Historical Haarlem: Private Tour with Local Guide
Explore the history of Haarlem with a private tour through this old town.
Haarlem is one of the pearls of the Dutch Golden Age, home to many of its great treasures and talents. The historical city center of Haarlem boasts a treasure trove of exceptional monuments. The present-day Haarlem is situated on an ancient sand ridge, formed 56 centuries ago. Many centuries later, the settlement of Haarloheim emerged at a strategic location along the Spaarne River. Since then, Haarlem has evolved into the beautiful city we know today.
After this tour, you will know more about Haarlem than the average local!
Options
English guide
Pickup included
What's included in Historical Haarlem: Private Tour with Local Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
We start in front of the most beautiful train station of The Netherlands. The railways made a significant contribution to the revival of Haarlem after 1850, as improved infrastructure allowed small businesses to grow into important industrial complexes. Examples include the Figee machine factory, Droste chocolate factory, Conrad shipyard (all located on the Spaarne), and the Beijnes railway carriage factory at Stationsplein.
Grote Markt
Of course we will walk over the Grote Markt. The Grote Markt has traditionally been the heart of Haarlem. Before the Middle Ages, when the square was not yet paved, it was called 't Sant. Justice was administered on 't Sand at that time. However, the gallows were located on the outskirts of the city to deter people. Tournaments were held on the square, as well as markets. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the square was even larger than it is now because there was no building on the south side (right). The appearance and character of this place were and are largely determined by the historical buildings surrounding it.
On the Grote Markt, we find the Grote Kerk. Here once stood a smaller church that was damaged during a city fire. Subsequently, the Grote or St. Bavo was built here. The floor plan is based on the cruciform shape. Construction began in 1390 with the choir built around the old Romanesque church, followed by the transept. The nave followed from the mid-15th century. The tower is an oak construction covered with lead and was added to the church in 1520. In 1559, St. Bavo was elevated to a cathedral. On May 19, 1578, the 'Haarlemse noon' took place, a delayed iconoclastic event. During a Catholic sacrament procession in the St. Bavo Church, Geuzen soldiers stormed the church. The soldiers killed the priest and destroyed everything. Afterward, the church came into the possession of the Reformed Community. In the church, in addition to the world-famous Müller organ, there are the graves of painters Frans Hals, Pieter Saendam, linen merchant Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, and many others.
Inclusions
- Local private guide
- Gratuities
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You can choose to be picked up from a list of locations, or alternatively, have the choice to make your own way to the meeting points
Please arrive at the pick up point 5 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
You can be picked up from your hotel, if you stay in the city center. Otherwise, the guide will pick you up in front of Haarlem train station.
Meeting / End Points
- The guide will pick you up in front of the most beautiful train station in The Netherlands. From here, the tour will start. If you wish to be picked up from your hotel (if it is in the city centre), let us know!
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
You do not need to bring this ticket to the tour
