History & culture tour in Amsterdam with a local
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us for a fun and unforgettable 2-hour walking tour led by a passionate local! Discover how Amsterdam grew from a medieval settlement into one of the world’s most liberal cities, with a rich history that shaped its open-minded vibe.
Explore the UNESCO canal belt, learn about WWII, and uncover how the city became famous for its coffeeshops and legal prostitution. Plus, hear the fascinating story behind Amsterdam’s love affair with bikes—and where the missing ones go!
Halfway through, enjoy a classic Dutch stroopwafel, because no tour is complete without a sweet treat. Your guide will also share local favourites and insider tips to help you avoid the tourist traps and experience the city like a local.
With plenty of stunning photo opportunities, this tour is the perfect mix of history, culture, and fun. By the end, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Amsterdam and its vibrant charm. It’s more than a tour—it’s a local experience you won’t forget!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This walking tour takes 2 to 2.5 hours. Between passing the highlights, the group explores the city on foot while the guide discusses various topics along the way.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Dutch stroopwafel
Delicious souvenir at the end of the tour
What To Expect
Learn about the origins of the city and how it acquired its name. Discover how a fishing village evolved into the center of the global economy in the 17th century.
Dam Square
Listen to the significance of the Dam Square in the city's formation, admire the Royal Palace on the Dam, and its role during the Second World War.
Options
2 Hours Group Tour Highlights of the Historic City Center
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Personal and authentic tour! Top afternoon
392brams,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Last Friday I did the city tour at Manouk. The walk through the center feels very personal and authentic. Manouk tells the stories very vividly and you learn facts that you hadn't thought of yourself. In addition, the tour is also well organized in terms of time and bores the total. For this I did the Red Light District tour once which was also very popular. Thanks for the excellent afternoon!
Super educational walk
alexandravJ1263HD,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Last Friday I did the city walking experience and I am positively surprised! Although I already know a thing or two about Amsterdam, I have heard many new and interesting stories. Manouk tells in a fun way, which keeps you captivated. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn something new!
Great Amsterdam walking tour with Manouk
JennieYimSF,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this walking tour on the last day that we were in Amsterdam. A lot of the questions that we had about landmarks and areas of the city that we had seen before the tour were answered by our guide, Manouk! She is very knowledgeable and personable. The tour itself was just the right length of time, and the information provided about the sites we covered on the tour gave me great context that I didn’t have before about the city. I recommend this tour with Manouk for first-timers to the city who are curious about what makes it special.
Great tour of Amsterdam
Lisa K,
Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We opted for a private tour, Manouk was our wonderful guide. She tailored the tour to fit us. Manouk gave us a fantastic tour of Amsterdam. Very informative, lots of history gave us a good insight on what Amsterdam is like today and there is a thoughtful treat at the end.
Loved the tour— Manouk was an excellent guide
Lisa K,
Mar 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the history and highlights of the city. Malik was an excellent guide. Friendly and knowledgeable and customized the tour to meet our needs
Great city walking tour!
Paul D,
Mar 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic Amsterdam city tour today! Manouk was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fun insights that brought the city to life. Our family learned a lot and had a fun time. Highly recommend this tour and Manouk!
City walk with a personal touch. Through all the knowledge and experiences of Manouk, you will learn a lot about the city.
Hans K,
Feb 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Manouk feels at home in Amsterdam and you will notice this throughout the tour. She explains everything clearly with support of photos. She also knew how to answer all questions along the way. For us it was a successful afternoon. I will definitely plan another tour at Manouk.
Insightful and Memorable Amsterdam Tour with a Thoughtful Guide
Afia A,
Oct 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took this tour with a close friend and it was just the two of us 🙂! Manouk is an exceptional guide, from start to finish, she was incredibly knowledgeable about the city's history, sharing fascinating stories and insights that truly brought Amsterdam to life. No question was left unanswered – she was patient, friendly, and always eager to help with any curiosity we had. What really stood out was the thoughtful touch of including some local treats, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you're looking to explore Amsterdam in a fun, informative way, be sure to book a tour with her!
I enjoyed the walking tour
Janet,
Jun 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent knowledge and many interesting inights about Amsterdam history. A great choice on my first day.
A real local makes the difference
850lynnv,
Jun 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's clear that Manouk is a local and that makes this tour really fun! She really has a passion for the city (which is sometimes different on tours in other cities/countries) and you are automatically drawn into her enthusiasm. An absolute must in our opinion.
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Operated by Guidance Travel