Things to Do in Amsterdam
• 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 that covers Amsterdam's top 100 attractions and experiences.
Join us for a fun, thought-provoking, and genuinely local experience through the heart of Amsterdam, and discover the stories, history, and strange contradictions that make Amsterdam so… Absolutely Amsterdam.
Together with one of our passionate local guides, you’ll explore how freedom, tolerance, trade, rebellion, and creativity shaped the city — and why Amsterdam still feels unlike anywhere else in the world today.
This isn’t a generic, scripted tour filled with endless dates and names you won’t remember. We keep things personal, interactive, and honest. Expect fascinating stories, dark history, local gossip, humor, awkward Dutch habits, and the kind of insights you only get from people who actually live here.
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THE EXPERIENCE
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We believe the best tours feel less like a lecture and more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend.
Our guides are real Amsterdam locals with academic backgrounds and years of experience — many also work in museums and cultural institutions — but we care just as much about creating a fun atmosphere as we do about historical accuracy.
Every guide brings their own personality, expertise, humor, and perspective, which means no two tours are ever exactly the same.
Ask questions. Be curious. Challenge assumptions. We love that.
By the end of the tour, you won’t just have seen Amsterdam — you’ll understand why people fall in love with it.
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WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER
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🏛️ HISTORY
• How Amsterdam grew from a muddy fishing village into the richest city on Earth
• How Amsterdam helped invent modern capitalism
• The surprising Dutch transition from Republic to Monarchy
• Why hidden churches exist — and why sex workers worked beside them
• The dark side of the Golden Age, colonialism, and the Dutch East India Company
• WWII, Anne Frank, Nazi occupation, and the devastating history of Amsterdam’s Jewish community
• Why the canal houses are so narrow, crooked, and beautiful
🌆 MODERN AMSTERDAM
• The truth behind Amsterdam’s famous liberal reputation
• Coffeeshops and Dutch drug policy — how it really works
• Why the Red Light District is changing
• How hippies helped save Amsterdam from demolition
• Local gossip, modern politics, and the Royal Family
• Unique personal stories and honest insights into daily Dutch life
🎭 DUTCH CULTURE
• Dutch directness, tolerance, and the famous “open curtain” culture
• Why bikes rule the city
• Dutch food culture — from stroopwafels and cheese to Indonesian food
• Rembrandt, hidden courtyards, Chinatown, and local traditions
• What makes Amsterdam feel so different from the rest of the world
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INCLUDED EXTRAS
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🍪 A typical Dutch snack during the tour
🎁 A small souvenir to remember Amsterdam by
🗺️ An insider guide with our favorite bars, restaurants, cafés, clubs, and hidden gems
🚤 Exclusive discounts for small-boat canal cruises and other local experiences
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TOUR DETAILS
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📍 Meeting Point
In front of the main entrance of the Beurs van Berlage (Stock Exchange Building), next to the bull statue on Beursplein.
⏰ Daily Tours
10:30 AM
2:00 PM
5:30 PM (not always available on Saturdays — check availability)
⏳ Duration
Approximately 2.5 hours
📌 Highlights May Include
The Old Harbor • Central Station • Hidden Churches • Chinatown • Nieuwmarkt • The Red Light District • Dutch Drug Policies • Canal Houses • Jewish Quarter or Anne Frank area • Royal Palace • Dam Square • Dutch Bike Culture • Personal Local Stories
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PLEASE NOTE
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🇬🇧 Tours are conducted entirely in English.
👥 Maximum 7 people per booking. Multiple reservations from the same group may be refused if the combined group exceeds this limit.
• 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.
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.
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!
• Admire Rembrandt’s *The Night Watch* and Van Gogh’s self-portrait, alongside works by celebrated artists such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, and Judith Leyster.
• Wander through galleries showcasing Dutch Golden Age paintings, decorative arts, sculpture, and artifacts, including Delftware and detailed ship models.
• Upgrade your visit with a choice of 2 drinks, an expert-led guided tour, a self-guided audio tour, or a 75-minute Amsterdam canal cruise that combines city views with commentary for an unforgettable experience.
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.
• Hop on near Centraal Station or Anne Frank House, a convenient, centrally located boarding point, for flexible and easy sightseeing.
• Stay cosy and dry aboard a heated glass-top roof boat, offering views of Amsterdam’s canals and landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge.
• Enjoy informative commentary in your preferred language with a multilingual audio guide, plus activities for kids, making your experience enriching.
• Upgrade to a 75-min cruise from Rijksmuseum, or opt for a 1-hour luxury saloon boat tour featuring live commentary, wi-fi and a toilet onboard and unlimited drinks and Dutch cheese.
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.
If you want to enjoy Amsterdam's canals while learning about its history, this boat ride with an English-speaking guide is perfect!
• Skip the pre-recorded tapes! Your experienced skippers share authentic stories of the city’s history, from the Golden Age to today.
• Capture the perfect photo of the Skinny Bridge and sail past the Red Light District, Maritime Museum, and the stunning Royal Theatre Carré.
• Sip on cold beer, wine, or soft drinks available on board while you admire the historic architecture from our open-top boutique boat.
• Upgrade your tickets to the unlimited drinks option to skip the hassle of paying for drinks in between your relaxing experience.
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).
• Board near the Heineken Experience to start your day in the Museum District, or near the Hard Rock Cafe for exploring the Leidseplein entertainment area.
• Enhance your journey with immersive audio commentary available in 19 languages, plus children under 12 years old can sail with discounted tickets.
• Marvel at the baroque architecture lining the waterways and cruise past highlights such as Nieuwmarkt, once known for public executions, now filled with markets and cafes.
• Upgrade your ticket to include a tasty snackbox featuring chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, nuts, and your choice of water or a soft drink.
ABOUT THE TOUR
A one and a half hours walk around the central area, with a professional, friendly and knowledgeable guide that will help you to better understand Amsterdam and it’s people. Historical curiosities and tales, modern culture, personal insight on it’s like to live in heart of the city, and all the recommendations you need to have an unforgettable stay.
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE BOOKING
Due to competitor theft, and more recently AI training, documenting the tour is not allowed (video, audio or notes), with the exception of photos.
The average tips in this city are 10 euros per person . For the travelers visiting Amsterdam but somehow concerned on spending 10 euros on a tour regardless of its quality, please look for self-guided audio tours as an extremely affordable option.
I do not work for this company, I'm a self employed freelancer. It's me, not the company, that takes all responsibilities, risks and expenses to offer the tour (publishing, licensing, taxes and marketing fee).
All travelers are required to arrive at least 10 minutes earlier. After the tour starts, mobile communication with the guide will be scarce, as the group has his full attention.
We talk about prostitution, drugs, and we walk inside the Red Light District. Travelers under 18 can only attend together with their parents.
- NIEUWEMARKT: We will get some basic concepts out of the way, moving to some secrets in the old city gates - an appropriate starting point for the tour.
- VOC (DUCHT EAST INDIA COMPANY): Lets explore the days when this people ruled the seas, the dark side of it's glory and wealth.
- DAM SQUARE: the city main square, hosting the Royal Palace and other points of interest
- BEURSPLEIN: the modern stock exchange and it's curious international connections
- RED LIGHT DISTRICT: We will visit the oldest building of Amsterdam - the Oude Kerk - to understand some of its contrasts. The past, the present, and some possible futures of the Red Light District.
- CHINATOWN: Drugs are often a confusing topic for visitors. Lets understand how it really works, how it began, and why it is still a quite controversial topic.
- DANCING HOUSES: The crooked houses of Amsterdam are quite the sight to behold, but there are different reasons behind their dancing angles.
- OUDE WAAL AND THE FLOATING HOUSES: In the Venice of the North, the canals tells many secrets.
- JEWISH DISTRIC: In the last stop of our tour, we will reflect upon the events of WWII and it's impact on today.
• 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.
Welcome!
Are you interested in the history of Amsterdam and do you want to know how it grew from a small fishing village into one of the most beautiful and richest cities in the world?
This tour is made for people who love history, stories and want to know more about this amazing city.
This tour will start of course at the place where it all began: Dam Square. Together we will make a journey through the centuries and pass true and mention the following highlights:
- The origins of Amsterdam and The Netherlands
- The importance of water and trade for Amsterdam
- The new New Church and the protestant reformation
- The Royal Palace and the Rabit King
- The canal district
- The history of Boat houses
- The history of the Red Light District
- The history of Coffee shops and the Dutch drug policy.
- And much more!!!
