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Free Tour of Amsterdam's City Centre

Duration: 2h
Languages: English
Guru: Mark
Quality Verified Registered on September 21, 2021

Originally from a small border town in Northern Ireland and having travelled extensively throughout Europe as a young man, I settled in the city that spoke to me the most: the Global Village that is Amsterdam. Since 2012 I have been guiding travelers through and around Amsterdam by foot, boat and bike. Let me show you the highlights and hidden gems of a city that is easy to fall in love with.

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Experience one of Europe's most beautifully preserved historical city centers on this walking tour which delves into the history, culture, and architecture of a truly unique place. Hear about how a damp swamp was transformed into a global melting pot and how the experience of the Second World War triggered a revolution in social experimentation that continues to unfold today.
Highlights include: 

  • How the first inhabitants fought with the elements to create their own land 
  • The social experiment of legalized prostitution and the controversial changes to the Red Light District 
  • The revolutionary principles of the Dutch East India Company
  • The battle of building on a swamp and the uniqueness of the city's architecture 
  • Coffeeshops and the Netherlands' policy on soft drugs
  • How a post-war housing crisis triggered a radical experiment in communal living 


From the square where the original inhabitants laid a dam, the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company, the Amstel River and its beautiful houseboats, the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the canal belt, and the bells of the Western Church that Anne Frank wrote about in her diary you will experience the highlights and hidden gems of a world-famous city. 

Please note that due to strict regulations on tour group sizes in Amsterdam this tour is designed for individuals and small groups up to a maximum of 6 people. Larger groups can contact me for a private tour. A group of larger than 6 which has booked under multiple reservations will not be permitted to join. 

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  • Meeting point:
    Dam, 1012 Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Dam, 1012 Amsterdam, Netherlands
    View on map

    On the steps in front of the National Monument on Dam Square.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

16 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
5.0
Fun
5.0
Expression
4.94
Quality
4.69
Route
4.75
Generic
5 stars
15
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
MARLY 30 Jan 2022
Berlin

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Jan 2022
Lo que debes hacer en Amsterdam al llegar! Estuvo genial! Nos dio muchos recomendaciones para hacer!
Ryan 15 Nov 2021
Boulder

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Nov 2021
Sem was exactly everything you could want in a tour guide. He was enthusiastic, comical, and knowledgeable. Plus he gave us a link to his recommendations for restaurants, nightlife and other attractions after the tour. He is Amsterdam, even though he looks Italian. He was very knowledgeable on the history of the Dutch and gave a good feel for what the culture in the Netherlands is all about. 5 out of 5 all day long. Very glad I signed up.
OB 01 Nov 2021

Me and my husband had Mark for our tour. I must say he was brilliant! I'm into quirky facts and information which isn't run of the mill and mark delivered. Very engaging throughout. Would highly recommend!
Mike 01 Nov 2021

Mark was fantastic Wonderful all round 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Eva 01 Nov 2021

Outstanding tour from Mark Highly recommend Brilliant personality and very interesting!
Show 16 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
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