The Best Rated Walking Tour in Amsterdam
Overview
Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours - The nr 1 best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam!
On this unique story-telling tour, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages.
Your super-local guide will combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling, and with the clever use of pictures and maps, you will learn everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour: history, modern life, culture, art, fun facts, and personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
Be prepared to challenge all your preconceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
If you enjoyed the tour you may also offer your guide an extra tip at the end of the tour. That motivates us to give you the best tour and you get the best possible value!
The tour is not suited for children. Minimum age: 16.
On this unique story-telling tour, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages.
Your super-local guide will combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling, and with the clever use of pictures and maps, you will learn everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour: history, modern life, culture, art, fun facts, and personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
Be prepared to challenge all your preconceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
If you enjoyed the tour you may also offer your guide an extra tip at the end of the tour. That motivates us to give you the best tour and you get the best possible value!
The tour is not suited for children. Minimum age: 16.
Inclusions
- Snacks - On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie
- Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!
- Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
- A unique souvenir
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Beurs van Berlage, Damrak 243 Next to the Bijenkorf, 1012 Amsterdam The Netherlands
In front of the stock- and commodities exchange buildings, built where the Amtel river used to flow, we discuss the origins of Amsterdam and how water and finance influenced the city.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Damrak, Damrak, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
In the old harbor, we discuss the origins of the Red Light District, the role of the Church, and how the holy and the profane have found surprising ways to work and profit from each other over time & the state of prostitution in the 20th and 21st Century: how and why prostitution became a legal profession, how the neighbourhood has changed over time and the current challenges facing the most infamous neighbourhood of Amsterdam.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 GD Amsterdam The Netherlands
Here we discuss how (Religious) tolerance worked in practice once Catholicism became illegal in the 17th Century but was 'tolerated' under some very peculiar conditions. Form the underlying principles we draw parallels to how tolerance works today, in the 21st Century.
(note: we don't actually enter the hidden church, but we see it form the outside and have pictures of it's interior)
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Chinatown, Chinatown, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
Dutch drug policies explained. Find out how this area became an absolute no go area in the 1970's and how this sparked the beginning of the infamous ‘Coffeeshops’ dedicated to the selling of Marjauana.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: In de Waag, 4 Nieuwmarkt, 1012 CR Amsterdam The Netherlands
Discovering where Rembrandt painted his first major work ...and how it revolutionised the art of portrait making. We have a copy of the painting to show you all the details!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Oostindisch Huis, Oude Hoogstraat 24, 1012 CE Amsterdam The Netherlands
In a stunning 17th Century Courtyard hidden inside this building (only accessible during week-days) you will learn how Amsterdam was able to become the center of a global trading empire, making Amsterdam the richest city on the planet in the17th century (aka 'The Golden Age), and how this place, the Headquarters of the first and biggest corporation in human history, kickstarted modern-day capitalism. We discuss the good, but definitely don't shy away from darker legacy of this period.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Waterlooplein Market, Waterlooplein 2, 1011 PG Amsterdam The Netherlands
The Oldest Market of Amsterdam located in the (former) Jewish Quarter, that was almost completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War - but not why who you think! Find out about the disastrous consequences of the Nazi occupation, that decimated the Jewish populations of what once was a safe haven for persecuted jews from all over Europe, and what the Amsterdammers had to do to survive the last 'hunger-winter' of the war.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: The Amstel, Amsterdam The Netherlands
Here, or (depending on weather / guide) at another canal we discuss why Amsterdam has canals, and the architecture of the famous canal houses: why are they so skinny, why do they lean in all kinds of directions (some of it is on purpose), why do all the houses have a hook, and why do Dutch people keep their curtains open at ALL times. Everything will be revealed!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Oudemanhuispoort, 1012 CN Amsterdam The Netherlands
In this beautiful, hard to find former monastery, turned into hospital and now part of the University of Amsterdam we discuss the unique Dutch Bike Culture: find out why there are more bikes than people and why in the most famous, proud cycling city on the planet most of the bikes look so....ugly.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Royal Palace Amsterdam, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam The Netherlands
Learn about the very peculiar history of our Royal Palace, why and how we made the transition from a Republic to a Monarchy. Meet our current Royal Family (we have pictures), and get up to speed with the latest juicy Royal gossip! Dam square is also where the tour ends.
Duration: 15 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Beurs van Berlage, Damrak 243 Next to the Bijenkorf, 1012 Amsterdam The Netherlands
In front of the stock- and commodities exchange buildings, built where the Amtel river used to flow, we discuss the origins of Amsterdam and how water and finance influenced the city.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Damrak, Damrak, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
In the old harbor, we discuss the origins of the Red Light District, the role of the Church, and how the holy and the profane have found surprising ways to work and profit from each other over time & the state of prostitution in the 20th and 21st Century: how and why prostitution became a legal profession, how the neighbourhood has changed over time and the current challenges facing the most infamous neighbourhood of Amsterdam.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 GD Amsterdam The Netherlands
Here we discuss how (Religious) tolerance worked in practice once Catholicism became illegal in the 17th Century but was 'tolerated' under some very peculiar conditions. Form the underlying principles we draw parallels to how tolerance works today, in the 21st Century.
(note: we don't actually enter the hidden church, but we see it form the outside and have pictures of it's interior)
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Chinatown, Chinatown, Amsterdam, North Holland Province
Dutch drug policies explained. Find out how this area became an absolute no go area in the 1970's and how this sparked the beginning of the infamous ‘Coffeeshops’ dedicated to the selling of Marjauana.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: In de Waag, 4 Nieuwmarkt, 1012 CR Amsterdam The Netherlands
Discovering where Rembrandt painted his first major work ...and how it revolutionised the art of portrait making. We have a copy of the painting to show you all the details!
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Oostindisch Huis, Oude Hoogstraat 24, 1012 CE Amsterdam The Netherlands
In a stunning 17th Century Courtyard hidden inside this building (only accessible during week-days) you will learn how Amsterdam was able to become the center of a global trading empire, making Amsterdam the richest city on the planet in the17th century (aka 'The Golden Age), and how this place, the Headquarters of the first and biggest corporation in human history, kickstarted modern-day capitalism. We discuss the good, but definitely don't shy away from darker legacy of this period.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Waterlooplein Market, Waterlooplein 2, 1011 PG Amsterdam The Netherlands
The Oldest Market of Amsterdam located in the (former) Jewish Quarter, that was almost completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War - but not why who you think! Find out about the disastrous consequences of the Nazi occupation, that decimated the Jewish populations of what once was a safe haven for persecuted jews from all over Europe, and what the Amsterdammers had to do to survive the last 'hunger-winter' of the war.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: The Amstel, Amsterdam The Netherlands
Here, or (depending on weather / guide) at another canal we discuss why Amsterdam has canals, and the architecture of the famous canal houses: why are they so skinny, why do they lean in all kinds of directions (some of it is on purpose), why do all the houses have a hook, and why do Dutch people keep their curtains open at ALL times. Everything will be revealed!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Oudemanhuispoort, 1012 CN Amsterdam The Netherlands
In this beautiful, hard to find former monastery, turned into hospital and now part of the University of Amsterdam we discuss the unique Dutch Bike Culture: find out why there are more bikes than people and why in the most famous, proud cycling city on the planet most of the bikes look so....ugly.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Royal Palace Amsterdam, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam The Netherlands
Learn about the very peculiar history of our Royal Palace, why and how we made the transition from a Republic to a Monarchy. Meet our current Royal Family (we have pictures), and get up to speed with the latest juicy Royal gossip! Dam square is also where the tour ends.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
DavidT3589
May 2022
Loved the story-based approach and the presentation materials! Shanna was super friendly and fun, I'm still browsing the info from her QR code. Very helpful tips, thank you so much! Highest recommendations y'all!
Loved the story-based approach and the presentation materials! Shanna was super friendly and fun, I'm still browsing the info from her QR code. Very helpful tips, thank you so much! Highest recommendations y'all!VanjaV54
April 2022
Jaap was great! Totaly prepared! Lot od knowledge, great sense of humor! We went throug all city center, were introduced in very interesting facts from history of city.
Jaap was great! Totaly prepared! Lot od knowledge, great sense of humor! We went throug all city center, were introduced in very interesting facts from history of city.Connector815915
April 2022
I cannot begin to describe how amazing this tour was. Fantastic guide Sergio managed to reveal the whole world behind this beautiful city. With lots of witty, humour, appropriate amount of information, you are able to understand the forming of nation, state and society and to comprehend how Amste...
I cannot begin to describe how amazing this tour was. Fantastic guide Sergio managed to reveal the whole world behind this beautiful city. With lots of witty, humour, appropriate amount of information, you are able to understand the forming of nation, state and society and to comprehend how Amsterdam became the city it is today. An absolute must do, believe me!Suemendola
April 2022
Great walking tour with Sam who was very knowledgable and enthusiastic- learnt alot. Cookies a lovely touch - we were with a great group of people too.
Great walking tour with Sam who was very knowledgable and enthusiastic- learnt alot. Cookies a lovely touch - we were with a great group of people too.RachelR836
May 2022
I booked onto the Freedam Amsterdam Walking Tour, 2.5 hours with a few friends. We all met at the appointed spot and discovered we had Sam as our guide. The tour was explained to us very clearly so everyone knew what was going on and what to expect. What followed was the best city tour I have eve...
I booked onto the Freedam Amsterdam Walking Tour, 2.5 hours with a few friends. We all met at the appointed spot and discovered we had Sam as our guide. The tour was explained to us very clearly so everyone knew what was going on and what to expect. What followed was the best city tour I have ever had. Sam was articulate and very well-informed, but also, and perhaps more importantly for a guide, incredibly engaging and clearly passionate about telling us some of the story of Amsterdam, warts and all. This was not a "stop in one place hear some facts, stop in another place, hear some different facts" kind of tour, but a carefully crafted and clearly very well thought out itinerary with a number of connected stories that built up a picture of Amsterdam through the ages and gave far more insight into the city than a simple series of historical facts. We stopped in enough different spots to keep us from standing around too much, but not so many that we felt overwhelmed. It was brilliant. I highly recommend Sam as a guide.Brendan_G
May 2022
The tour guide Carl was very honest about his own history and made it very relatable and unique as he spoke.
The tour guide Carl was very honest about his own history and made it very relatable and unique as he spoke.