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‘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
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
Summer Evening Tour
Tip-Based Tour
Reviews
3,477 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely essential with an amazing tour guide.
Ade A,
Oct 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a great way to experience Amsterdam. Our tour guide, Sebastian was really knowledgeable and funny. The stories he told us helped to set the tone for the rest of our exploration and I almost felt like I was transported to those early days and can understand the journey to the present moment.
Enjoyable walk
Sean O,
Oct 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Really worthwhile intro to Amsterdam with a very knowledgeable guide so, well worth the money spent. I only wish I remembered his name but he certainly deserved his gratuity as it was fantastic...thanks for the cookie!
Amsterdam tour
Madelynn H,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
3.00We did not appear on the guide’s list even though we PAID for what was supposed to be a free tour. Guide was good but way too many people. He walked fast.
Thanks Dani
Greg T,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Did the Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking with Dani. What a nice bloke to walk around Amsterdam with. So friendly and willing to share his local knowledge and experiences. Not only did he freely answer any questions on the tour, he followed it up by sending us details on tips and recommendations that we could refer back to during the rest of visit. Thanks Dani!!
All in all a good...
KM C,
Oct 12, 2025
- Viator
3.00All in all a good experience. Only recommendation for improvement is that The guide could have been more engaging whilst walking across town.
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Operated by FreeDam Tours