See the city on foot with these 5 best walking tours in Amsterdam
After visiting the picnic spots and big museums, we thought we had seen all that Amsterdam had to offer. But everything changed when we decided to take a walking tour.
The streets we had walked by before suddenly came alive with stories. Those quiet little corners we overlooked turned out to be historic gems. And the best part? Taking the time to really soak in the details that most tourists miss.
Since that first tour, we’ve explored several more walking tours in Amsterdam, each offering a fresh perspective.
And we’re sharing those with you—the ones that helped us connect with Amsterdam in unexpected ways.
1. 360 Amsterdam Tours
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Website: http://360amsterdamtours.com/
Address: Oudeschans 83-2
Contact: +31 61 993 4503
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: €€
360 Amsterdam Tours offers small group tours, with a maximum of 15 people. These tours offer a more personal adventure through iconic landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, all led by multilingual guides.
We found their Anne Frank Walking Tour particularly moving. Following in Anne’s footsteps from the Jewish Quarter to the outside of her house, the guide’s storytelling truly brought the city’s wartime history to life.
But if you’re interested in learning about lesser-known stories of Amsterdam, we can’t recommend the Secrets of Historical Amsterdam Tour enough. It offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval and golden age architecture, commerce and trade.
Pro Tip:
If you’re part of an educational institution or a student group, you definitely don’t wanna miss out on the chance to explore Amsterdam at a discounted rate. Contact them to plan your custom educational tour.
2. Toms Travel Tours
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Website: https://tomstraveltours.com/
Address: Derde Hugo de Grootstraat
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Exploring with Toms Travel Tours was a real pleasure. We strolled through the lovely Jordaan neighbourhood, taking in the historic homes and those hidden courtyards.
If you’re interested in exploring outside the city, they’ve got you covered with countryside trips to iconic windmills and picturesque fishing villages. During these tours, you can taste yummy Dutch cheese, which was our favourite part.
And if you happen to be visiting during tulip season, don’t miss out on the private tours of the stunning flowers of the Kop van Noord-Holland. These trips include stops at the UNESCO-listed Beemster polder.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t find the exact walking tour you had in mind, don’t worry because they offer custom, private tours. You can combine this with various experiences into a personalised multi-day excursion to match your interests.
3. That Dam Guide
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Website: https://thatdamguide.com/
Address: Prins Hendrikkade
Contact: +31 62 726 9604
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: €
One of the best experiences with That Dam Guide is their private Amsterdam Red Light District Tour. It begins with a thoughtful conversation at a cafe close to Central Station and then guides you through the district to the Red Light Museum.
Art lovers on the tour will see artwork by Amsterdam-based artists at local galleries, where they can buy special and affordable pieces.
The tour also explores the city’s open-minded reputation while taking a closer look at complex chapters of its past, such as the Dutch East India Company.
We also wandered through secret hofjes (courtyard gardens) and appreciated the unique architecture, such as the intricate churches influenced by different religions. It showed us how Amsterdam transformed from a small village into a bustling trade centre.
Pro Tip:
Wrap up your tour at the renowned cafe Winkel 43 with a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie. This local treat is the perfect way to end your tour.
4. Free Walking Tours Amsterdam
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Website: https://freewalkingtoursamsterdam.com/
Address: Spuistraat 68 F, 1012 TW
Contact: +31 85 016 3654
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: Free
If you want to walk around Amsterdam, Free Walking Tours offers different themed tours that cater to various interests. The Classic Tour is great for families wanting to learn about the city’s history and culture.
Meanwhile, the Alternative Tour is perfect for those who like counterculture and street art. If you love photography, you can also join the Photo Tour, and food lovers can take part in the Food Tour to taste local specialities.
And the best part? It runs on a “pay-what-you-wish” model. But wait—okay, it’s not totally free since participants are encouraged to tip the guide. Still, it’s not a bad deal at all.
Pro Tip:
We highly recommend arriving 10 minutes early. It keeps things smooth and gives you time to find your guide in the crowd.
5. SANDEMANs
Media credit: sandemansnewamsterdam
Website: https://www.neweuropetours.eu/amsterdam-walking-tours/
Address: Singel 260, 1016 AB
Contact: +1 210 201 6282
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: Free
If you didn’t know, SANDEMANs pioneered the gratuity-based “free tour” model in the city. Today, it’s still free, and you just have to pay what you think the experience is worth.
As you wander through the historic streets of Amsterdam, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sights of iconic landmarks from the elegant Royal Palace to the charming leaning houses and even the tiniest home located between buildings.
But for those who prefer a more laid-back experience, the 3-hour Amsterdam Private City Tour is ideal. It covers all the must-see highlights, like the National Monument and the lively Albert Cuyp Market.
These tours typically last 2.5 hours and are offered in both English and Spanish, making them a convenient and accessible way to explore the heart of Amsterdam’s history.
Pro Tip:
Each tour guide can accommodate up to 15 people. If you have a larger group, you can book two private tours online or email them at [email protected].