FAQ2023-08-21T10:16:19+00:00
  • Awesome tours

  • Meeting point: Grote Markt next to the statue of Coster

  • Tip based

How can I be sure that the free tour I booked is confirmed?2023-05-23T10:17:39+00:00

Once you have successfully booked a tour on our website, you will receive a confirmation email containing all the details of your booking, including the date, time, and meeting point. Please check your spam or junk folders if you don’t see the confirmation email in your inbox. If you have any concerns or questions about your booking, please contact us.

The tours will always go as planned, regardless of the weather or how many people show up. On the rare occasion, a tour has to be canceled, we will notify you by email.

What can we expect to see during the Free Tour?2023-05-01T20:54:22+00:00

During the Free Tour of Haarlem, you can expect to see a variety of interesting sights and landmarks that are unique to the city. While each guide has its own personal stories and perspective to share, there are several key highlights that you are likely to experience during the tour.

One of the first stops on the tour is typically Windmill de “Adriaen,” a historic windmill located in the heart of Haarlem. Here, you can learn about the history and significance of windmills in the Netherlands, and get a close-up look at this iconic piece of Dutch architecture.

Another highlight of the tour is a special story about tulips, which are one of Haarlem’s favorite flowers. You’ll learn about the history of tulips in the Netherlands and the role that they have played in the country’s culture and economy.

The Free Tour also includes a visit to some of Haarlem’s secret gardens, which are hidden gems that many tourists never get to see. You’ll discover the beauty and tranquility of these peaceful oases in the heart of the city.

Other notable stops on the tour include De Groote Markt, the central square in Haarlem where you can experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in the city, and the Frans Hals museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Haarlem’s most famous painter.

The Free Tour of Haarlem is a great way to get an insider’s view of the city and discover some of its most unique and interesting attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just curious to explore the city’s hidden corners, there’s something for everyone on this tour.

Can people in wheelchairs go on the tour route?2023-05-01T20:53:44+00:00

Yes, it is possible for people in wheelchairs to go on the tour route. While some areas of the tour route may have stairs, it is usually possible to find alternative routes that allow you to visit the same sites without encountering stairs. However, please note that some of the smaller stone roads on the tour route may not be the most comfortable for people in wheelchairs. If you’re willing to bear a bit of discomfort for a two-hour tour, then you can definitely have a great time exploring with us.

Is the tour suitable for children?2023-05-23T10:00:59+00:00

Yes, the walking tour is definitely suitable for children. The tour is designed to be family-friendly and includes one hour of walking and one hour of talking, which is a comfortable amount of time for kids. The walking distance is also manageable for children, and the tour is structured in a way that allows for plenty of breaks and opportunities to sit down if needed.

The tour guides are also trained to work with children and are skilled at engaging kids in the tour. They use language and storytelling techniques that are appropriate for all ages, and they are able to answer questions and address any concerns that children may have.

In addition, the tour covers a variety of interesting sights and landmarks that are sure to capture the attention of kids. The guides share fascinating stories and facts about Haarlem’s history and culture, which can be educational and entertaining for children of all ages.

Overall, the walking tour is a great activity for families with young children, and it provides a fun and engaging way to explore the city of Haarlem.

In which languages is the Haarlem walking tour available?2023-05-13T06:01:47+00:00

The Free Walking Tour Haarlem is a popular way to explore the charming Dutch city and learn about its rich history and culture. However, please note that the tour is conducted only in English.

If you prefer a tour in a different language, you might consider booking a private tour through GuidedtourHolland.com. We offer tours in Dutch, English, German, and Italian. With a private tour, you can choose the language you prefer and enjoy a more personalized tour experience. Additionally, we can pick you up from your hotel and start the tour at a time that suits your schedule.

No matter which option you choose, Free Walking Tour Haarlem or a private tour with GuidedTourHolland.com, you will have the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Haarlem and gain a deeper understanding of its fascinating past and present.”

I hope this helps to provide more detailed information and answer visitors’ questions about the languages available for the Haarlem walking tour.

Do you take any breaks during the tour?2023-05-01T22:25:35+00:00

The walking tour lasts around 2 hours, so we typically do not take any breaks during the tour. However, if someone in the group needs to use the restroom, we are happy to make a quick stop for that. It’s important to note that we do not stop for food or drinks during the tour, so we recommend that you bring any necessary snacks or drinks with you.

Our goal is to cover as much ground as possible during the tour and to make the most of our time together, so we try to keep the pace brisk and the stops to a minimum. However, we always prioritize the comfort and needs of our tour participants, so if you have any concerns or questions about the tour, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Can a lot of people go on the tour or is there a limit?2023-05-01T21:58:56+00:00

At Free Walking Tour Haarlem, we believe that smaller groups make for a better tour experience. That’s why we like to keep our groups small and intimate. While we don’t have a strict maximum number of people allowed on our tours, we do limit the number of spots available to ensure that our groups stay small.

To guarantee your spot on our tour and avoid disappointment, we recommend booking your spot on our website as soon as possible. This will allow you to secure your spot on the tour and ensure that you get the most out of your experience with us.

We believe that smaller groups allow for more interaction between our guides and guests, which can make for a more enjoyable and memorable experience. So, whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group, we invite you to join us for a small group tour of Haarlem and discover the city’s rich history and culture.

What happens if I arrive late for the tour?2023-05-13T06:09:55+00:00

If you arrive late for the tour, we may not be able to wait for you. We sometimes leave up to 5 minutes after the scheduled start time, but this is not guaranteed. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure that you do not miss the tour.

If you do arrive late and we have already started the tour, it is unfortunately not possible to catch up with the rest of the group. This is because we follow a set route and schedule for the tour, and it would be disruptive to the rest of the group to try to catch up.

We understand that unexpected delays can happen, so if you know that you are going to be late, Unfortunately, it is not possible to contact the guide or the company when you are too late for the tour. Please join us again another day.

Overall, we want to ensure that all of our guests have a great experience on our tour, so please do your best to arrive on time and let us know if you have any issues or concerns.

What time should I arrive for the tour?2023-05-01T22:44:47+00:00

When it comes to arriving for your free walking tour, we recommend that you plan to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. This will give you plenty of time to check in with your tour guide, meet other participants, and get ready for the tour.

That being said, we understand that sometimes things come up and you might be running a bit late. If you do arrive just on time, don’t worry – you won’t miss the tour! Our tour guides are trained to wait a few extra minutes to accommodate latecomers, so you should still be able to join the tour even if you arrive right at the scheduled start time.

However, we do recommend that you try to arrive a bit early if possible. This will help to ensure that you have enough time to find the meeting point, check in with your tour guide, and get settled before the tour begins. It can also help to reduce any stress or anxiety that you might feel if you’re rushing to get to the meeting point on time.

In summary, while we recommend that you arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time for your free walking tour, you should still be able to join the tour even if you arrive just on time. If you do arrive late, don’t worry – our tour guides will do their best to accommodate you. However, to ensure the best experience for everyone, we do encourage participants to arrive a bit early if possible.

What is The Free Tour system?2023-05-01T22:29:38+00:00

“Free Walking Tours” are tours that do not have a fixed price and are based on a donation system. At the end of the tour, participants are invited to give the guide a donation, based on how much they enjoyed the tour and what they feel it was worth. This means that you have the freedom to decide the value of the tour, based on your personal experience and budget.

At our small tour company, we have confidence in the quality of our tours, and we trust that our customers will recognize the value of the service we provide. By letting our customers decide the value of the tour, we ensure that our guides always provide the best possible service and make every effort to ensure that each customer has a memorable experience.

This donation-based system ensures that our tours are accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of Haarlem, and we are committed to providing a high-quality service that is affordable and enjoyable for everyone.

I was on a tour and we took a picture with the whole group. Where can I find it?2023-05-14T10:17:35+00:00

We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour with us! We take a group picture at the end of each tour and usually post it on our Facebook page around 8:00 PM in the evening. To see the picture, simply visit our Facebook page at that time and look for the most recent post. We also encourage you to like and follow our page so that you can stay up-to-date on future tours and events. Thank you for choosing our tour and we hope to see you again soon!

So how do you guys make money?2023-05-01T22:38:23+00:00

The free walking tour that we offer is unique in that the only source of income for our guides is through tips that they receive from our guests. We do not receive any sponsorship from the city or any other organization, which means that we are completely reliant on the generosity of our guests.

We believe that this approach allows us to offer a more authentic and genuine experience for our guests. Our guides are not motivated by financial gain, but rather by a love of their city and a desire to share its history and culture with others. This means that they are able to provide an unbiased and objective perspective on the places that we visit, without any external influences.

At the end of each tour, our guests are given the opportunity to leave a tip for their guide, based on their level of satisfaction with the tour. This means that anyone can join our tour, regardless of their travel budget. We believe that this approach allows us to offer a more inclusive and accessible experience for all of our guests.

Our guides generate income through the tips that they receive from our guests. This allows us to offer an authentic and unbiased tour experience, without any external influences. We are proud to offer a tour that is accessible to all, regardless of their budget.

I’m a teacher with a school class, can we come to the tour?2023-05-13T06:03:29+00:00

Thank you for considering our Free Tours for your school class. While we would love to accommodate everyone who wishes to join our tours, we have to keep our groups small to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and informative experience.

Therefore, we recommend that you contact our tour guides to inquire about the possibility of a private tour for your school class. Private tours can be customized to meet the specific needs and interests of your group and can provide a more tailored and intimate experience for everyone involved.

We understand that cost may be a concern for school groups, so we offer competitive pricing for private tours that is affordable for groups of all sizes. Our guides can work with you to create a tour that meets your budget and provides a high-quality educational experience for your students.

To inquire about a private tour for your school class, please contact our guides directly. We appreciate your interest in our tours and look forward to the possibility of working with you to create a memorable and educational experience for your students.

How do I book a private tour with you?2023-05-23T09:54:32+00:00

If you’re interested in booking a private tour with us, you can easily do so by sending us an email with some key details. For now, we ask that you email us with the following information:

  • The date you’d like to book the tour
  • The start time you prefer (please note that the tour typically lasts around two hours)
  • The starting location you prefer (if your hotel is located in the center, we can arrange to start there, otherwise we typically start at De Groote Markt)
  • Your phone number so that we can contact you if needed
  • The size of your group
  • Any special requests or requirements that you might have

To submit your inquiry, you can simply send us an email using the contact form on our website, and we’ll aim to get back to you within 24 hours. We’ll work with you to confirm the details of your private tour and make sure that everything is in order for your group’s experience.

How long will we be walking for?2023-05-01T22:56:16+00:00

During our walking tour, we will be covering a distance of a little over 3 kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to about 2 miles. This distance is measured from the starting point of the tour to the end point where the tour concludes.

The exact distance covered during the tour may vary depending on the specific route we take and the pace of the group, but you can expect to be walking for approximately 2-3 hours. The tour is designed to be a leisurely walk, with plenty of stops along the way to take in the sights and learn about the history and culture of Haarlem. We encourage you to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day of the tour.

How much time does the tour take and where does it finish?2023-05-01T22:59:26+00:00

Our walking tour typically takes about 2 hours to complete, and we end up at De Groote Markt, which is the same spot where we start the tour. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting lost or finding your way back to the starting point after the tour is over.

De Groote Markt is a historic square in Haarlem that is home to many popular attractions, such as the Grote Kerk (Great Church) and the Town Hall. It’s a great place to end the tour, as you can continue exploring the area on your own, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby.

I will be in Haarlem, but I cannot find any tour scheduled. What can I do?2023-05-23T09:54:55+00:00

We’re sorry to hear that there are no scheduled tours during your visit to Haarlem. However, don’t worry! You can still enjoy a fantastic tour by requesting a private tour from our knowledgeable guides. While a private tour does come with a cost, it offers a unique and personalized experience tailored to your interests and needs. If you’re interested in a private tour, please send us an email, and we’ll be happy to provide you with more information and help you arrange a tour that fits your schedule.

Can I leave before the tour ends?2023-05-01T23:22:53+00:00

Absolutely! If for any reason you need to leave the tour before it is finished, that is not a problem. Our free walking tour is designed to be flexible and accommodating to the needs of our guests. You are free to join and leave the tour at any time.

However, we do kindly ask that you let your guide know if you plan to leave early. This way, we can ensure that everyone in the group is accounted for and we don’t spend time searching for anyone who has left early.

We want to make sure that you have the best possible experience on our walking tour, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping our tour organized and efficient. So, please feel free to join us for as much or as little of the tour as you like, and don’t hesitate to let your guide know if you need to leave early.

Do I need to make a reservation?2023-05-23T09:55:19+00:00

We strongly recommend that you make a reservation for our walking tour. This will help us to ensure that we have enough guides to accommodate everyone who wants to join the tour. By making a reservation, we will have a better idea of how many people will be joining us and can plan accordingly.

If the tour becomes fully booked, those without a reservation may not be able to join the tour. This is why we encourage you to book in advance to secure your spot. You can easily make a reservation by clicking the ‘book a tour‘ button on our website.

In summary, making a reservation is the best way to guarantee your spot on our walking tour and help us to provide the best possible experience for all of our guests. Thank you for considering our tour, and we hope to see you soon

How do I recognize the guide?2023-05-01T23:28:40+00:00

To recognize your guide, look for a tall Dutchman holding a white umbrella next to the statue of Coster at de Groote Markt. The statue is located in the center of the market square and is a well-known landmark in Haarlem. The guide will typically be waiting near the statue before the tour starts, and you can approach them and introduce yourself to join the tour.

If you’re unsure whether you’re in the right place, you can also ask around and see if anyone can direct you to the meeting point. It’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to ensure that you don’t miss the start of the tour and to keep an eye out for the guide with the white umbrella to make sure that you’re in the right place.

When do the tours run?2023-05-23T09:58:43+00:00

We have a walking tour every Saturday at 13:30 (1:30pm), year-round and regardless of rain or snow! During the summer season, we also do a tour every Friday at 16:00 (4pm). After a great tour around the city, you can head straight for Haarlem’s lovely dining & pub scene. Check our calendar for updated available tour times and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Is it okay to bring my dog on the tour?2023-05-01T23:47:54+00:00

Yes, you are welcome to bring your furry pets along on our tour! We understand that pets are often part of the family, and we are happy to accommodate them as long as they are well-behaved and do not disturb other guests on the tour.

If you plan to bring your dog on the tour, we recommend that you keep them on a leash at all times and bring along any necessary supplies, such as waste bags and water. We also ask that you be mindful of your dog’s behavior and ensure that they do not disrupt the tour or other guests in any way.

Please note that some landmarks or locations that we visit on the tour may have specific rules or restrictions regarding pets, and we ask that you respect these guidelines during the tour.

Overall, we want all of our guests, both human and furry, to have a fun and enjoyable experience on our tour. So, if you plan to bring your dog along, just let us know ahead of time so that we can make any necessary arrangements and ensure that everyone has a great time!

What if it rains or snows?2023-05-01T23:47:50+00:00

If it starts raining or snowing during your free walking tour, don’t worry! Our company operates under the motto “Rain or snow we always go!”, which means that we will still hold the tour as scheduled. We believe that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

That being said, we recommend that you come prepared for the weather conditions. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the rain or snow, such as a raincoat, waterproof boots, or warm layers. You may also want to bring an umbrella or other rain gear.

What if it rains or snows during the tour

In the event of extreme weather conditions that could pose a safety risk to our guests, we reserve the right to cancel the tour. However, we will do our best to notify you as soon as possible if this happens.

Overall, we are committed to providing you with a fun and informative tour, rain or shine. So come prepared, and let’s explore Haarlem together!

What will happen if only few people attend the tour?2023-05-23T09:59:37+00:00

If only a few people show up for the tour, there’s no need to worry! The tour will still go ahead as long as at least one person is there and wants to take the tour. In fact, having a smaller group can even be an advantage as it means that you’ll be able to hear the guide better and have a more personalized experience.

Some tour companies may have a minimum group size requirement for their tours, but this is not something we do. We know your time is valuable and guarantee a great Free Walking tour in Haarlem.

Overall, don’t be discouraged if only a few people show up for your tour. You’ll still have the opportunity to learn about the city and its history, and you may even have a more intimate and enjoyable experience with a smaller group.

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