Haarlem’s charming canals and waterways make it an ideal city for boat tours. Unlike larger Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Haarlem’s waterways are less crowded but just as picturesque, offering a relaxing way to see its historic sights. We especially love the Haarlem: Open Boat Canal Tour in the Historical City Center, which offers a lively, informative experience on a traditional open boat. The route passes iconic landmarks like the Teylers Museum and Grote of Sint Bavo Kerk, with a lively guide sharing stories that make the city’s architecture and art come alive. The open boat format provides a fresh perspective and a chance to enjoy the city’s atmosphere from the water.
Whether you prefer a quick overview or a leisurely private cruise, Haarlem’s boat tours deliver a memorable view of the city’s beautiful architecture and canal life. Our list includes options for sightseeing, food and drink, private charters, and even themed cruises like cheese, wine, or beer tastings. No matter your taste or budget, Haarlem’s waterways offer a charming escape.
1. Haarlem: Open Boat Canal Tour in the Historical City Center
At number 1, the Open Boat Canal Tour is a top-rated experience with 4.9/5 from over 500 reviews. This 75-minute trip takes you along Haarlem’s scenic waterways, passing landmarks like the Teylers Museum and Grote of Sint Bavo Kerk. The tour features a live guide who shares engaging stories about Haarlem’s history, architecture, and art. The open boat design offers an intimate way to see the city’s historic buildings up close, especially as you glide past the lively city center. Guests love the friendly and knowledgeable guides, with many praising the flexible timing and the chance to ask questions in various languages.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting an in-depth, relaxed look at Haarlem’s highlights while enjoying the fresh air. The combination of scenic views, cultural insights, and friendly guides makes it a standout. Bottom line: a lively, informative tour ideal for first-time visitors or those wanting a genuine local experience.
2. Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks
Next on our list, the Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks offers a relaxed cruise with a culinary twist. At 75 minutes and costing around $32, this tour allows you to pass Haarlem’s key sights while enjoying local snacks and beverages. Key landmarks like Jopenkerk, Windmill De Adriaan, and the town hall are briefly highlighted during the route, with the boat providing a comfortable vantage point for photos. Guests particularly enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to taste some of Haarlem’s local flavors, all while cruising through the grachtengordel (canal belt).
The tour offers a lively, informal way to experience Haarlem’s history and culture, making it suitable for couples, families, or groups looking to combine sightseeing with a small social gathering. The itinerary includes several short stops for sightseeing, making it engaging but not rushed. Bottom line: an enjoyable, food- and drink-filled way to see Haarlem’s highlights.
3. Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise through the City Center
For around $20, the Sightseeing Canal Cruise offers a shorter, 50-minute ride through Haarlem’s canals. It’s a good option if you want a quick overview of the city’s major sights. The cruise departs from Smidtje Canal Cruises and passes landmarks like Teylers Museum, Windmill De Adriaan, and the St. Bavokerk. With semi-open or covered boats, you stay comfortable regardless of the weather, and the guided commentary helps you identify and understand Haarlem’s architecture as you pass by.
Many reviews mention the relaxing pace and the quality of the commentary, making it perfect for families or first-time visitors. The cruise offers a balanced mix of scenic views and informative narration at a budget-friendly price. Bottom line: a quick, comfortable introduction to Haarlem’s waterways.
4. Haarlem: Guided Highlights Canal Cruise on Open Boat
Position four on our list, this guided highlights cruise is a 50-minute open boat tour with a lively guide and eco-friendly, silent electrical boats. Priced at $20 per person, it emphasizes sustainability while providing a personal experience. The route covers major sights like Windmill De Adriaan, the Jopenkerk brewery, and the Nieuwe Gracht. The tour stands out for its personal touches, such as available snacks and drinks, and a guide who shares both historical facts and local anecdotes, making it engaging for all ages.
Guests consistently praise the informative and friendly guidance, with some mentioning that the open boat allows better photo opportunities. The small group setting makes this tour ideal for travelers wanting an eco-conscious experience with a relaxed vibe. Bottom line: a friendly, sustainable cruise that’s great for those wanting a personal touch.
5. Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise
At number five, this 50-minute cruise offers a straightforward and scenic way to explore Haarlem’s main attractions. For around $21.50, you’ll see sights like the Teylers Museum, Haarlem Central Station, and Jopen Church from the water, accompanied by an audio guide. The route is designed to give you a good sense of the city’s layout and architecture without taking up too much time.
Guests value the relaxing pace and clear commentary, which makes it accessible for all ages. The boat’s comfortable seating and the chance to see the city from a different angle make it a popular choice for travelers short on time. Bottom line: a quick, informative cruise ideal for those wanting a taste of Haarlem with minimal fuss.
6. Private Canal Tour Haarlem, your private boat with a captain
Looking for something exclusive? The Private Canal Tour is perfect for groups of up to 15 wanting a personalized experience. At about $406 for the entire group, the tour lasts between 1 to 3 hours. You enjoy the comfort of a luxury boat with a dedicated captain, allowing you to customize your route and pace. The highlight is cruising past the iconic Molen De Adriaan, with the option to bring your own drinks.
This tour excels for special occasions, family gatherings, or travelers who want privacy and flexibility. The reviews mention a friendly captain and the ability to enjoy Haarlem at your own pace, making it a memorable and intimate experience. Bottom line: a luxurious, customizable tour for those seeking privacy and a tailored route.
7. Haarlem: Private Boat Rental City Center
If you’re comfortable sailing yourself, this private boat rental offers a 2-hour journey through Haarlem’s 900-year-old canals for up to 12 people. For about $102, you get a fully electric boat with comfy pillows and simple instructions to steer. It’s perfect for families or groups wanting autonomy plus the chance to swim in the Mooie Nel if desired.
The appeal lies in the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the added fun of piloting your boat. The reviews highlight the warm welcome and clear instructions, ensuring even novice sailors can enjoy. Bottom line: a flexible, self-guided way to see Haarlem from the water.
8. Haarlem: Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise
Number eight combines a scenic river cruise with views of Haarlem’s famous windmills. This 1.5-hour trip costs $20 and passes Windmill De Adriaan, Unicorn Mill, and other landmarks like the Weighing House. With semi-open or heated boats, you stay comfortable year-round. The route offers great photo opportunities, and many reviews mention the friendly crew and the chance to see Haarlem’s architecture from a different perspective.
Guests appreciate the mix of natural scenery and city sights, making it a good choice for those eager to see more than just the city center. Bottom line: a scenic, comfortable journey along the river with excellent views of Haarlem’s historic windmills.
9. Haarlem: Local Cheese and Wine Cruise
This 90-minute culinary cruise offers a unique food and drink experience. Priced at an undefined amount, the cruise includes Dutch cheeses and wines, with the host providing a warm, convivial atmosphere. Only available in July and August, it’s a special treat for those wanting to combine sightseeing with gourmet indulgence. The cruise covers the Haarlem canals, passing landmarks like the Jopenkerk brewery and the Teylers Museum.
Perfect for food lovers and those celebrating a special occasion, this experience combines cultural sights with tasting local delicacies. The reviews mention the friendly host and the chance to enjoy Haarlem’s sights in a relaxed, tasty way. Bottom line: a delightful mix of sightseeing and culinary pleasure, best suited for warm summer evenings.
10. Haarlem: Cheese and Wine Cruise
For about $40.50 per person, this Cheese & Wine Evening Cruise is a romantic way to explore Haarlem’s waterways. The 1.5-hour route passes landmarks like the Frans Hals Museum and the Jopenkerk brewery, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the pairing of local cheeses and wines. The boat is cozy and welcoming, making it ideal for couples or small groups.
Guests love the atmosphere of the cruise and the opportunity to savor Haarlem’s flavors in a picturesque setting. The route offers a mix of city highlights and culinary delights, making it a good value for a special evening out. Bottom line: perfect for food and wine enthusiasts seeking a romantic experience.
11. Haarlem: 90-minute Beer Tasting Cruise
This 1.5-hour cruise offers a more specialized experience for beer lovers. At $84, it features a guided tasting of local Haarlem beers, with a focus on craft brews and beer culture. The boat departs from Spaarne 11A, with stops at well-known breweries and local pubs along the route. Although reviews are mixed, the experience is appreciated by those wanting to learn about Haarlem’s beer scene in a relaxed setting.
The tour is best suited for enthusiasts eager to learn about the local craft beer landscape while enjoying the scenic canals. Note that the reviews mention some noise and difficulty with English audio at times. Bottom line: a fun, beer-focused cruise for those wanting a deeper dive into Haarlem’s brewing culture.
$84
12. Private Canal Tour Haarlem, your private boat with a captain
For a truly exclusive experience, this private boat offers up to 15 people the chance to cruise Haarlem’s canals with a dedicated captain. Pricing starts at around $406 for 1-3 hours. You can customize your route to include favorite sights or simply relax and enjoy the ride, bringing your own drinks if you wish. The reviews mention the friendly captain and the opportunity to see Haarlem from a relaxed, personal perspective.
Ideal for celebrations, special occasions, or travelers wanting privacy, this tour delivers a bespoke experience. Bottom line: premium, customizable, and perfect for groups seeking privacy and flexibility.
13. Haarlem: Private Boat Rental City Center
If you’re comfortable sailing, this self-guided boat rental allows you to explore Haarlem at your own pace. The fully electric boat is easy to operate and includes simple instructions. For about $102, you get 2 hours to cruise the 900-year-old canals, with the option to swim in the Mooie Nel. The reviews highlight the friendly staff and the fun of piloting your own boat.
It’s a great option for adventurous families or groups who want autonomy and a personal adventure. Bottom line: a flexible, self-guided way to experience Haarlem’s waterways at your own pace.
14. Haarlem: Dutch Windmill & Spaarne River Sightseeing Cruise
This scenic 1.5-hour cruise combines sailing past windmills and Haarlem’s historic Spaarne River. It’s perfect for nature lovers and those wanting to see the countryside alongside city sights. The route passes Windmill De Adriaan, Unicorn Mill, and the Weighing House, offering excellent photo opportunities. The boats are semi-open or heated, ensuring comfort regardless of the weather.
Many reviewers appreciate the friendly crew and the chance to see Haarlem from a different angle, especially the windmills. It’s a peaceful, scenic experience suitable for all ages. Bottom line: a relaxing, picturesque cruise for those who want a mix of historic architecture and natural beauty.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Haarlem
Choosing the right boat experience depends on your interests and schedule. If you want an in-depth, lively introduction to Haarlem’s landmarks, the Open Boat Canal Tour is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, culinary experience, try the Cheese and Wine Cruise or the Food & Drink Tour. Budget travelers will appreciate the shorter, affordable options like the Sightseeing Canal Cruise or the Guided Highlights Cruise. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or traveling with a group, consider the private options for a customized, memorable trip.
Remember to consider factors like weather, as some boats are semi-open or heated, and booking in advance can secure your spot, especially during peak summer months. Check specific tour durations and start times to match your itinerary. And don’t forget—many tours include insightful guides, making your trip both scenic and educational.
Haarlem’s waterways are a charming way to explore this historic Dutch city. From quick overview cruises to private sunset sails, there’s a perfect tour waiting for every type of traveler. For first-time visitors, the Open Boat Canal Tour offers an excellent mix of scenery and storytelling, while food lovers might prefer the Cheese & Wine Cruise. For those seeking exclusivity, the private boat options will give you maximum flexibility.
Whichever tour you choose, book early during the busy summer months and enjoy the unique perspective that Haarlem’s canals provide. These cruises turn a simple city visit into a memorable, relaxed adventure you’ll want to repeat.