsterdam hotel or Amsterdam Centraal Station, then travel together with round-trip train tickets included. Explore Haarlem’s historic centre on foot at a comfortable pace. See Grote Markt, St. Bavo Church, Molen De Adriaan, the Corrie ten Boom House, Teylers Museum, Frans Hals Museum, and other local landmarks. Admission to St. Bavo Church is included; other museum tickets are not included unless confirmed separately. Because this is a private tour, the route can be adjusted to your interests, whether you enjoy history, architecture, art, or quieter streets away from Amsterdam’s busiest areas. • Reach Haarlem easily by fast train from Amsterdam • Travel with round-trip train tickets included • Explore at your own pace with a private local guide • Enjoy a flexible walking route based on your interests
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your Haarlem visit at the iconic St. Bavo Church, overlooking the historic Grote Markt. Step inside to admire its impressive Gothic interior and the renowned Müller organ, famously played by Mozart when he was 10 years old. Your guide will introduce the church’s history and its importance to Haarlem.
Continue through Haarlem’s lively central square, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés, and local shops. Your guide will introduce the square and explain its importance as the heart of Haarlem’s historic centre.
Walk past the former home of Corrie ten Boom and her family, who helped shelter Jewish people during World War II. Your guide will share the historical context behind one of Haarlem’s most meaningful landmarks.
Pass the Frans Hals Museum, known for its Dutch Golden Age collection and its connection to the celebrated Haarlem painter Frans Hals. Your guide will explain the museum’s importance to the city’s artistic heritage.
Explore Haarlem’s charming canals, peaceful streets, and hidden alleyways while your guide shares stories about the city’s history and local culture. Depending on the group’s interests and available time, you may also browse independent shops or stop for lunch at your own expense.
See Teylers Museum, recognized as the oldest museum in the Netherlands. Your guide will introduce its historic setting and its connection with art, science, and natural history.
Admire Molen De Adriaan, Haarlem’s picturesque riverside windmill and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Learn about its place in Haarlem’s history and enjoy an opportunity to view and photograph it from outside.
See De Koepel, Haarlem’s distinctive former domed prison. Learn how this historic building has been transformed into a modern cultural and creative space, reflecting the city’s combination of history and innovation.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick-up is available upon request within the city center. Please select your hotel from the provided list. If your hotel is not listed, please inform the host of your preferred pick-up location via email.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(8)
A very pleasant day in Haarlem with Anna our guide who was considerate, kind and concerned about our wishes. In addition to the unmissable of the city, we were able to discover places that we would never have visited alone. In short, a beautiful day!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Nicolas! I was delighted to guide you around Haarlem and share both the must-see spots and some hidden gems. I’m so glad you had a wonderful day, and I hope to welcome you again for more discoveries!
Haarlem is just 20 mins from Amsterdam by train. It’s a neighborhood of Amsterdam. It is picture perfect area. It has an old square and a windmill. If possible, make this your base and stay here. It’s a quiet and laid back area but with the lake and windmill it’s a charming area. The pedestrian shopping starting from the old square is fantastic. Lots of eateries and plenty of shops. Great vibes and energy. I give this place 10/10 in Amsterdam. Don’t miss this area, you can easily walk from the station to the old square and the windmill, you can complete it within 3-4 hours without any rush…..
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review of Haarlem! I’m glad you enjoyed its charm and peaceful atmosphere. While Haarlem is actually its own historic city just outside of Amsterdam, it truly is only about 20 minutes away by train and is worth to pay a visit.
It was a very informative and cultural tour to the beautiful village of Haarlem. We so enjoyed the tour of the church, hearing the organ, and our the highlight was visiting the Corrie ten Boom Haus. We enjoyed Anna and her ease with information about the village, its architecture and much more! Thank you, Anna! - David and Susan , USA 🇺🇸
David and Susan, thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed Haarlem, the church, the organ, and the Corrie ten Boom House. It was a pleasure sharing Haarlem’s history and culture with you!
Anna was an affable and well-informed guide. She catered to our requests, easily handled all the details, and made our outing a wonderful experience!
Thank you so much, Moira! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and that I could cater to your requests. It was a pleasure sharing Haarlem with you!
Our new friend, and local guide Anna, went with us by train to the lovely town of Haarlem. Architecturally beautiful, a brief train ride from Amsterdam Central Station, historically most interesting. We walked and learned about the little town and its most famous residents. It was a quiet Sunday and diversion from bustling Amsterdam. For Americans who know that NYC was originally New Amsterdam, visiting the original Haarlem was a treat. I highly recommended Anna and this excursion.
Thank you so much, Lynn! It was such a pleasure exploring Haarlem with you. I’m so glad you enjoyed the town’s beauty, history, and peaceful charm—it really is a special place! I loved sharing its stories with you, and I truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation. Wishing you many more wonderful travels, and I’d love to guide you again someday!
Anna is the sweetest guide you could ever hope for. She knows so much history relative to the area and is excited to share information to her clients. She takes extra care in learning the personal interests of who she is working with. She has a calm and personable demeanor and takes delight in helping one explore and experience all they wish. She loves to listen and learn as much as her clients. I highly recommend spending time with her!
Thank you, Drew, so much for your kind and thoughtful words! It was truly a pleasure sharing the history and exploring with you. I love making each tour personal and meaningful, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the experience. Hope to see you again for more adventures!
Anna is a wonderful guide! She is Master's-degree trained in the arts and has a broad and deep knowledge of Amsterdam and the surroundings. Anna is personable, funny and very client-focused, flexibly adapting to the preferences of the group. I can’t imagine a better guide for any age group!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad my knowledge and flexibility helped make your experience enjoyable. It was a pleasure guiding your group, and I’m thrilled you felt it suited everyone. I hope to see you in Amsterdam again soon for more adventures!
The tour of this lovely city was wonderful. Very walkable & scenic. Interesting architecture & a variety of good options to eat & shop
Thank you Neville! I’m so glad you enjoyed exploring Haarlem. It is always a pleasure guiding you, and I’d love to show you more whenever you’re back!
