Amsterdam: History, Culture & Highlights tour

Amsterdam , Netherlands

Amsterdam: History, Culture & Highlights tour

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About this experience

Join this 2 hour walking through the historic center of Amsterdam. See all the sights Amsterdam has to offer including places only known by locals. Get to know more about Amsterdam then just the Red Light District and the coffee shops. Learn about how in the 16th, 17th and 18th century the city played a major role in international banking, trade, arts, and architecture.

Amsterdam is also the place where locals and visitors enjoy their beers, wines, and food in the many bars, cafés, and restaurants the city has to offer. Not only will the history be told but you will also learn about present-day Amsterdam. You will see the historic sights together with its culture in the city. In this tour you will learn interesting historic facts about the most famous places, but also about unknown places only known by the locals.

Available options

Private Tour

Small-Group Tour

What's included

A local guide

A Walking Tour of Amsterdam

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The heart of Amsterdam, Dam Square has been a site of political and cultural significance for centuries.

Stop 2 Pass by

Amsterdam's famous canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most picturesque parts of the city. It's a testament to the city's innovative urban planning and engineering, as well as its rich cultural heritage.

Stop 3 Pass by

This historic courtyard dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest and best-preserved parts of Amsterdam. It was originally home to a community of Beguines, religious women who lived in a semi-monastic community.

Stop 4 Pass by

Originally built as a town hall in the 17th century, the Royal Palace is now one of three palaces used by the Dutch royal family. It's an impressive example of Dutch classicism and is open to the public for tours.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN NL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

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

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