Amsterdam Walking Tour: Urban Legends & History with local guide

Overview

Available languages

English

Dutch

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Unlock the Mysteries of Amsterdam’s Urban Legends

Embark on an interactive walking tour through Amsterdam’s historic center and uncover the stories that shaped its soul. With our local guides, you’ll explore over 10 iconic spots like the Westerkerk, the House with the Bloodstains, and the serene Begijnhof, while delving into the urban legends connected to these locations for centuries.

What secret does a facade with mysterious red encryptions hide? Why was a nun buried in the gutter? And how did the 'Skinny Bridge' get its name?

All our stories are thoroughly researched and supported by historical sources. We share rare archival material that sheds light on the real events behind the legends — offering a deeper understanding of how myth and history are intertwined.

Along the way, play our Urban Legend Bingo and see if you can spot the clues hidden in both the stories and the streets of Amsterdam.

Reserve your spot and channel your inner detective.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Guided walking tour with professional local guide

A typical dutch sweet treat

A unique souvenir

Urban Legend bingo card

What To Expect

The Amstel

For the first stretch of our journey, we follow the Amstel River, where the city’s dark and mysterious past lingers along its banks. As we walk, we’ll pass beautiful historic landmarks linked to a couple urban legends.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Rembrandtplein

At Rembrandtplein, elegance meets intrigue. Here, we share a story of a royal visitor whose presence stirred the city—and how a nearby tower holds the key to a legend about Amsterdam’s very beginnings.

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Dutch - Daytime tour

English - Daytime tour

Dutch - Evening Tour

English - Evening tour

Reviews

4.97

36 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Lovely way to spend an evening in Amsterdam!
lizziee336,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We were very lucky to join the Urban Legends Guided City Walk, led by Luuk on our trip to Amsterdam. Luuk was incredibly knowledgable, engaging and friendly throughout the tour. He told us lots of fascinating tales about Amsterdam that we surely wouldn’t have heard on any other tour. It’s very clear that Luuk and the rest of the team have put a lot of effort into researching and curating a variety of compelling stories, which ranged from spooky to funny to moving - and all very interesting. We had such a lovely time and look forward to doing one of the other tours they offer next time we’re in Amsterdam. Thank you, Luuk!
Very very nice
PIM C,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very much enjoyed so many new legends and stories. Nice guide who enjoys “guiding” Luuk thanks for the nice afternoon
Passing familiar places with a unique view
bobfE4953TU,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nice tour of my own city and so looking at her in a completely different way. Our guide had chosen a few unique locations and connected them to different Legends. Supported by good research, an exciting story and fun visuals, he gave the story colour. Is there truth behind these Legends? Of course, you have to find out for yourself. There are definitely a few places I look at differently now when I pass them again.
New take on t old Amsterdam
dymphir,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A nice experience to get a nice piece of background information at buildings you may already know. Very good research has been done and nicely worked out with printed archive documents and beautiful illustrations.
Nice city walk Amsterdam
lindavI1570NM,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a very nice guide with interesting stories, there was a game element in the walk so you pay extra attention to what he tells... definitely recommended for families too
Tourist in your own city!
britth829,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a great experience in your own city! Luuk knows a lot to tell and the combination between the real story and the truth of which is not certain is hilarious to hear. Nice route, brought with a lot of passion, love and attention!
Absolute must when visiting Amsterdam
O7709DWingem,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
An original fun way to learn about Amsterdam's urban legends. An enthusiastic guide (Luuk) who knew what he was talking about and who also offered other tips on what to do in Amsterdam.
Very good experience
K2497NLcarloa,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Was a nice walking route with lots of information. The guide was friendly and clear to understand. The information collected about Amsterdam was also checked by the guide in the city archives. As a result, you got to hear the stories that have arisen but also what really happened. Was a successful outing.
Creative special city walk
DaanSpontaan,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fun creative walking tour with Luuk.De legends where there can also be a kernel of truth is enthusiastically told by Luuk with info from the city archive and photos attached.Door the bingo it also becomes a playful cozy walk. Patiently you go through the neighborhood with places or sights that you will see differently through the legend.This tour is absolutely worth it! Can also be done in English..I enjoyed it!
New stories
E670INrobb,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A nice tour through the center of Amsterdam. The guide told stories and legends that I had not heard before as a local from Amsterdam. Highly recommended.