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Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour

3,155 Reviews |

Recommended by 98% of reviewers

|

Badge of Excellence | Amsterdam, Netherlands

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Mobile ticket

Instant confirmation

Overview

Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours. On this unique tip-based* sightseeing & storytelling 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!

* Tip-based means you only pay a small booking/marketing fee to the platform and you can tip your guide directly what you think the tour was worth. That motivates us to give the best possible tour and you always get the best value for your money!

What's Included

Snacks On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie
A unique souvenir
Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Beursplein
1012 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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

Our Lord in the Attic 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 Free

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

The 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 Free

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 Free

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Additional Info

Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Absolutely Amsterdam – the Essential Introductory Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-152260P2

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.91

3,155 reviews

Average 4.91 out of 5 stars based on 3,155 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars

2,972

4 stars

126

3 stars

33

2 stars

8

1 star

16

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The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Absolutely Amsterdam – the Essential Introductory Walking Tour?

A:

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
This tour 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.

Apr 2025

Q: What's included in the price?

A:

The following is included:

Snacks. On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie.
A unique souvenir.
Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you.
Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!.

Apr 2025

Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?

A:

The minimum age to participate is 1. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025

Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?

A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025

Q: Is this an accessible tour?

A:

Accessibility information for the Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour is as follows:

Wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Apr 2025

Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?

A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

Mar 2024