Amsterdam Walking Tour: Urban Legends & History with local guide Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 44 reviews |

Get your discount tickets for the Amsterdam Legends & History Guided Walking Tour, save up to 14% !

Overview

Every city has its legends. Amsterdam has hundreds. Some are based on real events. Others grew with every generation that retold them. During this walking tour, you'll discover how history and folklore became intertwined, and why these stories still shape the city today. Together with one of our local guides, you'll explore more than ten remarkable locations in Amsterdam's historic centre, including the Begijnhof, the House with the Bloodstains and Dam Square. Unlike traditional storytelling tours, we don't stop at the legend. Drawing on years of research in archives, old newspapers and historical collections, we compare myth with historical evidence. Sometimes the legend is closer to the truth than you might expect. Sometimes reality turns out to be even more remarkable. During the tour you can also play our Urban Legend Bingo, spotting clues hidden in both the stories and the city around you. Join us and discover the Amsterdam that history books don't tell on their own.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Meet your tour guide on the stunning 'Magere Brug. The guide is visibly wearing an 'Urban Legends City Quest' tote bag.

End Point

End point

The final point of the tour is Dam Square.

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Dutch-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. 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.
Duration: 20 mins
2. 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.
Duration: 10 mins
3. Munt Tower (Munttoren)
We pass one of Amsterdam's former city gates, where you'll hear the oldest legend of the tour. It has a surprising connection to a traditional Amsterdam sweet that you'll get to taste.
Duration: 5 mins
4. Rasphuispoort
Our next stop is the Rasphuis Gate, one of the few remaining traces of Amsterdam's former correctional institution. Here, you'll discover the building's remarkable past and the surprising origin of a Dutch expression that is still used today.
Duration: 5 mins
5. Spui
Next, we arrive at Spui, a lively square filled with cafes and restaurants, each with its own unique charm. Among them is one café that’s tied to a fascinating story.
Duration: 10 mins
6. Begijnhof
Our next stop is the Begijnhof, a peaceful, hidden courtyard with an interesting past. Here, we’ll uncover an eerie story about one of its former residents. You’ll also have time to explore the serene chapel, adding a moment of reflection to this mysterious stop.
Duration: 15 mins
7. Rokin
Next, we head to Rokin, a historic spot with not one, but two captivating stories. One of them, the Miracle of Amsterdam, dates back to the 13th century. This miraculous event not only shaped the city’s history but also turned Amsterdam into a renowned destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Duration: 10 mins
8. Dam Square
Dam Square, where history and legend intertwine. Here, you'll stand before the grand Royal Palace — once the city hall, now the royal residence — a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that has witnessed centuries of royal drama. Just across the square, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) stands, its towering spire hiding an interesting tale.
Duration: 10 mins

Inclusion

Guided walking tour with professional local guide

Snacks

A unique souvenir

Urban Legend bingo card

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon 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

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

Supplied by Urban Legends City Quest

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 44 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
42
4 stars
2
3 stars
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2 stars
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1 stars
0

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