Harlingen Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A marina with boats docked, a red van parked on the left, and a calm water reflecting the surroundings.
A white car entering a ferry terminal with a green gate and a red and white sign.

Discover one of the eleven cities on the famous Friesian ice skating route and enjoy the beach, the beautiful nature, the picturesque city centre and of course the harbour!

Visit the Friesian city of Harlingen, a lovely city on the Wadden Sea full of surprises. It has a picturesque harbour, quaint sidewalk cafés and a great shopping mall. Nature lovers will more than enjoy a day on the water or one of the nearby nature reserves.

Harlingen has a rich history and was an important harbour for hundreds of years. The harbour attracted people and the village quickly grew into a town with breweries, big houses and shipyards. Stroll through the city centre and take in the lovely sights of this old Friesian town.

There's more than enough to do and see in Harlingen! Stroll through the city centre, relax at one of the sidewalk cafés and go shopping. Visit the Grote Kerk, one of the oldest in Friesland with a rare organ.

Culture lovers must see ‘t Gouden Stoepke, an old building which dates back to the 16th century and still has some of its original details. Hannemahuis, a centre dedicated to the history of Harlingen, is also a must. Take time out between the cultural sights to head out to the beach at Westerzeedijk or nature reserve Hegewiersterfjild, a real paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The centre of town is small making it easy to explore on foot. Explore the lovely harbour, visit the city centre and walk to the beach or hire a bicycle and explore the surrounding area. There is also a bus service. If you’re travelling by car, you can park for a fee in one of the indicated parking garages.

Harlingen is close to the Afsluitdijk making to easy to reach by car from North-Holland. It's also easy to reach from Leeuwarden via the A31. If you prefer to travel by public transport, there's a train to Harlingen Haven from Leeuwarden. A number of buses in the surrounding cities will also get you there.

The Friesian town of Harlingen is the perfect place for a great holiday. Enjoy cultural heritage, breathtaking nature and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

4 out of 5
Tweebaksmarkt 25-27 Leeuwarden
The price is ฿4,368 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
฿4,368
฿5,411 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (615 reviews)
"Fantastic re-use of an historic building. Beautiful and quiet, just off the beaten path."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2026

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden

4.5 out of 5
Heliconweg 52 Leeuwarden
The price is ฿2,996 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
฿2,996
฿3,752 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (643 reviews)
"The staff were super friendly and helpful. Our room was clean and comfortable. Was a great stay!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2026

Westcord WTC Hotel Leeuwarden
Strandhotel Vigilante

Strandhotel Vigilante

3 out of 5
Holle Poarte 10 Makkum
The price is ฿2,964 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
฿2,964
฿3,740 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Makkum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very good! (555 reviews)
"The room had stains all over the carpet. Couldn't have any fresh air as door opened on a "promenade". Hotel was on the beach. Our view was a building site. Breakfast was disgusting. Flies in orange juice, milk had cuddled. Eggs, bacon & mushrooms horrible. My Son couldn't eat it."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2026

Strandhotel Vigilante
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vakantiepark In Style

Vakantiepark In Style

2 out of 5
5 Gralda Menaldum FR
Stay at this chalet in Menaldum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Popta Slot and Partycentrum Bloemketerp are located ...
Vakantiepark In Style
Houseboat in Stavoren With Waterfront Views

Houseboat in Stavoren With Waterfront Views

3 out of 5
Stavoren Friesland
Stay at this houseboat in Stavoren. Enjoy free parking, a garden and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions De Moarre and Hindeloopen Fountain are located ...
Houseboat in Stavoren With Waterfront Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Harlingen attractions

Things to do

Cities near Harlingen