Free tour

A True Local Perspective: Amsterdam's Hidden Historical Highlights!

4.90

Excellent (244 ratings)

Amsterdam

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Martin

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 19 June 2022

❌❌❌ Let's start in Dutch! Hallo daar! My name is Martin, lifelong local of Amsterdam. My journey as tour guide began 8 years ago at the Heineken Experience Museum during my university days, where I discovered my passion for sharing Amsterdam’s rich history and vibrant culture. My love for this city remains strong. I spend my spare time exploring Amsterdam’s hidden corners and bustling streets already for 6 years. As true “Amsterdammer,” I offer a unique perspective you won’t find in typical guidebooks and on the big Tour Buses and so on. Being an independent tour guide allows me to provide a more personalized experience. I hold an official license, ensuring you receive accurate and insightful information. Join me on a journey through Amsterdam’s past and present. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about life in Amsterdam, my tour has something for everyone. I promise it will be an unforgettable experience! ❌❌❌

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

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SPECIAL Edition Walking Tour: From October 2024 until October 2025 our beautiful city celebrates its 750th Birthday. This walking tour (given by a True Local) aims to tell you all about it ;)

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Discover Amsterdam Like a Local!

Ever wondered why Amsterdam is called Amsterdam and why the nickname "the City on Poles" was given?
How did this vibrant city emerge from the marshy lands of the 13th century? What’s the story behind the city’s emblem with the three XXXs?
Which are the three most important districts in the heart of the city? How did the Dutch become renowned for their trade, and what role did the VOC play in this?

Curious about life in Amsterdam today...? Why are there so many bicycles everywhere...? And what should you order in a true Amsterdam bar...? 😉

Join our walking tour to uncover all these answers and more!

Experience Amsterdam from a Unique Perspective:

As lifelong (proud) residents of this beautiful city, we will guide you through Amsterdam’s highlights and hidden gems. You’ll experience the city with and like a true “Amsterdammer.”

What Makes Our Tour Special?

Historical Insights: Learn how Amsterdam, originally a small fishing village, grew into a major trading hub. Did you know the city is built on millions of wooden poles to support its buildings1?
Local Life: Discover why Amsterdam has more bicycles than people and why cycling is a way of life here2.
Hidden Gems: We’ll take you through the alleys and backstreets that mainstream tourism often misses, blending history with daily life.

Personal Recommendations:

At the end of the tour, you’ll receive a list of our personal recommendations for the best bars, restaurants, museums, and activities in Amsterdam, curated by us and our friends.

Tour Details:

Licensed Guides: We are licensed Amsterdam tour guides.
Duration: Usually between 90-120 minutes.
Small Groups: Maximum of 15 people per tour to ensure a personalized experience. Please do not bring more people than booked without asking.
Starting point: Nieuwmarkt Square.
End point: Jordaan, Westermarkt.

Tour Highlights:

Medieval City Centre: Explore the area created between 1200-1500.
Dam Square: See the Royal Palace, New Church, WWII National Monument, and more.
Canal Ring: Discover the story behind this UNESCO World Heritage site from the 17th century.
Jordaan District: Visit this former working-class neighborhood, now one of the coolest areas in the city.
Amsterdam’s First Streets: Walk through the oldest parts of the city, alongside the Red Light District.
Western Church: Admire this beautiful historic church, right next to the Anne Frank Huis.
Nieuwmarkt Square: Explore this lively square with its rich history.

See you on our tour!

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Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Nieuwmarkt 4, 1012 CR Amsterdam, Netherlands

In front of the café de Waag's terrace with red umbrella

Outside visit

The Waag

Start at one of the oldest & most beautiful buildings of Amsterdam and discover its multiple, different functions throughout history with me.

Outside visit

Trippenhuis

The city's other palace-looking building, built by two merchants of Amsterdam during the Golden Age.

Outside visit

Kleine Trippenhuis

Discover the fun story of this building with me.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).