In this 3-hour Amsterdam walking tour, we'll visit Amsterdam's Old Town with a local historian, painting a vivid image of this free-wheeling and artistic city, from the charm of the canals to the pleasures of De Wallen. This is a perfect orientation tour for first-time visitors.

Our walk begins just a stone’s throw away from the spot that helped give Amsterdam its name: Dam Square. We’ll discuss the origins of the city and form an understanding of the foundational aspects of Dutch culture, which are reflected in the development of the medieval city. We'll get our bearings at this central square, also home to the World War II National Monument and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). The church isn't used that often these days, except for the most special of occasions—like royal investitures, and the wedding of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. 

From here, we’ll move through the streets of the city center, making our way past the Royal Palace. This impressive building was once the Town Hall until Louis Napoleon Bonaparte (not the one you're thinking of, but his younger brother/step-son-in-law—we know, it's confusing, we'll spare the details) seized power in the Netherlands and installed himself as ruler. Although it wasn't long until control shifted back to the House of Orange, the name has stuck.

As we continue, we'll catch a glimpse of Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site: the architectural marvel of the canal belt. (If you want to spend time getting to know this area properly, we have a Dutch Golden Age Tour or our Canal History Tour by Boat that can help with that.) Along the way to the canal belt, we may also stop in at the Begijnhof courtyard, a time capsule of the 17th century. We’ll take time to discuss Amsterdam’s economic flourishing during those years and how that success has made the city what it is today.

By the time we finish our walk together, we’ll have a sense of how Amsterdam came to be and what it is today. We’ll have had a taste of the city’s story—all the better to get out and explore further on your own, or on one of our other Amsterdam Walking Tours.

Will we visit the Red Light District on this tour?
As of April 2020, Amsterdam has prohibited walking tours from passing prostitution windows in the city center. While this may be a topic for discussion on your tour, you will not spend time in the Red Light District itself.