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
3,801 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do!
bonnie b,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our walking tour!!great way to start your visit to Amsterdam! Francine was the best guide ever. She was so friendly, knowledgeable, engaging and patient. She answered lots of questions and told us lots on interesting anecdotes. I would highly recommend her and the tour in general!!
Tour guide made it so interesting
K666GMsusanc,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ramses was enthusiastic and knowledgeable and brought a great youthful energy. He was extremely knowledgeable but the history of Amsterdam. I highly recommend this your guide!
Loved the tour!
Scott g,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was very easy to book using the Viator app. We have used this on other tours in Europe and has always functioned well. Our guide Ramses was very knowledgeable and gave us a very interesting/informative introduction to Amsterdam. Just got off a transatlantic flight this am but was interesting enough to push through. Very much recommend r fed
Excellent your leader with a wealth of knowledge!
Constance K,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing tour - Ramses has a wealth of knowledge to share. He was superb. Rich history as well as architecture and totally fascinating information. Best tour in a long time. He has a passion for history and is a model guide. Best money spent.
Great tour and guide
441pato,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was excellent and really immersed us in the city. Well done!
Excellent tour
Kate L,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome tour with Sebastian. Well worth while. He had so much knowledge and shared this information freely with our group. The group was limited to 15 people so we all could hear the information and the tour felt personal.would highly recommend
All You Want to Know About Amsterdam while avoiding the bicycles
Carla M,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Comprehensive walking tour with combination of history and current state. Guide was informative with good sense of humor. Easy walk.
Daan is the best.
kimwilsonwiles,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daan was excellent with his knowledge of Amsterdam culture and history. Easy pace. Patient with all questions.
Excellent walking tour with great guide
GPSquiggle,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent walking tour with knowledgeable and interesting guide Sebastian. Informative and enjoyable. Highly recommended
Great tour.
TODD F,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Samual our guide was very knowledgeable, a great tour. Highly recommend this tour and Samual for a good experience in Amsterdam.
From €4.90
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Operated by FreeDam Tours