On and near the water | Visit Haarlem

On and by the water

Do like the Haarlemmers, rent a boat and take to the water to see the city from the "other" side.

Sailing in Haarlem

Life in Haarlem takes place on and around the water, with terraces, bridges and lots of boats. To witness this, it is fun to get out on the water. Take a cruise, rent a boat or a supboard. The Haarlem canals, the terraces along the water and the view of the beautiful monuments will make your cruise a special experience.

BOAT ROUND
Give your visit to Haarlem an extra dimension with a cruise on the Spaarne. You will experience the city very differently. Especially if you combine your canal cruise with a culinary tasting, a museum visit or a trip through the area. Also highly recommended for a wedding party, group outing or business event.

BOAT RENTAL
Would you prefer to determine your own route? Then rent a boat from one of the boat rental agencies. For most boats you do not need a license. However, it is useful to take the water recreation brochure with you. You can request this from the boat rental company, pick it up at the harbor office of the Haarlem Port Authority (near the Prinsenbrug), VVV Haarlem tourist office or download it from the website.

SUPPEN

At several places around the Spaarne, you can also rent a SUP board for supping(stand up paddling). So you can paddle at your own pace along the Spaarne and the canals of the historic city center. Never been on a SUP board before? You can also take lessons.

WITH YOUR OWN BOAT
Do you have your own boat? Then Haarlem is also a beautiful city to visit. The Spaarnestad is part of the Staande Mast Route which allows passage of pleasure craft. On the website of the Municipality of Haarlem you can read more about bridge times and moorings.

Our recommendations

Drinks in Haarlem

Drinks

Discover the pearls

Sustainability

Any time of the day

Coffee

What are you doing today?

Lunch

Discover the pearls

sustainable restaurants

Wide range

High tea & high wine

Versatile range

Dining

What else is there to do?

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Walking with a city guide

The guides will show you special places and monuments in the city. Along the way the funniest facts and juiciest anecdotes are told. In small groups of up to 14 people, the guides will visit the quieter streets and squares.

Walk with us

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Hiking brochures and routes

The best places, most beautiful routes and special highlights of Haarlem are bundled in handy walking leaflets, shopping routes and brochures. These products are available from VVV Haarlem or can be downloaded from this website.

View the flyers

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History in Anno Haarlem

Anno Haarlem is a unique visitor center located in the City Hall on the Grote Markt. A step inside, is a step into the history of Haarlem. You can also visit for the animated film Haarlem in a bird's eye view.

Haarlem history

Can we help you?

We are happy to help answer your questions about Haarlem. You will also find fun walking routes, a (city) map, cultural brochures, museum tickets, gift cards and Haarlem products.

VVV Haarlem