Amsterdam: Introduction Walking Tour (TOP RATED)

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Amsterdam: Introduction Walking Tour (TOP RATED)

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(205 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Join this city walking tour to get a full introduction of Amsterdam with a private guide. This tour is perfect for people that want to explore the whole city with one tour. This walking tour will cover all the main sights that Amsterdam has to offer. You will discover the Old town, The Red Light District, the city centre and the Jordaan district.

Discover the charming canals and winding streets of Amsterdam on a walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. With this tour, you'll get a glimpse of the city's history, culture, and modern-day lifestyle as you stroll through the streets.

Discover sites like the Dam Square, the city's historical center, where you'll see the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and the iconic Nieuwe Kerk. As you walk through the lively streets of the city, your guide will share stories about Amsterdam's rich history, including its role in the Dutch Golden Age, its struggles during World War II, and its current position as a modern cultural hub.

Available options

Small-group tour (2 hours)

Duration: 2 hours: The small-group tour has a shorter duration of two hours.

Private tour (2.5 hours)

What's included

Local guide

Private tour (if option selected)

Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start this tour from the central station of Amsterdam. Here your guide will introduce himself and start the tour. It is also possible to meet at your hotel if requested.

Stop 2

Discover the famous Zeedijk street home to some of the oldest pubs of Amsterdam. Here you also find Amsterdam's China Town where you can visit a Buddhist temple.

Stop 3

Here you will find the old city gate of Amsterdam: the Waag. This building dates back to the 15th century. There is also a daily street market where you can try some Dutch traditional snacks.

Stop 4

The Old Church is Amsterdam's oldest building. Here we'll discuss how the buildings rich history and how its story is intertwined with the establishment of the Dutch identity.

Stop 5

The Beurs van Berlage is a building on the Damrak, in the centre of Amsterdam. At Beursplein we'll discus how and why the Dutch invented the modern corporation and world's first stock exchange.

Stop 6

The Dam Square is the center of Amsterdam. On the Dam Square are the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk and the National Monument, where the annual National Remembrance Day is held.

Stop 7

At the Begijnhof you can visit a hidden church in a large enclosed courtyard. The Begijnhof is one of the oldest hofjes in Amsterdam, Netherlands. A group of historic buildings, mostly private dwellings, centre on it.

Stop 8

Here your guide will tell you more about the Anne Frank story.

At this stop we'll discuss how and why the Amsterdam canal ring was constructed.

Stop 10

Rembrandtplein is a major square in central Amsterdam, Netherlands, named after Rembrandt van Rijn who owned a house nearby. Here your guide will tell you more about Rembrandt van Rijn and his paintings. This square is also home to many pubs and nightclubs.

Stop 11

Here we will tell you about the history of the Jewish community of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Sephardic community was one of the largest and richest Jewish communities in Europe during the Dutch Golden Age, and their very large synagogue reflected this. The synagogue remains an active place of worship and is also a popular tourist attraction.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

180 reviews

5★

158

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet the guide in front of the main entrance of the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel, located at the Damrak 1-5, 1012LG, Amsterdam.

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