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Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour

4,091 Reviews 4.92 out of 5 stars Based on 4,091 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

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!

What's Included

  • A unique souvenir
  • Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
  • Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    Beursplein 5
    1012 GZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

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    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    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.
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    20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Our Lord in the Attic Museum 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)
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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!
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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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!
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    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.
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    15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

    Show 9 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Absolutely Amsterdam – the Essential Introductory Walking Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-152260P2

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.92
    4,091 reviews

    Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 4,091 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    3,861
    4 stars
    160
    3 stars
    42
    2 stars
    9
    1 star
    19
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 24 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • A unique souvenir
    • Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
    • Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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