The #1 Best Rated Walking Tour in Amsterdam (Tip-based 2,5 hour tour)

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From $5.46

1,030 reviews   (4.93)

Price varies by group size

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Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 2 hours

Departs: Amsterdam, Amsterdam

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

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Overview

Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours - the best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam!

On this unique tip-based 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 cover 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!

* Tip-based walking tour means you can join this tour basically for free (you will only be charged the booking fee, marketing fee and tourist tax) after which you tip your guide what you think the tour was worth. That motivates us to give you the best tour and you get the best possible value!

What's Included

On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie

Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you

Traveler Information

  • INFANT: Age: 1 - 3
  • CHILD: Age: 4 - 12
  • YOUTH: Age: 13 - 17
  • ADULT: Age: 18 - 65
  • SENIOR: Age: 66 - 90

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers

What To Expect

Beurs van Berlage
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.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Damrak
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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder
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)

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Chinatown
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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

In de Waag
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!

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Oostindisch Huis
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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Waterlooplein Market
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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Amstel
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!

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Oudemanhuispoort
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.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Palace Amsterdam
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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included


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