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Tours That Matter

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TOURS THAT MATTER (Amsterdam) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Tours That Matter

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TOURS THAT MATTER (Amsterdam) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

• Netherlands

20 Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam for a Deep Dive into Dutch Culture

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There aren’t many cities as walkable as the Dutch capital, a fact supported by the number of entries on this list of best walking tours in Amsterdam . Old Amsterdam is built around the canals and waterways once used to subdue the swampy terrain.

This lends the city its idiosyncratic characteristic of circular roads and pathways, ensuring a seemingly neverending list of things to do in Amsterdam . The city’s unique layout makes it quite tricky to navigate on your own — but that’s a great excuse for going on a guided walking tour in Amsterdam and visiting many of the city’s most famous attractions and landmarks.

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• walking tours in Amsterdam

1 – Anne Frank Story & Neighbourhood Walking Tour in English

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 1100 reviews )

“I was the only person on the tour with the guide & got a real personal experience. The guide was great & full of knowledge.” Tanya, Viator

This fascinating, and sometimes somber tour explores the life of one of Amsterdam’s most famous residents, Anne Frank — a teenage Jewish girl that documented her life during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam.

The Anne Frank Story and Neighbourhood Walking Tour traces her steps, discovering her world before the occupation. The passionate and knowledgeable guide incorporates snippets from her famous diary, weaving it through the fabric of the city — bringing her captivatingly tragic tale to life in front of your own eyes.

This was an unforgettable experience. Our guide handled Anne Frank’s story with such empathy and compassion that it remains with me to this day. We decided to visit the Anne Frank House on our own afterward and we loved the holistic picture that we had thanks to this tour.

• Anne Frank tours

2 – Amsterdam Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 995 reviews )

“We had a very enjoyable, engaging, and entertaining tour by our guide Dave!” Brian, Viator

The team behind WOW Tours Amsterdam goes out of their way to ensure their walking tours live up to their name. Easily one of the best walking tours in Amsterdam, the outing offers a captivating blend between the cultural and historical sides of the city.

During your informative stroll, you’ll visit many of Amsterdam’s must-see attractions — stopping at the infamous Red Light District, retracing the steps of the many famous artists who lived here and ambling along the winding canals.

The word “WOW” doesn’t do this tour justice! Sean, the guide, goes out of his way to share his considerable knowledge about Amsterdam with his guests. He combines many aspects of the city, from the history and the architecture to anecdotes and interesting facts.

3 – Professional Photo Session in Amsterdam and Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 36 reviews )

“We had a great photo session with Sandra and the dogs loved her. She was professional and put me at ease in front of her camera.” Manon, Viator

What better way to immortalize your visit to the Venice of the North than by a walking tour and photoshoot combination in Amsterdam? Sandra Herrero is the person behind the lens, a celebrated local photographer who specializes in capturing the spirit of this vibrant city.

During this unique outing, you’ll travel to some of Amsterdam’s most scenic locations and listen to the captivating stories behind them — before posing for that perfect shot to ensure that your visit won’t easily be forgotten.

If you want to immortalize your visit to Amsterdam, look no further than Sandra. Both the photo shoot and the tour are amazing, and she makes sure that every snap is perfectly composed. You’ll visit locations that encapsulate Amsterdam’s essence while Sandra goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera.

• photo tours in Amsterdam

4 – The Best Rated Walking Tour in Amsterdam

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 1837 reviews )

“A great experience and a very knowledgeable tour guide. What I liked about it the most us the fact they take you to hidden places and not so obvious touristic spots. So you do have a chance to see the real Amsterdam.” Fadi, Viator

The team at FreeDam Tours bills this excursion as the best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam, and frankly, it’s difficult to argue with their assessment — especially as the outing is completely free of charge.

Setting forth from the city’s center, you’ll visit many of the most famous locations in Amsterdam, as well as hidden gems that only locals know. Exceptional local knowledge is the driving force behind this walking tour, ensuring that you go away with a unique perspective of this illustrious city.

Ruud and his informative tour are the highlights of many travelers’ time in Amsterdam, and they all mention the lovely “off the beaten path” locations that are visited. The entire experience is cohesively presented and it is easy to see that a lot of thought and energy went into the tour.

5 – Amsterdam Winter Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 32 reviews )

“Beautiful experience with excellent guide (Petra)!” Antonio, Getyourguide

Wintertime in Amsterdam is a magical time unlike any other. Snow-covered streets, Christmas markets and mulled wine are everywhere to be seen, transforming the Dutch capital into something from a fairy tale.

360 Amsterdam , the company behind this seasonal expedition, has turned the city’s winter months into their bread and butter — enchanting travelers from around the globe as they brave the cold to experience this grand old city in all its cozy splendor.

This tour is as close to magical as you’ll get in Amsterdam — without involving mind-altering substances. Apart from exploring Amsterdam during the winter and at night, you’ll also visit areas that few tourists would discover on their own. Your guide’s passion for the city they live in will help keep the cold away, but they’ll have some help in the form of delicious Gluhwein!

• winter walking tours in Amsterdam

6 – Amsterdam: Jordaan District Local Food Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 185 reviews )

“This tour was amazing. Great selection of food and drinks offered. Gentle walking pace with our guide Jacob, who was very knowledgeable and a brilliant storyteller.” Catherine, Viator

Food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Amsterdam, but the city boasts an assortment of local tasty treats — as you’ll soon realize if you purchase this culinary expedition run by Eating Europe Food Tours .

Apart from delicious delicacies that showcase Amsterdam’s gastronomical heartbeat, you’ll also visit some of the best tourist attractions in Amsterdam — ensuring that this outing leaves you satiated in more ways than one.

Many travelers are surprised by this food tour, stating that they never knew Amsterdam (and Holland for that matter) had so many delicious specialties and such a vibrant cafe culture. The guide is “prima” and they’ll help you understand the history and cultural influences behind the food, as well as that of the many attractions that you’ll visit.

• food tours in Amsterdam

Read more: Best Food Tours in Amsterdam

7 – Amsterdam: Historical Highlights Walking Tour plus Tasting

Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 ( 276 reviews )

“It was a pleasant and informative walking tour. Our guide Sebastian is a nice guy who let us feel in good company.” Daniela, Getyourguide

If you want to stretch your time and budget in Amsterdam, you should consider this walking tour — combining the city’s highlights with a scrumptious tasting experience.

Starting in the historical city center, you’ll wind your way along the canals, visiting the Royal Palace, the Flower Market and the New Church. At the end of your tour, you’ll enjoy a tantalizing tasting, with some of Amsterdam’s best treats on offer.

As a walking and food tour combo, this activity scores 5/5, and the group size and the way the guides interact with the guests are amazing. The entire tour comes in at a budget price point and the 2 hours will simply fly by.

8 – Amsterdam Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 223 reviews )

“Our guide, Lori, was a wonderful guide and very knowledgeable of the region and its foods. My wife and I enjoyed every bite.” Russell, Viator

Much like any dining experience, a walking tour can be ruined if it concentrates on quantity above quality. This is something that the team behind Secret Food Tours & Secret Tours keeps at the forefront when designing their experiences. Less is more, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the size of this walking tour and street food tasting.

The walking and street food tour combo provides a fascinating glimpse into the culinary legacy of the Jordaan — while imparting you with valuable knowledge that will enable you to make sense of these circling streets on your own.

This tour will exceed your expectations in many ways. Not only are the snacks and dishes delicious, but your guide will paint a rich picture of the food in Amsterdam and how it is influenced by delicaci from.

• walking food tours in Amsterdam

9 – Private City Kickstart Tour: Amsterdam

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 163 reviews )

“Very informative! Was really good to get the feel of the area and some great information about what we were seeing. Would highly suggest to anyone who doesn’t know the area.” Joan, Viator

Withlocals is a global tour experience provider, with one mission — helping travelers explore cities like a local, with help from a local. Their private kickstart walking tour in Amsterdam is no exception, and travelers will meet up with a passionate local, eager to share their city.

A private tour in Amsterdam means that you’ll be the one in charge of the itinerary, choosing to visit and avoid according to your preferences. You’ll also enjoy unfettered access to your guide, and they’ll happily set you on your way to becoming an Amsterdam veteran.

The best words to describe this walking tour are “above and beyond” because that’s where your tour guide will go to make this experience as memorable as possible. You’ll visit many locations that you won’t find in a guidebook book — all while learning invaluable lessons about life in Amsterdam.

• private walking tours in Amsterdam

10 – Uncover the History of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 111 reviews )

“Our guide was terrific. I’m struggling to recall his name, but he is a history major and a reservoir of interesting perspectives on the Jewish Quarter and events of Nazi occupation. He calibrated his talking points to our small group and generously responded to questions along the way.” Doug, Viator

As is the case with much of Europe, a tragic and haunting chapter was written in Amsterdam during the Nazi Occupation. This is a history that should be explored with pathos and sincerity, and that is exactly what Trigger Tours aims to do.

To accomplish this they’ve gathered an experienced team of local guides — all well-versed in the city’s traumatic past and equipped with tales and anecdotes to showcase the city’s unyielding sense of hope and justice. From the Anne Frank House to the Dokwerker Monument, you’ll learn about a city and a people who never gave up the struggle.

There’s an inherent difficulty when curating a tour around traumatic past events, but isn’t a problem for this walking in Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter. The story is presented in such a way that everyone feels included, from die-hard history buffs to everyday tourists.

• Jewish Quarter tours

11 – Anne Frank Story and World War II Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 296 reviews )

“I liked the tour because it gives you an overview of what Amsterdam is, the guide David explained very well, he gave us several recommendations so that our stay in this diverse city was pleasant. without a doubt, a great Dutch experience !!!” Liliana, Getyourguide

This small group walking tour by Amsterdam Guides and Tours takes a holistic approach to what it means to be an Amsterdammer. To accomplish this, they take travelers on a journey that stretches from before the city’s Golden Age, all the way to WWII and into the future.

Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating and heartwrenching tales from this city that was once the port to the world — while simultaneously learning how locals think about their home and their hopes for tomorrow.

If you’re looking for a true representation of what life in Amsterdam is like, then this is the outing for you. The guides are informative and entertaining, making sure that the entire group is engaged throughout the tour. For an even more personal experience, consider opting for the small group or private tour.

12 – Private Tour: Amsterdam City Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 140 reviews )

“Ralph was great. Tailored the tour exactly to our requirements. Communication with operator ahead of tour also very good. Highly recommend.” Ralph, Viator

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for and that’s true about this private walking tour from HTG Services . The excursion is marginally more expensive than other offerings, but the overall experience has so much more to offer.

HTG Services is one of the leading tour providers in the Netherlands, with trips in 18 Dutch cities — including The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Keukenhof — so you know you’ll have a qualified team behind your private Amsterdam walking tour. As a bonus, the tour also includes a 1-hour long boat tour on the world-famous Lovers Canal Cruises.

This tour is perfect for families, couples or groups of friends and it’s sure to be the highlight of your visit to Amsterdam. The fact that it’s a private tour will give you the freedom to enjoy the excursion without the company of strangers, or constantly worrying about what the kiddos are getting up to.

Read more: Best City Tours in Amsterdam

13 – The #1 Best Rated Walking Tour in Amsterdam

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 4586 reviews )

“Thanks for the great tour, was a lot fun and very interesting!!” Franziska, Guruwalk

This walking tour in the Dutch capital constantly makes the list of the best things to do when in Amsterdam. This is another excursion organized and executed by the team at FreeDam Tours, but this one is a small group tour — making it the perfect activity for a family, a couple or a group of friends.

The excursion is a wonderful mix of history and local culture, presented by a passionate local guide with a knack for storytelling. You’ll visit everything from monuments dating to the war to the scars left by Nazi occupation and the notorious Red Light District.

• free walking tours in Amsterdam

You can’t go wrong when choosing this extensive walking tour from a passionate and informative local guide. Guests especially loved the stories and anecdotes that are shared during this excursion, as well as the unique Dutch humor that’s sprinkled throughout.

14 – Walking Tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch

Rating: ⭐️ 4.7/5 ( 46 reviews )

“Very good, the tour guide told a lot of great details that were interesting and worth knowing. The stops were well chosen so far and there was a nice big tour.” Christine, Getyourguide

It’s hard to imagine a more Dutch way to end your walking tour than by enjoying some well-earned pancakes or pannenkoeken as they’re called in these parts.

This walking tour and lunch combination explore many of Amsterdam’s must-see attractions — including Damplein, the Westerkerk, the Amsterdam Flower Market and the Jordaan District .

It’s a small group tour, allowing you to discover and experience much more of the city when compared with larger outings. After an extensive exploration by foot, you’ll enjoy a 3three course meal that features pancakes in each. What better way to deal with a calorie deficit?

Not even a torrential downpour would dampen your experience of this tour and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the selection at the restaurant, as well as the quality of the food.

• walking tours with lunch in Amsterdam

15 – The Essential Amsterdam Walking Tour (+18)

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 1257 reviews )

“Felipe is a great guide. He was interesting and informative.” Shelley, Guruwalk

GuruWalk is the go-to platform when it comes to finding high-quality free walking tours around the globe. The Essential Amsterdam Walking tour is one such outing, earning rave reviews from travelers.

Your guide for the budget-friendly jaunt is Felipe, a self-confessed addict of all things to do with culture and history. His knowledge and passion are evident in the way he conducts his tour. The overall experience is a subtle blend of storytelling, a history lesson and even some frank insights about life in Amsterdam.

This free walking tour would be worth at least €40 if compared with some of the other paid excursions available in the city. The only real complaint that travelers have is that they wish they discovered Felipe or Guru Walk sooner!

16 – Amsterdam Red Light Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 131 reviews )

“Extremely informative. Marta was a perfect tour guide injecting humour at every corner, which made it so much fun. Thank you again Marta and Viator.” Bert, Viator

For better or worse, the infamous Red Light District is intertwined with Amsterdam’s history, culture and identity. The creators of this tour, Amsterdamliebe , aim to explore those three elements during a quintessential walking tour in the Red Light District.

Originally a German language tour an English option was added as soon as the tour’s popularity became evident.  It offers a no-holds-barred exploration of these seedy streets while tackling some weighty topics such as trafficking, the health of sex workers and the stigma attached to prostitution. A word of advice, this tour is not for travelers easily offended or squeamish about sex.

This is a fascinating view into a world that’s often hidden away in other parts of the world. With the help of a passionate (and compassionate) guide, you’ll leave the Red Light District with a deeper understanding of sex work and the people in the industry.

• Red Light District tours

17 – Walking Tour, Jewish Museum & Synagogue Tickets

Rating: ⭐️ 4.3/5 ( 97 reviews )

“Peter was an extremely good guide.” Daniel, Getyourguide

Amsterdam is by no means a one-trick pony when it comes to things to do — and travelers can enjoy an amazing time in the Dutch capital without exploring the world’s oldest profession. Amsterdam is home to a myriad of art galleries and museums and the next tour visits a couple of entries on the list of best museums in Amsterdam .

The excursion in question is the much-vaunted walking tour with Jewish Museum and Synagogue visit. The Jewish community played a pivotal role in Amsterdam’s history and suffered deeply during the Nazi occupation — a dark chapter that this tour tries to illuminate.

This is an edifying experience that you won’t soon forget. Your guide, Manuel, will help you navigate this fascinating and tragic chapter of Amsterdam’s history, providing information and insights throughout. For a truly unforgettable outing, try timing the end of your tour to coincide with the start of a tour of the Anne Frank House.

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18 – Amsterdam Private Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 10 reviews )

“Secret foods are always great! this is our 5th and highly recommend you take this tour time understand the city, culture and food!” Sarah, Viator

This is another appearance from the team at Amsterdam Secret Food Tours , and this time it’s a hush-hush private food and walking tour that’s on offer. Why the secrecy? Well, it’s just so good that it might change your mind about Dutch cuisine.

Food from the Netherlands has yet to set the internet ablaze, but the small country punches way above its weight — with culinary influences from across the world. This tour affords travelers a private setting in which they’ll be able to enjoy the dishes that best exemplify the Dutch culture.

During the outing, you’ll enjoy a wide array of delicious treats as well as some of the best sights and sounds that Amsterdam has to offer.

This is a wonderful and delicious experience in Amsterdam. The private option is well worth the extra fee, and your guide will be able to dedicate much of their attention to your questions and conversation.

• private food tours in Amsterdam

19 – Amsterdam: All-In-One Walking Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 852 reviews )

“Our tour guide was very good and told us a lot of interesting facts about Amsterdam and it’s history. Would highly recommend the tour.” Janez, Guruwalk

It takes more than a good pun to make it in the competitive world of Amsterdam’s free walking tours — a fact that the people at Amsterdam Tours are more than aware of. That’s also why they’ve crafted their All-In-One Walking tour experience, an outing that blows the competition out of the water.

This tour covers everything, from the city’s emergence from swamp land to the Golden Age and on into the future. They also throw in a couple of freebies in a variety of forms, making this free walking tour an unbeatable offering.

All in One is what’s advertised and the tour definitely lives up to its billing. You can look forward to enjoying an extensive exploration of the city — making it the ideal tour for first-time visitors to Amsterdam, or persons who want to enjoy exploring the city on their own during the rest of their travels.

20 – Anne Frank Walking Tour + Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Rating: ⭐️ 4.4/5 ( 13960 reviews )

“Our Captain was soo cool and sympathic and funny. Great tour for a bargain price ! Very informative, highly recommended” Ertan, Headout

This tour is perfect for the fiscally savvy travelers out there, as it allows you to save money and time while adding to your overall experience. Did someone say Ka-ching?! To start with, you’ll enjoy a love walking tour, exploring the world that Anne Frank grew up in.

Your knowledgeable guide will share her story with you, quoting from her diary and giving you a clear picture of what her life was like. Following this, you’ll head to the boat station to start your 1-hour long boat tour.

This combo tour feels like a hack! You’ll have an amazing tour exploring the life of Anne Frank as well as some fascinating insights into Amsterdam during WWII — capping it off with an amazing 1-hour long cruise through the canals of the city. Truly unforgettable.

• Amsterdam canal cruises

Read more: Best Boat Tours in Amsterdam and Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises

How to book walking tours in Amsterdam?

There’s no shortage of walking tours in Amsterdam with a plethora of offerings to choose from. Making the choice even more difficult is the fact that these excursions are often posted on a wide array of platforms with different prices.

Tourscanner lets you cut through the noise, by searching and comparing all of the offerings and presenting you with the best options — because traveling is hard enough, choosing a tour shouldn’t be.

• compare walking tours in Amsterdam

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Cruise the Heart of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest 2025

May 06 - 21, 2025, from $6,245 (before special savings), tour highlights.

• Sail through Central Europe along the storied Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, legendary waterways with fascinating histories.
• Unpack once aboard an exclusively chartered first-class river ship and settle in for a 14-night cruise, enjoying an intimate look at five distinct countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
• Awaken each day to medieval villages and vibrant capitals, enchanting vistas and lauded UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Centuries of heritage unfold in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, cities steeped in the legacies of great empires.
• Witness idyllic landscapes, the beautiful Middle Rhine and Wachau valleys, and Amsterdam’s pretty canals.
• Along the way, join local experts for enriching discussions and take part in immersive cultural experiences, including a traditional German Frühschoppen .
• Thoughtfully planned shore excursions allow you to customize your journey, from walking tours to cycling adventures and wine tastings.
• This unforgettable cruise features all meals, including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
• No single supplement for solo travelers!
• If you are interested in more information about this trip, please click on the “Reserve Now” button to be taken to the AHI website.

* Cal lecturer’s participation cannot be guaranteed and is contingent upon a minimum number of paying travelers.

Cruise the Heart of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest | May 6 – 21, 2025

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TOURS THAT MATTER (Amsterdam) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Tours That Matter

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Tours That Matter - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

THE CIRCULAR CITY

From pollution to solution.

The North has been an industrial area from the end of the 19th century. Shell opened up their laboratory back in 1914, at a certain point using up a space of 27 hectares! The north has transformed from being the heart of the fossil industry into a breeding ground for creative, green and sustainable initiatives.

This makes Amsterdam North a place where residents, companies, knowledge institutions and the municipality of Amsterdam experiment with sustainable and circular area development.

The North has been an industrial area from the end of the 19th century. Shell opened up their laboratory back in 1914, at a certain point using up a space of 27 hectares!

After the glorious era of Dutch shipbuilding ended, a group of city nomads, craftsmen, and artists converted the former shipyard into a breeding ground for creative talent.

You will visit one of the most pioneering places of Amsterdam with the ambition to turn this old industrial zone into a global example of creative urban development.

We visit and give back to the Tolhuistuin: a cultural freespace and second hand shop, De Lokatie: a space where things (and people with social difficulties) find a new purpose and Cafe de Ceuvel: an innovative and creative hub.

from €400 / €40 p.p. (max 25 pax.)

Duration 2.5 hours.

Book this tour

Giving back to amsterdam.

By asking communities how our tours can enrich and give back to the places we travel to, we create tours that help preserve the beauty and culture of Amsterdam.

CAFE DE CEUVEL 

One of the most sustainable and unique urban developments in Europe. A cafe, workplace for creative and social enterprises on a former shipyard. A group of architects turned it into a regenerative urban oasis.

DE LOKATIE 

Our favorite second hand shop, a space where things (and people with social difficulties) find a new purpose. 

TOLHUISTUIN

The green heart of the city, a thriving change to an inclusive and fossil fuel free future. Through the power of art and culture they face challenges and find possibilities around climate change

Your tour Designer

“Researching the history of the North and Shell has been quite challenging. It opened a book of my own family history, as my grandfather used to work here. Old articles and conversations with ex shell employees that shared stories about the past. 

The green and circular initiatives of the tour are places I love to hang out. Now I can share them with anyone coming to Amsterdam, examples of how we should lead the transition.” 

Counter Culture Urban Agriculture  Fair Trade Tolerance                    Superdiversity

Our Story Our Team Contact Us

[email protected] +316 219 219 19

Rozengracht 66 1016 NE Amsterdam

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What you need to know when traveling for taylor swift’s eras tour.

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US singer and songwriter Taylor Alison Swift, also known as Taylor Swift performs on stage at the ... [+] Paris La Defense Arena as part of her The Eras Tour, in Nanterre, north-western France, on May 9, 2024.

Taylor Swift thrilled fans with the addition of performances from her latest album The Tortured Poets Department when she kicked off the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, May 9, 2024. She jokingly called that section of the show Female Rage: The Musical . Most concertgoers already knew and sang along to every word of all the songs she sang from the album even though it was released just a few weeks earlier on April 19. Such is the power of Swift.

In her long career of riveting live shows, her stunning performance of “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” may very well be her masterpiece so far. Swift is enjoying unprecedented success with her latest albums and tour, which showcase how she can tell a story like no other artist. Both her singing voice and her literary voice are stronger than ever, and it’s joyful to watch Swift embody and embrace her mightiness as a performer.

It's no wonder many fans are willing to travel hundreds or even thousands of miles for the chance to see Taylor Swift perform live. Since tickets sold out so quickly for the few remaining U.S. tour dates and resellers are aware of the intense demand, some fans discovered it was more doable to attend one of her international shows.

So, many fans in the U.S. and other countries have decided to make a vacation out of going to The Eras Tour in Europe this summer. If you are among them, here’s some advice on how to make the most of your international adventure.

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PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 09: Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at La ... [+] Defense on May 09, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

Consider Your Lodging and Transportation Choices First

Before buying a ticket, be sure that you will have accommodations available. If you can book a hotel that’s within walking distance of a stadium and know the area is safe, that is ideal. Otherwise, check bus and train schedules for the night of your venue, then look at hotels that might be close to bus or train stops.

With tens of thousands of fellow concertgoers leaving at the same time, transportation can get tricky. If you book a room that’s farther from the venue, try to get a rental car instead of vying for a taxi or rideshare after the show. If you do that, just be sure parking will be available. You may need to buy a parking pass from the venue.

Also be aware that hotel room prices skyrocket when Swift is in town because there is such a high demand. If you are renting a car and don’t mind a longer drive, you can save a lot of money by booking a hotel room that’s a longer drive from the venue.

Enjoy The Moment

Amy Wilkinson, a 49-year-old Swiftie from Tucson, AZ, went viral in December 2023 for her reenactments of The Eras Tour performances using Elf on the Shelf dolls. She posted them to her Instagram, @Tswizzle_Momma , and found thousands of people watching each time she posted her videos. Like many other Swifties in the US, she is flying to Europe for The Eras Tour.

Wilkinson told me she had this advice for fellow fans going to the show abroad, “Enjoy the entire experience, from the moment you get on the plane until the morning after. You may be going for the concert, but the memories are made in the details. See the sights. Enjoy the food. Meet other Swifties. This is at the heart of what international travel is about.”

Make The Friendship Bracelets

Rebecca Bartley, a Swiftie from Nova Scotia, Canada, is going to Sweden to see The Eras Tour. She advises bringing friendship bracelets to share with fellow concertgoers on the night of your show. Wilkinson suggested making friendship bracelets in the language of the country where you’ll be seeing the show.

MARINA DEL REY, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Taylor Swift fan, friendship bracelet detail, attends the ... [+] opening night theatrical release of "Taylor Swift : The Eras Tour" at AMC Marina Marketplace 6 on October 13, 2023 in Marina del Rey, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

It’s easy to learn how to make friendship bracelets. I had never dabbled in making jewelry before, but now I find great joy in creating friendship bracelets. I created dozens and handed them to fans at The Eras Tour movie.

To make friendship bracelets, I start by choosing the colors I want and which word or phrase I want the bracelet to express. Then I choose colorful beads and pick out all the necessary letter beads.

Next, I cut off elastic string. I find it’s best to use Stretch Magic elastic string because of its strength and durability. To make the bracelets, I cut off a piece of string that’s twice as long as I need so that there is ample room for cutting and tying multiple knots.

Then I tape one end of the string to my workspace, string the beads I have set aside until I feel like the bracelet is complete. Being careful to not let any of the beads slide off the string, I then wrap it around my wrist to see how it fits and then consider whether I am making the bracelet for a wrist that’s likely larger or smaller than mine. (Also, with elastic string, there’s room for a flexible fit.) I adjust accordingly.

As a last step, I make four to five knots in the string to tie off the bracelet. Many fans choose to add a dab of fabric glue to the end of the knot, but I found that got really messy and wasn’t necessary if you make multiple knots. Then I tuck the knots into one of the beads so that it doesn’t show on the bracelet. Then the bracelet is concert-ready!

Keep in mind that there are a lot of other ways to make friendship bracelets that are for more involved and creative that mine. And, if the idea of making friendship bracelets doesn’t sound fun to you, don’t worry. You can buy premade friendship bracelets on Etsy. Some Etsy shops like RainFoxx13 and BonniesBracelet have elaborate, beautiful friendship bracelets that you may want to keep for yourself. Others sell packs of friendship bracelets in bulk.

If you don’t want to trade friendship bracelets, that’s okay, too. The Swiftie community is accepting and supportive, and you still may get several bracelets as gifts.

What To Wear To The Eras Tour

There are no rules for what you should wear to Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour beyond the guidelines from the venue. Some fans go casual, and others choose to dress to the nines for the show. Some fans choose to wear merch from Taylor Swift’s official store . Many fans choose to dress up in costumes inspired by Swift’s songs and lyrics.

With the release of The Tortured Poets Department and its video “Fortnight,” some fans are choosing to imitate some of her looks from the video. Others are wearing their interpretation of the incredible costumes she wears during The Eras Tour concert. Others look at past eras for inspiration. You are likely to see every era represented in fan costumes at a show.

What You Should Bring To The Eras Tour In Europe

Wilkinson advised me that the number one thing to bring is a portable phone charger. If you plan on recording video and taking photos, your phone’s battery may die down quickly, and a phone charger can ensure you can keep capturing the memories all night.

Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud noise. If you’re bringing kids along, they are a must. They ensure you can enjoy the music while protecting your ears.

Bring along a cardigan or jacket. Layering is a good idea for a concert during the summer. Although it may be hot in the stadium, you might be chilly on the way home from the show.

You can’t go wrong bringing along hand sanitizer and a travel pack of tissues. Even if you can get through “All Too Well” without tearing up, you may cry at the sheer excitement of the experience. It can be intense in the best way.

If you have tickets that are far back, bring along binoculars to see close-up details.

What To Avoid At The Eras Tour

Don’t come to the stadium with a big bag. If you haven’t attended stadium concerts before, you may not know that you need to carry a clear bag if you want to bring a purse. It also has to fit within the measurements allowed in the stadium, so you can’t just buy a clear backpack and expect to get in the show. Check with your show’s venue to make sure you follow their rules for what you can bring.

What Are The Dates Of The Eras Tour 2024 In Europe?

Taylor Swift started the European leg of The Eras Tour in Paris on May 9, 2024. Here are all the dates for The Eras Tour that are scheduled for the rest of 2024.

Thursday, May 9, 2024 – París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 10, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - París La Défense Arena - Paris, France

Friday, May 17, 2024 – Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Friends Arena - Stockholm, Sweden

Friday, May 24, 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Saturday, May 25. 2024 - Estádio da Luz – Lisbon, Portugal

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Estádio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid, Spain

Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Monday, June 3, 2024 - Groupama Stadium - Lyon, France

Friday, June 7, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 8, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium - Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Friday, June 14, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Anfield Stadium - Liverpool, United Kingdom

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Principality Stadium - Cardiff, United Kingdom

Friday, June 21, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Sunday, June 23, 2024 - Wembley Stadium in London, United Kingdom

Friday, June 28, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Sunday, June 30, 2024 - Aviva Stadium - Dublin, Ireland

Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Friday, July 5, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Saturday, July 6, 2024 - Johan Cruijff Arena - Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Wednesday, July 20, 2024 - Stadion Letzigrund Zurich - Zürich, Switzerland

Saturday, July 13, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Sunday, July 14, 2024 - San Siro Stadium - Milan, Italy

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Friday, July 19, 2024 - Veltins-Arena - Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - Volksparkstadion - Hamburg, Germany

Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Sunday, July 28, 2024 - Olympiastadion - Munich, Germany

Thursday, August 1, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Friday, August 2, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Saturday, August 3, 2024 - PGE Narodowy - Warsaw, Poland

Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Friday, August 9, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Ernst-Happel-Stadion - Vienna, Austria

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, August 16, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Saturday, August 17, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Monday, August 19, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Wembley Stadium - London, United Kingdom

Friday, October 18, 2024 – Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Saturday, October 19, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida, United States

Friday, October 25, 2024 – Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Saturday, October 26, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Caesars Superdome – New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Friday, November 1, 2024 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Saturday, November 2, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Sunday, November 3, 2024 - Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Thursday, November 14, 2024 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 15, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 16, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Thursday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, November 22, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Saturday, November 23, 2024 - Rogers Centre – Toronto, Canada

Friday, December 6, 2024 – BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

Sunday, December 8, 2024 - BC Place – Vancouver, Canada

For more information about the forthcoming shows, see the tour page of Taylor Swift’s official website .

How To Get Taylor Swift Tickets In 2024

Tickets have already gone on sale for the rest of the currently confirmed dates of The Eras Tour for 2024. However, you can get secondhand tickets from resellers. It’s usually not a good idea to buy from individuals in Facebook groups offering to sell tickets. That’s hard to verify, and many are scammed that way. Instead, check with the individual venue to see how their resell process works. It varies throughout Europe depending on the country and the individual stadium.

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Pearl Jam Radio Airs World Premiere of Official Bootlegs from Dark Matter World Tour

From May through November, hear a new bootleg every four days.

Credit: Danny Clinch

As Pearl Jam heads out on a world tour in support of their new “Dark Matter” album — hitting nine countries and 25 cities, including their first hometown performance in six years at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena — fans can hear the world premiere of the tour’s official bootlegs on Pearl Jam Radio (Ch. 22) .

From May through November, tune in to hear a new bootleg every four days at 6pm ET, hours before they go on sale at PearlJam.com .

The Dark Matter World Tour kicks off at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, and covers much of North America, including shows at Wrigley Field, Madison Square Garden, and Fenway Park. It continues with performances in the UK and Europe, including Pearl Jam’s first performance at London’s brand new, state-of-the-art Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, followed by the group’s long-awaited 10-year return to New Zealand and Australia.

Related: Pearl Jam Performs Live on “The Howard Stern Show”

Broadcast Schedule*

All bootlegs premiere on Pearl Jam Radio (Ch. 22) at 6pm ET with a replay at 9pm ET.

May 9 – Listen to the May 4 bootleg from Rogers Arena (Vancouver, BC)

May 13 – Listen to the May 6 bootleg from Rogers Arena (Vancouver, BC)

May 17 – Listen to the May 10 bootleg from Moda Center (Portland, OR)

May 21 – Listen to the May 13 bootleg from Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, CA)

May 25 – Listen to the May 16 bootleg from MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas, NV)

May 29 – Listen to the May 18 bootleg from MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas, NV)

June 2 – Listen to the May 21 bootleg from Kia Forum (Los Angeles, CA)

June 6 – Listen to the May 22 bootleg from Kia Forum (Los Angeles, CA)

June 10 – Listen to the May 25 bootleg from BottleRock Festival (Napa Valley, CA)

June 14 – Listen to the May 28 bootleg from Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle, WA)

June 18 – Listen to the May 30 bootleg from Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle, WA)

June 27 – Listen to the June 22 bootleg from Marlay Park (Dublin, IE)

July 1 – Listen to the June 25 bootleg from Manchester Co-Op Arena (Manchester, UK)

July 5 – Listen to the June 29 bootleg from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, UK)

July 9 – Listen to the July 2 bootleg from Waldbühne (Berlin, DE)

July 13 – Listen to the July 3 bootleg from Waldbühne (Berlin, DE)

July 17 – Listen to the July 6 bootleg from Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, ES)

July 21 – Listen to the July 8 bootleg from Palau Sant Jordi (Barcelona, ES)

July 25 – Listen to the July 11 bootleg from Mad Cool Festival (Madrid, ES)

July 29 – Listen to the July 13 bootleg from NOS Alive Festival (Lisbon, PT)

August 27 – Listen to the August 22 bootleg from Washington-Grizzly Stadium (Missoula, MT)

August 31 – Listen to the August 26 bootleg from Ruoff Music Center (Indianapolis, IN)

September 4 – Listen to the August 29 bootleg from Wrigley Field (Chicago, IL)

September 8 – Listen to the August 31 bootleg from Wrigley Field (Chicago, IL)

September 12 – Listen to the September 3 bootleg from Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)

September 16 – Listen to the September 4 bootleg from Madison Square Garden (New York, NY)

September 20 – Listen to the September 7 bootleg from Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia, PA)

September 24 – Listen to the September 9 bootleg from Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia, PA)

September 28 – Listen to the September 12 bootleg from CFG Bank Arena (Baltimore, MD)

October 2 – Listen to the September 15 bootleg from Fenway Park (Boston, MA)

October   6 – Listen to the September 17 bootleg from Fenway Park (Boston, MA)

October 10 – Listen to the September 27 bootleg from Ohana Festival (Dana Point, CA)

October 14 – Listen to the September 29 bootleg from Ohana Festival (Dana Point, CA)

November 13 – Listen to the November 8 bootleg from Go Media Stadium Mt Smart (Auckland, NZ)

November 18 – Listen to the November 13 bootleg from Heritage Bank Stadium (Gold Coast, AU)

November 22 – Listen to the November 16 bootleg from Marvel Stadium (Melbourne, AU)

November 26 – Listen to the November 21 bootleg from Giants Stadium (Sydney, AU)

*subject to change

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Music | pro-palestinian encampment at uc berkeley ends, music | review: pearl jam does something it hadn’t done in over 25 years, pearl jam plays sacramento for first time since 1998.

Yet, that certainly hasn’t translated to many appearances in California’s capital city over the decades.

“In 30-plus years, we’ve only said these words like three times: ‘Good evening, Sacramento,’” vocalist Eddie Vedder remarked near the start of the band’s concert on Monday night at the Golden 1 Center. “I didn’t know that it’s been that rare.”

Not only has a Pearl Jam show in Sacramento been rare, it’s also been something that hasn’t happened in a really, really long time. Indeed, Bill Clinton was President the last time the group played inside the city limits, in 1998 at the old Arco Arena. (Although Pearl Jam did play in the general area in 2000 — at the what’s now called the Toyota Amphitheatre in Marysville.)

“Thank you for your patience,” Vedder said to the full house of fans. “We appreciate you and your faith.”

The band then rewarded the audience for its patience and faith — having waited more than a quarter of a century since the last Pearl Jam gig in Sacramento — by delivering a spellbinding 2½ hour show that married classic tracks with material from its very well-received new album, “Dark Matter.”

In other words, those who plan to catch Pearl Jam when it headlines the BottleRock Napa Valley festival over Memorial Day Weekend should be very excited indeed.

The band kicked off Monday’s show in rather subdued fashion, appearing in silhouette on a mostly dark stage and softly rumbling through “Pendulum,” from 2013’s “Lightning Bolt.” From there, the group — which consists of Vedder, guitarists Stone Gossard and Mike McCready, bassist Jeff Ament and drummer Matt Cameron — creeped right over to the 1996 “No Code” cut “I’m Open.”

Both of those numbers were being played for the first time on this Dark Matters World Tour, nicely illustrating just how greatly the Seattle band changes up the setlist from show to show. Sure, the tour is only a little more than a week old — having kicked off in Vancouver on May 4 — but it’s still mighty impressive to note that eight of the 24 selections performed on Monday were tour debuts.

The absolute highlight of the first portion of the night — and, arguably, the entire show — came with the third number, “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town,” which proved to be one of those transcendent moments that can define a concert in your memory for years to come. The 1993 “Vs.” song is certainly on the very short list of Pearl Jam’s best, as well as one of the finest rock songs released in all of the ’90s, yet the version played on Monday seemed to reach an even higher level than usual, propelled by a band and a city who were coming together for the first time in ages.

“I just want to scream hello!” Vedder sang as if his life depended on it, as the words were pushed ever higher by the thousands of passionate accompanying vocalists in the crowd. “My God it’s been so long, never dreamed you’d return. But now here you are and here I am.”

It was an absolute love fest between the city and the band, led by a gushing Vedder, who pointed out that the group knew several people in the crowd.

“We’ve got some friends here,” he said. “And I already feel that that includes all of you.”

Yet, it’s important to note that Vedder and Sacramento haven’t always been besties. Indeed, he once drew headlines for blasting the city during a 2013 show in Oklahoma City, where Vedder’s beloved Seattle Supersonics relocated and began playing basketball as the Thunder in 2008. Instead of taking his anger out on the Oklahoma folks, however, the hoops-loving singer swung at the people of Sacramento, who had successfully blocked their NBA franchise — the Kings — from possibly moving to Seattle. It was all incredibly petty and childish — and very 21st century sports fan — as Vedder decided to make it personal.

“When you think about it, and if you’ve been to Sacramento, they’re already kind of (expletive),” Vedder was quoted as saying .

But those bad vibes are long gone, apparently, as Vedder and company continued to rock the Golden 1 Center — which, ironically, is operated by those same Sacramento Kings — with such new album offerings as “React, Respond,” “Running” and “Scared of Fear.”

The group used the opportunity to showcase eight of the 11 songs from “Dark Matter,” and, without exception, this new material held up very well among the classics.

McCready, as per usual, was worth the price of admission on his own merit, burning through some of the hottest guitar leads one will find in all of rock. And just when you think he can’t possibly get more amazing on the frets, he hoists the guitar behind his head and blindly powers through the amazing lead on “Even Flow,” one of a half-dozen numbers played from the band’s game-changing debut, 1991’s “Ten.”

The group finished up the 90-minute-plus main set with the anthem “Better Man” and then returned to play almost another hour’s worth of music during an encore that really could have passed for a second set.

McCready again was at the forefront, powering through epic leads on “Black” and “Alive.” And Vedder seemed to be having the time of his life as he led the crowd in one sing-along after another.

“Sacramento!” Vedder shouted out to the packed arena. “Thank you very much for bringing it tonight.”

1. “Pendulum”2. “I’m Open”3. “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town”4. “Faithfull”5. “Scared of Fear”6. “React, Respond”7. “Wreckage”8. “Dark Matter”9. “Garden”10. “Lukin”11. “Corduroy”12. “Dance of the Clairvoyants”13. “Even Flow”14. “Upper Hand”15. “Waiting for Stevie”16. “Running”17. “Light Years”18. “Better Man”Encore:19. “Picture in a Frame”20. “Jeremy”21. “Black”22. “Do the Evolution”23. “Alive”24. “Porch”25. “Setting Sun”

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