Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Nieuwmarkt
- Amsterdam Canal Belt
- Royal Palace Amsterdam (Town Hall)
- Dam Square
"A fountain of knowledge"
"Lora was very easy to be with and a fountain of knowledge. She taught us so much without us realizing we were learning."
-Geofrey W
-Geofrey W
"Tailored to our specific interests"
"Giorgio was terrific. Very knowledgeable and engaging. And he tailored the tour to some of our specific interests. Five stars."
Stuart R.
Stuart R.
"More a conversation than a history lecture"
"Jurgen shared his love and knowledge of Amsterdam... I feel confident I can explore further on my own over the rest of my week here... I greatly appreciated how Jurgen made it more of a conversation than a history lecture."
-Christopher K.
-Christopher K.
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Tour Description
In this 3-hour walking tour of Amsterdam, we'll visit Amsterdam's Old Town with a local historian, painting a vivid image of this free-wheeling and artistic city, from the charm of the canals to the pleasures of De Wallen. This is a perfect orientation tour for first-time visitors.
Amsterdam's Old Town
Our walk begins just a stone’s throw away from the spot that helped give Amsterdam its name: Dam Square. We’ll discuss the origins of the city and form an understanding of the foundational aspects of Dutch culture, which are reflected in the development of the medieval city. We'll get our bearings at this central square, also home to the World War II National Monument and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). The church isn't used that often these days, except for the most special of occasions—like royal investitures, and the wedding of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.
Into the City Center
From here, we’ll move through the streets of the city center, making our way past the Royal Palace. This impressive building was once the Town Hall until Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (not the one you're thinking of, but his younger brother/step-son-in-law—we know, it's confusing, we'll spare the details) seized power in the Netherlands and installed himself as ruler. Although it wasn't long until control shifted back to the House of Orange, the name has stuck.
As we continue, we'll catch a glimpse of Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: the architectural marvel of the canal belt. (If you want to spend time getting to know this area properly, we have a Dutch Golden Age Tour that can help with that.) Along the way to the canal belt, we may also stop in at the Begijnhof courtyard, a time capsule of the 17th century. We’ll take time to discuss Amsterdam’s economic flourishing during those years and how that success has made the city what it is today.
As we continue, we'll catch a glimpse of Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: the architectural marvel of the canal belt. (If you want to spend time getting to know this area properly, we have a Dutch Golden Age Tour that can help with that.) Along the way to the canal belt, we may also stop in at the Begijnhof courtyard, a time capsule of the 17th century. We’ll take time to discuss Amsterdam’s economic flourishing during those years and how that success has made the city what it is today.
By the time we finish our walk together, we’ll have a sense of how Amsterdam came to be and what it is today. We’ll have had a taste of the city’s story—all the better to get out and explore further on your own, or on one of our other Amsterdam Walking Tours.
FAQs
Will we visit the Red Light District on this tour?
As of April 2020, Amsterdam has prohibited walking tours from passing prostitution windows in the city center. While this may be a topic for discussion on your tour, you will not spend time in the Red Light District itself.
As of April 2020, Amsterdam has prohibited walking tours from passing prostitution windows in the city center. While this may be a topic for discussion on your tour, you will not spend time in the Red Light District itself.
Experts
Where You'll Start
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198 Reviews
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He was great! He was full of interesting information and had a fun way of sharing it. He has a good sense of humor and made it memorable.
Mary louise
Sep. 1, 2024
Our guide, Marko, was absolutely fantastic. Super knowledgeable and personable. Highly recommend
Lisa
Aug. 31, 2024
Josje was a phenomenal guide. My wife and I really enjoyed the tour. If you want an outstanding experience as for Josje to be your guide
James
Aug. 31, 2024