Zen Amsterdam Tour : Alternative History and High Experiences
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This tour is alternative and not just a normal tour! This tour will explore the urban secret side that Amsterdam is most known for and we don't mean cheese and canals!
Join this 2-hour Amsterdam walking tour and explore the city's alternative culture with a local guide. Look into Amsterdams alternative world, its taboo in other places but normal and fun here in Amsterdam.
It is a unique exploration of the city's rich history and contemporary culture. Wander through the picturesque streets, taking in iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace at Dam Square and a quaint historic courtyard.
Along the way, we'll introduce you to some of Amsterdam's most distinctive and inviting venues. Experience the local scene as we visit popular spots known for their unique ambiance and cultural significance.
Our tour offers an authentic Amsterdam experience, blending the city's captivating past with its vibrant present. Join us for a memorable journey filled with stories, culture, and local insights!"
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 18 years; A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking; Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Food is only available on 3 hour tour
What To Expect
Begijnhof
We will learn about the 14th century nuns who lived here, why there are so important to Amsterdam and explore their history from France to the Netherlands
Royal Palace Amsterdam
We will examine the royal palace at Dam Square , why its so famous and what happens inside, you can even see the King and Queen
Options
1.5 hour tour English or Dutch
This is a basic look at the coffeeshop culture in Amsterdam, history of the dam, 2 coffeeshops, history and info! Luxury Duration: 1 hour City Center of Amsterdam
Red Light District Preview!
After your three hour tour, you can tour the Red Light District for 30 minutes. A quick visit just to show you the history, as well as discover fun stuff to do later on. Great pubs and nightlife! Duration: 2 hours 20 minutes bitterballen ( dutch snack)
What‘s Included
Local guide
Cool places in the summer!
Warm Places in the winter
Small-group walking tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
103 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Why Wouldn’t You Do This Tour?
zoraf2026,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly unique experience that may have changed my thoughts on Amsterdam (for the better). Erik, our tour guide, may be the most interesting man in Amsterdam. As we toured the coffee house culture we played games (some better than others), learned about Amsterdam’s history and culture but the real learning came from watching our guide interact flawlessly with other residents, underscoring the relaxed, open and good natured culture the city is famous for. Being on this tour was like hanging with your cool cousin. Scoring great deals at the coffee houses was an added bonus!
It's a milkmaid
I465VIdawno,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing afternoon, Erik was fabulous, making sure everyone was included, introduction to fellow tour buddies before setting off from Dam Square we were shown parts of the city I'd never think of, his knowledge of the area and history was top class. Several coffee shops visited, a run down on what does what, Eriks energy is awesome and contagious. As a solo flyer I often find tours can be a bit "meh" but within minutes we were like old friends, after the tour hanging with a couple of them. Great chat, great knowledge, Salvadori (apologies for spelling) a guide in training was delightful, had the best time.
High history
aamanncompany,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best experience with Eric on the tour. He is a walking book of knowledge of history. The information that he shared was so enlightening and Im so grateful that he shares this with many people. Not only did he share knowledge of history but has great experience with choosing the best strains of "flower". I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants a mind opening and chill experience.
Zero contact
ines s,Nov 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Unfortunately missed... because my taxi got stuck in traffic I was 8 minutes late at the meeting point. No phone number, no one who contacted me and far and wide no indication of an Umbrella tour... It's a shame!
NOT worth what it costs
878pfg,Sep 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Not one more tour with Viator or Orangeumbrella. We hire the extended 3-hour tour (additional visits and tasting included), with Guide in Spanish. The tour started late because the Guide could NOT speak Spanish, and after much discussion a partner came as a translator, which made the tour very uncomfortable as the Guide talked a lot and in the end the partner only translated half of what the Guide said. In addition, the tour we were given was the 2 hour tour (when the contracted one was the 3 hour tour), with reduced visits since in addition to starting late, the Guide left before the hour to attend to another tour. Still we were almost relieved that we didn’t have to endure that nightmare of touring anymore, despite having paid a bonus. They take advantage of the fact that you pay in advance to give you minimal and poor quality services. I can NOT recommend this tour to anyone, there are many more companies that offer tours in Amsterdam and sure with better services, my advice is to look in another company if you want to enjoy Amsterdam and not have a hard time.
Excellent guide Ruggiero
Massimiliano T,Jun 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The guide was very helpful in accompanying me on this experience, the conversation and sharing of this peculiar aspect of Amsterdam culture was very pleasant. The only flaw was that the meeting point was not specified correctly via email, I was elsewhere, and I delayed the appointment a bit, via WhatsApp I asked where the guide I was waiting for was and I was given a different address where he was.
Be sure to book
460kirstiw,Mar 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was great; very eloquent and funny. The tour was very well planned and entertaining and despite multiple visits to Amsterdam, we were able to discover a lot of new things
This is NOT a FOOD tour at all!!!!
Maria F,Jun 13, 2023
- Review from Viator
1.00This was the most Misrepresented title for a tour!!! There is NO food. I was doing this this tour with my family. The tour guide showed up and said are you ready to get high. I said we are here for the food sampling tour. He said it was going to be about the history of cannabis in the Amsterdam culture. I asked if there was food, he said no there is no food and we would be going to coffee shop to smoke WEED and get high. They would NOT give a refund. I contacted Viator and they tried to contact this company with no answer.
Great tour on the drug culture Amsterdams
JKD2000,May 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a coffeeshop tour with Eric on Remembrance day. Eric is an outgoing & energetic tour guide whose passion for the "dark" side of Amsterdam could be felt. The tour is a great addition getting to know the intentions behind legalizing cannabis and prostitution in the city. A stroll through the city will lead you to some great coffeeshops and there's given enough time to buy and smoke something while enjoying the city. Even having a packed day it was a great ending. If your intrested in marihuana or just want to know more about the drug culture of the city I would totally recommend participating in this tour.
tour review
Ana N,May 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was an amazingly pleasant experience in that it was very interactive, which made it so much fun and gave it a more cozy ambiance, and informative. I found out things I would have never thought of before and got to see Amsterdam from a whole different perspective. I loved it!!
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Operated by Oranje Umbrella Tours