City Kickstart Tour: Amsterdam
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This isn’t your typical city tour, it’s your all-in-one cultural power hour (or two) crafted for anyone who wants maximum impact in minimum time.
In just a few tightly packed hours, you’ll hit the best of Amsterdam without the fluff. Start strong with a curated, high-efficiency visit to the Rijksmuseum—zero aimless wandering, just the greatest hits, brought to life by a passionate storyteller who makes Dutch Masters unforgettable without the art history lecture.
From there, we hit the streets for a fast-paced walking tour through the heart of the city, charming canals, iconic architecture, and the energy of Dam Square. It’s a crash course in Amsterdam’s character, designed to give you the feels without eating up your day.
Perfect for a layover or a jam-packed itinerary, this tour is all about bang for your buck and minutes. You’ll walk away with incredible photos, real cultural insight, and that rare feeling of actually having seen the place, without missing your next commitment.
Available options
City Kickstart Tour: Amsterdam
What's included
Skip-the-line access and curated 2-hour Rijksmuseum tour
1.5-hour guided walking tour through key historic neighborhoods
Local expert guide (English-speaking)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Step into the heart of the Dutch Golden Age with a curated tour of the Rijksmuseum, designed to highlight the most iconic works in record time. This 2-hour tour focuses on the "must-sees" without the overwhelm—from Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid to the symbolism, scandal, and secrets hidden in Dutch masterpieces.
Your expert guide will blend storytelling, history, and a bit of wit to bring centuries of art and Amsterdam’s rise to power to life—perfect for travelers short on time but big on curiosity.
2
Exit the museum and stroll across the architecturally grand Museumplein, home to the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions. As you walk, your guide will point out key landmarks, offer fun insights into Dutch culture, and lead you through quiet side streets into the charming canal district—away from the tourist traps, into the soul of the city.
3
Stop 3
We’ll wind through Amsterdam’s iconic 17th-century canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on trade, power, and some very progressive ideas. Along the way, you’ll pass elegant merchant houses, crooked canal bridges, and the occasional bicycle pile-up—all with colorful commentary.
You’ll stop briefly at the Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market, where tulips, souvenirs, and local charm bloom year-round.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
The final leg of the tour follows Kalverstraat, Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street, into the historic core. You’ll end at Dam Square, the symbolic heart of the city, where royalty, revolution, and pigeons all meet.
Your guide will leave you here with tips for the rest of your time—whether that’s hopping back to the airport or exploring a bit more on your own.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please meet us outside of the Royal Coster and look for the ORANGE umbrella.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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