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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
Tip-Based Tour
Reviews
3,721 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour
Seaside51175988280,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dani was an amazing guide!! 10/10 . Funny, smart, informativ. Everything you‘d want in a tour.
Informative and enjoyable walking tour
492elspethb,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked the tour relatively last minute and found it very interesting. Ramses gave a great tour of the city and shared loads of knowledge on the history, society and current ways of life in Amsterdam as well as recommendations for things to do and places to eat away from the main touristy areas. Would recommend to anyone looking for an intro to Amsterdam
An Unforgettable and Insightful Tour of Amsterdam 🇳🇱
605isamaram,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience with our guide, Fernando! He is incredibly knowledgeable and made the entire tour engaging from start to finish. Not only did we learn so much about Amsterdam itself, but he also shared fascinating insights about the Netherlands as a whole, which made the experience even more valuable. The tour was well-organized, fun, and absolutely worth the money. Fernando has a great way of explaining history and culture in a way that keeps you interested the entire time. Just a quick heads-up: the tour is not actually free, so make sure to bring cash (in euros, not dollars) to tip your guide fairly—it’s definitely deserved! Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Amsterdam 👍
Wonderful Introduction to Amsterdam
Dazyagal,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I waited a week to post this review, as we did this walking tour on our first full day in Amsterdam. Samuel was our guide, and after spending 5 more days going to museums and on excursions in this moving city, I can honestly say that Samuel really "set the stage" for our visit. His insights were more thorough than those of any other guide we had while in town. His English was easy to understand, and his knowledge of the history and architecture of Amsterdam was more in-depth than those of other guides we encountered. I loved his youth and enthusiasm, and obvious love for his home city. We visited some of the main drags/canals in town, plus also detoured to some interesting side streets. Samuel often stopped at places where we could easily sit. (Bonus for my knee!) Plus, it was chilly. . . and he let my husband wear his jacket. That's full service!
Walking tour Amsterdam
ianrP3319BF,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebastian was interesting and engaging throughout. A walking tour is an excellent way to learn about the city and see the sights - highly recommend.
Fantastic!
D1465PPkayb,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and made the tour not only interesting but enjoyable as well. He answered everyone's questions and made us all feel included.
First Amsterdam trip
Rachel K,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was wonderful! Our guide, Ramses, was informative, fun and helpful. He even suggested other places to visit and gave us suggestions for things that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise (the resistance Museum! 10 out of 10) I was skeptical booking a tip based tour at first, but would highly recommend and we’ll definitely do again in the future
Interesting and engaging tour of Amsterdam
H9007XFjaneh,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebastian was our guide. It was a really interesting and engaging insight into Amsterdam now and in the past. Sebastian was a great guide, making the tour fun and interesting.
Chartered streets of Amsterdam
Neil J,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful way to spend a few hours. The sights of Amsterdam punctuated with poignant historical musings. The tour guide Sebastian was vivacious in his ways ensuring we all enjoyed our time spent. Fantastic tour guide Brilliant tour
Walking tour with Raymond
Fearless29443513498,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today, we did a walking tour with Raymond which was absolutely brilliant. His knowledge and delivery seemed brilliant. I have visited Amsterdam three times now and this is the first time, I am returning to London loaded with a huge knowledge about the city. Thanks to Raymond. You get 10/10 for your service. Raymond is an educated, and knowledgable tour guide who is very friendly and approachable. He is passionate about his job and has a balanced opinion about history of the region. I learnt so much from from him today! Even my daughter said that he made the whole session very interesting and engaging. Five stars to Freedam tours and ten stars to Raymond. Raymond if you are wondering who I was. I am a “different kind of carpenter”😀😀
From €4.90
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Operated by FreeDam Tours