The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam you will find!
Amsterdam's cobbled streets and canals beg to be explored on foot. Here is some of the top walking tours in amsterdam to discover the city's history, culture, architecture, and flavors at your own pace.
- By: David Wellington
With its beautiful canals, cobbled streets, and gabled houses, Amsterdam is a city made for wandering by foot. The best way to explore this captivating capital is to take part in one of the many excellent walking tours on offer.
From informative history tours that take you to the Anne Frank House and the Dutch Resistance Museum, to off-the-beaten-path tours of the city’s hippest emerging neighborhoods, Amsterdam has a walking tour to appeal to every interest.
For art lovers, there are tours that visit the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and other famous repositories of Dutch Masters. For foodies, culinary tours of the Albert Cuyp market and other areas let you graze on local cheeses, berries, and sweets as you learn about Dutch gastronomy.
Whether you want to admire Amsterdam’s architecture, delve into its complicated history, or simply soak up the unique vibe of its neighborhoods, the city’s wonderful walking tours allow you to discover the real Amsterdam at your own pace, one step at a time. In this guide, I will show you some of the top walking tours to help you explore this captivating city
Anne Frank Walking Tour
The Anne Frank Walking Tour provides a fascinating 2-hour journey through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter and the city’s experience during WWII and the Holocaust. Groups are kept small, usually around 15 people, allowing for a more intimate experience.
The tour meets in front of the Jewish Historical Museum for the English tour, where your knowledgeable local guide will be waiting with an orange umbrella. The meeting point for the Spanish, German, Italian & French tours is at the Portuguese Synagogue.
They will take you to important sites related to Anne Frank and WWII history, including the Anne Frank House exterior, secret hiding places used by Dutch resistance fighters, and the historic Portuguese Synagogue. The tour focuses on bringing the story of Anne Frank to life. You’ll learn about her early years in Frankfurt, the rise of Nazi power forcing the Frank family into hiding, insights into her famous diary written while in hiding, and her final days in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
Beyond Anne’s story, your guide will paint a vivid picture of how the Holocaust impacted Jewish communities in Amsterdam and the bravery of many Dutch citizens who resisted. This experience allows you to walk in the footsteps of Anne Frank and gain a deeper understanding of WWII history. The small group setting with an expert local guide really brings the neighborhood and tragic stories to life. It’s an impactful and memorable way to learn about Anne Frank and Amsterdam’s Jewish heritage.
Regular price is €32.50 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Tiqets website and e-tickets will be emailed after booking. Tickets can also be purchased from the guide on the day of the tour (subject to availability). Tours are offered in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German, select your language when booking. Cancellations and changes can be made up to 24 hours before the scheduled time by contacting Tiqets customer service.
This tour has received excellent reviews from past visitors who found it informative, engaging, and impactful. Recent feedback praised the knowledge and storytelling skills of the guides.
3-Hour Highlights Bike Tour
Experience the vibrancy of Amsterdam on a 3-hour guided bike tour with Yellow Bike. As you pedal through the city’s postcard-perfect canals and past historic landmarks, your guide will share fascinating tidbits about Amsterdam’s rich history and culture.
The tour meets at 1:30pm at Nieuwezijds Kolk 29 in the heart of the city. Tickets can be purchased on the Tiqets website for €34.64 per person. After a brief introduction, you’ll be outfitted with a classic Dutch yellow bike and helmet (optional). Then it’s off to see the sights!
You’ll cycle through atmospheric neighborhoods like the Jordaan, lined with quaint cafes and shops. Cruise past the architectural marvels of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Pause to admire the narrow, gabled townhouses tilting at impossible angles along the canal.
A scenic ride along the UNESCO-listed Herengracht canal reveals some of Amsterdam’s most famous waterways. You’ll also get a look at the city’s more risqué side with a cruise through the infamous Red Light District.
Halfway through, take a breather in Vondelpark – Amsterdam’s answer to Central Park. Stretch your legs in this lush green oasis while refueling with a drink at the park’s cozy cafe.
Afterward, pay your respects to Anne Frank at her secret annex, pedal over charming bridges, and soak up 360-degree views of Amsterdam from the river IJ. You’ll gain a comprehensive overview of this captivating city in just 3 hours.
The maximum group size is 12 people and the tour is guided in both Dutch and English. Contact the Tiqets Help Center with any questions.
Craft Beer & Brewery Tour
This craft beer tour allows you to visit 3 local microbreweries in Amsterdam and sample a total of 9 craft beers. It is offered by Brew Bus Amsterdam and tickets are sold on Tiqets website.
The tour starts at 14:00 and lasts approximately 3 hours. An experienced beer guide will provide information about each brewery and the beers. Transport is provided by a comfortable, air conditioned bus.
Tickets cost €59.50 on Tiqets website and can be delivered instantly to your smartphone.
The meeting point for the tour is Overhoeksplein in Amsterdam at 14:00. Your ticket on your smartphone will grant you access to the bus.
Some of the highlights:
- Visit 3 local microbreweries in Amsterdam with a behind-the-scenes look
- Sample 9 craft beers
- Learn about the beers from an experienced guide
- Transport in a comfortable, air conditioned bus
- Tickets cost €59.50 with instant delivery to your smartphone
- Meeting point is Overhoeksplein at 14:00
Comedy Walks Tour in Amsterdam City Centre
Take a humorous stroll through the heart of Amsterdam with a wisecracking local guide on the Amsterdam City Centre: Comedy Walks Tour. This 2.5 hour walking tour departs daily at 2:30PM rain or shine from Dam Square in the center of the city and promises a bellyful of laughs as you traverse picturesque canals, lively squares, and narrow streets. Your comedian guide will keep you chuckling with cheeky commentary and amusing anecdotes about Amsterdam’s rich history, unique culture, and infamous coffee shops rather than bombard you with dry facts.
Expect to hear funny stories about the tolerant Dutch attitudes, the Red Light District, and Rembrandt as you pass by top attractions like the Royal Palace, National Monument, Bloemenmarkt, and old churches. You’ll also stop for photo ops at the iconic I AMSTERDAM sign and in front of some of the 1,500 charming canal bridges. Your guide will even point out ancient waterways that used to run through the city before being covered up.
Tickets are €23.50, include an English-speaking comedian guide, and can be displayed on your smartphone for entry. Food, drinks, transportation to the meeting point, and tips for your guide are not included. The tour is wheelchair accessible over mostly flat terrain.
Cancel up until 11:59PM the day before and receive a full refund. Unfortunately rescheduling is not allowed for this popular walking tour. Wrap up warmly and wear comfortable shoes for the leisurely 2.5 hour stroll. Be prepared to laugh until your face hurts at the hilarious commentary on Amsterdam’s quirky past and present!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular walking tours in Amsterdam?
Some of the most popular walking tours in Amsterdam include the Historic City Center tour, the Red Light District tour, the Jordaan Neighborhood tour, and the Canal Cruise walking tour. These tours offer a great overview of Amsterdam’s top sights.
When is the best time of day to take a walking tour?
The best time is generally in the morning or early afternoon. This avoids the crowds and allows you to see more sights before places close. Many tours start between 9am-2pm.
What is included on a typical walking tour?
Most walking tours include an English-speaking guide who will take you to major sights and provide commentary and history. Tours generally last 2-3 hours. Some include food/drink samples or canal cruise.
How much do walking tours cost?
Costs vary by tour company and type, but average about €15-30 per adult. Discounted rates are often available for students, children, or groups. Private tours cost more.
Should I book a walking tour in advance?
Advance booking is recommended as popular tours can sell out, especially in peak season. You can book online or through your hotel concierge.
What should I bring/wear?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection. Dress for the weather. Tours run rain or shine.
Are there walking tours at night?
Yes, several companies offer evening walking tours to experience the city after dark. Popular ones include red light district and ghost tours.
More useful information about Amsterdam Canal Cruises
- Read on about all type of Amsterdam Canal Cruises.
- How much are tickets, and where can you buy them? Read our guide for Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets.
- Blue Boat Company or Lovers? Check out the top cruise providers in Amsterdam!
- Canal Cruise Amsterdam at Night – Read this before you book tickets!
- Sightseeing Canal Cruise in Amsterdam or a Dinner Cruise? Which one suits you?
We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Amsterdam. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising over the Canals in Amsterdam. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Amsterdam Canal Cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more.