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
Summer Evening Tour
Tip-Based Tour
Reviews
3,590 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Noe, excellent tour guide!
FarAway65281743193,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Noe was excellent! She was super knowledgeable on everything Amsterdam. Was extremely personable, and provided excellent recommendations after the trip. 10/10 experience.
Carl was a great tour...
ALEXANDROS K,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Carl was a great tour guide and really likes what he does. Try to avoid busy times as streets get filled with people 😁
Great tour with Aris:)
777dinaf,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great tour! Aris was very knowledgeable and friendly. Would absolutely recommend do anyone visiting Amsterdam.
Informative and enjoyable.
russregollo,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and manageable walking tour. Our guide Esi was very good. She showed and explained to us the main places in Amsterdam.
Our Introduction to Amsterdam
827leonao,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent tour. It covered interesting current and historical facts, figures and places. This was our first time to Amsterdam and this tour provided the perfect introduction. David, our tour guide, was amazing (and easily the reason why we enjoyed the tour). His in-depth historic and cultural knowledge, and fantastic sense of humor provided the right balance to keep us enthralled and entertained. He also brought treats!! Thank you, David!
Excellent tour
dianedelm2023,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alexander was super knowledgeable and interesting. He had tons of suggestions for things to do and places to go as well. I loved this walking tour! I learned a lot.
Amsterdam December 2025
G7019LXjennifero,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide for our walking tour through Amsterdam was Jaap, he was wonderful! Tons of knowledge as he has a degree in history and tons of humor. The tour was a great mix of history, politics (past and present), architecture, social issues and entertainment. Definitely take this walking tour of Amsterdam whether it's your first time or your 6th!
Exceptional walking tour
Vyasan G,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sergio was very knowledgeable and passionate about the city. He was very helpful and made the tour exceptional. Would definitely recommend this!
Knowledgeable and amusing guide
Simnsays123,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The walk covered a lot of ground. The guide was knowledgeable and quite amusing. He also pointed us in the right direction for a good dinner. My only comment is that he walked a bit fast for a tour guide with a mixed bag of guests.
David is the best!
Julie B,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00David is exceptionally knowledgeable and he told us to say he his handsome and that his mum should be proud 😊 Seriously though, a great tour!
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Operated by FreeDam Tours