Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem
Overview
Available languages
50 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that except for service animals, pets are not allowed on board.
What To Expect
Teylers Museum
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
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.
Options
Haarlem: Scenic Canal Cruise through the Old City of Haarlem
What‘s Included
Audio guided tour
50 minutes canal cruise
Local skipper
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
309 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely canal cruise
K3637JEdanielt,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great lovely experience, tour guide was friendly and adapted for needs. Smooth informative experience around Haarlem’s canals.
A Pleasant Time
Erin G,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, scenic & informative. We all had fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beautiful trip
royv616,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good experience, the captain knew a lot to tell and was very friendly. Nice to go through Haarlem like this once!
Very fun relaxing tour,...
Fionnuala L,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very fun relaxing tour, the skipper is very friendly. Can buy drinks in the shop beforehand to take on board. Had an audio tour playing while looking at the lovely scenery
Very bad
958dorotag,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I had paid for three vouchers for 07.05.2026 The lady behind the counter wouldn't let me say anything and started charging me tickets... and brought me the bill for the first ticket... I asked about the apple pie they had on the menu, I asked for three portions... she accepted the order and then said that apple pie is only available on weekends... at 3 p.m. we were supposed to get on the boat... my parents (both 80 years old) got on the boat with the help of the boat captain... suddenly, in a very unpleasant way, they started asking my parents to get off the boat... because it was the wrong boat... finally, after some time... I was verbally attacked by two women who worked there behind the counter... finally, we were allowed to get on a different boat... after returning from the cruise, I was verbally attacked again by the same women which worked there... the captain, who was a replacement that day from Amsterdam witnessed it all and he was the only one from all the staff in Haarlem who apologized to us but said there was nothing he could do about it... To summarize: I waited 6 days for your company to confirm my vouchers... I called 4 times... I sent 2 emails, and only after Social Deal intervened did I receive my tickets the day before the cruise. The customer service in Haarlem is very unpleasant, even aggressive, misinforming or not informing customers on matters that concern them. They show a complete lack of respect. I regret to say that I will not recommend your company. With respect D.Grezlikowska
Great excursion
P211ZHcourtneyb,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very relaxing and educational about Haarlem. Great way to see parts of the city and learn about their history
Lovely way to see Haarlem
Katie D,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful way to see Haarlem, skipper was lovely, funny and informative 😁 The open boat was beautiful in the sunshine
beautiful Haarlem well seen
frankD1701RM,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The skipper spoke quite slurred and the sound equipment on board the ship was not too good. However, we were able to see the beautiful Haarlem from the Spaarne.
N/a
Nune S,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The staff at the station are amazing and so helpful and upbeat! The tour guide was good but not enough spark for me
Great tour
Dorothy K,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved all the history and personal information. And a few jokes!
Related Experiences
Operated by Haarlem - Smidtje Canal Cruises