Private Walking Tour of Haarlem – Stories Behind the Facades

Discover the charm of Haarlem with a local guide on a private walking tour. Hidden courtyards, old neighborhoods and powerful stories bring the city’s rich history to life — all at a relaxed pace, tailored to you.

What to Expect During Your Haarlem Walking Tour

Haarlem is a city full of character — and full of surprises. Just behind its quiet facades, you’ll find peaceful hofjes, the oldest parts of the city, and echoes of stories both joyful and painful. This private tour begins and ends at the Grote Markt, with short loops into several historic districts, each with its own atmosphere and identity.

Hidden Courtyards & Quiet Streets

From the peaceful Vijfhoek to tucked-away hofjes, you’ll walk through Haarlem’s intimate and timeless places, most of them invisible to the average visitor.

Stories of Jewish Life & Wartime Traces

You’ll hear about the city’s Jewish history — including the Corrie ten Boom House — and how Haarlem lived through and remembers the Second World War.

Local Artists & Flemish Influence

Frans Hals and other artists left their mark on Haarlem, alongside merchants and refugees from the south. Your guide shares their stories as you explore.

A Looping Route from the Grote Markt

The tour is designed as a loop from the main square, giving you a perfect starting and ending point for lunch, coffee or shopping.

Practical Information

📍 Start & end: Grote Markt, Haarlem

⏳ Duration: approx. 2 hours

👣 Type: Private walking tour (up to 8 guests)

🌿 Pace: Relaxed, with time for questions and photos

💬 Language: English (Dutch possible on request)

📆 Available: Daily on request (subject to guide availability)

It only takes a safe, convenient and direct 15-minute train ride to escape the city crowds of Amsterdam. A visit to Haarlem is a great way to see how the country is outside the capital.

Why Choose this Haarlem Tour?

This is not a scripted tour — your guide shares their personal knowledge, stories and favorite spots. Whether you’re drawn to architecture, history, or everyday life, the tour can be adjusted to your interests. It’s all about seeing Haarlem through local eyes.

How to book the walking tour of Haarlem

To book or enquire about the tour, fill out the reservation form (see below). If the tour if available on your requested day and time, we will send you a booking reservation including a link to a secured-payment page (provider is Stripe). If you do not want to use the reservation, you don't have to do anything. The reservation expires automatically after two working days. If you do want to book the tour, once your reservation is paid your booking is guaranteed. We will send you a booking confirmation.

At all times we maintain a 24-hr free cancelation policy; cancel at least 24 hours before the start of your tour and your full refund is processed instantly.

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Beer Tasting in a Church 🍻

Feel like indulging yourself in local culture in Haarlem? Visit Jopenkerk, an old church that was turned into a brewery. The story behind Jopen starts in the 14th century when Haarlem grew into one of the most important brewing cities in Holland. The liquid barley was transported in 'Jopen'; barrels of 112 liters (± 30 gallons).

Ask your guide to point out the brewery during the walking tour so you know where to go to for this unique experience. Make sure to try their delicious bitterballen!