Amsterdam off the Beaten Path A Self Guided Expedition
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Amsterdam off the Beaten Path A Self Guided Expedition

Active
3h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore Amsterdam at your own pace with our self-guided tour app, immersing yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Begin at the iconic Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then venture to the Anne Frank House for a poignant glimpse into World War II history. Admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace on Dam Square before strolling through the charming Jordaan neighborhood. Experience local flavors at the Albert Cuyp Market, then marvel at masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Visit the Oude Kerk in the city center to see Amsterdam's oldest building, then explore the NEMO Science Museum's interactive exhibits. Continue to the picturesque Begijnhof for a peaceful retreat, and end your tour with a relaxing walk through Vondelpark, taking in the serene atmosphere of Amsterdam's most popular green space.

Available options

Amsterdam off the Beaten Path A Self Guided Expedition

What's included

Self-guided walking tour (app)
Digital city map

Detailed itinerary

1

Explore the picturesque 17th-century canals and historic architecture, including iconic bridges and narrow gabled houses.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

Explore one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, established in 1638, featuring over 6,000 plant species from around the globe.
Discover rare specimens, including a 2,000-year-old agave cactus and a 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad.
Wander through diverse themed areas, including tropical greenhouses, a butterfly house, and historical buildings like the Palm House and Orangery.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

Step into the elegant Museum Van Loon, a beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house that offers a glimpse into Amsterdam's Golden Age.
Explore opulent period rooms adorned with fine paintings, exquisite furniture, and family heirlooms of the aristocratic Van Loon family.
Wander through the meticulously maintained formal garden and visit the coach house, which showcases historic carriages and hosts temporary exhibitions.

4

Discover the heart of Amsterdam at Dam Square, a historic center bustling with activity and iconic landmarks.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

Explore the Royal Palace Amsterdam, a magnificent 17th-century building that serves as the King's official reception palace and a museum open to the public. Marvel at its opulent interiors, including the grand Citizens' Hall and the lavishly decorated rooms, while learning about its history as a former city hall turned royal residence. Discover the palace's dual role in hosting state functions and showcasing Dutch art and culture through its impressive collection of furniture, paintings, and sculptures.

6

Discover Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, a hidden gem showcasing a secret 17th-century Catholic church tucked away in the attic of a canal house.Explore the beautifully preserved interiors, including opulent living spaces and the stunning church, while learning about religious tolerance in Dutch history.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Explore the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building and a fascinating blend of history and contemporary art.
Admire the church's impressive architecture, including its grand organ, beautiful stained glass windows, and intricate wooden ceiling, while discovering modern art installations

8
Stop 8

Step into the tranquil Begijnhof, a hidden 14th-century courtyard in the heart of Amsterdam, once home to a Catholic sisterhood.
Explore the serene garden surrounded by historic houses, including Amsterdam's oldest wooden house and a secret church disguised as a townhouse.

9

Visit De Waag, Amsterdam's oldest non-religious building, a 15th-century former city gate turned weigh house on Nieuwmarkt square.
Explore this historic landmark's rich past, from its role in Rembrandt's famous painting to its various functions as a guildhall, museum, and fire station.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

Explore the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam's premier art museum housed in a stunning 19th-century building, showcasing Dutch Golden Age masterpieces and European art.
Marvel at iconic works like Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," and Van Gogh's self-portraits among the museum's vast collection of over 8,000 objects.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

Explore the Anne Frank House, a poignant museum dedicated to the young Jewish diarist who hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.
Visit the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and seven others lived in hiding for over two years, preserved in its original state, and see Anne's actual diary on display.

12
Stop 12 Pass by

Explore the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings.
Marvel at iconic works like "Sunflowers," "The Potato Eaters," and "Almond Blossom," while learning about the artist's life and creative journey through informative exhibits and an optional audio guide.

13
Stop 13

Vondelpark is Amsterdam's largest and most popular park, located in the city center near Leidseplein and Museumplein. Visitors can enjoy:
Walking, jogging, or cycling along the park's paths and admiring its ponds, flowers, and old trees.
Relaxing on the grass or benches, having picnics, and people-watching, especially lively on summer days.
Visiting attractions like the open-air theater, which hosts free performances in summer, and the Blue Teahouse (Blauwe Theehuis).

14

Discover Brouwerij 't IJ, Amsterdam's iconic craft brewery nestled beside the towering De Gooyer windmill, offering a unique blend of Dutch tradition and modern brewing.
Sample a variety of organic, locally-brewed beers in the cozy tasting room or on the lively outdoor terrace, accompanied by Dutch snacks like cheese and sausages.

15
Stop 15 Pass by

Discover NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam's striking ship-shaped landmark dedicated to hands-on scientific exploration. Engage with interactive exhibits spanning five floors, covering topics from chemistry and physics to human biology and technology.

What's not included

Private transportation
Museum and tourist attractions fees are not included.
No in-person guides: Explore independently with our digital tour app.

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet at the center of Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) over the Amstel River. The white-painted wooden bridge is easily visible from both sides of the river. Visitors are encouraged to personalize their experience by choosing their own starting point and the order in which they wish to explore.

Important notes

INSTRUCTIONS

1 – Download the CloudGuide App
The first step is to install the CloudGuide app. The app can be found under the name CloudGuide in the app stores (iOS and Android). You can also get our app here: cloudguide.me/get.
Get started by exploring our comprehensive how to use guide: cloudguide.me/l/howtouse_en_web.

2 – Get the guide
Once downloaded, open the app. Click "I HAVE A CODE". Type using the keyboard or paste the code that can be found above your ticket on the left, just below the barcode (a 12-digit number starting with “A”, one code per visitor).

Click "START TOUR". You can pre-download or use your guide in streaming. Once activated on your phone, the guide grants access to content for the following 30 days.

3 - Go to the starting point
When you're ready to start the guide, head to the suggested starting point (or feel free to customize the order of your tour).

4 - Need help?
If you have any issues with access codes or in-app purchases, please contact us at help@cloudguide.me. We have also prepared a list of the most common issues and the ways to solve them: cloudguide.me/l/issues.

TIP: Having troubles? Apps and phones aren’t perfect. Sometimes they freeze or crash. If this happens, simply close the app (don’t just minimise it!) and reopen it. In most cases that should help.
We hope you enjoy the visit!

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

Adults
Age 15-65
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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