Things to Do in Amsterdam
• Three easy departure points give flexibility, whether you’re near Rijksmuseum, Restaurant Loetje, Centraal Station or exploring Jordaan and want to board near the Anne Frank House.
• Comfort is guaranteed with heated cabins and wide glass views, plus restroom facilities so you never have to cut the trip short.
• Audio guides in Dutch and English provide context, while skipper stories add local flavour, making illuminated artworks more engaging and memorable.
• Select extras like unlimited beer, wine, and soda from the well-stocked bar, or back deck lounging that offers fresh air and better photography.
Join us on an exciting journey along the beautiful canals of Amsterdam and find out what makes Amsterdam so Absolutely Amsterdam!
Together with your super-local guide, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages and understand how these values continue to influence it today.
During the tour, you will be treated to a typical Dutch snack and you will also receive a nice souvenir. After the tour, you will get an extensive list (and map!) of all our favorite bars, restaurants, clubs, and other fun things to do in the city. Plus discount codes for the best small-boat canal cruises, and more, so we'll keep you fed and busy for the rest of your stay! 🙂
On our tour, we combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling and cover everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour:
🏛️HISTORY
- Why is the Church surrounded by sex-workers?
- The ‘Golden Age’: how Amsterdam was able to become the richest city on the planet in the 17th Century.
- How and why modern capitalism started here.
- Why did Catholics worship in secret, hidden Churches?
- WWII and Nazi occupation: from safe haven to the city where the most Jewish people were deported and killed in Europe.
- How the Dutch made the surprising transition from a Republic to a Monarchy.
- Why Amsterdam has canals and why are the famous canal houses houses so…skinny?
🌆MODERN LIFE
- Why Amsterdam’s brothels are going out of business and the uncertain future of the Red Light District.
- Coffee Shops & Dutch (soft)drug policies explained: how it originated in Chinatown and why Marijuana is not as legal as you may think…
- How the hippies 'saved' Amsterdam from demolition.
- The latest gossip around the Royal Family at the Royal Palace.
- Unique personal stories for an insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
🎭CULTURE
- What lies beneath the famous ‘Dutch tolerance’?
- Dutch attitudes towards moral issues and what you can learn from it.
- Where Rembrandt painted his first masterpiece.
- The legacy of the Golden Age: the good, the bad & the ugly.
- Food culture: from cheese to stroopwafels and why (according to the Dutch) you absolutely must visit an Indonesian restaurants to taste great Dutch food.
- Dutch way of life: from our bike culture to why we keep our curtains open – at all times!
...And much more!
Be prepared to challenge all your pre-conceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
❌ ❌ ❌
WHERE & WHEN
Meeting point: In front of the main entrance of the Stock Exchange (Beursplein 5), by the statue of the bull. You can also find us by looking for FreeDam Tours on Google Maps.
ATTENTION: we DON'T start on Dam square, that's where the tour usually ends.
When: every day at 10:30am, 2pm and from April to October also at 5:30pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
We don’t rely on a standard script. This means that every guide brings their own specific expertise and point of view, making each tour a unique experience. We also encourage you to ask questions so we can adapt the tour to your specific interests. Route, sights and topics may therefore vary slightly depending on the weather / guide / group.
Highliths on our itinerary:
STOCK EXCHANGE • OLD HARBOR • CENTRAL STATION • A HIDDEN CHURCH • PROSTITUTION & THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT • CHINATOWN • NIEUWMARKT SQUARE • COFFEESHOPS AND DUTCH DRUG LAWS EXPLAINED • REMBRANDT • THE DUTCH EAST INDIA HEADQUARTERS • THE JEWISH QUARTER or ANN FRANKS HOUSE • QUAINT CANALS & GLORIOUS CANAL HOUSES • UNIVERSITY DISTRICT • DUTCH BIKE CULTURE • DAM SQUARE & THE ROYAL PALACE • AMSTERDAM LIFESTYLE • UNIQUE PERSONAL STORIES
WHY CHOOSE US
- All our guides are lifelong locals with a relevant University degree and/or also work in renowned institutions like the Rijkmuseum. This means we really know what we are talking about and are able to offer you genuine, personal perspectives and educated insights that make each tour unique. Plus we can answer all your most difficult / obscure questions!
- After the tour we will provide you with an extensive list (and map) of all our favourite bars, restaurants, clubs and other fun things to do in the city. Plus discount codes for a small boat canal tour with 'Those Dam Boat Guys', museums, and more.
- Free Snack & Souvenir: on the tour, you will be treated to a typical Dutch snack and you will also receive a nice souvenir at the end.
Please note:
🇬🇧 The tour is always and only in English. We reserve the right to turn away guests with a limited understanding of English.
Maximum 7 people per booking. We reserve the right to turn away multiple reservations resulting in groups bigger than 7 people. This includes different members of the same group attempting to join the tour by making several individual bookings.
• Hop on GVB trams, buses, ferries, and metros with one pass and save up to 60% on transportation while touring the city at your leisure.
• Airport transfers are now made easy with access to Bus 369, which runs every 15 mins between Sloterdijk and Schiphol, and yes, it’s included with your pass.
• Set your schedule and go! Your GVB pass activates automatically at your pre-selected timeslot. Enjoy 24 to 168 hours of unlimited travel starting exactly when you need it.
• Enhance your experience by upgrading with multilingual audio guides or the iAmsterdam City Card for free entry to Amsterdam’s major museums and attractions and other perks.
👋 Discover Amsterdam Like a Local – In Just One Tour!
★★★★★ Trusted by Over 20.000+ Visitors
Looking for the perfect way to explore Amsterdam? Join our top-rated walking tour and experience the city through the eyes of passionate guides who know Amsterdam inside and out.
We’ll take you on a time-traveling journey through the heart of Amsterdam — from the charming UNESCO canals and vibrant Chinatown to the real stories of the Red Light District and the heroic struggles of WWII.
By the end of the tour, you’ll:
• Navigate Amsterdam’s neighborhoods like a confident local
• Know exactly where to find the best authentic Dutch treats (and avoid tourist traps)
• Fall in love with Amsterdam’s incredible history and stunning architecture
What You’ll Explore:
🌊 Origins of Amsterdam & the Netherlands
Discover how this legendary city literally rose from the water and became a global trading empire.
🌍 The Golden Age & War of Independence
Walk through canals built during Amsterdam’s time as the world’s richest city — and learn why the Dutch fought an 80-year war for freedom.
🚨 The Red Light District
Understand the real history and current reality behind Amsterdam’s most famous (and misunderstood) neighborhood.
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Canals
Marvel at the 17th-century urban planning that’s still copied by cities worldwide — plus see Amsterdam’s Dancing Houses!
🏮 Chinatown, Coffee Shops & Tolerance
Learn how Amsterdam’s open-minded culture actually works in practice
⚔️ WWII & The Jewish Quarter
Walk the exact streets where ordinary Amsterdam residents became resistance heroes during the city’s darkest period.
🥞 Dutch Food & Modern Life
Get a taste of real Dutch culture — from traditional treats to how locals actually live today.
Your Experience also Includes:
✅ Traditional Dutch treat during the tour
✅ Professional photos at the city’s most beautiful viewpoints
✅ Personalized recommendation list with authentic restaurants, hidden gems, and money-saving tips we actually use
Meet Your Guides:
All Masterdam Tours guides are carefully selected for their expertise, storytelling ability, and genuine passion for Amsterdam. With 3+ years of professional guiding experience each, our guides brings diverse perspectives while sharing deep knowledge of the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
Ready to Discover Amsterdam’s Best-Kept Secrets?
Join thousands of travelers who’ve made this their Amsterdam highlight. Reserve your spots today- no upfront payment needed
⚠️ Tours fill up fast — reserve now to guarantee your spot
• Choose your departure point at Hard Rock Cafe or A’DAM Tower, both centrally located and convenient to suit your evening festival plans.
• Covered and heated seating keeps you warm in the winters, while the glass roof offers great visibility of festival artworks across Amsterdam’s canals.
• With official narration in three languages (Dutch, English, or German) and onboard toilet facilities, this cruise balances information and comfort during your journey.
• Turn your cruise into a more delightful experience by adding a yummy cheesebox, snackbox, or wine to enjoy as you sail.
Buckle up! because this is not your typical sightseeing tour.
First, let's set the stage.
This place isn't just about the lively nightlife, it's a historic part of Amsterdam with stories around every corner.
As we zigzag through the district, your guide, a local with a wealth of anecdotes, points out hidden gems you could easily miss without the help of an expert.
From secret bars to unique stores, each place has its own story. But what makes this trip really special is the laughter and conviviality.
Imagine a group of travel enthusiasts, each from different corners of the world. All united by a thirst for adventure and new experiences. The energy is contagious, and each new discovery triggers a surge of excitement.
As night falls, you may find yourself at a local diner, sharing stories and dishes. These are the moments. Good food, great company and the backdrop of an illuminated city that stay with you long after the trip is over.
So, if you're in the mood for an adventure that's as educational as it is stimulating, Friendly Walking Tours' Amsterdam Red Light District tour awaits. Don't just explore, immerse yourself with us in experiences that defy everyday perspective.
After all, isn't that what travel is all about?
Starting at St. Nicholas Basilica, in front of Centraal Station and ending at Dam Square itself, your friendly guide will provide you with all the details you need to make the most of your experience.
Pedro.
• Admire world-renowned masterpieces including Rembrandt’s *The Night Watch*, Vermeer’s *The Milkmaid*, and Van Gogh’s self-portrait.
• Explore themed galleries showcasing Dutch Golden Age painting, decorative arts, sculpture, and historical artifacts like Delftware and ship models.
• Listen to your multimedia guide commentary, available in 10+ languages and gain valuable insights about the history and stories behind the artwork you see.
• Choose to upgrade your experience with a 75-min Amsterdam canal cruise or a small-group guided tour in English for added cultural context.
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience where the secrets of the Red Light District will unfold as you walk through the oldest and most charming part of Amsterdam.
The Red Light District, also called "De Wallen," is not only world-famous for its vibrant nightlife but is also a significant part of Amsterdam, oozing history from every corner.
As we walk through the district, your guide will share old tales and fascinating stories, revealing hidden gems you won't be able to find on your own. From historical bars to unique shops, each stop is a glimpse into the very heart of Amsterdam.
As you explore this captivating part of the city with a group of world travelers, you will discover one of its most controversial areas and immerse yourself in an experience that will challenge your worldviews.
If you're in Amsterdam, grab your tickets to the Van Gogh Museum! Dive into the amazing works of one of the most famous artists of the 19th century!
• Encounter works by Banksy, Warhol, Basquiat, Kusama, and other modern art legends through paintings, sculptures, canvases, and curated displays.
• Step into immersive digital installations and discover how art influences culture and society, as you explore Amsterdam’s most vibrant museums.
• Visit the Moco Garden, featuring outdoor artworks, and enjoy stories from the audio guide that further enrich your understanding of modern art.
Amsterdam - the world's playground
Amsterdam is a very special city - it has always been very open and tolerant, but at the same time protective of its residents. I want to show you why the people of Amsterdam are bold and confident, what kind of life they lead today, and why. We will talk about the famous tolerance and openness that Amsterdam is famous for.
I would love to tell you about all those events in the past that shaped the city as it is today. Why do so many people come here to play, and what are the consequences?
When I say "playground", you're probably thinking: party! But there is so much more to it. My tour is about the history, colonialism, slavery, WW2, sex work, LGBT+ rights, and about what Amsterdam used to feel like, look like and smell like.
I will also tell you about the current problems we're struggling with.
• Explore the interactive displays, lifelike wax figures, and themed zones at your own pace and stay as long as you like.
• Enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe to meet the Avengers, from the Hulk to Ant-Man, and enjoy a great view over Dam Square.
• Get up close to Rafael Nadal, Rico Verhoeven, Virgil van Dijk, and other sports legends, then test your skills in virtual sports challenges.
• Upgrade your experience with a 1-hour Amsterdam canal cruise and see the city from a unique, waterside perspective.
This walk will take you along the medieval city walls of Amsterdam. It also happens to be one of the most beautiful canals in the city - Kloveniersburgwal.
Our tour will cover topics such as the origin of Amsterdam, the medieval city walls - with the defensive towers, Dutch expeditions, the Golden Age, the East India Company, the West India Company.
I will tell you about Rembrandt and his most important works, the social system in Amsterdam in the XVII century, religion then and now, and a few other interesting things.
Mind you the walk is slightly off the beaten path (still in the centre however).
• Get a printed welcome picture as a keepsake and download digital photos of your favorite moments inside the museum at no extra cost.
• Take a break at The Upside Down Café and browse the shop. You also get a discount on nearby parking for added convenience.
• For extra fun, upgrade to include The All Out Amsterdam and enjoy two full hours of social and interactive games like darts, ball pit, karaoke and more.
How was it that Amsterdam, the Jerusalem of the West, the one safe place to be Jewish in the world for 350 years, became the country in WWII with the highest percentage (75%) of Jews killed in Western Europe?
We will use Anne Frank’s story and many other stories to understand what it was like to live in a Nazi regime of terror for both Jews and non-Jews,
The tour includes stops at The National Holocaust Names Monument, The Jewish Theatre, The Auschwitz Monument and the Portuguese Synagogue, along with many more places with stories of the incredible exploits of heroes and traitors during the war, both Jewish and Christian:
- The Jewish children who were bravely saved from the transit center nursery.
- The nurse who led a resistance cell whose existence was never discovered by the Nazis.
- The paid informants who hunted down Jews in hiding, including the Jewish woman accused of betraying seven hundred Jews.
- The effects of Queen Wilhelmina's anti-Semitism on the fates of Dutch Jews.
We will also discuss the kinds of lies used to create such virulent anti-Semitism, and how lies continue to be used today to foment hate and war.
The tour will take place in the Jewish Quarter, the heart of Jewish culture in Amsterdam. We begin at the Spinoza monument.
We will arrive at the Portuguese Synagogue two hours and 15 minutes after the beginning of the tour. The tour will be completely over within two and a half hours.
Since we are in Amsterdam, we will try to make even this tour about WWII as gezellig (friendly and convivial) as possible.
From a recent review: The Jewish tour with Jon was wonderful. ... while the tour can be deeply saddening ..., Jon was able to keep the energy up using humor when appropriate and kept the group engaged. Highly recommend this tour!
This tour is a terrific substitute or accompaniment for the Anne Frank House (annefrank.org). You can only buy tickets to the Anne Frank House through their website two months ahead of time. Read the link below and follow the directions closely!. Book the terrific introductory program in English if it is available. https://www.annefrank.org/en/museum/tickets/
We do not visit the Anne Frank museum, since there is really nothing to see except her statue outside of the museum. Come on this tour to find out what the Jews and the Dutch experienced in WWII.
The Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are usually sold out for at least a week or more. Reserve early for many museums, including the National Holocaust Museum.
If you will visit at least four Dutch museums (including all the museums above), it can be a good idea to buy a Museum Card, good at 450 museums for one year. You can buy a temporary pass at the first museum you visit, use that pass five times, and receive a permanent pass within five days or less. If ordering tickets for the Anne Frank House or another museum, just mark that you have a Museum Card and don't pay anything online. Then buy the card at the first museum you visit. https://www.museum.nl/en/museumpass
I look forward to seeing you soon - Pedro.
