Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Summer Evening Tour

Tip-Based Tour

Reviews

4.90

3,568 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

3343

145

Everybody loves Raymond!
michellelK8390DY,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We weren’t quite sure what to expect at first, but once we got moving we knew Raymond would never lead us astray on this tour. His knowledge was fantastic! We learned so many things about many time periods in history, and many locations throughout the city. Raymond was a great conversationalist and answered every question! This tour was perfect length on a brisk day. For the price (free!) you cannot beat this tour!!! You’ll be inspired to leave a big tip. 10/10, 5 stars!
The instructor was really good at what he does being an history student made him have depth knowledge of the city.
solard2022,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a mind blowing tour, learnt more about the city, the use of bicycles in the city, building design and identification, major occupation back in the days, the museum, the red light street, the old church, the jew community and the use of woods for building foundation construction, that which interest me the most.
Friendly, funny and very informative introduction to Amsterdam from Lisanne
PaulB512,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fun and informative tour that gives you a great introduction to Amsterdam and how it came to be like it is. Lisanne was a very friendly and funny tour guide. Highly recommended!
Our guide David...
MaryAnn C,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide David enthusiastically gave us a great tour with stories and and great summary of amazing history
Ramses is the man
matthewcX5027GU,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Ramses was a wonderful guide! He was very kind, and gave a great tour with a lot of helpful recommendations. Would recommend.
Inspiring tour
C2228IDsabineh,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thank you Aris for your great, inspiring tour! The stories you selected and the cultural as well as practical information and tipps are very helpful for understanding citx and culture
A fun way to be...
Ryan G,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
A fun way to be introduced to the city! Jaap was a great guide and provided insight based on personal experience.
Great tour-lovely guide
N2552ELruthr,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Dan was really interesting and told us lots of great info. He make sure everyone was ok as we did the walk and was very friendly
Highly recommend
774alysal,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Raymond, our tour guide, was incredible! He was very knowledgeable, fun, and sweet. Would definitely recommend this tour for first time visitors in Amsterdam.
I Understand Why This Amsterdam Walking Tour is Rated #1
lawrencec797,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour. Our guide, Aris, was fantastic. I see why this free tour is so highly rated. Learned a lot and saw a lot. I highly recommend it, especially if you can spend the 2-1/2 hours with Aris.