Private Tours in Haarlem: The City's History Through Its Women
Haarlem has a rich history, but it is usually told through the same few names. Women of Haarlem retells the story of the city through the women who shaped it: artists, entrepreneurs, resistance fighters and pioneers whose stories have been overlooked for too long.
Our private tours bring that perspective to you and your group, on a date and time of your choosing. Led by Oana, founder of Women of Haarlem, each tour combines carefully researched history with engaging storytelling, and takes you past the places in the city center where these stories actually happened.
Private tours for individuals and small groups
Looking for something memorable to do in Haarlem with friends, family or visitors? A private tour is a thoughtful alternative to a standard city walk. It suits:
birthdays, bachelorette parties and other celebrations
friends and family visiting from abroad
gift experiences for history, art and culture lovers
expat groups, networks and women's organizations
book clubs, schools and cultural associations
You walk through Haarlem's city center with a guide who knows the stories behind the buildings and streets, and there is room for questions and conversation along the way. The tour is based on our original Women of Haarlem walk, which introduces a range of historical figures at key locations in the old city center.
Company team outings and team building in Haarlem
Looking for a team outing that is more meaningful than the usual activities? A Women of Haarlem tour gives your team a shared experience that sparks conversation, in an unusual and inspiring setting.
Our tours work well for:
team days and staff outings
client and partner events
onboarding and welcoming international colleagues
International Women's Day and diversity & inclusion events
end-of-year and networking events
The tour is easy to build into a full program. Many teams finish with drinks, a borrel or a dinner at a venue in the city center, so the stories from the walk lead naturally into conversation. We can help book a venue or recommend you one.
We tailor the length and tone to your team, and invoicing is available for companies.
Why book a private tour with Women of Haarlem?
A different way to see Haarlem. Instead of the usual highlights, you discover the city through female figures and the places connected to them.
Research-based and personal. Every story is based on historical research, told in an accessible and lively way.
Your date, your pace. No fixed schedule: you choose the moment, and we adapt the tour to your group.
Easy to combine. A private tour fits well with a drink, a lunch or a dinner in the city center. We can pick a venue based on your preferences.
Collaboration tours for larger groups (8-12 people)
Three of our tours were developed with partners and will return. They are not part of the standard private offer, but we can arrange them privately for larger groups of 8 to 12 people:
Women Artists of Haarlem, with the Verwey Museum
A walk of about 1.5 hours through the city, followed by a short tour of highlights from the Verwey Museum. Afterwards, your group can explore the collection at its own pace.
Women & Architecture: Haarlem edition, with Gebouwen door Vrouwen
A walk past buildings in the city center designed by women, in cooperation with the platform Gebouwen door Vrouwen. A chance to see the architecture of a group long underrepresented in architectural history.
Hannie Schaft Walking Tour, with Sophie Poldermans
A tour honoring resistance fighter Hannie Schaft and her partners Truus and Freddie Oversteegen, with storytelling by bestselling author Sophie Poldermans and historical context from Oana.
Availability depends on our partners, so please get in touch early with your preferred date.
How booking works
Send us a message through the contact form with your group size, preferred date, language and the occasion. The tour is either in English or Romanian.
We get back to you within 1-3 working days with availability and a quote. Rates depend on the size of your group.
We plan the details together, including the meeting point and any extras such as drinks.
You enjoy the tour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a private tour take?
1h30-2h.
What is the group size?
For a private tour, no minimum. Different rates will apply.
The collaboration tours are available for groups of 8-12.
In which languages are tours available?
English and Romanian. We are working on expanding to Dutch, too.
Can we add drinks or a meal?
Yes, this is a popular option for team outings, but requires more planning and time to prepare.
What happens if it rains?
We use our umbrellas and raincoats — it’s the Netherlands!
Is the tour accessible?
In theory, we don’t reach any difficult addresses. However, pebble stones can be difficult for wheelchairs.