Art, Architecture and Amsterdam’s Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Art, Architecture and Amsterdam’s Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour

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(1 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience Amsterdam's Golden Age on this self-guided audio tour narrated by expert Marko Kassenaar, showcasing the city's most notable artistic landmarks from the 1600s. Walk through picturesque canals and medieval streets as you discover 12 significant sites, including the majestic Westerkerk, Rembrandt House Museum, and the elegant Royal Palace. This 75-minute journey reveals Amsterdam's rich artistic heritage, from magnificent canal houses to hidden gems like the "House with the Heads." Learn how the city's liberal mindset fostered creative genius, how street lighting transformed entertainment, and hear fascinating stories about colorful inhabitants who shaped this cultural hub. Accompanied by beautiful historical imagery and original Golden Age music, this tour provides a vivid window into the era that defined Amsterdam's enduring beauty and global influence.

Available options

Art, Architecture and Amsterdam’s Golden Age: A Self-Guided Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Westerkerk impresses with its towering spire and Renaissance architecture dominating Amsterdam's skyline. Marvel at this masterpiece designed by Hendrick de Keyser, once the world's largest Protestant church.

Stop 2 Pass by

Bustling Westermarkt square welcomes you with its lively atmosphere and the impressive Homomonument. Stroll across this historic marketplace that has gathered Amsterdammers since the 17th century.

Stop 3 Pass by

This unassuming canal house was home to the famous French philosopher René Descartes during Amsterdam's intellectual golden era. Pass by where Descartes developed his groundbreaking ideas, drawn to Amsterdam's climate of tolerance.

The "House with the Heads" captivates with its ornate façade adorned with six sculpted heads of ancient deities. Explore this architectural gem built by Hendrick de Keyser, now housing the Embassy of the Free Mind.

Stop 5 Pass by

Museumhuis Bartolotti's curved façade stands as one of Amsterdam's most beautifully preserved canal houses. Wander through authentic Golden Age interiors, experiencing the lavish lifestyle of Amsterdam's elite.

Stop 6 Pass by

The Royal Palace dominates Dam Square with its neoclassical grandeur, originally built as the city hall. Admire its marble interiors featuring impressive collections that reflect Dutch artistic excellence.

Stop 7 Pass by

Dam Square buzzes with activity surrounded by architectural treasures including the Royal Palace and gothic Nieuwe Kerk. Walk across this iconic public space that began as a simple dam on the Amstel River.

Stop 8 Pass by

Amsterdam's oldest building features weathered stone and a wooden vaulted ceiling, telling the story of a city's transformation. Step through centuries of history in this sacred space founded around 1213.

Stop 9 Pass by

This charming gateway once served as the entrance to the Zuiderkerk cemetery, offering a quiet moment amid bustling streets. Pause to appreciate the delicate stonework representing Golden Age craftsmanship.

Stop 10 Pass by

The elegant spire of the Zuiderkerk rises above the old Jewish quarter, featured in several of Rembrandt's paintings. Discover the first Protestant church built in Amsterdam after the Reformation, which inspired Monet.

Stop 11 Pass by

The Rembrandt House Museum preserves the actual living and working spaces where the Dutch master created his celebrated works. Experience Rembrandt's life between 1639 and 1658, wandering through meticulously restored rooms.

Stop 12 Pass by

Rembrandtplein features a large statue of its namesake artist and bronze sculptures recreating "The Night Watch." Enjoy this vibrant square filled with cafés, transformed from a simple market into an entertainment hotspot.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is partially wheelchair accessible. While public areas like Dam Square are accessible, some smaller streets and certain landmarks on this tour may have limited accessibility. The audio format allows flexibility to skip difficult-to-access locations.

Meeting point

The tour starts on the bridge on the crossing of Rozengracht and Prinsengracht. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, German, French
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center

By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem

20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht

50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes