Things to Do in Amsterdam
• 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.
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.
• Visit on any date and time that fits your schedule between March 19 and May 10, 2026 and witness a living tapestry of 7 million bulbs blooming.
• Step inside the pavilions to witness the world’s most prestigious floral exhibitions, including the Rose Show and the vibrant tulip and hyacinth displays.
• Capture the perfect shot amidst intricate floral sculptures, art installations, and curated themed gardens that celebrate the pinnacle of Dutch horticultural design.
• Upgrade to include a multilingual audio guide to gain insights or choose round-trip transportation from Amsterdam to skip planning travel logistics.
Step into one of Amsterdam’s most powerful experiences: an immersive walking tour that brings Anne Frank’s story to life as you explore the city’s most beautiful historic neighbourhoods.
We begin in the elegant Jewish Quarter, where quiet streets reveal how the Nazi occupation reshaped daily life. Your guide will uncover the machinery of oppression: propaganda, razzias, and the brave resistance that refused to stay silent.
Through vivid storytelling, you’ll follow Anne Frank’s early years in Amsterdam, her love of writing, and the dreams she poured into her diary. You’ll gain a deeper sense of what life in hiding meant: the fear, the silence, and the fragile hope that continues to inspire the world.
Along the way, we visit memorials and historic sites that honor those whose lives were forever changed by the Holocaust, creating a moving journey through one of Amsterdam’s most defining chapters.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s an immersive experience of memory, resilience, and the enduring power of hope, reminding us why stories of courage and humanity still matter today, in a world where freedom and empathy can never be taken for granted.
Secure your spot and step into history.
*** Please note: this tour does not include entry to the Anne Frank House ***
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!
• 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.
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.
• 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.
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!!!
• Relax in a premium, air-conditioned bus, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles entirely, with flexible returns every 30 minutes.
• Start your journey from either A'DAM Tower or Centraal Station, choosing the hub that best fits your morning plans.
• Pair your Keukenhof visit with a 1-hour windmill cruise in Kagerplassen and a tour of a tulip farm where you can actually walk through the flower fields.
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.
Join us to visit the must-see places in Holland on this express day trip to Volendam, Marken, Edam, and Zaanse Schans. You'll try Gouda and Edam cheese!
• The self-guided tour lets you explore freely, with access to tunnels, dugouts, and Ajax Gallery, plus themed options like ArenA x Heineken or Birthday Tours.
• On the guided tour, enjoy personalized insights from your guide, seating in the dugouts, and a 10% discount at the fanshop.
• Pick the VIP tour to enjoy private entry zones, expert guide, Sky Lounge refreshments, Ajax scarf souvenir, and fanshop discounts.
You can bring your own bike or rent one at the tour starting point. If you want to rent a bike on site, please bring your ID/passport and credit card.
Experience the vibrant areas where real Amsterdammers work and live.
Why book this bike tour through Amsterdam North & East?
- Fascinating Street Art: Discover colorful street art.
- Impressive architecture: Admire the mix of old and new buildings.
- Cool bars and cafes: Find out where the hipsters enjoy their cocktails.
- Industrial Heritage: Discover the remains of Amsterdam's industrial past.
- Popular City Beaches: Find out where the city's most popular beach spots are.
- Unique Bridges: Cross the water over charming and unique bridges.
- Multicultural areas and parks: Enjoy the diversity of the city.
- Unexpected viewpoints: Take breathtaking photos.
The exact route and sights along the way depend on the weather, group size, and group composition. Each tour is therefore unique. We always start and end near the main train station.
The focus of this tour is on the visual experience, not the history lesson. Beyond Instagram-worthy photo ops, you'll also learn a few interesting things about the city and its people at a few select stops along the tour.
Join us on this unforgettable bike tour and discover the best of what Amsterdam has to offer, away from the crowds in the city center. We guarantee you an authentic visit.
• 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.
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).
