Amsterdam City Center & History - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour

Discover the history of Amsterdam’s primary Roman Catholic church. Built in the late 19th century after centuries of prohibition, its striking blend of architectural styles reflects the city's evolving religious landscape.

Visit the Schreierstoren, or Tower of Tears, a medieval structure from which women bid farewell to loved ones departing by ship.

Stroll along one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, once a sea dike that held back the waters of the IJ. At the Kolksluis, admire one of the city’s most picturesque lock bridges.

From here, we will make our way to the lively nightspot and market square, Nieuwmarkt which is found in the old city centre. This spot has been a centre for commerce and socialising in Amsterdam since the 17th century as the square’s location just inside the old city gate made it a convenient spot for traders and shoppers looking for fresh produce.

During our time at Nieuwmarkt, we will also see what is known as “De Waag”, a 15th century building that is one of Amsterdam’s oldest remaining non-religious buildings. Originally a city gate and part of the walls of Amsterdam, the building has also served as a guildhall, museum and firestation, among other things.

See Amsterdam’s grandest 17th-century mansion, once owned by the wealthy Trip family, contrasted directly with the city’s “smallest house” built opposite.

Step into the courtyard of the Dutch East India Company’s headquarters, the birthplace of the world’s first multinational corporation.

Marvel at one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam, a reminder of how high land taxes once encouraged tall, narrow architecture

Amsterdam’s first purpose-built Protestant church, designed by Hendrick de Keyser. Its elegant tower is one of the city’s defining landmarks.

Visit the former home and studio of Rembrandt, where the great master lived and worked for nearly 20 years.

Following, we will go to what is known as the Stopera, a building complex housing both the city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. The construction of this building was at least 60 years in the making.

A rare 17th-century canal house located at the junction of three canals, with façades facing in three directions.

Step into this peaceful medieval courtyard, once home to a community of devout women known as Beguines. Here stands one of Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses.

The historic heart of Amsterdam, framed by the Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument to WWII victims.

Admire the “Golden Bend” of the Herengracht, lined with the city’s richest and most ornate canal mansions from the Dutch Golden Age.

Pause outside the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist hid during WWII. Next door rises the Westerkerk, with the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.

Look up to spot quirky gable stones, carved with allegories and trade emblems, decorating some of the city’s most ornate façades.

Discover the largest hofje in Amsterdam, once built as almshouses around a tranquil courtyard for the city’s poor and elderly.

A 17th-century Protestant church built for the Jordaan district. Its unusual cross-shaped floor plan reflects the new ideals of Reformation worship.

End at one of the city’s prettiest canal corners. Visit Het Papeneiland, a brown café from 1642, said to serve the best apple pie in town.