Haarlem Cruise Port
Haarlem River Cruise Quays
Haarlem, Netherlands Port
UN/LOCODE NLHAA Port of call Homeport
Haarlem Cruise Port Location
| Port Details | |
|---|---|
| Country | Netherlands |
| UN/LOCODE | NLHAA |
| Contact | |
| Address | Spaarne 11, 2011 CH Haarlem, Netherlands |
| Port phone | +31 23 511 5111 |
| Website | www.haarlem.nl |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 52.38740, 4.64620 |
| Accessibility | |
| Accessible | Limited |
River cruise ships docking in Haarlem tie up along the Spaarne River, placing you less than a 10-minute walk from the historic Grote Markt. This is a quintessential river cruise port in North Holland, offering a sophisticated, slower-paced alternative to the logistical chaos of Amsterdam. Located just 20 km (12 miles) west of the Dutch capital, Haarlem is a manageable 15-minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal and only 10 km (6 miles) from the coastal dunes of Zandvoort. Visitor feedback is consistent that Haarlem provides the 'Old Holland' atmosphere many sought but failed to find in larger cities. As a dedicated river cruise port, Haarlem rewards those who explore on foot; the city’s compact core is designed for wandering rather than transit. However, it punishes those who arrive without timed entry for sites like the Corrie ten Boom House, which sells out months in advance. You can realistically see the major Golden Age art and the central cathedral in a single afternoon, but do not expect to combine this with a trip to the coast unless you have a full 8-hour window. The destination rewards curiosity and punishes a rushed pace.
Haarlem — Port Overview
History
Haarlem was granted city rights in 1245, quickly becoming one of the most powerful administrative centers in the County of Holland. Its strategic location on the Spaarne River allowed it to dominate trade between the northern and southern Dutch territories. The city’s identity was forged in fire and resistance during the Siege of Haarlem (1572–1573), a pivotal seven-month struggle during the Eighty Years' War. While the city eventually fell to Spanish forces, the sheer duration of the resistance exhausted the Spanish treasury and became a rallying cry for Dutch independence. By the 17th century, Haarlem entered its 'Golden Age,' becoming a global center for linen weaving, beer brewing, and the world-famous Tulip Mania of 1637. It was during this era that Frans Hals, the master of the Dutch Baroque portrait, lived and worked here, leaving a legacy that still defines the city’s artistic character. When you walk through the Grote Markt today, you are seeing the result of 17th-century wealth: the massive St. Bavo's Church and the Vleeshal (Meat Hall) stand exactly as they did when the Dutch Republic was the wealthiest nation on earth. The city’s history is not tucked away in books; it is literally under your feet in the centuries-old paving stones of the central squares.
The Verdict
The travelers who find the most joy in Haarlem are those who embrace its unhurried, Golden Age pace. This guide is built on extensive knowledge of the area and timed museum routes over 15 years. Every detail has been fact-checked by J. Richard to ensure your day ashore is as seamless as it is memorable. A customized itinerary matching specific mobility and interests can be arranged in advance through your cruise line or a licensed local operator.
Things to Do & See in Haarlem
| Attraction | Type | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teylers Museum | Museum | Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem | +31 23 516 0960 | Tue-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | teylersmuseum.nl | EUR €15.00 |
| Frans Hals Museum - Hof | Museum | Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem | +31 23 511 5775 | Tue-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | franshalsmuseum.nl | EUR €16.00 |
| Grote Kerk St. Bavo | Historical Site | Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem | +31 23 553 2040 | Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | bavo.nl | EUR €4.00 |
| Corrie ten Boom House | Historical Site | Schagchelstraat 49, 2011 DZ Haarlem | +31 23 531 0823 | Tue-Sat, Tours only (pre-booking mandatory) | tenboom.org | Free |
| Molen de Adriaan | Landmark | Papentorenvest 1A, 2011 AV Haarlem | +31 23 545 0259 | Mon-Fri 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Sat-Sun 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM | molenadriaan.nl | EUR €7.50 |
Teylers Museum · Museum
EUR €15.00Stepping into the Teylers Museum is like entering a time capsule from 1784. This is the oldest museum in the Netherlands, and it remains a temple to the Enlightenment, housing fossils, scientific instruments, and Old Master drawings. The pace here is significantly slower than at the Frans Hals, inviting deep contemplation. You must visit the Oval Room, where the wood paneling and antique glass cases house minerals that seem to glow in the natural light from the dome. No one tells you that the museum also contains a secret—the Lorentz Lab, where the foundations of modern physics were laid. It is a quiet, scholarly experience that delivers a profound sense of the Dutch intellectual tradition. Travelers consistently report that this is the most surprising stop on their North Holland itinerary. It is best to arrive early and allow the silence of the 18th century to settle over you before the city outside fully wakes up.
Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem ·+31 23 516 0960 ·Tue-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM ·www.teylersmuseum.nl
Frans Hals Museum - Hof · Museum
EUR €16.00The Frans Hals Museum is not just a gallery; it is a homecoming. Located in a former 'Oudemannenhuis' (Old Men’s Home) where Hals himself likely spent his final days, the setting is as important as the art. You are here for the massive Civic Guard portraits, where the faces of 17th-century Haarlemers stare back with startling, modern individuality. It is a good idea to spend at least 20 minutes in the main hall just observing the brushwork—Hals was the 'Impressionist of the Golden Age,' and his loose, confident strokes influenced everyone from Manet to Sargent. Most visitors walk past the smaller genre paintings, but look for the works of Judith Leyster, a rare female master of the era. This stop gives you a visceral connection to the people who built this city. It is an intimate, human-scale museum that makes the grand Rijksmuseum feel impersonal by comparison. The closing statement of the experience is the courtyard itself—a perfect square of Dutch symmetry that provides a moment of absolute peace.
Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem ·+31 23 511 5775 ·Tue-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM ·www.franshalsmuseum.nl
Grote Kerk St. Bavo · Historical Site
EUR €4.00The Grote Kerk, or St. Bavo’s, is the undeniable anchor of Haarlem. This Gothic giant towers over the Grote Markt, its wooden spire clad in lead visible from miles away. Inside, the space is defined by the Christian Müller organ, a 5,000-pipe behemoth encased in gold and red wood. When it plays, the floorboards—which are actually the gravestones of 1,500 Haarlemers—literally vibrate. It is worth noting that the best sound is near the center of the nave, not directly under the pipes. You should look for the grave of Frans Hals, marked by a simple bronze plaque, and the bread-bank where the city's poor once received their daily rations. This is a living monument to the city's survival; even the cannonball lodged in the wall from the Spanish siege remains as a testament to Dutch resilience. Expect a sense of scale that humbles the visitor, connecting the mundane daily market outside with the eternal aspirations of the Golden Age.
Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem ·+31 23 553 2040 ·Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM ·www.bavo.nl
Corrie ten Boom House · Historical Site
FreeThis is the 'Hiding Place' made famous by Corrie ten Boom’s memoir. During WWII, the ten Boom family—pious watchmakers—saved an estimated 800 Jews and resistance workers by hiding them in a secret compartment in Corrie’s bedroom. The tour is a deeply moving exploration of moral courage under fire. You will stand in the very room where the Gestapo interrogated the family, and if you are physically able, you can crawl into the secret space behind the false wall. The space is less than two feet deep. No one tells you that the watch shop on the ground floor is still a functioning business, maintaining a thread of continuity from the 1940s to today. This stop gives you an intense, emotional journey that highlights the power of one family to resist an empire. It is a necessary counterpoint to the artistic beauty of the museums, grounding your visit to Haarlem in the harsh realities of the 20th century.
Schagchelstraat 49, 2011 DZ Haarlem ·+31 23 531 0823 ·Tue-Sat, Tours only (pre-booking mandatory) ·www.tenboom.org
Molen de Adriaan · Landmark
EUR €7.50Molen de Adriaan is the quintessential Dutch landmark. Perched on a scenic bend of the Spaarne River, this tower mill was originally built in 1779, destroyed by fire in 1932, and rebuilt by the city's citizens in 2002. It serves as a working museum of wind power. You should take the guided tour to understand how the complex system of gears and sails allowed the Dutch to reclaim land and mill grain for centuries. The panoramic view from the gallery deck—12 meters above the river—is the best in the city, offering a 360-degree look at the rooftops of the Oude Stad and the distant dunes. The climb involves four levels of steep ladders. If you make it to the top, you'll see why this mill was worth the 70-year effort to rebuild. This stop gives you the 'postcard moment' every visitor to the Netherlands seeks, but with a layer of local pride that makes it feel authentic rather than manufactured.
Papentorenvest 1A, 2011 AV Haarlem ·+31 23 545 0259 ·Mon-Fri 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Sat-Sun 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM ·www.molenadriaan.nl
Eating & Drinking in Haarlem
Haarlem’s culinary identity is defined by its brewing heritage and its proximity to the North Sea. For centuries, Haarlem was the 'Beer City' of the Netherlands, and today, Jopen beer is the liquid gold of the region. You should also look for 'Haarlemse Halletjes,' a hard, spiced biscuit that has been baked in the city since the 17th century; the genuine version is found at the Bakkerij van Vessem. Street food here is centered on the 'haringkar' (herring cart). Locals eat 'Hollandse Nieuwe' raw with onions and pickles, usually held by the tail and dropped into the mouth. It is well established that the best herring is found at the stand on the corner of the Grote Markt on Saturdays. One honest note: many tourists expect 'Dutch pancakes' to be the primary local meal, but for Haarlemers, a midday 'Uitsmijter' (open-faced ham, cheese, and egg sandwich) is the true local staple. Drink the local 'Genever' (Dutch gin) at a 'brown cafe' like In den Uiver to taste the real spirit of the city.
| Place | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spaarne 66 | Spaarne 66, 2011 CH Haarlem | +31 23 531 4230 | Daily 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM | spaarne66.nl | €30.00–€45.00 (~$34.50–$52.00 USD) |
| Specktakel | Spekstraat 4, 2011 HM Haarlem | +31 23 532 3844 | Tue-Sun 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Lunch on weekends) | specktakel.nl | €40.00–€60.00 (~$46.00–$69.00 USD) |
| Jopenkerk | Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem | +31 23 533 4114 | Daily 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM | jopenkerk.nl | €6.00–€9.00 (~$7.00–$10.50 USD) per beer |
Spaarne 66
€30.00–€45.00 (~$34.50–$52.00 USD)Located directly on the Spaarne River, this is the perfect spot to watch the river traffic while dining. The menu changes with the Dutch seasons. The shrimp croquettes—they are a regional delicacy is recommended, hand-peeled and served with lemon and fried parsley. The atmosphere is upscale yet relaxed, with a focus on 'slow food.' Honest limitation: the terrace is very popular and can be breezy, so bring a sweater even on sunny days.
Spaarne 66, 2011 CH Haarlem ·+31 23 531 4230 ·Daily 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Specktakel
€40.00–€60.00 (~$46.00–$69.00 USD)Specktakel is hidden in a small alley directly behind St. Bavo. The interior is eclectic and warm. Order the seasonal fusion dish; the chef is known for blending Dutch game meats with Asian or Middle Eastern spices. It is an adventurous meal that reflects the Netherlands' history as a global trading hub. Honest limitation: the space is compact and can get quite loud when full.
Spekstraat 4, 2011 HM Haarlem ·+31 23 532 3844 ·Tue-Sun 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Lunch on weekends)
Jopenkerk
€6.00–€9.00 (~$7.00–$10.50 USD) per beerThe Jopenkerk is more than a bar; it is a cultural revival. Haarlem was once a brewing powerhouse, and Jopen has recreated 14th-century recipes. The view of the stained glass while sipping a craft ale is unmatched. Locals come here for the 'Vrijmibo' (Friday afternoon drinks). It is the definitive Haarlem drinking experience.
Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem ·+31 23 533 4114 ·Daily 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Getting There & Around
The only way to truly experience Haarlem is on foot. The historic core is small, mostly pedestrianized, and entirely flat. For those needing to reach the outskirts or the Bloemendaal dunes, the local Connexxion bus network is efficient. A one-hour 'OV-reiskas' ticket costs €3.50 (~$4.00 USD) and can be purchased with a contactless credit card on the bus. Uber operates here but is significantly more expensive than the train for trips to Amsterdam or Schiphol. Bike rentals are ubiquitous; 'Rent-a-Bike Haarlem' near the station is recommended for roughly €12.50 (~$14.50 USD) per day. However, unless you are heading to the coast, a bike is more of a hindrance in the narrow, crowded shopping streets of the center. One tip most guides miss: the city is ringed by a canal (the Singel); walking the outer perimeter offers a unique view of the 19th-century residential architecture that tourists rarely see.
Itineraries & Sample Walks
4-Hour Shore Excursion in Haarlem
Grote Kerk (St. Bavo's Church)
9:00 AM (60 min)
Behold the Müller organ, which Händel and a young Mozart once played. Look up to see the cannonball embedded in the wall from the 1573 siege. Most visitors walk right over the grave of Frans Hals—it is located in the choir area.
- 10-minute walk from the Spaarne River quayside via Damstraat.
- Entry: €4.00 ($4.50)
- Look for the small 'dog-whipper's chapel' where the church employee tasked with removing stray dogs once sat.
Frans Hals Museum - Hof Site
10:15 AM (90 min)
Housed in a 17th-century almshouse, the museum allows you to see the Civic Guard portraits in the very light for which they were painted. The 'Regentesses of the Old Men's Almshouse' is a haunting masterpiece of his late style.
- 8-minute walk from Grote Markt via Warmoesstraat.
- Entry: €16.00 ($18.50)
- Skip the modern wing if time is short; the historic 'Hof' location is where the soul of the collection resides.
Lunch Recommendation
Jopenkerk Haarlem
It is a fully functioning brewery inside a converted cathedral. The soaring ceilings and stained glass make it the most atmospheric lunch spot in the country, far superior to the generic tourist cafes on the Grote Markt.
Order: Jopen Koyt (Gruit beer based on a 1407 recipe), Traditional Dutch Bitterballen with mustard
Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem
Cost: €25.00 (~$29.00 USD)
8-Hour Full Day Experience in Haarlem
Teylers Museum
9:00 AM (90 min)
The oldest museum in the Netherlands, preserved in its 18th-century state. The 'Oval Room' is a temple of the Enlightenment. Most visitors overlook the collection of Rembrandt etchings which are rotated for light sensitivity.
- 5-minute walk from the cruise quayside.
- Entry: €15.00 ($17.50)
- Check the fossil collection; it includes the first 'Archaeopteryx' ever correctly identified.
Grote Markt & St. Bavo
11:00 AM (60 min)
Explore the cathedral and the surrounding market stalls. On Saturdays, the market is a chaotic, sensory delight of cheese, fish, and flowers.
- 5-minute walk from Teylers via Damstraat.
- Entry: €4.00 ($4.50)
- The Vleeshal (Meat Hall) building on the square is one of the finest examples of Northern Renaissance architecture—don't just look at the church.
Getting back to the ship
The latest safe departure from the Haarlem city center back to the Spaarne River quayside is 45 minutes before your ship's 'all-aboard' time. While the walk is only 10 minutes, river traffic and bridge openings on the Spaarne can occasionally cause minor pedestrian delays. If you are exploring further afield, a taxi from the Railway Station to the quayside takes 10 minutes and costs roughly €15.00 (~$17.50 USD). Public transit is not recommended for the final return leg due to the short distance. If you miss the ship, contact the Port Authority at +31 23 511 5111. Be aware that river ships move quickly to the next lock; missing the departure in Haarlem usually requires a taxi to the next docking point in Amsterdam or Zaandam, costing upwards of €80.00 (~$92.00 USD).
Weather & Best Time to Visit Haarlem
Weather & What to Pack
Cruise season: March through October
10°C–22°C (50°F–72°F). Humidity is often high due to the proximity to the North Sea, and wind off the Spaarne River can feel biting even on sunny days.
What to wear: Layers are essential. Even in July, a windproof light jacket is necessary for the riverfront. A 5-degree temperature drop can be experienced by moving from the sheltered Grote Markt to the Spaarne quay. Footwear must be sturdy; leave the thin soles on the ship to protect your feet from the cobblestones. Sun protection is needed for the exposed canal-side walks, as the Dutch sun can be deceptively strong despite the breeze.
Weather risks: High winds can occasionally cause river ships to delay docking on the Spaarne. Heavy rain makes the historic bricks in the 'hofjes' extremely slippery.
Early spring (April) offers the best chance to see the nearby tulip fields, but brings the highest risk of 'April showers'.
| Season | Conditions | Hazards | Affected areas | Visitor advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Cool and unpredictable with frequent light rain and blossoming gardens. | The historic cobblestones around the Grote Markt become exceptionally slippery when wet. Moss growth on the quayside stones near the Spaarne River can also be a trip hazard. | Grote Markt, Damstraat, and the Spaarne riverside paths. | Wear rubber-soled walking shoes with good grip. Avoid the smooth marble entry steps of smaller shops during rain. |
| Summer (June–August) | Mild to warm, ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). | Heat retention in the brick-heavy Oude Stad can lead to dehydration. The lack of shade in the Grote Markt is significant during midday. | Central squares and exposed pedestrian shopping streets like Grote Houtstraat. | Carry a refillable water bottle; public fountains are available but infrequent. Use the 'hofjes' (courtyards) for cooler, shaded rest stops. |
Practical Information
Cultural etiquette
Dutch culture is famously direct, which Americans sometimes mistake for rudeness. It is not; it is an expression of 'Gezelligheid'—a uniquely Dutch concept of cozy, social comfort. When entering a small shop or cafe, a simple 'Goedemorgen' (Good morning) or 'Hallo' is expected. Dining is a relaxed affair; the check will not be brought to your table until you explicitly ask for it ('De rekening, alstublieft'). Splitting dishes is generally seen as odd in formal restaurants but is perfectly acceptable in cafes. Photography is welcomed almost everywhere except inside the Corrie ten Boom House and certain private 'hofjes' where residents' privacy must be respected—always look for a 'No Photo' sign. Tipping is not mandatory but 'rounding up' to the nearest €5 or €10 is standard for good service in restaurants; for taxis, a 5-10% tip is appreciated but not required. One common mistake cruise passengers make is trying to walk in the dedicated red-asphalt bike lanes. This is the fastest way to cause an accident and earn a sharp reprimand from a local cyclist. Stay on the sidewalk.
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake |
|---|
Rushing to Amsterdam for the day. |
Walking in the bike lanes. |
Arriving at the Corrie ten Boom House without a reservation. |
Using a taxi for city center travel. |
Practical tips
Haarlem is a nearly cashless city. Many smaller boutiques and even some cafes are 'Pin Only,' meaning they do not accept cash at all. Ensure you have a credit or debit card with a chip and PIN. Tipping is modest; 5-10% for excellent dinner service is plenty. Learn these five phrases: 'Hallo' (Hello), 'Dank u' (Thank you), 'Alstublieft' (Please/Here you go), 'Tot ziens' (Goodbye), and 'Lekker' (Delicious/Nice). Scams are rare, but 'distraction pickpockets' operate in the crowded Grote Markt during Saturday markets; keep your bag in front of you. When visiting St. Bavo, men should remove hats, and while there is no strict dress code, modest attire is respected. The best time to visit the Frans Hals Museum is at 10:00 AM sharp to beat the train-loads of tourists arriving from Amsterdam at 11:00 AM. Also, remember that most shops do not open until 1:00 PM on Mondays.
Cruise Lines Visiting Haarlem
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FAQ — Haarlem
Are there luggage lockers at Haarlem station?
Yes, Haarlem Railway Station has modern, automated luggage lockers available. A small locker costs €7.50 (~$8.50 USD) and a large locker is €11.00 (~$12.50 USD) for a 24-hour period. Payments must be made by card; cash is not accepted. This is a 15-minute walk from the river cruise quay, making it ideal if you are taking a train to Amsterdam but want to leave your heavy bags behind. For guaranteed peace of mind, private transfers that handle your luggage from ship to your next destination can be arranged in advance.
Is the tap water in Haarlem safe to drink?
The tap water in Haarlem is not only safe but is widely considered some of the highest-quality drinking water in Europe. It is sourced from the dunes of the nearby national park and undergoes natural filtration. You do not need to buy bottled water; simply refill your bottle at your ship or any public fountain. This will save you roughly €3.00 (~$3.50 USD) per bottle at tourist kiosks. It is well established that the water quality meets all EU health standards.
What time do shops open in Haarlem?
Standard shopping hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. However, there is a critical Dutch exception: most shops do not open until 1:00 PM on Mondays. On Sundays, major stores in the center open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, though smaller independent boutiques in the Vijfhoek may remain closed. If you are in port on a Monday morning, focus your time on the Grote Kerk or the Teylers Museum, as the retail sector will be dormant until after lunch.
How often do trains run from Haarlem to Amsterdam?
Trains between Haarlem and Amsterdam Centraal run every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day. The journey time is a swift 15 to 18 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs €5.10 (~$6.00 USD). You can simply tap in and out at the gates using your contactless credit card or mobile wallet, avoiding the need to use a ticket machine. This is the most efficient way to reach the capital if you choose to leave Haarlem, but the total door-to-door time takes about closer to 40 minutes once walking is included.
Is Haarlem walkable for someone with a cane?
Haarlem is entirely flat, which is a major advantage. However, the historic center is paved with authentic 17th-century cobblestones that are uneven and can cause significant vibration for those using a cane or walker. Visitors should stick to the Grote Houtstraat, which has smoother paving, and use the 'Zonnetrein' solar shuttle for longer distances. This small shuttle costs €5.00 (~$6.00 USD) for a 30-minute loop. For a fully accessible experience, a private vehicle that provides door-to-door service to the major museums can be booked in advance.
Can I see a windmill in Haarlem without a long walk?
Yes, the Molen de Adriaan is a 12-minute flat walk from the Grote Markt and even closer to the river cruise docks. It is one of the most beautiful windmills in the Netherlands. While the internal tour involves steep ladders, you can enjoy the exterior and the riverside view for free. It is a 1.0 km (0.6 mile) walk from the main cruise berths. If you prefer not to walk, local bus 3 or 73 from the station stops within 200 meters of the mill.
What is the best day to visit the Haarlem market?
Saturday is the primary market day in the Grote Markt, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is a massive, authentic local market featuring everything from fresh stroopwafels to local cheeses and flowers. Monday mornings also host a smaller market focused on cloth and textiles. If you seek the classic Dutch market atmosphere, Saturday is the day. However, be prepared for significant crowds; it is a good idea to arrive before 10:00 AM to enjoy the market before the peak tourist flow from Amsterdam.
Do I need to tip in Haarlem restaurants?
Tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands as service is included in the price. However, it is customary to 'round up' the bill for good service. For a casual lunch, leaving an extra €2 or €3 is sufficient. For a formal dinner, a tip of 5-10% is considered generous. Do not feel pressured to tip the high percentages common in the United States. In cafes, many locals leave no tip at all or just the small change from their coffee order.
Are there public toilets near the Grote Markt?
Yes, public restrooms are located in the basement of the Stadhuis (City Hall) on the Grote Markt. The entrance is often slightly hidden behind the statues; look for the 'WC' sign. The fee is typically €1.00 (~$1.15 USD), and you will often need a coin, although some now accept contactless payment. Alternatively, the VVV Tourist Office on the square can direct you to the nearest facility. It is best to use the facilities at the Frans Hals or Teylers museums, which are free for ticket holders.
Where can I find an emergency pharmacy in Haarlem?
Apotheek de Kroon on Koningstraat is the most central pharmacy. For emergencies outside of business hours (after 6:00 PM or on weekends), you must go to the 'Spoedapotheek' located at the Spaarne Gasthuis hospital (Boerhaavelaan 22). This is a 10-minute taxi ride from the center, costing approximately €20.00 (~$23.00 USD). Most pharmacists speak excellent English and can assist with foreign prescriptions, though they may require a local doctor's validation for certain controlled medications.
Fact-checked and co-written by J. Richard, Founder, Waterways Cruise, with the Waterways Cruise Content Team.
Published May 19, 2026 · Last updated November 2, 2026
This guide is researched and reviewed by our editorial team, but prices, hours, and availability change often. Confirm current details directly with venues, excursion operators, and your cruise line before you travel.