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
3,604 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A wonderful morning stroll
Ludovica C,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gianni was a great guide. Super fun to be around and very knowledgeable. He explained everything in detail and had maps and visual aids to help us better grasp the concepts. The walking pace is perfect for everyone and his way of explaining things makes the tour very engaging. The waffle tasted great and I felt very welcomed overall.
Excellent
zeevg2026,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio was an outstanding tour guide in Amsterdam. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, genuinely funny, and an excellent storyteller who brings the city to life. The tour was engaging from start to finish and gave us a real feel for Amsterdam’s history, culture, and hidden gems. Hands down the best way to get to know the city—highly recommended!
Fantastic Tour - Karel was a STAR!
nairngbrown,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this free walking tour! Karel was knowledgable, engaging, and made Amsterdam's history really come alive. A great addition to the trip.
Amazing!
C9734APlucyl,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David was a super informative guide - very interesting to learn about the history and culture of Amsterdam! Managed to help us navigate the icy weather as well.
Walk through history with the best guides
F5845WCkenr,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A must do tour -- Alexander was very informative and knowledgeable about all things history in Amsterdam. He was also very helpful when we wanted to change our tour time and got us on the earlier tour which helped us out. This walking tour really helped us orient ourselves to the city as well and Alexander provided excellent recs for drinks and food after our tour!
Very pleased with Gianni as our guide
Wander02272842928,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Gianni was very friendly and knowledgeable. We visited quite a bit of the city in that time, and told us about the Dutch culture, what to expect etc. We were very happy with the tour a d also he treat us with some Stroopwaffel :)
Cold But Worth It!
AllisonN650,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jaap was an excellent guide. He is representative of the big difference between taking a tour with a true historian vs just a guide. He was entertaining and engaging, taught us a lot, and debunked several “myths” we had heard in the past.
Best walking tour of Amsterdam!
687ashleyb,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Samuel is a fantastic guide, and this was a great walking tour! Samuel took a lot of care to make sure all our questions were answered and was very thorough in his explanations and descriptions. He made the tour very engaging and interesting because he told a very good story. It was a huge amount of fun, and I strongly recommend!
This is the tour you want.
E3901XSalexl,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide Daan was knowledgeable, funny, and entertaining. He showed us historical sites and had extensive recall of facts about each. He also shared practical recommendations for local restaurants and bars which made us feel at home and as if we lived there. Thanks Daan - can’t recommend the tour enough.
Great walking tour, so enjoyable and informative. Thoroughly recommend.
nigelbh,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved it. Noé is an excellent guide. A really nice friendly informal manner and great way of explaining about the history and society of Amsterdam. So knowledgable and able to respond all sorts of random questions too. Now I know what a coffee shop is and isn’t and why the red light district is called that! Plus many more facts that will remain in my memory. Thoroughly recommend
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Operated by FreeDam Tours