Haarlem: Self-Guided Puzzle Walk Uncovers Local Secrets & Fun

Summary

Solving Haarlem’s secret portrait with a clever puzzle walk

You’ll step into Haarlem’s winding lanes with only your phone and curiosity—solving clever puzzles about Pieter Teyler as you go. Expect surprise stops at museums and hofjes, plus time to pause for coffee or pastries whenever you want. It’s a self-guided walking tour where you set the pace—and maybe laugh at your own wrong answers—making memories you’ll remember long after the last clue.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped out of Haarlem station, still shaking off the train ride, and opened the Discovery Trip app — no guide waving a flag, just us and the city. The first clue popped up before we’d even figured out which way was north. I could smell coffee drifting from somewhere (probably one of those tiny cafés tucked behind the canal), and my friend kept pointing at the old brickwork like she was on some architecture show. We were supposed to find Pieter Teyler’s missing portrait, but honestly, I was more focused on not tripping over my own feet while reading clues.

The puzzles started easy — maybe too easy at first — but then they got trickier around the hofje. There was this moment when we stood in front of Teylers Museum, trying to guess which detail mattered for the next answer. A local walked by with her bike and gave us a knowing smile (I think she’d seen plenty of lost faces here). The keyword “self-guided walking tour Haarlem” kept popping into my head because it really felt like our own pace; we stopped for stroopwafels halfway through, no rush at all.

Somewhere near the old Waag, I realized how much history is packed into these streets — you can almost feel it in the uneven stones under your shoes. The church bells echoed across Grote Markt just as we finished another riddle (my friend did a little victory dance; nobody stared, which was nice). By the time we reached Frans Hals Museum for another puzzle, I’d started to get genuinely competitive about our score. Not that it matters much, but still…

The whole day trip through Haarlem felt like wandering inside someone else’s story — Pieter Teyler’s, I guess — but also making it ours. We ended up at Grote Markt with sticky fingers from pastries and a bunch of photos that probably won’t make sense to anyone else. I still think about that one clue by the Vleeshal; never did figure out if we got it right or just guessed well enough to move on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Haarlem Self-Guided Walking Tour

• Start at Haarlem railway station
• View Molen De Adriaan across the water
• Walk past a beautiful hofje
• Pass by Teylers Museum
• Visit old Waag of Haarlem
• Stop at Frans Hals museum for puzzle
• Explore Thee Vleeshal exposition centre
• Visit Church of St. Bavo at Grote Markt
• End at Grote Markt city centre

Top questions

How long does the self-guided walking tour in Haarlem take?

The Discovery Trip lasts about 90 minutes but can be paused anytime.

Do I need to book a specific start time for this puzzle walk?

No fixed start times—you can begin whenever suits you best.

Is entry to museums included in this self-guided walking tour?

No, museum admission is not included or required for solving puzzles.

Where does the self-guided tour in Haarlem start?

The route begins at Haarlem railway station.

Can small children join this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—strollers are allowed.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during your walk.

Is public transportation nearby for this Haarlem puzzle walk?

Yes, public transport options are available near the starting point.

What do I need to bring for the Discovery Trip?

You’ll need your phone with the Discovery Trips app downloaded.

What’s included

Your experience includes full access to “The Missing Portrait of Pieter Teyler” Discovery Trip via their app—just download before you go—and everything needed to solve puzzles along Haarlem’s route at your own pace.