Things to Do in Amsterdam
Join us on an exciting journey along the beautiful canals of Amsterdam and 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.
During the tour, you will be treated to a typical Dutch snack and you will also receive a nice souvenir. After the tour, you will get an extensive list (and map!) of all our favorite bars, restaurants, clubs, and other fun things to do in the city. Plus discount codes for the best small-boat canal cruises, and more, so we'll keep you fed and busy for the rest of your stay! 🙂
On our tour, we combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling and cover everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour:
🏛️HISTORY
- Why is the Church surrounded by sex-workers?
- The ‘Golden Age’: how Amsterdam was able to become the richest city on the planet in the 17th Century.
- How and why modern capitalism started here.
- Why did Catholics worship in secret, hidden Churches?
- WWII and Nazi occupation: from safe haven to the city where the most Jewish people were deported and killed in Europe.
- How the Dutch made the surprising transition from a Republic to a Monarchy.
- Why Amsterdam has canals and why are the famous canal houses houses so…skinny?
🌆MODERN LIFE
- Why Amsterdam’s brothels are going out of business and the uncertain future of the Red Light District.
- Coffee Shops & Dutch (soft)drug policies explained: how it originated in Chinatown and why Marijuana is not as legal as you may think…
- How the hippies 'saved' Amsterdam from demolition.
- The latest gossip around the Royal Family at the Royal Palace.
- Unique personal stories for an insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
🎭CULTURE
- What lies beneath the famous ‘Dutch tolerance’?
- Dutch attitudes towards moral issues and what you can learn from it.
- Where Rembrandt painted his first masterpiece.
- The legacy of the Golden Age: the good, the bad & the ugly.
- Food culture: from cheese to stroopwafels and why (according to the Dutch) you absolutely must visit an Indonesian restaurants to taste great Dutch food.
- Dutch way of life: from our bike culture to why we keep our curtains open – at all times!
...And much more!
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!
❌ ❌ ❌
WHERE & WHEN
Meeting 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 FreeDam Tours on Google Maps.
ATTENTION: we DON'T start on Dam square, that's where the tour usually ends.
When: every day at 10:30am, 2pm and from April to October also at 5:30pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
We don’t rely on a standard script. This means that every guide brings their own specific expertise and point of view, making each tour a unique experience. We also encourage you to ask questions so we can adapt the tour to your specific interests. Route, sights and topics may therefore vary slightly depending on the weather / guide / group.
Highliths on our itinerary:
STOCK EXCHANGE • OLD HARBOR • CENTRAL STATION • A HIDDEN CHURCH • PROSTITUTION & THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT • CHINATOWN • NIEUWMARKT SQUARE • COFFEESHOPS AND DUTCH DRUG LAWS EXPLAINED • REMBRANDT • THE DUTCH EAST INDIA HEADQUARTERS • THE JEWISH QUARTER or ANN FRANKS HOUSE • QUAINT CANALS & GLORIOUS CANAL HOUSES • UNIVERSITY DISTRICT • DUTCH BIKE CULTURE • DAM SQUARE & THE ROYAL PALACE • AMSTERDAM LIFESTYLE • UNIQUE PERSONAL STORIES
WHY CHOOSE US
- All our guides are lifelong 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 that make each tour unique. 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. We reserve the right to turn away guests with a limited understanding of English.
Maximum 7 people per booking. We reserve the right to turn away multiple reservations resulting in groups bigger than 7 people. This includes different members of the same group attempting to join the tour by making several individual bookings.
👋 Discover Amsterdam Like a Local – In Just One Tour!
Looking for the perfect way to explore Amsterdam?
Join our top-rated, all-in-one walking tour and experience the city through the eyes of a passionate local guide.
We’ll take you on a time-traveling journey through the heart of Amsterdam — from the charming canals and vibrant Chinatown to the hidden stories of the Red Light District and the heroic struggles of WWII.
By the end of the tour, you’ll:
- Greet locals with your new Dutch phrases
- Know exactly where to find the best Dutch treats
- And fall in love with Amsterdam’s rich history and stunning scenery
What You’ll Explore:
🌊 Origins of Amsterdam & the Netherlands
Discover how this legendary city rose from the water.
🌍 The Golden Age & War of Independence
Walk through a time of wealth, resistance, and freedom.
🚨 The Red Light District
Uncover the hidden stories behind Amsterdam’s most famous neighborhood.
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Canals
Marvel at the architecture and design that made history.
🏮 Chinatown, Drugs & Tolerance
Understand the city’s open-minded culture and unique policies.
⚔️ WWII & The Hunger Winter
Relive the courage and hardship of wartime Amsterdam.
🥞 Dutch Food & Modern Life
Get a taste of Dutch culture — literally and figuratively!
Book Now & Get These Free Bonuses:
Bonus #1: A tasty Dutch treat during the tour
Bonus #2: A great photo to capture your trip
Bonus #3: A curated list of the best things to do, eat & see for the rest of your trip in Amsterdam
⚠️ Limited Spots Available – Reserve Now for Free!
Once the group is full, bookings close — don’t miss out!
ABOUT THE TOUR
A one and a half hours walk around the central area, with a professional, friendly and knowledgeable guide that will help you to better understand Amsterdam and it’s people. Historical curiosities and tales, modern culture, personal insight on it’s like to live in heart of the city, and all the recommendations you need to have an unforgettable stay.
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE BOOKING
Due to competitor theft, and more recently AI training, documenting the tour is not allowed (video, audio or notes), with the exception of photos.
The average tips in this city are 15 euros per person . For the travelers visiting Amsterdam but somehow concerned on spending 10 euros on a tour regardless of its quality, please look for self-guided audio tours as an extremely affordable option.
I do not work for this company, I'm a self employed freelancer. It's me, not the company, that takes all responsibilities, risks and expenses to offer the tour (publishing, licensing, taxes and marketing fee).
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.
- 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.
- DAM SQUARE: the city main square, hosting the Royal Palace and other points of interest
- BEURSPLEIN: the modern stock exchange and it's curious international connections
- 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 AND THE FLOATING HOUSES: In the Venice of the North, the canals tells many secrets.
- JEWISH DISTRIC: In the last stop of our tour, we will reflect upon the events of WWII and it's impact on today.
Get to know the heart of Amsterdam in a quick way!
You'll get a full picture of why Amsterdam is the way it is today as you walk through the oldest part of the city. I will answer all your questions as we pass by some of the most iconic areas and at the same time you will be entertained by many of the anecdotes about centuries past.
The tour is like walking with a friend who knows a lot about the area.
These are some of the topics/places we will see along the way:
- City foundation
- Redlight district
- Clandestine churches
- Jewish Quarter
- 17th century/East India Company
- Construction of canals and city architecture
- Typical Dutch food
I am looking forward to see you!
Important information you should know:
*The itinerary might change due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather conditions, season, maintenance in the area, etc.).
*Tours in Amsterdam have a maximum capacity of 15 people.
*Groups of more than 4 persons, even in separate reservations, can only join through the paid option (15 euros per person).
*If you would like a private tour, please contact me directly.
Welcome travelers, 👋
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as we dive into the vibrant heart of Amsterdam, where history and modernity collide in the most enchanting way! 🇳🇱 Grab your cameras, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore this iconic city like never before. 📷
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie eager to taste local flavors, or simply curious about the Dutch love affair with bicycles, this tour is designed for everyone. Discover Amsterdam’s lively neighborhoods, uncover hidden gems, wander through bustling markets, and soak in the charm of its picturesque canals.
As we explore the city’s iconic landmarks, I’ll share fascinating local stories and insider insights to bring each stop to life. We’ll take a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for photos, questions, and soaking in the atmosphere - so bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure!
TOUR DETAILS:
• Duration: 2 hours
• Meeting Point: Prins Hendrikkade 73, the main entrance of Basilica of Saint Nicholas (look for the 🔴 UMBRELLA).
• End Point: Flower Market 🌷
(Map and itinerary below ⬇️ )
TOUR RESTRICTIONS:
• Red Light District (RLD), tours are restricted. Organized tours are not permitted to pass through the area with sex worker windows. These restrictions aim to reduce the impact of tourism on the area and address concerns about overcrowding and behavior.
• Minimum age required: 16 years old and travelers under 18 can only attend together with their parents.
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.
Tot ziens!
Amsterdam - the world's playground
Amsterdam is a very special city - it has always been very open and tolerant, but at the same time protective of its residents. I want to show you why the people of Amsterdam are bold and confident, what kind of life they lead today, and why. We will talk about the famous tolerance and openness that Amsterdam is famous for.
I would love to tell you about all those events in the past that shaped the city as it is today. Why do so many people come here to play, and what are the consequences?
When I say "playground", you're probably thinking: party! But there is so much more to it. My tour is about the history, colonialism, slavery, WW2, sex work, LGBT+ rights, and about what Amsterdam used to feel like, look like and smell like.
I will also tell you about the current problems we're struggling with.
HIGH QUALITY TOUR: BOOK ONLY IF YOU ARE SURE TO ATTEND
A TOUR TO DISCOVER AMSTERDAM AND ENJOY IT BETTER.
A walk through the keys to Dutch culture and the most beautiful places in the capital. ALL THE MOST ICONIC THINGS IN THE CITY.
The exclusive of the first free tour in Europe where you can choose the topics you want to know about. Select from a wide variety of topics those that interest you the most. We will talk about the topics you choose , from our wide selection. Some of the options are:
- Origins of the city
- Dutch mentality: revolutionary culture and laws
- Why are buildings so tilted?
- Coffee shops
- Red Light District
- Second World War
- Anne Frank
- Provos: The Amsterdam Revolution
- The VOC (Dutch East India Company)
- Amsterdam and the LGBTIQ+ community
- The canals of Amsterdam
- The bicycle
- The tulip and the trade that dominated the planet
- Squatting Movement
- Dutch icons
- And much more
If you are visiting Amsterdam , you cannot miss this tour. Make the most of your experience in the city of freedom and return home with stories to tell. We look forward to seeing you there!
We❤️AMS
*Reservations of 5 or more people pay the suggested amount before starting the tour (adults €15, children €10). Split group reservations will not be accepted.
