Amsterdam Tour Guides
Guided city walks with passionate locals
Amsterdam is known for its charming canals, vibrant city-life, rich history and tolerant mindset. It is a city with many faces, each offering a unique experience to its visitors and residents alike. It's not just a city of the past—it’s alive with innovation and ideals. The people of Amsterdam are known for their directness, open-mindedness, and pride in their multicultural society.
Whether it's your first time in Amsterdam or your tenth, our private and small-group tours offer a personal and in-depth experience of the city. We take you beyond the highlights, to explore hidden gems and local secrets that most visitors miss. Whether you're fascinated by art and architecture, intrigued by social history or simply looking to connect with the city, we tailor each tour to your interests.
Private Tours
Our private tours cover the most popular areas and can be tailored to your likings, beforehand or on-route.
See what other have to say...
Historical
Highlights
"I only had a couple of days in Amsterdam, and the historical tour was the perfect introduction. Our guide was engaging and full of fascinating insights—way beyond what you'd read in a brochure. I walked away with a real understanding of the city’s roots and character. It set the tone for the rest of my trip!"
Emily M.
San Francisco | USA
Red Light
District
"As someone from a neighboring country, I thought I knew Amsterdam well—but this tour proved me wrong. It was thoughtful, respectful, and eye-opening. The guide gave deep historical context that challenged stereotypes. Definitely not your average 'Red Light' experience—this was real education."
Jonas R.
Aarhus | Denmark
Canal
Belt
"This tour was like stepping back in time. Learning about the canal belt and the Golden Age through architecture and urban design was a dream. The guide had a knack for storytelling that made 17th-century trade and politics feel incredibly relevant. Highly recommend to anyone curious about how cities shape history."
Concha G.
Madrid | Spain
Jordaan
Area
"The Jordaan is a storybook come alive. I loved how the guide brought out the neighborhood’s evolution—from a poor quarter to a hub for creativity. The mix of local anecdotes and cultural history made it feel intimate. I could walk those streets for hours more!"
Martin S.
Philadelphia | USA
About Amsterdam
Amsterdam has around 875,000 inhabitants and covers a total area of approximately 219 km² (136 mi²). Of this, 165 km² (102 mi²) is land, while 54 km² (33.5 mi²) is water—reflecting the city’s historic relationship with its canals. The iconic canal network includes 165 canals stretching 75 kilometers (46.6 miles), flanked by over 1,500 historic buildings and crossed by 1,539 bridges—252 of which are in the historic center. In 2010, the Canal Ring was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. One of the most diverse cities in the world, Amsterdam is home to people from 180 different nationalities. This multicultural atmosphere is woven into the city’s neighborhoods, food, and events. Despite its urban density, Amsterdam remains remarkably green, with over 40 public parks and around 400,000 trees. Each year, it welcomes roughly 17 million visitors from across the globe. Though internationally known today, Amsterdam is relatively young by European standards. It will mark its 750th anniversary in 2025, based on its first recorded mention in 1275. The city’s roots, however, go back about a century earlier to the late Middle Ages. Amsterdam rose to global prominence during its Golden Age in the 1600s, becoming a major hub of trade, culture, and innovation.
Culture
Amsterdam is a cultural powerhouse, home to over 75 museums, 55 theaters, and 28 concert halls. While major institutions like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum attract millions of visitors each year, the city’s cultural landscape is far more expansive. Beyond the Museumplein, Amsterdam offers a wide range of smaller, often lesser-known museums that explore everything from art and history to design and daily life. The Rembrandt House Museum offers a look into the life and work of the Dutch master, while the National Maritime Museum dives into the Netherlands' seafaring past. The Tropenmuseum explores global cultures, and Our Lord in the Attic gives a glimpse into 17th-century religious tolerance hidden in the attic of a canal house. For those interested in Amsterdam’s elegant canal-side living, museums like Museum Van Loon and Museum Willet-Holthuysen preserve the grandeur of patrician life. Others highlight the city’s unique character: from the floating exhibits of the Houseboat Museum, to the architectural marvels in Museum Het Schip, to the archaeological finds at Below the Surface. Altogether, Amsterdam’s cultural institutions reflect a city that celebrates both its historic depth and its creative diversity, offering something for every curious mind.
Food & Drinks
With 1,325 restaurants and 1,515 cafés and bars, Amsterdam offers a vibrant culinary scene—from refined tasting menus to late-night street food. Dutch staples sit alongside Indonesian, Italian, Turkish, Thai, Moroccan, Indian, Chinese, South American, kosher, vegan, and more, reflecting the city’s global and local flavors. What truly shapes Amsterdam’s food culture is its unique local kitchen. Rooted in practicality, trade, and cultural fusion, favorites include broodjes (hearty sandwiches), kroketten (crispy meat croquettes), and haring (raw herring with onions and pickles)—often enjoyed on the go. At the iconic FEBO automatiek, hot snacks come from a vending wall, adding a quirky touch. Sour notes play a key role in local cuisine, with pickled vegetables, mustard, and tangy sauces. Jewish influences endure in dishes like ossenworst (spiced beef sausage), matzo-based meals, and sweet treats such as boterkoek. Amsterdam is also a craft beer hotspot, home to microbreweries like Brouwerij ’t IJ—set in a windmill—serving bold IPAs and seasonal brews. Taprooms across the city offer creative takes on Dutch beer. Whether sipping a local brew by the canal, snacking at De Foodhallen, or grabbing a bite between museums, Amsterdam delivers great food and drink with a local twist—any time of day.
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