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
3,929 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great walking tour
arlene11,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sergio was a fabulous guide, ended up being 3 hours, and he brought us all Dutch cookies. Very informative, lots of walking, was fabulous.
Freedam walking tour
F3081LDmorganp,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gianna was a wonderful tour guide and let us pick his brain on all of our questions about Dutch culture and the history of Amsterdam!
Best tour we have done.
hienman,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Dani was very entertaining and knowledgeable. Best tour we have done on this trip by far. Thank you Dani!
Do it!! Very interesting & covers a large area. Our tour guide Esi was fabulous. Time for questions and to rest
Pam N,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You meet in the financial district and go through the red light area and near the Jewish district and it is full of history and information
Samuel is amazing
635charmainec,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Samuel was amazing very knowledgeable, loads of interesting stories and facts about the city . I was well impressed can’t wait to come back next year x
Janos was the best guide!!
Carocarito21,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best guide ever! Janos was great. Thank you for all the information 🥰
Amazingggg experience with Janos
gandharvc2026,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience with Janos!! Thank you soooo much. Highly recommend it if you’re in amsterdam
Great!
majajI3533FR,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exellent guide! Full of stories.
Fantastic Experience with Dani
Paradise10247410464,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our incredible guide, Dani, was very knowledgeable and down to Earth. He gave great local recommendation and explained the history in a way that is easy to remember without giving an overwhelming amount of information. Very friendly guides; I would highly recommend this tour.
Best walking tour ever
H4437OIchristinak,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was the best walking tour we've had so far, gave us a good taste of the cuty, Dani is awesome!!!
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Operated by FreeDam Tours