Things to Do in Amsterdam
With this ticket to AMAZE Amsterdam, you’ll enjoy a multisensory experience like no other. Lights, lasers, and sound come together to create a unique journey.
• 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 6 people per booking. Multiple reservations from the same group may be refused if the combined group exceeds this limit.
• 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.
• 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.
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.
• Step into immersive digital rooms and contemporary installations designed to engage your senses and spark reflection.
• Experience a dynamic mix of contemporary icons and rising voices, featuring artists such as Robbie Williams, KAWS, Takashi Murakami, Daniel Arsham, and more.
• Located on Amsterdam’s iconic Museumplein, in the heart of the city’s cultural district, the museum is open every day of the year, with extended evening opening hours.
• Moco Museum is designed to be accessible for all ages and all levels of art knowledge, from first-time museum visitors to seasoned art lovers.
Get to know the history of Amsterdam in a quick way!
You'll get a full picture of why Amsterdam is the way it is today as you walk through the oldest part of the city. I will answer all your questions as we pass by some of the most iconic areas and at the same time you will be entertained by many of the anecdotes about centuries past.
The tour is like walking with a friend who knows a lot about the area.
These are some of the topics/places we will see along the way:
- City foundation
- Redlight district
- Clandestine churches
- Jewish Quarter
- 17th century/East India Company
- Construction of canals and city architecture
- Typical Dutch food
I am looking forward to see you!
Important information you should know:
*The itinerary might change due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. weather conditions, season, maintenance in the area, etc.).
*Tours in Amsterdam have a maximum capacity of 15 people.
*Groups of more than 6 persons, even in separate reservations, can only join through the paid option (15 euros per person).
*If you would like a private tour, please contact me directly.
• Enter themed rooms featuring light, lasers, 11D soundscapes, smoke, projections, and music installations for a sensory-rich experience.
• Enjoy access to the bar before or after your experience and unwind at the AMAZE Lounge with a drink in hand.
• Tailor your experience with an upgrade—enjoy a complimentary, expertly crafted cocktail at the Lounge, or choose flexible entry to visit any time during opening hours on your selected date.
During our 2-hour walk, we will discover the history of Amsterdam and its culture.
Not only will I talk to you about the main places in the city, but also about everything that is not written in the printed guides about Amsterdam. All the information that is part of everyday life in the city and the Dutch culture that I have come to know and appreciate during my life in Amsterdam.
We will visit together:
- The Begijnhof courtyard and Spui square
- the UNESCO canal area
- The Jewish quarter of the city
- the flower market
We are waiting for you!
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!
• 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.
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).
• 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.
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!!!
