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Overview

Join us for a fun, thought-provoking, and genuinely local experience through the heart of Amsterdam, and discover the stories, history, and strange contradictions that make Amsterdam so… Absolutely Amsterdam. Together with one of our passionate local guides, you’ll explore how freedom, tolerance, trade, rebellion, and creativity shaped the city, and why Amsterdam still feels unlike anywhere else in the world today. This isn’t a generic, scripted tour filled with endless dates and names you won’t remember. We keep things personal, interactive, and honest. Expect fascinating stories, dark history, local gossip, humor, awkward Dutch habits, and the kind of insights you only get from people who actually live here. Every guide brings their own personality, expertise, humor, and perspective, which means no two tours are ever the same. 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!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

We meet IN FRONT of the stock exchange on Beurplein 5. The guides will be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour, holding a yellow umbrella. You can also find directions by looking for FreeDam Tours on Google Maps. !!ATTENTION!! It does NOT start on the nearby Dam square!

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. Beurs van Berlage

In front of the stock and commodities exchange buildings, built where the Amstel River used to flow, we discuss the origins of Amsterdam and how water and finance influenced the city.

Duration: 20 mins

2. 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.

Duration: 15 mins

3. Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

Here we discuss how (Religious) tolerance worked in practice once Catholicism became illegal in the 17th Century but was 'tolerated' under some very peculiar conditions. Form the underlying principles we draw parallels to how tolerance works today, in the 21st Century. (note: we don't actually enter the hidden church, but we see it form the outside and have pictures of it's interior)

Duration: 15 mins

4. Chinatown

Dutch drug policies explained. Find out how this area became an absolute no go area in the 1970's and how this sparked the beginning of the infamous ‘Coffeeshops’ dedicated to the selling of Marjauana.

Duration: 15 mins

5. The Waag

Discovering where Rembrandt painted his first major work ...and how it revolutionised the art of portrait making. We have a copy of the painting to show you all the details!

Duration: 10 mins

6. Oostindisch Huis

In a stunning 17th Century Courtyard hidden inside this building (only accessible during week-days) you will learn how Amsterdam was able to become the center of a global trading empire, making Amsterdam the richest city on the planet in the17th century (aka 'The Golden Age), and how this place, the Headquarters of the first and biggest corporation in human history, kickstarted modern-day capitalism. We discuss the good, but definitely don't shy away from darker legacy of this period.

Duration: 15 mins

7. Waterlooplein Market

The Oldest Market of Amsterdam located in the (former) Jewish Quarter, that was almost completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War - but not why who you think! Find out about the disastrous consequences of the Nazi occupation, that decimated the Jewish populations of what once was a safe haven for persecuted jews from all over Europe, and what the Amsterdammers had to do to survive the last 'hunger-winter' of the war.

Duration: 15 mins

8. The Amstel

Here, or (depending on weather / guide) at another canal we discuss why Amsterdam has canals, and the architecture of the famous canal houses: why are they so skinny, why do they lean in all kinds of directions (some of it is on purpose), why do all the houses have a hook, and why do Dutch people keep their curtains open at ALL times. Everything will be revealed!

Duration: 15 mins

9. Oudemanhuispoort

In this beautiful, hard to find former monastery, turned into hospital and now part of the University of Amsterdam we discuss the unique Dutch Bike Culture: find out why there are more bikes than people and why in the most famous, proud cycling city on the planet most of the bikes look so....ugly.

Duration: 10 mins

10. Royal Palace Amsterdam

Learn about the very peculiar history of our Royal Palace, why and how we made the transition from a Republic to a Monarchy. Meet our current Royal Family (we have pictures), and get up to speed with the latest juicy Royal gossip! Dam square is also where the tour ends.

Duration: 15 mins

Inclusion

Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!

A unique souvenir

Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share their (restaurant) recommendations with you

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

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

100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

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

Supplied by FreeDam Tours

Reviews

4.9

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Based on 4171 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars

3922

4 stars

165

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour Discount Tickets

Select your ticket

Overview

Meeting and Pickup

Language Offered

Itinerary

1. Beurs van Berlage

2. Damrak

3. Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

4. Chinatown

5. The Waag

6. Oostindisch Huis

7. Waterlooplein Market

8. The Amstel

9. Oudemanhuispoort

10. Royal Palace Amsterdam

Inclusion

Cancellation Policy

Additional Info

Reviews

4.9

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