Tours & Activities in Amsterdam
Find out what makes Amsterdam so Absolutely Amsterdam!
Together with your super-local guide, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages and understand how these values continue to influence it today.
We combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling and cover everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour:
- History
- Modern life
- Culture
- Art
- Fun facts
- Personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
Be prepared to challenge all your pre-conceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
“From the Red Light District to the evolution of Amsterdam as the global centre of world trade in the 17th century, its transition from a republic to a monarchy, the tragedy of the Nazi occupation and its enlightened and effective attitude to drug control, your guide will stitch these diverse items together with humorous personal anecdotes and insightful commentary on the underlying social and cultural mores of the Dutch people”.
Starting point: In front of the main entrance of the Stock Exchange (Beursplein 5), by the statue of the bull. You can also find us by looking for freedamtours on Googe Maps.
Endpoint: Dam Square
Duration: 2.5 hours
Why choose us over other similar tours here on Guru Walk?
- Because you want to support people who actually put in the work. Our tour is based on years long research. 'Amsterdam Original: All-In-One Walking Tour' is a blatant copy of our tour run by someone who scammed us. So don't go for the cheap knock-off when you can support the artisans!
- All our guides are life long locals with a relevant University degree and/or also work in renowned institutions like the Rijkmuseum. This means we really know what we are talking about and are able to offer you genuine, personal perspectives and educated insights, making each tour unique, not a shallow carbon copy of a script that was learned by hard. Plus we can answer all your most difficult / obscure questions!
- After the tour we will provide you with an extensive list (and map) of all our favourite bars, restaurants, clubs and other fun things to do in the city. Plus discount codes for a small boat canal tour with 'Those Dam Boat Guys', museums, and more.
- Free Snack & Souvenir: on the tour, you will be treated to a typical Dutch snack and you will also receive a nice souvenir at the end.
Please note: the tour is always and only in English, NOT Spanish. We reserve the right to turn away guests with a limited understanding of English.
👋 Hey there!
Looking to explore the city with a local guide during you trip in Amsterdam?
Join our time-bending tour of Amsterdam's historic center! We're taking you to the heart of history, exploring the Old Town, the unique Jewish Quarter, and the legendary canals
By the end of this tour, you'll wow the locals with your flawless Dutch greetings, you'll know where to get delicious Dutch treats, and you’ll be deeply in love with the city's captivating history and beautiful scenery.
What topics we'll dive into:
- 🌊 Origins of Amsterdam and the Netherlands: Learn about the very roots of this vibrant city and the country it calls home.
- 🌍 Golden Age and War of Independence: Step back in time to a period of immense wealth and the battles fought for freedom.
- 🚨 Red Light District: Hear about the secrets of the infamous neighborhood with the ladies behind the red windows.
- 🏛️ Amsterdam UNESCO World Heritage Site: Marvel at the architectural wonders that earned this city its UNESCO status.
- 🏮 Chinatown - Drugs & Tolerance: Walk though the vibrant Chinatown and learn about our city's unique stance on certain vices.
- ⚔️ WW2 and the Hunger Winter: Relive the city's wartime struggles during WW2 and the resilience of its people.
- 🥞 Dutch Food and Modern Culture: Learn about Dutch cuisine and feel the contemporary vibes of this dynamic city.
If that sounds interesting to you, here are some extra’s we've got lined up for you 👇
+ Bonus #1: We’ll treat you to a delicious Dutch snack during the tour 🍪
+ Bonus #2: We'll snap a picture of you to cherish forever 📸
+ Bonus #3: You’ll receive a list of recommendations with the best things to do and eat while you're here. 🌟
⚠️ Once the groups are full, you won't be able to sign up, so make sure to reserve your spots right now for free! ⚠️
See you on the tour! ✌️
This tour is not for groups bigger than 6 people. Multiple reservations under different names will be declined
ABOUT THE TOUR
An experience for culture and history lovers, with a good mix of storytelling and sightseeing, personal insight on what is it like to live in the heart of the city, curious facts and tailor made recommendations for all kinds of travelers!
I will share the good, the bad, the real Amsterdam. The chaotic streets of the Red Light, the most important historical sights in the center, and also some of the most beautiful places of Amsterdam.
- NIEUWEMARKT: We will get some basic concepts out of the way, moving to some secrets in the old city gates - an appropriate starting point for the tour.
- VOC (DUCHT EAST INDIA COMPANY): Lets explore the days when this people ruled the seas, the dark side of it's glory and wealth, and the relation of the modern dutch with their historical past.
- RED LIGHT DISTRICT: We will visit the oldest building of Amsterdam - the Oude Kerk - to understand some of its contrasts. The past, the present, and some possible futures of the Red Light District.
- CHINATOWN: Drugs are often a confusing topic for visitors. Lets understand how it really works, how it began, and why it is still a quite controversial topic.
- DANCING HOUSES: The crooked houses of Amsterdam are quite the sight to behold, but there are different reasons behind their dancing angles.
- OUDE WAAL - THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CANAL AND ITS MANY HOUSEBOATS: In the Venice of the North, the canals tells many secrets. The children here used to sing "Beautiful Amsterdam, built on poles. If it breaks, who's gonna pay?". Lets find out!
- JEWISH DISTRIC: In the last stop of our tour, we will reflect upon the events of WWII and how it unfolded inside the city.
IMPORTANT
All travelers are required to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier. After the tour starts, mobile communication with the guide will be scarce, as the group has his full attention.
We talk about prostitution, drugs, and we walk inside the Red Light District. Travelers under 18 can only attend together with their parents.
See the best Amsterdam has to offer from secret neighborhoods to the 8th wonder of the world and everything in between. From medieval history to the golden age and the second golden age today we cover it all. Find out about cannabis and prostitution, protesters and the statue of a boy that people keep burning. From Anne Frank to WW2 History and the Jewish district we don't leave a stone unturned and if we still have time we try some cheese and raw fish. If there's anything better than a stroopwaffel we will show you where to get it and point out all the best rooftops and terraces along the way.
The itinerary includes: The Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square, The Royal Palace, WW2 Monument, the first stock market in the world, book markets, Baroque houses, Neo Classical Architecture, Flower Market, Rembrandt Plein and his neighbourhood, the UNESCO world heritage site Canal ring, hidden churches, University of Amsterdam, falling stones to remember holocaust victims, the Jewish district, french fries street, stroopwaffel street, karaoke street, city monuments, de Wallen, Red light district.
Get ready to uncover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of this vibrant city. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Amsterdam’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern-day charm. Book your tour today and experience the magic of Amsterdam like never before. Don't miss out on this unique adventure—reserve your spot now and start making memories that will last a lifetime!
