Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Hop on GVB trams, buses, ferries, and metros with one pass and save up to 60% on transportation while touring the city at your leisure.
• Airport transfers are now made easy with access to Bus 369, which runs every 15 mins between Sloterdijk and Schiphol, and yes, it’s included with your pass.
• Set your schedule and go! Your GVB pass activates automatically at your pre-selected timeslot. Enjoy 24 to 168 hours of unlimited travel starting exactly when you need it.
• Enhance your experience by upgrading with multilingual audio guides that covers Amsterdam's top 100 attractions and experiences.
Join us for a fun, thought-provoking, and genuinely local experience through the heart of Amsterdam, and discover the stories, history, and strange contradictions that make Amsterdam so… Absolutely Amsterdam.
Together with one of our passionate local guides, you’ll explore how freedom, tolerance, trade, rebellion, and creativity shaped the city — and why Amsterdam still feels unlike anywhere else in the world today.
This isn’t a generic, scripted tour filled with endless dates and names you won’t remember. We keep things personal, interactive, and honest. Expect fascinating stories, dark history, local gossip, humor, awkward Dutch habits, and the kind of insights you only get from people who actually live here.
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THE EXPERIENCE
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We believe the best tours feel less like a lecture and more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend.
Our guides are real Amsterdam locals with academic backgrounds and years of experience — many also work in museums and cultural institutions — but we care just as much about creating a fun atmosphere as we do about historical accuracy.
Every guide brings their own personality, expertise, humor, and perspective, which means no two tours are ever exactly the same.
Ask questions. Be curious. Challenge assumptions. We love that.
By the end of the tour, you won’t just have seen Amsterdam — you’ll understand why people fall in love with it.
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WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER
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🏛️ HISTORY
• How Amsterdam grew from a muddy fishing village into the richest city on Earth
• How Amsterdam helped invent modern capitalism
• The surprising Dutch transition from Republic to Monarchy
• Why hidden churches exist — and why sex workers worked beside them
• The dark side of the Golden Age, colonialism, and the Dutch East India Company
• WWII, Anne Frank, Nazi occupation, and the devastating history of Amsterdam’s Jewish community
• Why the canal houses are so narrow, crooked, and beautiful
🌆 MODERN AMSTERDAM
• The truth behind Amsterdam’s famous liberal reputation
• Coffeeshops and Dutch drug policy — how it really works
• Why the Red Light District is changing
• How hippies helped save Amsterdam from demolition
• Local gossip, modern politics, and the Royal Family
• Unique personal stories and honest insights into daily Dutch life
🎭 DUTCH CULTURE
• Dutch directness, tolerance, and the famous “open curtain” culture
• Why bikes rule the city
• Dutch food culture — from stroopwafels and cheese to Indonesian food
• Rembrandt, hidden courtyards, Chinatown, and local traditions
• What makes Amsterdam feel so different from the rest of the world
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INCLUDED EXTRAS
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🍪 A typical Dutch snack during the tour
🎁 A small souvenir to remember Amsterdam by
🗺️ An insider guide with our favorite bars, restaurants, cafés, clubs, and hidden gems
🚤 Exclusive discounts for small-boat canal cruises and other local experiences
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TOUR DETAILS
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📍 Meeting Point
In front of the main entrance of the Beurs van Berlage (Stock Exchange Building), next to the bull statue on Beursplein.
⏰ Daily Tours
10:30 AM
2:00 PM
5:30 PM (not always available on Saturdays — check availability)
⏳ Duration
Approximately 2.5 hours
📌 Highlights May Include
The Old Harbor • Central Station • Hidden Churches • Chinatown • Nieuwmarkt • The Red Light District • Dutch Drug Policies • Canal Houses • Jewish Quarter or Anne Frank area • Royal Palace • Dam Square • Dutch Bike Culture • Personal Local Stories
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PLEASE NOTE
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🇬🇧 Tours are conducted entirely in English.
👥 Maximum 7 people per booking. Multiple reservations from the same group may be refused if the combined group exceeds this limit.
• Encounter works by Banksy, Warhol, Basquiat, Kusama, and other modern art legends through paintings, sculptures, canvases, and curated displays.
• Step into immersive digital installations and discover how art influences culture and society, as you explore Amsterdam’s most vibrant museums.
• Visit the Moco Garden, featuring outdoor artworks, and enjoy stories from the audio guide that further enrich your understanding of modern art.
This walk will take you along the medieval city walls of Amsterdam. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful canals in the city - Kloveniersburgwal.
Our tour will cover topics such as the origin of Amsterdam, the medieval city walls - with the defensive towers, Dutch expeditions, the Golden Age, the East India Company, the West India Company.
I will tell you about Rembrandt and his most important works, the social system in Amsterdam in the XVII century, religion then and now, and a few other interesting things.
Mind you the walk is slightly off the beaten path (still in the centre however).
• Admire Rembrandt’s *The Night Watch* and Van Gogh’s self-portrait, alongside works by celebrated artists such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, and Judith Leyster.
• Wander through galleries showcasing Dutch Golden Age paintings, decorative arts, sculpture, and artifacts, including Delftware and detailed ship models.
• Upgrade your visit with a choice of 2 drinks, an expert-led guided tour, a self-guided audio tour, or a 75-minute Amsterdam canal cruise that combines city views with commentary for an unforgettable experience.
In our walk of about 2 hours I will tell you the story of Anne Frank and her family with references to what happened in Amsterdam during the Second World War.
The itinerary touches the areas and buildings of Amsterdam that have experienced the impact of the war and we will read together parts of the diary written by Anna.
These are some of the stages we will see together:
- The Holocaust Names Monument
- The Jewish Quarter
- Stumbling stones
- The old market in the Jewish area
- Dam and the war memorial
- The Westerkerk (Anna's Church)
- We will end outside the Anne Frank House
• Hop on near Centraal Station or Anne Frank House, a convenient, centrally located boarding point, for flexible and easy sightseeing.
• Stay cosy and dry aboard a heated glass-top roof boat, offering views of Amsterdam’s canals and landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge.
• Enjoy informative commentary in your preferred language with a multilingual audio guide, plus activities for kids, making your experience enriching.
• Upgrade to a 75-min cruise from Rijksmuseum, or opt for a 1-hour luxury saloon boat tour featuring live commentary, wi-fi and a toilet onboard and unlimited drinks and Dutch cheese.
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.
• Relax on a luxury, electric open boat equipped with umbrellas for rainy weather and cosy blankets to keep you warm on cooler days.
• Your knowledgeable skipper and English-speaking host will share fascinating city stories, travel tips, and great local recommendations.
• Enjoy the onboard bar with a selection of drinks available for purchase as you soak up the stunning views from the water.
• Glide through Amsterdam’s waterways and take in landmarks like the Skinny Bridge, Grachtengordel, and the Hermitage Museum in style.
Welcome to the Netherlands!
I'm Filippo , your guide on this tour of Amsterdam, filled with Dutch history, culture, and curiosities.
📜 I'll tell you how a fishing village became the vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis you see today—from past to present, with famous landmarks, lesser-known gems, and tips to make the most of your city trip.
👟 Bring comfortable shoes! Our tour will include:
- Amsterdam Central
- Old Church
- Beursplein
- Dam Square
- Red Light District
- Nieuwmarkt
- Chinatown
- Zeedijk
- Return to Amsterdam Centraal
📍 Meeting point: on the wall of the Metro stairs at the exit of the central station
You can find the exact spot in the tour photo.
🧢 Look for the guy with the yellow hat. If you see him... it's me!
• Skip the pre-recorded tapes! Your experienced skippers share authentic stories of the city’s history, from the Golden Age to today.
• Capture the perfect photo of the Skinny Bridge and sail past the Red Light District, Maritime Museum, and the stunning Royal Theatre Carré.
• Sip on cold beer, wine, or soft drinks available on board while you admire the historic architecture from our open-top boutique boat.
• Upgrade your tickets to the unlimited drinks option to skip the hassle of paying for drinks in between your relaxing experience.
During our 2-hour walk, we will discover the history of Amsterdam and its culture.
Not only will I talk to you about the main places in the city, but also about everything that is not written in the printed guides about Amsterdam. All the information that is part of everyday life in the city and the Dutch culture that I have come to know and appreciate during my life in Amsterdam.
We will visit together:
- The Begijnhof courtyard and Spui square
- the UNESCO canal area
- The Jewish quarter of the city
- the flower market
We are waiting for you!
• Explore the interactive displays, lifelike wax figures, and themed zones at your own pace and stay as long as you like.
• Enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe to meet the Avengers, from the Hulk to Ant-Man, and enjoy a great view over Dam Square.
• Get up close to Rafael Nadal, Rico Verhoeven, Virgil van Dijk, and other sports legends, then test your skills in virtual sports challenges.
• Enjoy a **19% discount** on Adult Tickets—now at just **€22**! This special offer is valid from May 1st to May 31st.
Buckle up! because this is not your typical sightseeing tour.
First, let's set the stage.
This place isn't just about the lively nightlife, it's a historic part of Amsterdam with stories around every corner.
As we zigzag through the district, your guide, a local with a wealth of anecdotes, points out hidden gems you could easily miss without the help of an expert.
From secret bars to unique stores, each place has its own story. But what makes this trip really special is the laughter and conviviality.
Imagine a group of travel enthusiasts, each from different corners of the world. All united by a thirst for adventure and new experiences. The energy is contagious, and each new discovery triggers a surge of excitement.
As night falls, you may find yourself at a local diner, sharing stories and dishes. These are the moments. Good food, great company and the backdrop of an illuminated city that stay with you long after the trip is over.
So, if you're in the mood for an adventure that's as educational as it is stimulating, Friendly Walking Tours' Amsterdam Red Light District tour awaits. Don't just explore, immerse yourself with us in experiences that defy everyday perspective.
After all, isn't that what travel is all about?
Starting at St. Nicholas Basilica, in front of Centraal Station and ending at Dam Square itself, your friendly guide will provide you with all the details you need to make the most of your experience.
Pedro.
