Historic Dutch Cities

THE NETHERLANDS · DESTINATION

15 Best Historic Dutch Cities

The Dutch classics.

The 15 most popular historic dutch cities in the Netherlands. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what it costs.

15 Best Historic Dutch Cities

Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise through the City Center

Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise through the City Center - Where you start: Smidtje Canal Cruises and the first moments on the boat

1.Haarlem: Sightseeing Canal Cruise through the City Center

Most Popular★ 4.3

50-min Haarlem canal cruise from Smidtje Canal Cruises. See De Adriaan windmill, Jopenkerk, museums, and enjoy heated comfort.

“Haarlem is an absolute gem! The skipper was funny and super informative. I thought i would spend an hour in Haarlem but I ended up staying all day after all the recommendations he gave. I would 100% recommend this to everyone going to Amsterdam or nearby. (Can’t remember his name but he told me he…”

762 reviews50 minFrom $19by Smidtje Canal Cruises - Haarlem

Check Availability →Read the review →

Leiden: Guided City Canal Cruise

Leiden: Guided City Canal Cruise - From Aalmarkt 4 to the waterfront: getting on board

2.Leiden: Guided City Canal Cruise

★ 4.6

See Leiden’s City Hall, Hortus Botanicus, and canal houses on a 1-hour guided cruise under 88 bridges for $15.

“One hour on the canals, with information on the history of the city and current rules and regulations of the water streets. Friendly service, nice competent guide. Really informative and a great way to explore the beautiful city and maybe spot some places you wanna check out in person later. Grab a drink and enjoy.”

724 reviews1 hourFrom $15by Rondvaart Leiden

Check Availability →Read the review →

Gouda: Gouda Cheese Experience Entry Ticket

Gouda: Gouda Cheese Experience Entry Ticket - Price and Timing: What the $19 Ticket Really Gets You

3.Gouda: Gouda Cheese Experience Entry Ticket

★ 4.6

Step into a giant Gouda in South Holland. Learn cheesemaking hands-on, then taste Gouda yellow gold for $19 in about 1-1.5 hours.

“Super interactive museum and learned lots about production of cheese and Gouda. Was worth the visit and you could always try some cheese.”

578 reviews1 dayFrom $19by Stichting Gouda Cheese Experience

Check Availability →Read the review →

Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with Guide

Leiden: Cruise through the Historic City Center with Guide - Electric Sailing Makes the Whole City Sound Different

Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks - From Nieuwe Gracht to the Waag and beyond: how the route flows

5.Haarlem: Sightseeing Boat Tour with Snacks and Drinks

★ 4.5

Cruise Haarlem’s canals in a covered 1954 sloop with snacks, cheese, and drinks, plus live English/Dutch stories from Mo.

“My partner and I really enjoyed the boat tour and it was the highlight of our trip learning all about Haarlem which is a beautiful city. Mo was a great guide and knows a lot about the city. He also interacted well with everyone and took the time to ask us about ourselves and where…”

398 reviews1.3 hoursFrom $34by Eventsonwater

Check Availability →Read the review →

Haarlem: Guided Highlights Canal Cruise on Open Boat

Haarlem: Guided Highlights Canal Cruise on Open Boat - The quiet, comfy open-boat setup on an all-electric sloop

6.Haarlem: Guided Highlights Canal Cruise on Open Boat

★ 4.7

50-minute electric open-boat canal cruise in Haarlem from De Adriaan, with an English/Dutch host, calm views, and snacks/drinks for purchase.

“Excellent tour with very friendly staff, which helped as I went by myself. The tour guide, Mees, was very knowledgeable and kept the tour informative and engaging and it was lovely to see the city and learn about the history. His colleague, the skipper, was also very friendly. Would recommend.”

363 reviews50 minFrom $20by Luxe Sloepen Haarlem B.V.

Check Availability →Read the review →

Haarlem: Windmill ‘De Adriaan’ Guided Tour

Haarlem: Windmill 'De Adriaan' Guided Tour - From the windmill counter to the model floors: how you get oriented fast

8.Haarlem: Windmill ‘De Adriaan’ Guided Tour

★ 4.7

Haarlem’s De Adriaan windmill tour for $9: guided inside look at 250-year-old milling, scale models, and unbeatable views from 12m.

“My husband and I loved our tour of the Windmill. The man on the phone (also at the check in desk) was very friendly and kind. The guide was kind, friendly and gave us so much information. We left knowing so much more about windmills and what they were used for. The view of Harleem…”

197 reviews1 hourFrom $9by Molen De Adriaan

Check Availability →Read the review →

Leiden: Electric Boat Rental

Leiden: Electric Boat Rental - Meeting at Aalmarkt 4: Getting on the Boat Without Drama

9.Leiden: Electric Boat Rental

★ 4.8

Rent a private electric boat in Leiden and captain your own 2-hour canal cruise, no license needed, with easy controls for groups up to 8.

“Booking online was so easy. The boat was lovely and really easy to steer. Being electric it was so serene gliding about the canals. The guide gave us a map and showed us the best routes. We even moored up and grabbed a coffee. I would recommend this to anyone visiting.”

168 reviews2 hoursFrom $112by Rondvaart Leiden

Check Availability →Read the review →

Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise

Gouda: Open Boat City Canal Cruise - Meeting at Kleiwegplein: what to expect before you even board

Discover Our Utrecht: Limited Group Size + Optional Extras

Discover Our Utrecht: Limited Group Size + Optional Extras - Meeting at Stationsplein 6: Find the Bollendak Spot First

12.Discover Our Utrecht: Limited Group Size + Optional Extras

★ 4.8

Small-group Utrecht walk with canals, Dom Tower stories, the 12,500-bike parking, plus a local snack and included lunch.

“Tour was fantastic! We were the only people booked on this morning’s tour. Bram was very informative with interesting facts & stories about the city and very easy to understand. I think as we are both on the other side of 65, Bram kept the pace a little slower than normal. He is very knowledgeable,…”

107 reviews2 hoursFrom $33by Our Utrecht

Check Availability →Read the review →

Maastricht: Museum of Illusions Entry Ticket

Maastricht: Museum of Illusions Entry Ticket - Rooms Built for Photos: Infinity, Reversed, Chair, and Holograms

Explore the Netherlands

Amsterdam

Canal Cruises

Day Trips

Dutch Cities

Food & Drink