Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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.
Options
Tip-Based Tour
What‘s Included
Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!
A unique souvenir
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,975 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A good and interesting...
LISA F,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A good and interesting chat about the History of Amsterdam, and includes topics from today. The guide was always concerned with our safety, and answering questions.
Recommend this tour.
Janeen R,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I’m visiting with my daughter and 14 year old grandson. We loved it. Fernando was an excellent tour guide. We enjoyed hearing the history of Amsterdam and seeing the sights.
Great Experience
Doug r,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Daan was outstanding. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. He gave us an excellent overview of the history of Amsterdam
Dani's Amsterdam
lesleyjS9245PJ,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great walking tour with Dani being out leader. He was informative and entertaining making the walk enjoyable. Taking us to places we would have missed and telling us so much about all aspects of life in Amsterdam was wonderful. He gave us a lot of tips to help out stay. Thankyou. Would recommend
Great way to see Amsterdam
Nancy B,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the perfect way to see Amsterdam. Hearing about the history of the area and the buildings gave so much more depth to our visit to this beautiful city. Sebastian was a great guide. He was fun, engaging and interesting. I highly recommend this tour, especially if you get Sebastian as your guide!
I highly recommend Janos
Clarance T,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the pleasure of taking a walking tour of Amsterdam with Janos, and it was easily one of the most thought-provoking experiences of my trip. Janos is incredibly knowledgeable and moves far beyond a standard, scripted presentation. He expertly tailors the tour to the group's questions, bringing immense depth, nuance, and objective context to Amsterdam's complex history. If you are looking for a high-quality, insightful experience with a guide who inspires curiosity and critical thinking, I highly recommend Janos!
Lots of interesting information!
momshochat,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00But, we bought this as a walking tour. There wasn’t much walking. Very nice guide though.
Excellent tour - must do!
X8734EOnancyb,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebastian was a phenomenal tour guide. He had wonderful stories and we got so much more from our visit hearing about the history. And he kept our stops in the shade.
Knowledgeable, patient, and friendly.
sallybeantwo,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are so glad that we had Francine as our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable, organized, unhurried, calm, spoke clearly in a normal volume, friendly and patient. We could ask however many questions we needed to ask before moving on to the next site. She also made allowances for bathroom breaks. She gave good restaurant recommendations. Thank you, Francine!
Great tour to help navigate city
sheila44440,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide giving great insight to the history of the city & key landmarks.
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Operated by FreeDam Tours