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Easy Walking Tour in Amsterdam – 11 Epic Sights in 60 Minutes

• May 26, 2017 June 3, 2018

This self-guided scenic walking tour in Amsterdam will let you experience a blend of historical and contemporary sights. Follow this route and in just 60 minutes you can sample the city's unique ambience, with its centuries-old buildings, world-famous canal ring and picturesque bridges.

Unlike most European capitals, Amsterdam's streets in the centre are relatively traffic-free and easy to navigate on foot. As you explore these city streets, you will pass by dazzling landmarks, cafes, galleries and exclusive independent shops. Taking a walk is a far better way to soak up the beauty and wonders of the city. It's also a great social activity and moving at a slower pace means that you will absorb more of the essential sights.

If you are wondering where to walk in Amsterdam? This route is perfect if you have a couple of hours to spare!

Amazing Dutch Sights You Will See Along This Route

• Bridges;  there are 15-20 on this route with various styles.
• Canals ; Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht & Reguliersgracht.
• Houseboats ; the static floating homes used by approximately 2,400 families in Amsterdam.
• Architecture ; some iconic Amsterdam canal houses with the ornate gables.
• Brown Cafes ; a traditional cosy Dutch pub with dark wood and smoke stained walls (check out Cafe de Fles )
• Fresh fish ; Traditional Dutch vishuisje  on which is a stall selling ready-to-eat fresh fish.
• Coffeeshops ; places to buy and smoke cannabis - not places to drink coffee.
• Bikes ; they look picturesque when parked on a bridge. However, watch out for them when crossing the road!

Amsterdam Canal Walk Route

Time: 60 mins - Distance: 4.1km - Tram: 4, 9, 14 at Rembrandtplein -  Metro:  Waterlooplein

Download free PDF for this easy walking tour map of Amsterdam

1. Blauwbrug

Blauwbrug - An ornate bridge across the Amstel built for the World Colonial Exposition in 1883.

Amstel - The main river flowing into the city from which Amsterdam gets its name.

3. Herengracht

Herengracht is the innermost of the three main canals in Amsterdam. It was the place where wealthy merchants and city rulers lived in the seventeenth century.  Literally translated, Herengracht means "Gentleman's Canal" referring to the status of its early residents.

4. Fifteen Bridges Viewpoint

15 bridges viewpoint - The intersection of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht gives a spectacular view of 15 bridges in different directions from one spot.

5. Golden Bend

Golden Bend - A section mansions on the Herengracht canal which were constructed during the Golden Age.

6. Keizersgracht

Keizersgracht is known as The Emperor’s Canal  and is the middlemost of the three main canals in Amsterdam. It was named after an Austrian emperor, Maximilian I, a 15th and 16th-century emperor of the house of Habsburg.

7. Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)

The best-known attraction on this canal walk through Amsterdam is the Skinny Bridge , known as Magere Brug in Dutch. As its name suggests, it is a long thin drawbridge and spans the river Amstel. The current bridge is relatively new and was built in 1934. However, the original bridge in the same location dates back to 1691. Skinny Bridge is especially pretty at nighttime.

8. Prinsengracht

Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal) is the outermost and longest of Amsterdam’s main canals. It is named after the William the First, Prince of Orange.

9. Amstelkerk Church

Amstelkerk - 17th century, this wooden church with neo-Gothic interior and a 19th-century organ.

10. Reguliersgracht

Reguliersgracht  is a picturesque and tranquil canal with seven beautiful bridges many other interesting features. One example is the canal house designed by famous architect Isaac Gosschalk combining brick, stone and wood in the facade. Furthermore, the red house on the corner with a stalk which used to be where the midwife lived.

11. Rembrandtplein

Rembrandtplein - Busy square surrounded by bars and cafes, with a statue of Rembrandt and figures from his painting Nachtwacht.

A Few Small Items To Bring With You...

Most weeks, I head into Amsterdam in the evening and walk for 2 or 3 hours. Amsterdam is a great place to walk and unwind. It's also a safe city to visit. However, there are pick-pockets just like all major cities who especially target tourists. Therefore, I do all I can to blend in and look like a resident or commuter. I avoid using a backpack or camera bag and opt instead for a plain messenger style bag . Here's what I usually pack...

• A small A5 printed map. I prefer to save the battery on my phone for taking photos.
• Smartphone. I love the iPhone7 with new portrait mode and ability to shoot in RAW format.
• Camera.  Fuji x100t which is light and stealthy, or  Canon 6d which give higher quality and options for zooming in/out.
• Contact sheet. A print out of photo ideas from Pinterest / Instagram which I create using either  Apple Preview or Windows Explorer.
• Joby Gorilla Pod . For nighttime shots or selfies.
• Small folding umbrella. Just in case the weather suddenly changes.
• Fingerless gloves (winter). Keep the hands warm whilst allowing me to keep taking photos.
• Loose change for the toilets. These are rarely free in Amsterdam so be prepared to pay 30c to €1,00.
• Sanitising Hand Gel (see above)

Do you have interesting locations or walking routes in Amsterdam you would like to share?  If so, please let me know in the comments below .

Related Posts

Blauwburgwal – Amsterdam’s Shortest Canal

Canals of Amsterdam

Canal House Gables

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One Day in Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour

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Amsterdam is a city that is both historic and progressive, elegant and bawdy. There are 17th century canals and trendy cannabis coffee shops. Grand, gabled houses line the streets, while a neon glow emanates from the Red Light District. Bicycles outnumber the human population and the long history of beer is being revolutionized by craft brewers.

However, it is possible to get a vibe of the city in one day – and an Amsterdam walking tour is a fantastic way to do it. To help fellow travelers, we designed a One Day in Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour to more than 18 of the best sights. Plus, an Amsterdam Walking Tour Map is included!

Amsterdam Walking Tour

Sightseeing in Amsterdam is best done on foot – and our free walking tour highlights more than 18 attractions. To see the best sights, our walking tour of Amsterdam covers some ground and includes a little zigging and zagging. Don’t worry, we created an easy-flowing Amsterdam tour that is perfect for first-time visitors and those who have yet to discover all the prime sights.

What’s Provided in the Free Amsterdam Walking Tour Self-Guided

Our Self-Guided Amsterdam Walking Tour includes everything you need to make your way through the city!

For our Amsterdam Walking Tour Free Guide, we highlight individual sights, provide step-by-step walking directions to each sight and include two Amsterdam Maps. One being an interactive Attractions in Amsterdam Map, the other is an Amsterdam PDF Map.

You will also find our top Walking Tour Amsterdam Tips and more suggestions of things to do in one day throughout the article.

One Day in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Planning what to see in Amsterdam is no easy task – especially if you are limited to one day. Whether you have two hours or an entire day, you can use our outlined Amsterdam tour.

The main route of our walking tour in Amsterdam circles the city in a loop, taking in the major sights in a relatively short amount of time. However, those with more time to explore can use our ‘ If You Have Time ’ suggestions to complete a full day of sightseeing.

If You Have Time: Amsterdam in One Day Travel Tips

With our tips, visitors don’t need to worry about what to see in Amsterdam in a Day – we’ve got it covered! Throughout our Amsterdam Tour, we offer ‘ If You Have Time ’ advice regarding nearby sights and alternate routes to our Amsterdam Walking Tour.

We include both museums that require a ticket (or are included with the Amsterdam City Card) and other free sights, too. 

Travelers will find our suggestions of places to visit in Amsterdam in 1 day are ideally intertwined into a walking tour. Plus, we provide detour directions to the alternate Amsterdam walking routes.

Pro Tip : Even if you are short on time, we recommend reading through the ‘ If You Have Time ‘ sections. There may be detours you want to make during your walking tour in Amsterdam. 

Amsterdam Sightseeing Card

If visiting the museums and other attractions in Amsterdam that are listed in our ‘ If You Have Time ’ sections, consider purchasing a Amsterdam City Card . It includes entry into many recommended museums (excluding the Anne Frank Museum). Plus, free public transportation and a canal boat ride, which is a beautiful way to end your one day in Amsterdam!

Walking Tour Amsterdam FAQs

Before you begin your Amsterdam City Tour, we are answering a few frequently asked questions.

Is This Really a Free Walking Tour Amsterdam?

Yes! And we think it is the best free walking tour in Amsterdam! Featuring top Amsterdam sights, our route is easy to follow and includes walking directions and maps. For each stop, we include a snippet of information and sometimes a link to more information.

How Long Does Our Amsterdam Walking Tour Take?

This Free Amsterdam Walking Tour is Self-Guided – so how long it takes totally depends on you! Those who follow our Amsterdam tour as it is written should allow at least 2 hours to complete the loop.

Still, visitors who have a full day in Amsterdam can use our If You Have Time tips to fill their tour with Amsterdam Old Town sightseeing.

Pro Tip : If entering all of the suggested museums in this self-guided Amsterdam city walk, a City Card will save you money!

Where does the Amsterdam One Day Walking Tour Start? 

We start this Amsterdam Walking Tour from Central Station – which is great for travelers coming to the city for just one day. However, we designed the Amsterdam walking tour route in loop, so you can actually start it from anywhere along it.

Using our Amsterdam walking map, simply find the sight closest to your location – and set off on the tour from there! 

Do I Need an Amsterdam Tour Map?

For self guided walking tours in Amsterdam, it is best to have a map with attractions – either online or in hand. Don’t stress though – we make Amsterdam touring easy with multiple maps and links to Google, too.

We also provide two overview maps – and interactive version, as well as a printable map – of our free tour Amsterdam. Both feature the entire route of our Amsterdam walk with tourist attractions marked. 

The interactive Amsterdam Sightseeing Map indicates each stop, as well as nearby sights. The provided printable Amsterdam Sights Map with Walking Tour Route offers a general overview of the route. 

Where Can I Get an Amsterdam Tourist Map?

Although we include several free Amsterdam walking tour maps, visitors can also pick up an Amsterdam city map from the tourist information office. There is a VVV Office in front of Central Station.

Are There Guided Amsterdam Walking Tours?

Of course there are guided tours in Amsterdam – but not by us. While we believe our self-guided option is the best walking tour Amsterdam, those who prefer a guide lead the way will find ample sightseeing tours to book. We highlight some of the top-rated guided tours later.

Are there Free Guided Tours Amsterdam?

Visitors who want to join a guided Amsterdam free walking tour have a few to choose from in the city. However, it is important to understand that the guides expect – and hopefully deserve – tips. Therefore, they are not really free tours. That said, we mention popular guided free walking tours of Amsterdam at the end of the article.

What Will I Need for this Amsterdam Walk?

Fortunately, not much is needed to complete our outlined city tour. We provide all of the information for where to walk in Amsterdam – you just have to follow along. However, we have a few tips on how to prepare for sightseeing Amsterdam on foot. 

Data Connection 

Perhaps the most important thing to have for Amsterdam city walks is an internet connection. Visitors can print our Amsterdam Sightseeing Map PDF, but a WiFi Connection is necessary to access this article while touring the city. Furthermore, the interactive maps links will only work with connectivity.

We use a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi Hotspot to stay connected abroad. Top features are that eSIM data packages can be purchased online and it allows up to 10 devices to be connected at one time. That is really great for couples, families or groups of friends traveling together. 

Amsterdam Walking Shoes

The city is fairly flat, but walking in Amsterdam is so much better if you wear comfortable travel shoes . I like to wear these Columbia Shoes and Kris prefers Merrell Trail Shoes .

Capture the Sights in Amsterdam

Visitors can really take in the beauty while walking Amsterdam canals and streets. In order to truly capture these sights, we recommend using an actual camera . We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens . It’s a great set-up and the bundle comes with loads of accessories, making it an excellent valve camera for traveling .

Weather Gear and Day Bag for your Amsterdam Tour

Amsterdam walks are most comfortable if you are prepared for the elements. Depending on the season, a packable raincoat or travel umbrella might be a good idea. In summer, don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat . Finally, bring a refillable water bottle and the perfect day pack to carry everything in!

Planning Your Amsterdam Trip

There is a lot more that goes into planning a trip to Amsterdam – from what to see to things to eat to where to stay. We have created several travel guides that will help make your trip planning a breeze. 

• 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary
• Must-Eat Dutch Foods
• Best Amsterdam Craft Beer
• Day Trip from Amsterdam to Haarlem
• How To Spend Christmas in Amsterdam
• Things To Do in Nijmegen, Netherlands

Pro Tip:  Get (and stay) organized for your vacation to Amsterdam by utilizing our Trip Planning Printables !

Self-Guided Free Walking Tour Amsterdam Sights

Okay, lace up your shoes and grab your camera – it’s time to go see Amsterdam! Start your one day in Amsterdam at Central Station. MAP . 

#1 Amsterdam Central Station

Central Station was opened in 1889 and today 200,000 passengers pass through daily. From the north side of Amsterdam Central Station, ferries (which are free) transport passengers to the northern neighborhoods.

Sights in the northern neighborhoods include the A’DAM Lookout Tower (free with the City Card ), the NDSM artistic district and a few of our favorite Craft Beer Bars. Week-long river excursions – like the Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise we took – also depart near Amsterdam Centraal.

Pro Tip: Access the north side of the station via the Cuyperspassage – a tunnel of 80,000 Delft Blue tiles. The famous Netherlands tiles are a must-see, so we recommend ducking into the tunnel on your Amsterdam sightseeing route.

The south main entrance of Central Station opens onto the most historic part of the city. Across and slightly to the left is the towering Basilica of Saint Nicholas. The church was built in the late 1800s and is free to visit.

If You Have Time : Pop into St. Nicholas Basilica for a quick look around the magnificent interior. For visitors using this guide for a short, 2-hour Amsterdam walking tour, consider ending at the church.

Central Station to Damrak Directions: Walk straight away from the front of Central station onto the west side of Damrak Street. Map & Directions .

Damrak is the main north-south route from Central Station to Dam Square. Once a busy waterway of Amsterdam, the Damrak Canal was filled in to make a street in 1672. The remaining small body of water, Natte Damrak, was once a thriving harbor. Buildings open directly onto the water for quick unloading of goods.

Pro Tip : Many of the city boat tours depart from Natte Damrak harbor. We offer more information about canal cruises in Amsterdam at the end of the post.

Most of the buildings along Damrak were built from the 18th to 20th century – and more than 20 of them are designated as Royal Monuments. The large brick building, Beurs van Berlage, was once the stock exchange and is now a concert hall.

Directions from Damrak to Nieuwendijk:  Stay on Damrak to the south end of Beurs van Berlage. On your right, you will see the Old Amsterdam Cheese Shop, stop in for a free sample! After a few nibbles, use the next alley on your right – the elegant Beurspassage – to cut across to Nieuwendijk.

At the end of the lavish passageway is Nieuwendijk. Turn right to the first store on your right, Van der Linde Ice Cream Shop. There will likely be a line, but it moves fast, so pop in for a scoop of their one-and-only flavor: Mr. Whippy Vanilla. It’s one of the top things to eat in Amsterdam! With cone in hand, walk south on Nieuwendijk. Map & Directions . 

#3 Nieuwendijk

Running parallel to Damrak is Nieuwendijk. A pedestrian-only shopping street, it is one of the most historic places to walk in Amsterdam. The narrow, brick lane is home to 200 shops – most of which cater to tourists – and nearly 100 of the structures are labeled as national heritage sites. 

Directions from Nieuwendijk to Dam Square: Walk south to Dam Square. Map & Directions . 

#4 Dam Square

Dam Square is in the historical center of Amsterdam and is located at the original Amstel River Dam, which was built in 1270. A major sightseeing stop on our Amsterdam city walk route, many notable buildings and monuments are on the square. They include the Royal Palace (built in 1655 as City Hall and converted to a royal residence in 1808); the De Nieuwe Kerk (New Church); and the National Monument pillar honoring the victims of World War II (built in 1956).

Pro Tip : For a free view of Dam Square from above, go to the 3rd floor of the Peek & Cloppenburg Department Store.

If You Have Time : Facing the front of De Nieuwe Kerk, take the narrow passageway, Eggertstraat, around the east side of the church into an ancient part of the city. Here you will find De Drie Fleschjes (Three Little Bottles). The classic Amsterdam tavern is a jenever bar (a local Amsterdam gin) that dates to 1650. MAP & Directions .

Directions from Dam Square to De Oude Kerk: From the WWII memorial on Dam Square, walk north on Warmoesstraat to Wijde Kerksteeg and turn right to De Oude Kerk. Map & Directions .

#5 De Oude Kerk (The Old Church)

The 800-year-old De Oude Kerk  is Amsterdam’s oldest building and was consecrated in the year 1306. Built as a Catholic Church, it is now a Calvinist Dutch Reform Church, but the space is also used as an art gallery (and is free with the City Card).

If You Have Time : Just north of the Old Church along the canal is the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder – or Our Lord in the Attic Museum (included with the City Card). The hidden church and historic house museum are some of the most fascinating buildings in the city! MAP.

Directions from De Oude Kerk to the Red Light District: Walk around the church to the right, cross the canal on Oudekennissteeg and continue to the next canal and the Red Light District. Map Directions . 

#6 Red Light District

The Red Light District is an odd prostitution-as-a-tourist-attraction sight. During the day, most of the red-lit window boxes are vacant, with only a few occupied by young women dressed in lingerie. At night, it is a different scene. Sex shops and the Erotic Museum are also found along the street.

Pro Tip: To get a better understanding of the area, take a Red Light District Tour at Night , guided by a local.

Directions from the Red Light District to Chinatown: Walk north through the Red Light District to Korte Stormsteeg and go right to Zeedijk. Turn right and walk south into Chinatown. Map Directions . 

#7 Amsterdam Chinatown

A plethora of Asian (not only Chinese) shops and restaurants line Zeedijk , the main street through what is commonly called Chinatown. The He Hua Buddhist Temple, built in 2000, is a striking difference to the rest of the architecture found in Amsterdam Old Town.

Directions from Chinatown to De Waag: Continue south to Nieuwmarkt Square and De Waag. Map Directions . 

Dominating Nieuwmarkt Square is De Waag , The Weigh House. The building, which is Amsterdam’s oldest non-religious structure, dates to the 15th century and was once part of the city walls. Now, it houses a popular restaurant.

Directions from De Waag to Waterlooplein Market: Exit the square to the south on Sint Antoniesbreestraat; cross the canal to the Rembrandt House Museum (free with the City Card); turn right on Zwanenburgwal to the Waterlooplein Market. Map Directions . 

#9 Waterlooplein Market

The outdoor Waterlooplein is one of the best Amsterdam markets. It has more than 300 stalls selling second-hand clothing, antiques, tools, books and other trinkets. It originated as a Jewish bazaar in 1893 and was revitalized as a general market in the 1960s.

Directions from Waterlooplein Market to the National Opera and Ballet: At the end of the market, turn right on Waterlooplein Street and right again before the bridge to the waterfront National Opera & Ballet. Map & Directions . 

#10 National Opera & Ballet: Stopera

The National Opera and Ballet building, nicknamed the Stopera, fronts the Amstel River. The modern building, constructed in the 1980s, was met with many protests – thus the name: Stop the Opera… or Stopera for short. Many of Amsterdam’s iconic houseboats are moored along this section of the Amstel River.

Directions from Stopera to Blauwbrug: Walk a few steps south onto the ornate Blue Bridge, Blauwbrug. Map + Directions .

#11 Blauwbrug Blue Bridge

The ornate Blauwbrug is named for a blue wooden bridge that used to straddle the Amstel River on the same site. The current bridge dates to 1883 and features sumptuous decorations. Despite not being painted royal blue, the original name stuck.

Pause a moment on the bridge and take in the 360-degree views and surrounding Amsterdam sights: The National Opera and Ballet is directly north. Look for the Hermitage Amsterdam Museum to the southeast along the river. Directly south is the Magere Brug – or Skinny Bridge – which is a picturesque wooden drawbridge and one of our favorite bridges of the city.

If You Have Time : There are several Amsterdam sights near Rembrandtplein that are worth exploring. Two that we recommend are the Willet-Holtuysen Museum and Museum Van Loon, both of which are historically preserved canal houses (and both free with City Card). The Archives Museum (in the De Bazel Building) is also close by and offers excellent exhibits and free toilets, too. For a quick snack, pop into Eetsalon Van Dobben, an iconic Amsterdam sandwich shop – which offers a discount with the City Card. MAP .

Directions from Blauwbrug to Muntplein:  After taking in the sights from the Blue Bridge, walk straight ahead to Rembrandtplein to visit The Night Watch cast of characters and the Rembrandt statue. Continue following the road to Muntplein. Map & Directions .

#12 Munt Tower on Muntplein

This busy square is actually a bridge with six streets leading to it. The Munt Tower  (Munttoren), after which the square is named, was once part of the city gate. In the 17th century, the tower served as a mint.

Directions from Muntplein to the Flower Market: Continue south and turn right (west) on Singel to the Flower Market. Map Directions .

#13 Bloemenmarkt Floating Flower Market

The flower market stalls are housed on floating shops and sell everything from seeds to fresh cut flowers. The floating market is one of the most colorful (and fragrant!) spots in the city. 

If You Have Time : There are quite a few tourist attractions that are south of the canal ring that are included on many walking tours Amsterdam. If time allows, make your way to Vondelpark and Museumplein, where you will find the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum before continuing your canal exploration on Prinsengracht. Map & Directions.

Directions from the Flower Market to the Canal Ring: Continue west to Koningsplein and turn left. Walk to Prinsengracht and turn right for an exceptional Amsterdam canal walk north along the ring. Map Directions . 

#14 Amsterdam Canal Ring

The network of canals in Amsterdam date to the 17th century and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canal system is a unique urban city plan and one of the best places to walk in Amsterdam.

Once an integral part of the city’s development and maritime trade, the land around the canals was purchased by the city’s richest residents. Beautiful gabled houses were built, enhancing the appeal of the area.

Pro Tip : Most of these houses were built on wooden foundations. As they warp and rot, they are shifting and leaning. However, the homes that appear to be hovering over the street were purposely built to look bigger than they really were.

If You Have Time: Walk the two blocks of Leidsegracht, a quaint canal with lovely bridges. With ample time, make a detour to the secret Begijnhof Garden that conceals two hidden churches (and is accessed via an inconspicuous arched doorway). From the courtyard, continue to the Amsterdam Museum and take a peek into the Civic Guards Gallery exhibit, then exit through the leaning portal. Now, continue through the heart of the Nine Streets Neighborhood. Map Directions .

Directions to the Nine Streets: Walk north along the canal to the Nine Streets. Map Directions .  

#15 Nine Streets (Negen Straatjes)

A tiny neighborhood within Central Amsterdam, The Nine Streets are a 3-by-3 grid of picturesque lanes lined with boutique stores, high-end specialty shops and chic cafes. Originally occupied by tanners, many of the streets are named after animals.

The Nine Streets are one of the picturesque places to see on an Amsterdam 1 day city tour. 

Pro Tip : Those who wish to take a stroll through the Nine Street District can use these Map Directions for a quick 10-minute walk.

If You Have Time : The Houseboat Museum (included with the Amsterdam City Card) sits on the west side of the Prinsengracht Canal at Berensluis Street. Although quite small, it’s interesting to see how the inside of a houseboat is decorated! MAP .

Directions from the Nine Streets to Westerkerk: Continue walking north on Prinsengracht to Westerkerk. Map + Directions . 

#16 Westerkerk

The Westerkerk is a protestant church that was built between 1620 and 1631. The tower, which stands at 279 feet, is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam (and can be climbed, for a fee). Famous Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn is buried at the church and, in 1966, Queen Beatrix chose Westerkerk as the location of her wedding ceremony. 

Directions from Westerkerk to the Anne Frank House: Walk north along the Prinsengracht Canal to #263. Map Directions . 

#17 Anne Frank House

The story of Anne Frank is known worldwide. Her diary detailing her time spent hiding in an Amsterdam house was first published as Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl , in 1947. The house where she hid, numbered 263 Prinsengracht, is now a museum. The Anne Frank House Museum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam.

Pro Tip : Tickets should be booked in advance; this museum is not included in the City Card. If tickets are unavailable, consider joining a private tour of Anne Frank sights – like this one – or a group guided Anne Frank Tour  to learn more about her life in Amsterdam.

If You Have Time: In the area, there are a few notable places to stop for food and drink. For a quick snack of classic Amsterdam fries, go to Heertje Friet; for a savory meal of Dutch-style pancakes, the Pancake Bakery is nearby; and for a locally produced beer, head to the charming Proeflokaal Arendsnest.

Directions from Anne Frank House to Jordaan Neighborhood: Walk north past the Anne Frank House to the first bridge, Leliegracht, and cross west into the Jordaan Neighborhood. Map & Directions .

#18 Jordaan Neighborhood

The working class settled Jordaan in the 17th century and attracted many people with political ideals. In the 1970s, gentrification overtook, attracting young professionals, well-to-do families and, along with it, trendy cafes, bars, galleries and specialty shops.

The inviting neighborhood is characterized by elegant houses, many of which hide hofjes (inner courtyards) and feature Gable Stones. The stone plaques displayed on the front were first used in the 16th century. They were a means of identifying the home’s inhabitants by depicting the owner’s profession or family name.

Pro Tip : For a unique way to experience the neighborhood, join a Food Tour of Jordaan .

If You Have Time : The Tulip Museum (free with the City Card) is one of the most surprisingly interesting museums in the city. The often humorous displays detail the history of tulips in the Netherlands – as well as the hysteria of the Golden Age Tulipmania. MAP . 

Directions from Jordaan District to Central Stations: Crisscross north through Jordaan and turn right (east) onto Brouwersgracht. Named in the late 1500s for the breweries that occupied the canal houses, it is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Amsterdam canals. From here, it’s an easy walk back to Central Station. Map Directions .

Amsterdam, Netherlands Maps

Below find our two Walking Tour Amsterdam Maps. Use these maps of Amsterdam, Netherlands to route your way to our recommended walking tour sights. 

Amsterdam City Map: Interactive

Use this map of Amsterdam City Center that is interactive; click on any of the markers for more information and zoom in or out of the map for a better view.

The Amsterdam top sights listed in our walking tour are numbered; the blue markers show mentioned sights; the orange markers indicate the If You Have Time attractions. Use this online version of our Amsterdam, Holland Map. 

One Day in Amsterdam: Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

This is a printable map of Amsterdam that highlights the main route of our Amsterdam Walking Tour. To print this Amsterdam City Center Map, click on it and then right click outside of the map and select print! 

Top Amsterdam Sightseeing Tips

If you have just one day in Amsterdam to see the sights, these tips will help make the most of it!

What To Eat and Drink in Amsterdam

We absolutely love Netherlands food! Read our review of Dutch Cuisine , which includes everything from cheese to apple pie – and incredible dishes that tempt the palette. 

Having a locally brewed Heineken is an essential Amsterdam experience. The distinctive red star logo is plastered throughout the city and it’s sold just about everywhere. Even though Heineken is mass produced (and available in 192 countries), it wouldn’t be right to visit Amsterdam and not have one.

That being said, don’t miss out on the local craft beer, too. We have a complete guide to the Top Amsterdam Craft Beer Bars !

Stroll the Amsterdam Canals

Charming. Quaint. Lovely. Picturesque. Beautiful. The canals in Amsterdam are worthy of these overused adjectives and many more. It is not just the water flowing through the neighborhoods that make it so appealing. It is the allure of the entire scene: the floating houseboats, endless number of bridges and detailed architecture of the gabled houses.

We have had the pleasure of seeing it all with autumn leaves and in the winter decorated for the holidays. No matter the season – even if you only have one day in Amsterdam – take some time to savor the scenery and wander aimlessly.

Watch Out for Bikes in Amsterdam!

Bicycles are everywhere . As fans of pedal power, we were impressed with so many people using bikes as their method of transportation. We found it amazing how effortlessly people moved about on bicycles, even with the extra encumbrance of hauling groceries, musical instruments and multiple children.

Visitors need to be aware of bikes as much as cars. It is wise to always look both ways when crossing the street. And, for shutterbugs like myself, be aware of your surroundings when looking through your lens.

Amsterdam and Marijuana

The scent of potent pot is always floating in the air. Within 24 hours of being in Amsterdam, the smell becomes commonplace. In the Netherlands, the laws covering buying, possessing and using of small quantities of marijuana are complicated and evolving.

Individual joints are sold in coffee shops and can be purchased for about $5 USD. Some shops, with names like Coffeeshop Reefer, seem to be geared toward tourists who find the freedom to smoke up a novelty.  

The unfortunate side effect of tourists using drugs is that some idiots overdo it. We saw more than one foreigner dazed-and-confused and struggling to function in broad daylight. Not cool.

To Visit – or Not Visit – the Red Light District

We didn’t venture into the Red Light District after dark, However, even during the day, young women stood in the red-lit, glass-paneled box windows in their lingerie. The girls we saw looked bored, texting on their phones and not even looking into the crowd outside their windows.

The scene is not for everyone. Visitors using our One Day in Amsterdam Self-Guided Walking Tour who aren’t keen on walking through the Red Light District can simply skip it altogether.

More Amsterdam Walking Tours

We have outlined a free walking tour that is easy to follow and can be completed at any pace. However, there are many other routes that are led by knowledgeable, professional Amsterdam tour guides. 

Guided Walking Routes Amsterdam

Visitors can choose from a private walking tour with a local guide (like this one ) or join a small group for Amsterdam sightseeing. 

Find the guided Amsterdam walking tour you are looking for on this complete list of tours or join one of these highly rated tour recommendations in the next section.

Best Tours in Amsterdam: Themed Experiences 

We already mentioned a few Amsterdam guided tours that focus on a specific theme – like the Red Light District Night Tour , the incredibly popular Anne Frank Tour and the Jordaan Food Tour .

Looking for a different way to experience the city? There are a few more themed tours to consider. 

Alternative Tour of Amsterdam

A 2-hour walking tour that focuses on the city’s alternative side and subcultures. Find out more!

Amsterdam World War II and Jewish Quarter Tour

Learn about the city’s Nazi occupation and poignant memorials. Get the details!

Craft Beer Tour

Explore the city with a local Amsterdam tour guide while sipping craft beer. Book it now!

Cheese Tour Amsterdam

Join a Cheese Tasting Workshop in Central Amsterdam (accompanied by local beer or wine). Reserve your spot!

Guided Amsterdam Bike Tour

Pedal through the city streets like a local…with a local guide! The 2.5-hour tour features top sights, historic information and insider tips. Learn more about it!

Amsterdam Pub Crawl

Join jolly revelers on a nighttime pub crawl to the city’s best bars for a night of fun. Get the info!

Free Amsterdam Walking Tour

Visitors looking for a guided free tour have many options, including Sandemans New Europe Tours. Keep in mind, however, that these Free Walking Tours of Amsterdam are tip-based. For a truly Free Amsterdam Walking Tour, use our outlined guide above!

Amsterdam Sightseeing Options

There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to see the city – so we are sharing a few ideas of ways to explore, besides walking.

Sightseeing in Amsterdam by Boat, Bus or Bike

Too much walking? No problem. There are two great Amsterdam sightseeing options that don’t require nearly as much walking.

Amsterdam Bus and Boat Tour

The classic Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus moves tourists effortlessly through the streets to top attractions. The ticket is good for 24 hours – and the bus makes 11 stops around the city center. 

Bike Rental

An alternative is walking to city sights is to rent a bike! Visitors can discover the top places to visit in Amsterdam on two wheels at their own leisurely pace. 

Amsterdam Canal Boat

Unique to Amsterdam, the Canal Hop-On-Hop-Off Boat  transports visitors via the waterways.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Want to cruise the canal? In Amsterdam, there are plenty of options when it comes to taking a boat cruise on the canals! From sightseeing cruises to candlelit cruises to pizza cruises  to dinner cruises – pick one that fits your style! 

Best Amsterdam Day Trips

Have time to explore beyond the Amsterdam city limits? Consider taking a day trip to see the Famous Dutch Windmills and The Hague , the iconic Tulip Fields or to fairytale Bruges, Belgium .

For a great half-day trip from Amsterdam, hop on a train to Haarlem . 

Amsterdam Travel Advice

Amsterdam is a fascinating city and there is a lot to see and do! You can create your complete trip plan with our Amsterdam Itinerary – but for now we have a few essential tips to share.

Where To Stay in Amsterdam

Hotels in Amsterdam are expensive – so before you book your accommodations, use read our guide for Finding Cheap Hotels . 

During our trips to Amsterdam, we have stayed in a few different types of accommodations. For an Amsterdam layover hotel, Ibis Budget Amsterdam Airport, is just a short walk to the bus station where we could catch a ride into the city center.

More recently, we stayed at the stylish Volkshotel in Amsterdam South near the hip De Pijp District. Key features of the hotel were the creative rooms, co-working space and rooftop hot tubs!

More Amsterdam Hotels

For those who prefer staying closer to the city, there are many Amsterdam Hotels to choose from.  Search for availability at Park Mansion Centre Hotel  or The Toren and check out these other top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip

Hostels in Amsterdam

Budget travelers can find accommodations at Amsterdam Hostels, like  The Flying Pig Uptown ,  ClinkNOORD Hostel  or  Generator Amsterdam .

Amsterdam Airbnb

We’ve often found Airbnb Apartments to be cheaper (as well as more spacious and comfortable) than hostels or hotels. This is especially true if there are two or more people traveling together, but be sure to check all the additional fees!

Getting to Amsterdam

Amsterdam can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we are JetSetting Fools, after all! Direct flights to Amsterdam from the US are available from Seattle , San Francisco , NYC , Boston , Chicago , Washington DC ,  Philadelphia and Austin !

When we need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on flights to Amsterdam (AMS) on Skyscanner .

To get from city to city when flights are not possible, we rely on public transportation. In Europe, we use Rail Europe to find train tickets and our preferred bus company is FlixBus . We aren’t keen on driving abroad , but renting a car can save time and it allows for greater discovery. 

Amsterdam Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may help cover costs with cancelled plans or lost luggage , or when travelers become ill or get injured. If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your Netherlands vacation, consider traveling protected with World Nomads . 

Start planning your trip to the Netherlands ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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One Day in Amsterdam: A local’s free self guided walking tour of Amsterdam

December 29, 2018 by Karen Turner 31 Comments

I recommend spending more than a day in Amsterdam, however that’s not always possible.  I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and this is an itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam with insider tips for Amsterdam.  

This is a self guided walking tour of Amsterdam by a resident (7miles/11km)  or  an Amsterdam itinerary for one day with public transit (4 miles / 6km). It includes more than 20 attractions/famous food places in Amsterdam.   Keep reading for the perfect itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam (starting bright and early). This guide to one day in Amsterdam includes a free downloadable map of your walking tour of Amsterdam.

• 1.0.1 DON’T WALK IN THE BIKE LANE.
• 2 NOW PRESENTING: Your one day in Amsterdam walking tour! (Map at the bottom)
• 3.1 8AM: START OFF AT CENTRAAL STATION, VIEWS & BREAKFAST
• 3.2 9AM: CANAL CRUISE IN AMSTERDAM
• 4 10AM: OUR LADY OF THE ATTIC
• 5.1.1 IF YOU DREAM OF SEEING THE TULIPS IN THE FIELD, YOU CAN SEE THEM IN THE TULIP FIELDS IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR FREE ON ANOTHER DAY. CLICK FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO SEE THE TULIPS!
• 6 PART II: DE PIJP (1KM)
• 7.1 2PM: ART MUSEUM OF YOUR CHOICE
• 7.2 4/5PM: VONDELPARK
• 8 ​5:30/6pm: Dinner time at the Foodhallen
• 9 8PM: ANNE FRANK HOUSE
• 10.0.1 LOVE TRYING NEW DRINKS? WE TRIED OUT ALL THE DUTCH LIQUORS THAT WE COULD FIND.  READ ABOUT 13 INTERESTING DUTCH LIQUORS AND SPIRITS TO TRY IN THE NETHERLANDS.
• 10.0.2 MORE INTO BEER? WE’RE ROUNDED UP THE BEST BEER IN AMSTERDAM AND WHERE TO DRINK THE BEST BEER IN AMSTERDAM. (PROOST Y’ALL.)
• 11 LATE NIGHT IN AMSTERDAM
• 12 Sleep (a little)
• 13.1 END OF YOUR WALKING TOUR OF AMSTERDAM  AND TOTAL MILAGE ROUND-UP FOR THIS FREE WALKING TOUR OF AMSTERDAM…
• 14 HAVE YOU BEEN TO AMSTERDAM? LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THIS ONE DAY IN AMSTERDAM ITINERARY!
• 15 IF YOU NEED ANY MORE TIPS FOR AMSTERDAM…

Things to mention about this self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam

Don’t walk in the bike lane..

As a biker, it makes me so nervous when I’m dodging tourists in the bike lane.  You all have a sidewalk and and you might get hit by a biker if you decide to walk in the red instead of the sidewalk.

 Be careful, please.  Don’t take selfies in the bike lane, don’t jaywalk and realize that some bikers will not stop for you even if you’re in the crosswalk (they are supposed to stop). If you’re being dinged at, you’re doing something  wrong  .  Click for tips about biking in Amsterdam .

This is a walking tour because  biking in Amsterdam is a terrible idea  if you don’t bike at home as you’re likely to not really understand the signage and/or hit a tourist who is walking in the bike lane.  

If you’re in a wheelchair, this one day itinerary for Amsterdam goes through quite a few crowded areas and/or cramped streets.  If you’re in a wheelchair, cut out the narrow street in the Red Light District and although I’ve tried to be on less crowded streets, navigating the old part of the city of Amsterdam (mostly the morning itinerary) is more likely to be the problematic part.  Similarly, the Begijnhof may be difficult due to the door. (Wheelchair users in electronic chairs often take the bike lane when possible FYI.)

I carefully laid out this tour to include my favorite places in Amsterdam and food that wasn’t too far from the route.

If you struggle a bit with long distances, I include many stop off points and cafes. Similarly, you’ll find many benches along the main areas.  Similarly, if you do this walking tour of Amsterdam with the help of public transit, it will cut the distance in half. 

NOW PRESENTING: Your one day in Amsterdam walking tour! (Map at the bottom)

Overview for your itinerary for one day in Amsterdam:

• Views of beautiful canal houses
• Local breakfast
• Canal cruise in Amsterdam
• Historic canal house / hidden church
• Red light district
• HIdden historic garden
• Famous cookies
• Flower market
• Albert Cuypmarkt Market
• Museumplein
• Anne Frank House

Amsterdam is generally safe although pickpocketing is an issue in very touristy areas (especially the Red Light District), so avoid having your phone out if you don’t need it out.   If you prefer a longer itinerary with a slower pace,  click for my three day Amsterdam .

PART I OF YOUR ONE DAY IN AMSTERDAM; CENTRE IN AMSTERDAM (2.1KM)

8am: start off at centraal station, views & breakfast.

Start off Centraal Station by crossing the road towards the  most photographed canal houses  in Amsterdam.  (Pro tip:  the Pancake Bakery  near Centraal Station is super touristy with long lines, so skip it)

You have lots of great options for breakfast in Amsterdam.  Then have breakfast at  Omelegg , one of my favorite breakfast places in Amsterdam for an American style breakfast.

If you’re feeling like you want to indulge your sweet-tooth, lots of people are obsessed with  De Bakkerswinkel  for fresh made pastries at one of Amsterdam’s best bakeries.  For a Kiwi-style vegan breakfast, I recommend  Bakers and Roasters .

9AM: CANAL CRUISE IN AMSTERDAM

Go on a canal boat cruise and if you’re craving a bit more adventure, rent your own boat (which is how the locals do it).  There’s nothing like seeing Amsterdam from the canals.

If you happen to have more than one day in Amsterdam, renting your own boat is so much fun although you’ll need a bit more time if you decide to do so, so you might need to adjust this schedule a bit.  Renting your own boat is about 50 per hour, so it’s worth it for a larger group of 4+.

You’ll have many canal tour options from Centraal Station, but most canal cruises in Amsterdam are pre-recorded.  It’s much more fun to do a canal cruise where you have a live tour guide showing you the sites and history, so check before you book your canal book cruise.

10AM: OUR LADY OF THE ATTIC

Head to my favorite museum in Amsterdam,  Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lady in the Attic).  If you’re a history or architecture buff, this is where to come (except on Sundays when they open at 1pm).

The idea of going to a converted church does not sound cool, but you’ll walk past one of the house that holds this museum…and you’ll realize that the creator of this hidden church (a fascinating part of Dutch history) sewed together three of these houses and hid a decently sized church in the attic of all three.

All canal houses have been kept in as close to original condition as possible, so you’ll learn not only about the history of the Netherlands, but also about Dutch architecture, and what life was like in the Golden Age of the Netherlands.

11AM: RED LIGHT DISTRICT IN AMSTERDAM, BEGIJNHOF, & BREAK

You’re probably already starting to see the the red light windows as you walk towards the heart of the Red Light District  in Amsterdam, which is all around the Old Church (Oude Kerk).

For the real heart of it, you’ll need to squeeze down  Trompettersteeg .  If you really want to see Dam Square, you can pass by it on your way out of the Red Light District. (Is before lunch too early to visit the Red Light District in Amsterdam?  Probably , but if you go at night, it’s quite crowded although you’ll see the iconic red lights.  If you have one day in Amsterdam, seeing it ONCE is enough.)

For the record, you cannot take any photos in the Red Light District of Amsterdam .

Stay walking along Nes or Oudezijds Voorburgwal and find the door to the  Begijnhof  (next to the American Book Centre).  Here, you’ll find the most famous and touristic hofje in Amsterdam.

Hofjes were closed communities from the middle ages where seniors and/or widows would live together as a community.  However, the Begijnhof functioned almost like a nunnery, only for devout women, although women could leave the order to marry.  Click to read about more secret spots in Amsterdam!

Stop for a coffee at  de koffiesalon spui  and try a famous/delicious warm chocolate cookie at  Van Stapele Koekmakerij  to hold you over until lunch .( Note: Don’t eat lunch yet. I got you covered and you’ll want to be hungry for lunch!)

Bloemenmarkt.  

Walk towards the flower market although be warned that not all flowers can brought home with you depending on where you live ( Americans: ask the vendors for which tulips are allowed to be brought back into the US. )

That said, you should be waiting until it’s getting cold to plant your tulips, so if you’re visiting in the peak of summer, it’s less likely that your tulips will pop up every year.

IF YOU DREAM OF SEEING THE TULIPS IN THE FIELD, YOU CAN SEE THEM IN THE TULIP FIELDS IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR FREE ON ANOTHER DAY. CLICK FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO SEE THE TULIPS!

Take the 24 tram towards the Heineken Experience (Marie Heinekenplein stop).

If you’re keen on doing your own self-guided walking tour instead,  walk towards the 7 Bridges look out spot for that iconic Amsterdam photo.

Avoid Vijzelstraat. Take Reguliersgracht until you pass the Heineken Experience.  (The map of the walking tour at the very bottom describes this route for your perfect one day in Amsterdam!)

PART II: DE PIJP (1KM)

You’ll be close to the Heineken Experience.  I generally don’t recommend visiting the Heineken Experience as there’s so much good beer in Amsterdam and paying 20+ euros is crazy to me when you can pay 5 euros for a tour and a beer at my favorite  Amsterdam brewery .

(Take a picture outside and get a Heineken at a nearby bar if you’re really excited about trying it in Amsterdam.  Enjoy your 16 euros extra.)

Now you’re in De Pijp, one of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam. If it’s any day besides Sunday, I recommend getting cash out and eating the fresh made food along the  Albert Cuypmarkt,  one of Amsterdam’s largest neighborhood markets.

Definitely browse the market for delicious food (this is why I made you wait to eat!), souvenirs, and spices. 

Keep an eye out for  Surinamese Roti , Indonesian food, haring stands, and freshly made Stroopwafel.  You’ll want cash for this market!   Be sure to get a FRESH stroopwafel for dessert, which is made in front of you by the vendors here are famous for stroopwafel.

If you’re looking to sit down or it’s a Sunday, head to  Bazar ,  The Butcher , or my favorite Indonesian restaurant in De Pijp,  Sari Citra  for a reasonable relaxed meal.

Ferdinand Bolstraat is the heart of De Pijp, however you’ll find lots of cute streets off of it, including the  Wake me up when I’m famous Bench .  Museumplein is a 7 minute walk from Marie Heinekenplein or only 500m from the Wake me up when I’m famous bench.

PART III: MUSEUMPLEIN

2pm: art museum of your choice.

Walk over to Museumplein to see the iAmsterdam  sign as well as the  Van Gogh museum , the  Stedelijk museum  for modern art, and the RIjksmuseum.

The  Rijksmuseum  requires at least three hours if you want to visit although the Stedelijk museum/Van Gogh museum can be done in two hours if you’re fast.

Book your tickets in advance for the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum to avoid lines.  I’ll assume you’re going to one of these.

4/5PM: VONDELPARK

Before it gets dark, walk 1km to  Vondelpark  to enjoy Amsterdam’s most beautiful park!  If you want more time, you’ll need a bit less time at the art museum. If you want to stop for a drink, I recommend the Blauwe Theehuis , which also happens to be one of the best spots for PokemonGo in Amsterdam.

It’s 1.5km to the Foodhallen, so you can take the tram/bus from Vondelpark to the Foodhallen. Alternatively, you can walk.

​5:30/6pm: Dinner time at the Foodhallen

Head to the  Foodhallen  for an dinner (or early dinner) in one of many booths.  I personally love Mazza although I’m also a huge fan of the Bitterballen bar (very Dutch).  The booths change often although make sure that someone saves your table while you get food, otherwise your table will be gone when you get back.

You can sample good Amsterdam local brews, including Two Chefs and Bird, at the bar here.  If you only have 24 hours in Amsterdam, you need to try some of the fantastic  craft beer in Amsterdam , not just Heineken. From here, take the tram towards the stop  Westermarkt .

8PM: ANNE FRANK HOUSE

The Jordaan  is one of my favorite areas of Amsterdam.  Before you explore the Jordaan, you’ll want to visit the Anne Frank House.  It’s a little known fact that the Anne Frank House is open late on Saturdays.

Take advantage of the lull in the crowds if you don’t have tickets and get in line at the  Anne Frank House . People usually start leaving around 7-8pm, especially on Saturdays.

Alternatively if you reserve your Anne Frank tickets online (which is best), you’ll be going to the Anne Frank House in the morning and early afternoon. (The Anne Frank museum has changed their policy and it is ticket-only in the morning, so no point in lining up early).

You may want to reverse this Amsterdam itinerary depending on your Anne Frank ticket time.  That said, if you’re not a museum person, I’d choose between the Anne Frank Museum and the Rijksmuseum. If you only have one day in Amsterdam, use the time to use the Jordaan instead.

If you want to stop off at a great cafe after, I recommend  Struik  for hipster vibes,  Cafe Chris  if you’re into dive bars, and  Mazzo  if you’re into nice wine bars.

9-11PM ENJOY THE JORDAAN AT NIGHT

Walking along the canals  in Amsterdam is still one of my favorite things, so after you leave the Anne Frank house, walk along Prinsengracht.

Stop off at  Winkel43  for the best apple pie in Amsterdam or  Monte Pelmo IJS  for the best ice cream in Amsterdam for dessert.  There’s tons of cosy brown bars in this area as well as  hidden hofjes , but all are closed to the public at night.

I recommend getting a  craft beer  or a traditional drink (perhaps some  jenever ) at the beautiful  Papeneiland Cafe .  If you want to wander, head towards the tip of the Jordaan towards Palmgracht and Brouwersgracht for the architecture.  ​  If you’re tired after this one day in Amsterdam,  I hope that you enjoyed this walking tour of Amsterdam! 

LOVE TRYING NEW DRINKS? WE TRIED OUT ALL THE DUTCH LIQUORS THAT WE COULD FIND.   READ ABOUT 13 INTERESTING DUTCH LIQUORS AND SPIRITS TO TRY IN THE NETHERLANDS.

More into beer  we’re rounded up the best beer in amsterdam and where to drink the best beer in amsterdam.  (proost y’all.), late night in amsterdam.

Well, you have one day in Amsterdam and possibly one night in Amsterdam, you might as well party it up.  If you’re still in the mood for an artisanal cocktail after the Anne Frank House, head to  Vesper  if they’re open.

Otherwise, head back along Haarlemmerdijk to find the  buzzing coffeeshops  (not coffee) and late night snacks.  It’s about 1km from Papeneiland back to Centraal Station.

If you’re looking to go out at a nightclub in Amsterdam, you can head to Leidseplein for the biggest clubs in Amsterdam.  Things don’t usually get started until at least midnight/1am, so take the time to relax for the night if I haven’t exhausted you yet. 😉

If you’re looking for a more relaxing evening with more walking, I always love walking down Herengracht and Keizersgracht late at night. It’s so quiet and relaxing.

Good things to know about going out in Amsterdam:   Most things in the outer neighborhoods will be closed besides bars and maybe a late night food place.   Centre will be going ALL night.  This is when the Red Light District is the most crowded, but it’s really best to go in the daytime if you’re set on visiting the Red Light District in Amsterdam.

Public transit  mostly  shuts down after midnight, however there are night buses that run late although they cost considerably more than the normal bus.  Plan ahead before you go out and avoid taxis if possible as they’re known to scam tourists.

Sleep (a little)

Depending on when your trip is, be aware that Airbnb is getting much more regulated in Amsterdam and during high season, finding an affordable hotel close to your dates is more difficult. I recommend booking your hotel/hostel ahead.

If you’re looking for something cheap and central, consider staying at  Stayokay Hostel . For a mid-range hotel, I recommend  the Student Hotel , which has a great design and comfy beds. Those looking for a boutique hotel will love  Pulitzer Hotel  with a central location composed of 20 typical Amsterdam canal houses.  For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at the  Conservatorium Hotel .

THE NEXT MORNING…

The next day, get up for another good breakfast (somewhere different) and say goodbye to Amsterdam!   (If you prefer a slower pace, this itinerary for one day in Amsterdam is definitely doable within 36 hours in Amsterdam.)

END OF YOUR WALKING TOUR OF AMSTERDAM  AND TOTAL MILAGE ROUND-UP FOR THIS FREE WALKING TOUR OF AMSTERDAM…

• Walking only self-guided itinerary: 11.5km or 7 miles.
• One day in Amsterdam with taking public transit:  6.6km or 4 miles.

Click for your free map of this walking tour!

I really hope you come back for longer.  I think that  three days in Amsterdam  is perfect and you can read my itinerary for it. Similarly, consider taking a day trip to another city in the Netherlands . 

HAVE YOU BEEN TO AMSTERDAM? LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THIS ONE DAY IN AMSTERDAM ITINERARY!

Please share if you found this self guided walking tour of Amsterdam helpful!

IF YOU NEED ANY MORE TIPS FOR AMSTERDAM…

• DO’S & DON’TS OF AMSTERDAM FOR TOURISTS
• EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VISITING AMSTERDAM
• THREE DAYS IN AMSTERDAM ITINERARY 
• WHAT TO PACK FOR AMSTERDAM
• 20 foods to try in the Netherlands
• A shorter walking tour of the Jordaan (2 hours)

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

October 27, 2017 at 11:55 pm

Thank you for this! Amsterdam has been on my list for awhile and my favorite way to explore the city is on foot and I love that this helps me see as much as possible in the most efficient way! Definitely saving this post for when I go!

October 28, 2017 at 9:14 am

Love this! Amsterdam is one of my must see places and this walking tour and map is perfect! Thanks for all the excellent tips.

October 28, 2017 at 3:26 pm

Wonderful timing, I am off to Amsterdam in a few weeks and this is an absolutely perfect itinerary. I also really appreciate the wheelchair information which is so often left out of these itinerary type of posts.

October 28, 2017 at 4:20 pm

This is marvellous! I’d use this guide even for more than a day! Would you suggest visiting Amsterdam in February or is it too cold? (I’m from Italy 😀 )

October 28, 2017 at 4:32 pm

Hi Veronica, Thanks for reading. I think February is a good time if you don’t want too many crowds, but it is a bit chilly (maybe 5 C) with a bit of wind chill. If you dress warmly, it will still be beautiful. I think in December/January is better as you can see the Light Festival. 🙂

October 28, 2017 at 11:16 pm

This is so great! I had a 24-hour layover in Amsterdam a couple of years ago and would have done much better with this itinerary! Just another reason to go back and stay longer 🙂

October 29, 2017 at 12:30 am

This is fantastic! Amsterdam is on my must-return-to list because I barely had any time last time and missed out sooo much! I didn’t know the Anne Frank house was open so late. I bet the red light district is… different during the day? Or not hugely? Totally saving this for my next visit anyway! Mmm, stroopwafel…

November 6, 2017 at 4:38 pm

The lights are red, but beyond that it’s just less crowded…and I guess if you’re going to just to see what legalized prostitution looks like, it’s the same 24/7 without the bachelor parties. 😉

October 30, 2017 at 9:53 pm

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe. I love its brick buildings, open skyline, rich history, and relaxed, easy going attitude towards life. The canals of Amsterdam are incredibly beautiful, and there’s nothing like seeing the city from a boat.

January 26, 2018 at 9:44 am

Can you email me the map please

April 2, 2018 at 12:05 pm

What a great and fantastic walking tour guide – thanks so much!

May 1, 2018 at 3:41 pm

I can’t find the downloadable maps for 24 hour s and 3 days in Amsterdam, they seem perfect for my trip coming up in a couple of days… can you email them to me? Or help me locate them? Also is there anything special to do or to look out for on 3-5 may for liberation and remembrance days? Thank you so much!!

May 1, 2018 at 4:55 pm

Hi Sasha, apologies about the maps. They’re up now. I don’t understand why they went missing from the post, but you can click the points to save them on your Google Maps! I’m working at making a printable version of this!

You should find some parades around the Netherlands for Liberation Day and there’s two minutes of silence. I’m pretty sure there’s a couple events around Amsterdam, notably in Dam Square each year for Liberation day, but the 5th of May isn’t a public holiday every year, only every couple years. As a result, I’d check for events on May 4th for this year.

May 18, 2018 at 10:48 am

Thank you so much for all of this information. I had a few hours free on a business trip yesterday and followed most of the tour as recommended. I saw so much that I would not have seen without it and really appreciated a local’s recommendation. I especially loved the Van Stapele Koekmakerijto cookie shop and would never have found that without your advice! I brought a tin of them home for my family and it was a lovely trip and nice souvenir. Thanks again!

May 18, 2018 at 10:50 am

Dear Marlene, Thank you so much for your feedback and for sharing your experience! I’m so glad that you enjoyed my walking tour. 🙂 I hope your family loves the cookies!

Best, Karen

June 12, 2018 at 11:48 pm

This looks great. We will be in Amsterdam August 14, 2018 and plan to take this walking tour. I would appreciate a detailed map of the tour if you can.

James & Esther

June 12, 2018 at 11:58 pm

Hi James, you’ll find a detailed map in the post. Please check it over.

August 17, 2018 at 8:25 pm

this sounds great! but I’m not able to download the map

August 17, 2018 at 8:28 pm

Hopefully this link works: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1zq_RkNfNlJJgNmnSM0AjYafSZ0k&usp=sharing

August 24, 2018 at 3:16 pm

YES! it works, thank you!

September 11, 2018 at 2:07 pm

Dear Karen, I could not thank you more for this and others articles. I spent a perfect day in Amsterdam wandering the city with your map and advice. Now I am studying the Paris part as I am going to visit it soon for the first time.

I’ve read a lot of travel blogs in my life, and your’s is the best.

January 8, 2019 at 6:39 pm

Hello Karen. I’m so glad your site came up when my daughter and I googled self guided walking tours in Amsterdam! We didn’t follow your itineraries to the letter, but made good use of your tips and suggestions for places that are a bit off the usual tourist track. Thanks to you we saw the wonderful church in the attic, my daughter had what she claims is the best chocolate cookie EVER, we ate bitterballen at the Foodhallen (can’t say we liked them much, but it was an experience!), watched a cat run up a tree in the Karthuizerhofje and my daughter even caught a few Pokemon. Thank you!

January 8, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Hi Amanda and Katie, I am so glad to read your comment, which is why I started blogging in the first place. I just love inspiring people to see somewhere different. I don’t expect everyone to follow my itineraries (for Amsterdam or elsewhere) exactly, but I know that some people like having a set plan. I have to agree with your daughter about the cookies! 🙂

August 13, 2019 at 7:48 pm

Thanks so much for such a fantastic walking tour. I followed it today and what an amazing way to see the city. My little legs took me the whole way and then some. There are some things I would have missed without this guide so I’m very grateful. Thanks for the food tips too.

August 20, 2019 at 5:46 pm

Your one day tour is pretty much what I’ve been planning for my day at Amsterdam, but, as you said, I have to plan all the way based on Anne Frank House ticket book time. So… do you think if I do the reverse mode of your tour it will work well? One more question: my day will be a sunday and Albert Cuyp Market will be closed. Where do you recommend me to eat any good stroopwaffle? Thanks a lot for your great tips.

August 21, 2019 at 1:12 am

It should work well in reverse. There are sometimes other markets in Amsterdam on Sunday, usually in the Westergasfabriek, but you should check the schedule. You can try van Wonderen Stroopwafels otherwise!

January 6, 2020 at 2:43 am

I was wondering if there is a printable version yet. I don’t think I will have wi-if while we will be traveling.

January 6, 2020 at 1:42 pm

You’ll have wifi without an issue in Amsterdam.

[…] Don’t pay for a tour when you can take in the city on foot.  You can download my one day itinerary here, which covers most of the Amsterdam landmarks, so if you’re not keen on going outside, you can still cover a lot of ground. Click for the self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam. […]

[…] If you’re in Amsterdam for only two days, you can pick two of the days to follow and I have a one day itinerary for Amsterdam if you’re in a rush. […]

[…] a bit outside of the center. I’d love to get a feel for other parts of the city. Karen from Wanderlusting K has some good tips about what to see in Amsterdam in a day. She is an expat living in the […]

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Ostrich Trails

Because it is a walking bird and walking is what we do.

Amsterdam Walking Tour

Home » Europe » Netherlands » Amsterdam Walking Tour

By Vicky · Published Jul. 20th, 2022 · Updated Nov. 21st, 2022

When you buy through links highlighted with an asterisk (*) on this site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you.

A walking tour of Amsterdam is the best way to experience this compact city in the heart of Holland. Discover canals, museums and more.

Page Contents:

This walk starts from Amsterdam Centraal train station . It’s an easy 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam Schipol airport.

Amsterdam Walking Tour Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

Tips for Amsterdam Walking Tour

• This walking tour is self-guided and lasts roughly 3 hours, including a few breaks but excluding time spent in any museums.
• DK Eyewitness Top 10 Amsterdam * is a great guidebook to accompany this walking tour.
• Check out other historic cities in the Netherlands such as Leiden or Delft .
• See other Dutch walks and hikes on our Netherlands Hiking Page .

Top Sights in Amsterdam

On this self-guided walking tour you’ll see the main sites and attractions of Amsterdam. Two to three days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Amsterdam, however you could spend much longer visiting the many world-class museums.

• Grachtengordel (Canal Ring)

Rijksmuseum

Van gogh museum.

• Stedelijk Museum

Moco Museum

• Heineken Experience
• Hermitage Amsterdam
• Botanical Gardens
• National Maritime Museum
• NEMO Science Museum
• Museum Het Rembrandthuis
• Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder
• Royal Palace

Nieuwe Kerk

• Madame Tussauds
• Body Worlds

If you’d prefer to be led around the centre of Amsterdam by a local, try this guided tour * which visits many of the places on this self-guided walking tour. Apart from a walking tour, a boat cruise is also a very popular way to explore Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Walking Tour Route

This walking trail starts from Amsterdam Centraal train station . Centraal Station ( Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a monument in itself, not just a convenient entry point to Amsterdam. Its neo-Renaissance style, built in 1889, was designed by the same architect who built the Rijksmueum.

Directions: From the train station head across the large bridge in front of you. Look to your left and you’ll see the front of St Nicholas Basilica. Pop over to visit, else head right along the water. Take the first road on the left, then the first right along a smaller street. You’ll soon reach a bridge over the Singel Canal, and the start of the Grachtengordal area.

St Nicholas Basilica

Key Information: Open Tue-Fri 11-12:30 and 1-4, open Sat & Mon 12-12:30 and 1-3. Free to visit, €3 for an audio guide.

St Nicholas Basilica ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a church near Amsterdam Centraal Station and it’s a beautiful building with lovely stained glass windows. It was built in the late 19th century when after centuries Catholics were once again free to worship their religion openly (previously Amsterdam was ruled by Protestants).

1. Grachtengordel (Canal Ring)

The Grachtengordel, or Canal Ring ( Tripadvisor Reviews *), is a famous neighbourhood in Amsterdam and a lovely place to walk. The Grachtengordel contains four well-known canals from the 17th century, in order from the inner city outwards – Singelgracht , Heerengracht , Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht . There are some large, old houses lining these canals, and it’s mainly very rich people who live here today.

Directions: Walk down Keizersgracht, the third of the four canals. At Leliegracht, a canal at ninety degrees, turn right and cross the bridge over Prisengracht. Turn left. From here you can see Anne Frank House and Westerkerk on the opposite side of the canal. Head down the canal and cross over the next bridge. Head slightly back up to visit the famous House or the Church.

2. Anne Frank House

Key Information: Open 9am-10pm every day. €14 for adults, discounts for concessions (plus €7 for a 30-minute introductory talk). Must book in advance.

The Anne Frank House ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is another of the top sights in Amsterdam. If you haven’t read The Diary Of A Young Girl * by Anne Frank, now is a great time! Walking around the Anne Frank House is very moving as you look around the house Anne hid in with her family during the Nazi Occupation. To explore more in-depth, you can discover the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam where Anne Frank lived on a guided walking tour *.

Key Information: Church open Mon-Sat 11am-3pm with free entry. Tower open to climb on a guided tour, June-Sept only, Mon-Sat, 10am-7:30pm, tickets €9. Book in advance.

Westerkerk ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a church next to the Anne Frank House. You can climb up the tower, Westertoren , which is mentioned in Anne Frank’s diary *. There are 360-degree views from the top of the tower, but book tickets in advance to guarantee a trip up the tower.

Directions: From the church, continue down Keizergracht, cross over to Prinsengracht, head down one block and then turn left towards the city centre. Cross over two canals, then the tram lines and continue on a small street. Turn right on Kalverstraat, a busy shopping street . After 200 metres turn right down a small alley – you should see part of a white church at the end. At the end of the alley you’ll reach the entrance to the Begijnhof.

3. Begijnhof

Key Information: Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Free entry.

The Begijnhof ( Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a medieval courtyard from the 14th century where religious Catholic women who weren’t nuns lived. Look out for the dark wooden house – het Houten Huis – in the corner, one of the only wooden homes left in Amsterdam. There’s also a little chapel inside that you can enter. Women still live here, though they no longer need to be Catholic, so be quiet and respectful.

Directions: After leaving the Begijnhof, head right and across a square. Walk down a small street leaving from the middle of the square and continue to a T-junction. Head left here and you’ll reach Koningsplein, by the Singel Canal. The Flower Market is just across the bridge on your left.

The Amsterdam Flower Market , or Bloemenmarkt ( Tripadvisor Reviews *), is a floating flower market on the Singel Canal. However, you can’t really tell that it’s floating because the barges the stalls are on are very sturdy and look like normal shops. You can buy all kinds of flowers and bulbs, including of course tulips. The stalls are open from 9:30am-5pm.

Directions: Head back to the main street and continue downwards leaving the city centre. You’ll soon reach Leiden Square ( Tripadvisor Reviews *), a pleasant square full of outdoor seating for restaurants. Head onwards on the walking tour, over the bridge, left and then right into Vondelpark, a park near the centre of Amsterdam.

4. Vondelpark

Vondelpark ( Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a grassy public park near the centre of Amsterdam. The layout was designed in 1850 and today it’s a very popular place for locals to go on a walk or a jog. There are lakes, rivers, fountains and birds, it’s a calm oasis in the busy city. There are several cafes/restaurants within the park, an open-air theatre and a water playground for kids.

Directions: The park gets more interesting after you walk under a road bridge. Wander around the lakes and rivers, then leave the park through a gate onto P.C. Hooftstraat, a fancy shopping street. Turn right at the next junction and you’ll soon reach Museum Square.

5. Museum Square

Surrounded by famous world-class museums, the museum square itself is a large green area. You’ll notice the grand Concertgebouw ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) on your right and the part old, part new Stedelijk Museum on your left. In the centre-left of the square is the obvious round building of the Van Gogh Museum, and at the far end the stately Rijksmuseum. The smaller, newer Moco Museum is between the two, in a fairly normal-looking old house.

Key Information: Open 9am-5pm every day. €20 for adults, free for children. You could spend an entire day here, most people spend a few hours.

The Rijksmuseum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a huge art museum in Amsterdam. The most famous painting is The Night Watch by Rembrandt, which takes up one side of a large wall. There are also paintings by Vermeer and many more famous Dutch masters. The museum is so large that a guided tour * can be worthwhile to bring you directly to the highlights and give background to the paintings.

Key Information: Open 9am-6pm every day. €20 for adults, free for children. Must book in advance.

The Van Gogh Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) has a large collection of Van Gogh masterpieces along with works by his impressionist contemporaries. Highlights include the Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom and many self-portraits.

Stedelijk Museum (City Museum)

Key Information: Open every day 10am-6pm. €20 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The Stedelijk Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) focuses on modern art and design. The new extension looks like a bathtub, while the rest of it is in a beautiful old building. There are some pieces by Mondriaan and Picasso but most of the work is from lesser-known artists. There’s also a nice sculpture garden. The free audio tour is worth getting.

Key Information: Open every day 8:30am-9pm (until 10pm on weekends). €16 for adults, discounts for concessions. You can book tickets online to avoid the queues.

The Moco Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a new museum displaying street art, both old and contemporary, including works by Banksy. It’s quite small and can be overcrowded, so aim to visit early or late.

Best Museums in Amsterdam

Most museums in Amsterdam are fairly expensive, with ticket prices ranging from €12.50 to €25 for adults. The top three museums in Amsterdam are:

• Anne Frank House: The most popular museum in Amsterdam. If you visit, it’s worth reading the book * beforehand as you’ll get more from the experience.
• Rijksmuseum: A very large museum containing many famous works of art. Try a guided tour * to hit all the top paintings.
• Van Gogh Museum: Famous works by the master and his contemporaries, remember to book online a few days in advance.

Directions: Walk through the passageway beneath the Rijksmuseum to reach a canal. If you want to, head right 500 metres to the Heineken Experience. Else head across the bridge over the canal.

6. Heineken Experience

Key Information: Open 10:30am-9pm every day. €21 per person, must be 18+ to visit.

The Heineken Experience ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a self-guided tour, with several interactive displays explaining the process of making beer. You can of course also sample the beer.

Directions: After crossing the canal, continue walking straight onwards to a T-junction at Herengracht canal. Turn right then left over the bridge. Continue right along the canal then turn left to walk up a wide tree-covered area. You’ll soon reach a large square, Rembrandt Square ( Tripadvisor Reviews *), with a statue of the man in the centre. Head right to cross the square and leave along the road with trams on. Cross the Amstel River and immediately turn right to find the grand building of the Hermitage Museum.

7. Hermitage Amsterdam

Key Information: Open every day 10am-5pm. €15 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The Hermitage Amsterdam ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) has cut ties with the museum of the same name in St Petersburg because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It now contains Dutch artworks, mainly on loan from other Dutch museums.

Directions: Walk around the Hermitage, left on the large Weesperstraat and then right before the next canal. The botanical gardens are soon on your right.

8. Botanical Gardens

Key Information: Open 10am-5pm every day. €12 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The Botanical Gardens, or Hortus Botanicus ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *), started in 1638. It is fairly small but has beautiful flowers and several greenhouses representing different climates and plants from all over the world. The butterfly house is perhaps a highlight. There’s a nice cafe in the grounds.

Directions: If you do want to visit, now would be the time to detour to The National Maritime Museum and/or the NEMO Science museum, both along the water’s edge. If not, turn left across the large bridge just after the gardens and straight on to Museum Het Rembrandthuis.

9. The National Maritime Museum

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. €17.50 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The National Maritime Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a large museum celebrating Dutch naval history and its importance to the country. There are collections of model ships, old maps, navigation instruments and more. The building housing the museum is quite grand and has good views over the water and Amsterdam. You also get to tour a full-sized replica of a Dutch East Indian trading ship.

10. NEMO Science Museum

Key Information: Open every day 10am-5:30pm. €17.50 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The NEMO Science Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *), located in a very modern glassy building, is full of interactive exhibits about science and technology. It’s good for kids, but can be crowded. There are great views from the roof terrace and a nice cafe, both of which you can visit without entering the museum.

11. Museum Het Rembrandthuis

Key Information: Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. €15 for adults, discounts for concessions.

Museum Het Rembrandthuis ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a museum in the house that Rembrandt lived in from 1639 to 1658. You can see how he worked and learn interesting facts about the artist. There’s a good audio guide.

Directions: After Het Rembrandthuis, continue along the street as it bends to the right and you’ll eventually reach the large square of New Market, or Nieuwmarkt ( Tripadvisor Reviews *). There’s a lovely old building at the centre of this square – De Waag, or the Weighhouse – used in the olden days to weigh goods. Leave Nieuwmarkt Square around the back of De Waag on Zeedijk Street.

Zeedijk Street is one of the oldest streets in the city. Some of the buildings are leaning quite precariously here since the ground has been subsiding since their construction. This street is also the centre of Chinatown and you’ll see Chinese writing on many shop signs, together with many Asian restaurants.

Turn left through a black gate down a small alleyway. This route is only open between 8am and 6pm, else the gate is closed. Continue over the first and then second canal to reach the Red Light District.

12. Red Light District

The Red Light District, or De Wallen ( Tripadvisor Reviews *), covers a central area of Amsterdam. A good way to get insight into the area is to take a guided walking tour *. There is an interesting museum here, Our Lord in the Attic Museum, and the Old Church (Oude Kerk) sitting in the middle of the District. The museum is just down the canal and the Church is a short distance further.

Museum Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder

Key Information: Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (until 6pm on Sat), open Sun 1pm-6pm. €15.50 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The Museum Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder, or Our Lord in the Attic Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *), is a small slightly hidden museum that preserves a 17th-century canal house with its original furnishings. The old house surprisingly includes a church in the attic. During the 17th century Protestants were in power in Amsterdan and Catholics had to worship in secret, hence the wealthy Catholic merchant who owned this house built himself his own little church.

Key Information: Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 1pm-5:30pm. €12 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The Oude Kerk ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is in the heart of the Red Light District. This church was started in the 13th century and is the oldest building in Amsterdam. It’s now mainly a museum but still has church services on Sunday mornings. It contains exhibits about the architecture of the church as well as temporary exhibits by artists, new and old.

Directions: Leave the church around the back and head out to Warmoesstraat. Continue left and you’ll soon reach the very large Dam Square.

13. Dam Square

Dam Square ( Tripadvisor Reviews *) is the main town square in the centre of Amsterdam. There used to be a dam here on the river Amstel, from which Amsterdam gets its name. The square was developed as far back as1270.

Explore more of the Netherlands on our other walking tours

• Delft Walking Tour – near Rotterdam
• Leiden Walking Tour – not far from Amsterdam
• Kinderdijk Windmills Walk – near Rotterdam
• Amsterdam Walking Tour – Amsterdam
• Wassenaar Dunes Hike – not far from The Hague

The Magna Plaza ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a shopping centre in a beautiful building around the back of the Royal Palace. It contains posh shops and a wonderful food hall. It’s open 9am-10pm every day. There are several other interesting buildings around the main square.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Key Information: Open every day 10am-5pm. €12.50 for adults, free for children, discounts for concessions.

The Royal Palace Amsterdam ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is open most of the year to visit, while also being used sometimes by Dutch Royalty. You can explore the impressive interior and learn about the history of the building and the important collections of paintings, furniture and more. There’s a good audio guide tour.

The Nieuwe Kerk ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is on one side of the square. It’s open 10am-5pm every day and contains temporary exhibitions. Entry prices vary but are often around €15. Today monarchs are coronated in this church.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Key Information: Open every day 10am-6pm. From €25 if you book online in advance.

The Madame Tussauds Amsterdam ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is part of the famous waxwork museum chain and here it focuses on famous Dutch people such as Van Gogh and the Dutch Royals.

Directions: After exploring the buildings of Dam Square, leave up the large Damrak Street toward the station. On the left is the Body Worlds museum, with the elegant Beurs van Berlage building just afterwards on the right.

14. Body Worlds

Key Information: Open 10am-10pm every day. €25 for adults, discounts for concessions.

The Body Worlds Museum ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) shows you the human body as you’ve never seen it before. Gunther von Hagens’ special technique to preserve bodies allows you to see in high detail all the tendons, sinews, organs and much more than you ever thought you would see. It really changes your perspective on your own body.

Beurs van Berlage ( Website , Tripadvisor Reviews *) is a historic building that contains high-quality art exhibits along with housing many cafes, restaurants and shops. Open 9am-5pm.

Directions: This is the end of the self-guided Amsterdam Walking Tour. You can walk onwards 500 metres to return to Amsterdam Centraal Station, return to Dam Square or head elsewhere for a well-deserved drink.

Guidebooks to explore more of the Netherlands

To visit a typical Dutch town similar to Amsterdam but with fewer tourists, try exploring Leiden , 30 minutes away by train.

FAQS – Amsterdam Walking Tour

Amsterdam is known for its many world-class art museums, including the Rijksmuseum, for its very central red-light district, and its general tolerance for drugs and drunken tourist behaviour.

The best thing to do in Amsterdam is to go on a walking tour!

You need to spend at least two days in Amsterdam to explore the city, and could spend much longer visiting all the famous museums.

Related Posts

Wassenaar Dunes Hike

Leiden Walking Tour

Delft Walking Tour

Imstenrader Bos and Putberg Hike

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• Netherlands

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

• 3 Pinterest

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.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• 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.

• See offers & reviews

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

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been visiting it regularly for over a decade and even spent some time living there. It’s a city with a misunderstood reputation, often glossed over as simply a place to party and partake in the illicit Red Light District.

But Amsterdam has so much more to offer.

If you want to explore the city, there are really only two ways to get around: biking and walking. And fortunately, for those who like to walk (and/or bike) the Dutch capital offers a legion of picturesque strolls: along leafy canals, past centuries-old churches and cozy canal houses, and down narrow cobblestoned lanes.

To really get a glimpse below the city’s surface, take a walking tour. I take them in every city I visit. They’re the best way to learn about the history and culture while connecting with an expert local guide who can share their tips and insight.

Amsterdam, unsurprisingly, offers an array of unique tours: from sex worker-led tours through the famed Red Light District to tours that explore the city’s recreational drug culture to strolls that focus on the history of the city.

To help you decide which ones to take, here’s my list of the best walking tours in Amsterdam!

BEST PAID TOUR

Take Walks is my go-to tour company. Their tours are fun, detailed, and use expert local guides so you always learn ton. They also get you behind the scenes with special access to attractions that other tours just can’t get (they have an early-access tour to the Rijksmuseum so you can beat the crowds). If you want to really learn about the city and connect with a knowledgable guide, this is the company for you! I love their tours the best.

Best Free Tour

Sandemans New Europe

Sandemans does free tours in many big European cities and they know what they’re doing. With a local guide leading the way, their three-hour walking tour hits all the major sites in Amsterdam. Start at the National Monument and end at the Anne Frank House and in between stroll along canals while stopping in the Jewish Quarter, various churches, bridges, and canal-side houses along the way.

  For more suggestions, here’s a few other walking tours worth checking out in Amsterdam:

1. Amsterbike

This tour with AmsterBike a perfect way to connect with the local pace of life. AmsterBike offers a few different types of tours, including a cycling tour around the canals and tours out into the countryside.

For their Amsterdam city tour, spend three hours pedaling along canals and down narrow atmospheric streets of this loveable city, learning the history of the place as you go along while stopping at some of the city’s most iconic spots.

Tours from 34.50 EUR.

2. Free Food Tour Amsterdam

Dutch gouda cheese, scrumptiously sweet and gooey stroopwafels, deep-fried savory bitterballen, and fresh herring are all on offer during this free two-hour walking tour that explores the food of Amsterdam. The expert local guides give a nice overview of the history and culture of Dutch cuisine while you nibble on samples of traditional foods. And yes – you really do get free food on the tour (just be aware that these are tasting bites, don’t expect to get full here). Just tips the guide at the end.

3. Hungry Birds

For nearly a decade this female-owned tour company has been feeding hungry visitors with knowledge and food of Amsterdam. “Mother birds,” as they refer to their guides, lead food-loving visitors around this charming Dutch metropolis for 4.5 hours, snacking on all manner of edible Dutch delights. Tour-goers get the chance to sample street food, traditional Dutch fare including herring and stroopwafels, some non-Dutch treats like Surinamese and Indonesian cuisine, as well as food at an old-school atmospheric food market.

Tours from 79 EUR.

4. HistoryWalks

Despite the country’s neutrality during World War II, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in 1939 shortly after the war broke out. Led by a retired history professor, their “World War II and the Holocaust in Amsterdam” tour takes visitors on a whirlwind around the city viewing it through the lens of World War II. It’s a fascinating three hours and the guides really know their stuff. If you’re a history buff like me — or if you just want to learn more about the war from a Dutch perspective — this is the tour for you.

Tours from 40 EUR.

5. Ultimate Party Amsterdam

These wild, party-themed pub crawl tours are festive and fun. Hop on the Red Light District pub crawl where the tour begins with unlimited vodka shots for the first 30 minutes (and then at every stop you get another free shot of booze). The tour concludes with free entry into Amsterdam’s biggest nightclub. This tour isn’t all just about getting drunk (though that’s a big part of it) but is a good way to discover some cool party spots so you can come back later and explore more on your own. It’s a great way to meet people too if you’re traveling solo.

Tours from 25 EUR.

6. Eating Europe

Started in Italy a decade ago, Eating Europe now has tours in many big European cities, including Amsterdam. The local guides know how to eat — and where! The food tour through the hip neighborhood of Jordaan gives a great taste of the amazing food scene there. The 3.5-hour walking tour hits some of the coolest spots in the neighborhood, plus street food and food markets to sample traditional and creative takes on Dutch food as well as some great international food. The knowledgeable guides also give a great account of the history of Dutch cuisine and the history and culture of feasting in Amsterdam.

Tours from 94 EUR.

7. O My Amsterdam Tours

Amsterdam is famous for its tolerance of recreational drug culture, particularly marijuana. In certain cafes, it’s totally fine to light up a joint and get higher than a kite. This 2.5-hour tour takes a bong-sized hit of drug culture and history in Amsterdam, leading curious visitors to cannabis grow rooms and the marijuana museum, among other spots, all the while explaining drug culture here. The guide even explains the difference between bad weed and good weed. It’s a real trip!

8. Prostitute Information Center Tours

The Prostitute Information Center, or PIC, in Amsterdam aims to dispel some myths and misconceptions about prostitution, in general, and in Amsterdam, in particular. Every Wednesday to Saturday at 5pm, a current or former sex worker leads tours around the Red Light District, explaining the practices of the trade and taking tour-goers into an actual room where prostitutes entertain customers. And of course, you can ask a lot of questions. It’s everything you ever wanted to know about sex work but were afraid to ask.

9. AllTourNative Amsterdam

This Dutch metropolis has a huge alternative culture scene. And the best introduction to it is to take a guided walking tour. AllTourNative Amsterdam’s “Street Art and Alternative Amsterdam” tour takes visitors to see some of the city’s best street murals, galleries, and coffeehouses that support and create alternative culture in Amsterdam. The 2.5-hour tour will definitely take you to spots you would not normally have heard of as a tourist. They even have a street art bike tour for a different perspective of the city’s vibrant murals.

Tours from 20 EUR.

Amsterdam is an amazing city that really does have something for everyone — and every budget. Whether you want to learn about the drug scene and the Red Light District or have tamer tastes and are interested in the city’s storied past, there’s a walking tour for you. Start with Take Walks and go from there!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Some great places to stay in the city are:

• St. Christopher’s at the Winston
• Flying Pig Downtown

If you’re looking for more place to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for nomads)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Amsterdam? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Amsterdam for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Walking tours

Explore the city with a knowledgeable guide, mee in mokum.

Welcome to our Amsterdam Walking Tours, where every step unveils the city’s charm. Join our expert guides on a captivating journey through hidden gems and rich history. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, our walking tours offer a unique exploration of Amsterdam’s heart and soul. Lace up your walking shoes and discover the allure of the city with every stride.

Because of the darkness last tours from November 1st till March 1st will start at 15:00 h.

More info »

Ancient City Center

Which sights your guided tour of the ancient city centre will feature is a surprise. It will depend on which route your guide will take you on.

Jordaan district

The Jordaan district is without doubt the most talked-about, described and romanticised town district in the Netherlands.

Canal District North

Between Westermarkt and Brouwersgracht Some urban expansion had already taken place in Amsterdam before the 17th century to accommodate the…

Jewish History

This tour will give you a good impression of Amsterdam’s Jewish history. The Jewish occupants have played an important part in the development of Amsterdam.

Canal District Middle

A large part of this area was built in the early 17th century, the beginning of the Dutch Golden Age.

Maritime tour

The story of Amsterdam’s origins and further development on the water’s edge.

Canal District South

This guided tour starts in Amsterdam’s City Archives, accommodated in a building called De Bazel. The area you will see during your tour is a world-famous work of art.

Western Islands

Bickerseiland, Prinseneiland and Realeneiland have an eventful history of commerce, shipping and industry.

Would you prefer a tour in a different language or departure time?

If you wish to experience the tour in a language other than Dutch or prefer a departure time other than 13:00, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are open to accommodating your preferences and are happy to discuss any other ideas or special requests you may have regarding the guided tour. We believe in providing a tailored experience, and there are numerous possibilities to make your tour uniquely enjoyable.

Practical Information

You will always walk in small groups, with a maximum of 10 people. Whether you’re a small group or an individual, you will not be combined with another group.

Our guided tours last 2.5, which includes a coffee break (consumptions are not included in the tour price). Feel free to discuss with your guide where and when you would like to take a break.

Each tour costs €15,00 per person to cover administration costs. The price for children up to 12 years of age is €7,50.

Our guided walking tours are available every day of the week except Monday. They start at 11 am and 2 pm for groups ranging from four to eight participants.

Departure point:

Please gather at Restaurant Luciëns, Luciensteeg 15, Amsterdam, 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Reservations:

Standard guided tours can be booked until 3 pm two working days before the tour. For Saturday and Sunday tours, bookings must be made by 3 pm on the preceding Thursday. For more information, call 020-625 1390 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on Tuesday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. If you prefer a different arrangement, please indicate this on the application form.

Preferably use iDeal or transfer the money to account number NL40 INGB 0004833101, BIC code INGBNL2A, Attention: Stichting Gilde Amsterdam, stating your order number.

Other preferences?

Would you prefer this tour in a language other than Dutch or at a departure time outside of the scheduled 11:00 or 14:00 hours? Feel free to share any additional ideas or desires you may have regarding the guided tour; there are various options available. However, we recommend contacting us well in advance if you wish to organize a customized tour.

Of the most liberal city in the world

Discover the fascinating history.

Maximum 15 people per group, for a truly authentic & high quality experience.

Small groups.

Amsterdam from the perspective of real, life-long locals

Informative and fun.

Everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one comprehensive tour!

From history to modern life.

Covering history to modern lifestyle, and unique personal stories you won’t hear anywhere else!

Passionate, super local guides.

Amsterdam Free Walking Tour

Sightseeing, history & cultural heritage tour, “the only free walking tour in amsterdam offering the quality of a small, high-end boutique tour”.

While most free walking tours of Amsterdam offer a quick tour of the main sights, at FreeDam Tours we really take a deep dive into Amsterdam’s unique history and culture.

We combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling and cover everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour. With the perfect mix of information and entertainment, covering history, modern life, and unique personal stories you won’t hear anywhere else to help you understand the essence of Amsterdam and Dutch culture.

Be prepared to challenge all your preconceived ideas you may have of this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam in the same way!

Book a tour

Free Walking Tour

Your introduction to amsterdam’s history, culture & modern life.

Offered Daily / 2h 30min / Free

Private Walking Tour

Get up close and personal with amsterdam.

2h 30min / €249,-

THE BEST RATED FREE WALKING TOUR IN AMSTERDAM

Out of more than 800 tours of Amsterdam, we are proud to be The Nr.1 best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam!

Here’s a short video of what your can expect:

Truly an outstanding tour

Believe the hype. This tour is as good as everybody says. You learn a ton and it’s really interesting and fun. An amazing combination. Highly recommend! It will make the rest of your time in Amsterdam so much more interesting and meaningful once you understand more about this fascinating country and city.

Stefanie from Boston - on Guru Walk March 2024

“It will hold your attention”

We had a great time, our guide was good fun and very knowledgeable. Great way to see the city especially on your first day. There’s context given to loads of things without flooding us with historical dates

Andrea - Tripadvisor July 2023

“Lots of fun with great story telling”

This is a great tour. Lots of local information. Great stories about Amsterdam and it’s history. A little bit of everything. Very entertaining.

Emily W - Tripadvisor June 2023

“Fantastic!”

The tour was absolutely fantastic!! It was fascinating, fun and so informative. I recommend it to anybody who wants to know more about Amsterdam, you won’t be disappointed.

Maureen - Airbnb Experinces May 2023

“This was an excellent tour that far exceeded our expectations”.

Our guide was simply fantastic!! We spent about 2 hrs walking around Amsterdam in the rain getting a vast amount of information about the city, its history and current day subjects. There was not a question our guide could not answer and his delivery of the general knowledge was superb. The best guided tour I have ever had in a city!

Gitte_W - Tripadvisor May 2023

“A unique tour experience”

A great tour sharing insights and interesting facts not found on other tours. The tour covered broad areas of the city but had really interesting insights for each.

MypoboySA - Tripadvisor May 2023

“Every visitor to Amsterdam should do this tour!”

If you have not done this tour, cancel your plans and make time for it! This was not just a tour of the city but a historically enriched peek into the principles underlying Dutch culture, all delivered by an extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. I am looking forward to taking the tour again with my friends and family that come to visit!

Keagsten - Tripadvisor - September 2022

“Best walking tour”

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. I strongly recommend this tour.

Fadi_H - Tripadvisor November 2023

So why walk with us?

Compelling stories.

Fascinating historic events, inspiring stories, and funny personal anecdotes. Supported by pictures, maps and paintings that bring history back to life.

Passionate local guides

Our guides are the best thing that will happen to you in Amsterdam! They are very passionate, truly local, and happy to share their knowledge with you.

Personal attention

Maximum 15 people per group so you can hear your guide clearly, engage with them personally, and get an answer to all your questions – all for a truly high quality experience.

We offer you a tour for free and if you liked it you can tip your guide how much the tour was worth to you. This motivates us to give you the best possible experience – always!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:, when does the tour run.

We have tours every day of the year, EXCEPT ON:

27 April (kings day)

How long is the tour?

It depends a little on the guide and weather, but on average the tour is 2,5 hours long. Distance covered: 2,5 km / 1.5 mi.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in front of the Royal Palace on Dam Square.

Are there free tours in other languages except English?

No, unfortunately all our daily tours are in English. It is possible to book a private tour in Dutch or German. Click  here   for more information on our private tours.

Do I need to make a reservation?

It’s not mandatory, but we strongly suggest making a reservation (especially on days like Friday and Saturday!) since the maximum number group of people allowed on a tour is limited to 15 people. Reserving is fast and easy. If you are not able to make a reservation that means the tour is fully booked. But even in that case, there is hope: there are always some people that don’t show up for the reservation, so if you come early (15 minutes before the start) we can put you on the stand-by list and you can take the spot of someone who does not show up for their reservation.

What should I tip?

This is totally up to you, according to your possibilities and how much you enjoyed the tour.

A tour of this scope would normally cost €25-30 but in this case you decide whether the tour met your expectations and you tip accordingly. People that really enjoyed the experience usually tip their guide around €15-€20.

How do I find the guide?

Your tour guide will be at the meeting point (in front of the Stock Exchange at  Beursplein 5 ) 15 minutes before the start of the tour wearing a yellow key-cord with their name holding a big yellow umbrella.

Is the tour cancelled in case of rain?

Is the tour suitable for children.

In our opinion, yes. The tour deals with the subject of prostitution, but all the content (historical and present-day) on our tour is family-friendly. This being a walking of Amsterdam, of course, we also, but definitely not only discuss prostitution and drug policies, on the contrary. Our goal is to show you Amsterdam is so much more than that. However, every parent (and child) is different, so at the end of the day, it’s up to you. Moreover, the city of Amsterdam has banned guided tours from the Red Light District, so we will not be entering the area and seeing sex-workers.

Can I join the free tour with a larger group of 6 or more people?

No, unfortunately not. The maximum number of people allowed on a free (tips only) tour is 5 people. Bigger groups are required to book a private tour. We reserve the right to turn away multiple reservations resulting in groups bigger than 5 people. This includes different members of the same group attempting to join the tour by making several individual bookings.

Meet our guides

FreeDam Tours

FreeDam Tours is a collective of experienced guides with fresh new ideas who are (almost literally) in love with what we do. Founded in 2016 with the mission not to be the biggest, but the best walking tour company in Amsterdam.  We created the ideal formula for the best free walking tour in Amsterdam: one containing the perfect mix of historical depth to make you knowledgeable, compelling facts to make you think again, and personal anecdotes that will make you smile. A tour that speaks to the free spirit of Amsterdam – FreeDam Tours.

freedamtours

Beware of the ice monster! ...

Marine swimming. There are so many cool urban beaches in Amsterdam this year! I’m on a mission to visit all 15 this summer. Like this one at on a former marine base in front of the maritime museum. The setting is stunning and the vibe is very laid-back Amsterdam. Join our tour for this and more local secrets ...and don’t forget to pack your swimwear next time you visit Amsterdam! ☀️🏄🏻‍♂️🚣‍♀️ 👙🏖🚤⛵️☀️ #freewalkingtoursamsterdam #freedamtours #summer2020 #amsterdamtourism #amsterdamcityguide #amsterdam #amstaffsworld #amsterdamcanals #amsterdamcity #amsterdamtrip #amsterdam ...

Nice contrast of sun & clouds behind the palace this morning. But it looks like the sun is winning and it will (finally) get very warm again the coming days. Perfect weather for a walking tour! #freewalkingtouramsterdam #freedamtours #freedamtoursamsterdam #amstafflove #amsterdamworld #amsterdamview #amsterdamlove #amsterdamlife #amsterdamcity #amsterdamtrip #amsterdamtours #amsterdamtouristguide ...

Sebastian making a very important point on his tour 😉 ...

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Autumn in Amsterdam ...

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The Best Amsterdam Walking Routes

Discover Amsterdam with these 4 walking routes! These routes will help you see the best attractions of Amsterdam. All 4 routes start at the Central Station and will lead you to the Rijksmuseum. Depending on your starting or ending point (train station or a hotel) and the time you have, you can choose to walk either of these routes or to make a combination of them.

Prepare for your trip to Amsterdam: ❒ How to Use the Public Transport in the Netherlands ❒ Where to stay in Amsterdam – the Ultimate Guide ❒ Amsterdam in One Day – Best Things to See and Do ❒ Art Museums in Amsterdam – the Ultimate Guide ❒ A Comprehensive Guide of All Amsterdam Museums

Tip: Staying longer in Amsterdam and want to visit Keukenhof or Kinderdijk ? Find out here which are the best day trips from Amsterdam . The post contains also tips on how to get there .

Amsterdam Walking Route 1

Amsterdam walking route 2, amsterdam walking route 3, amsterdam walking route 4, final words.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of those links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost for you.

Tip: You can download the Google map and use it offline, if you don’t have internet on the go. All 4 Amsterdam itineraries are color-coded and you can turn them on/off in the map as they are made as different layers.

You can use these routes to get from one attraction in Amsterdam to the other or to just wander the streets and take countless photos of the beautiful Dutch capital. I haven’t indicated which streets to take, as I believe that discovering a city by yourself is better than following a map strictly.

Let me take you for a walk along the best spots in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Central Station – if you are arriving at Amsterdam Central Station, make sure you turn around and have a look at the building. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Amsterdam! Designed by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers , it opened in 1889. As the last years the building is undergoing continuous renovation and modernization, the area in front of it might seem a bit like a construction site.

Church of Saint Nicholas ( Basiliek van de Heilige Nicolaas) – this beautiful basilica church is quite often overlooked by tourists. It was built in Neo-baroque style at the end of the 19th century and features a dome with amazing stained glass.

De Waag , or the Weigh House, is one of the most iconic buildings in Amsterdam. It was built in the 15th century and was part of the city walls, serving as a gate. Until the 18th century it was a weigh house and today there is a restaurant in the building.

Zuiderkerk, or the Southern Church, was built at the beginning of the 17th century and served as a church until 1929. It was restored in the 1970s. Its beautiful church tower dominates the whole area, serving as one of the most photographed landmarks in Amsterdam. Today the former church is used as a venue.

De Sluyswacht (the lock keeper’s house) is a super cute wooden house on St. Antoniesluis . It looks as if it’s gonna collapse any minute, so much tilted it is. But it still stands there since 1695 when it was built. Today, there’s a cafe in there.

Tip: If you stand in front of the Sluyswacht on the other side of the canal and look to your left, there’s a beautiful view of the Montelbaanstoren (Montelbaan Tower) and the futuristic NEMO Science Museum behind it.

Rembrandt House Museum – the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt ( The Night Watch ) has lived in this house between 1639 and 1656. Today, it’s a museum which I highly recommend visiting.

Waterlooplein Market – this is where the oldest flea market in the Netherlands is held from Monday to Saturday.

Blauwbrug , or Blue Bridge, is one of the most famous bridges in Amsterdam. It was built at the end of the 19th century. It resembles a bit the Alexander III Bridge in Paris but it lacks the grandeur of the latter.

Hermitage Amsterdam – before it became branch of the famous Hermitage in Saint Petersburg (Russia), it used to be a retirement home – Amstelhof. It was built in 1681 and functioned as such until 2007.

Magere brug , or the Skinny Bridge, is perhaps the most famous bridge in Amsterdam. The first drawbridge on this place was built in 1691 and the current version is from 1934.

De Koepelkerk , or the Round Church is a former Lutheran church, which was built in 1671. Today, it’s beautifully restored and serves as a venue for events and weddings.

Fun fact: In 1885 Van Gogh painted a view of Amsterdam with the Koepelkerk: De Singel with the Round Lutheran Church.

Beurs van Berlage is the old stock exchange of Amsterdam. This imposing building, located in the heart of the city, opened its doors in 1903. The beautiful clock tower was inspired by the 13th-century tower in Brescia (Italy) – Torre del Popolo . The stock exchange can be visited.

De Oude Kerk , or the Old Church, is a must-see as it is the oldest, still existing building of Amsterdam! It dates back to the beginning of the 14th century. The church serves also as an exhibition venue.

De Bijenkorf department store building is one of the most iconic buildings of Amsterdam and De Bijenkorf department store is equally famous. It could be compared with NYC’s Macy’s or London’s Harrods. The building in Revival architecture was built in the beginning of the 20th century.

De Nieuwe Kerk , or the New Church, is located in the heart of Amsterdam – on the Dam Square. Built in the beginning of the 15th century, today the Church serves as a venue for exhibitions.

The Royal Palace – this is the official residence of the Dutch King. It’s a beautiful building with imposing interior. The building also serves as an exhibition hall. The Royal Palace on the Dam is open for visitors.

Dam Square is the heart of Amsterdam and the most popular square in the city. Although it lacks a bit of elegance and looks kind of grayish, it is still an important place.

National Monument – this monument commemorates those who have fallen in World War II and any subsequent wars. Each year on 4 May (the Remembrance Day) the national ceremony is held at the monument on Dam Square. The monument was built in 1956.

9 straatjes , or the 9 streets , is a famous shopping area in Amsterdam with cute little boutiques and quirky local shops. This neighborhood is unbearably charming, but be warned, you won’t be able to stop shopping!

Begijnhof is one of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks – a small oasis of green in the busy city centre. It’s a lovely inner courtyard encircled by the houses of the Beguines – a sisterhood established in the Middle Ages for women who didn’t want to take vows but still wanted to live independently.

Note: When you are visiting the Begijnhof, please, keep silence and observe the rules. You can find them at the entry.

De Krijtberg is an active Roman Catholic Church built at the end of the 19th century.

Munttoren , or the Mint Tower, belonged once to the city’s defensive walls. In the 17th century it was used as a mint, hence the name. It has a lovely carillon that plays each 15 minutes.

Staalmeestersbrug is a draw bridge on Groenburgwal from which you will have a lovely view of the Church Tower of Zuiderkerk.

Rembrandtplein, or Rembrandt Square, is mostly popular with the numerous clubs and restaurants and the buzzing nightlife. However. Rembrandt Square is equally worth visiting during the day. Having a drink there and watching the resourceful ways in which people are taking pictures with the sculptures from the Night Watch is super entertaining.

Nightwatch 3D – this amazing sculpture, representing the most famous painting by the Dutch artist Rembrandt, has traveled the world before returning to Rembrandt Square for the second time in 2012 and is hopefully staying there forever.

7 Bridges Area – this is the most idyllic and postcard-like area in Amsterdam. Along the Reguliersgracht there are 7 bridges, hence the name.

Tip: If you want to take yourself one of those iconic Amsterdam pictures with the canals, the bridges and the typical canal house gables – this is the area to be. Just don’t forget your camera!

15 Bridges View Bridge ( brug van 15 bruggen) – they call it like this, because you can actually see 15 bridges from this bridge, including the one you are standing on.

Jordaan Neighbourhood is mostly famous for its restaurants, brown cafes and boutique shops, but its hidden courtyards are the real treasure. There are 19 inner courtyards in Jordaan. Can you find them all?

Noorderkerk, or the Northern Church, is one of the first churches built in Amsterdam after the Reformation. What’s so special about this church is that it was the first church that has a floor plan in the form of a cross.

Anne Frank House – this is one of the most famous places in Amsterdam and a must-see for every tourist. It tells the story of Anne Frank and the diary she wrote while hiding in the secret annex in the house during WWII.

Westerkerk  or the Western Church has the highest church tower in Amsterdam (87 m/286 ft).

Cafe Chris is the oldest cafe in this lovely neighborhood. It opened in 1624 as a beer house. You can’t visit Jordaan and not stop there for a drink.

Leidseplein is a busy square with numerous cafes. The beautiful building of the Stadsschouwburg (City Theatre) is at one corner of the square. Leidseplein is also the place to be for some night entertainment.

Rijksmuseum is another masterpiece of the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. It was built in 1885 and beautifully restored in 2013 to its previous glory. Rijksmuseum is the biggest museum in the Netherlands and a true bucket-list item for every visitor of the city.

Fun fact: The famous sign of I amsterdam that was drawing numerous tourists to the Museumplein has been removed in 2018.

Amsterdam is really a walkable city. Driving a car through the city is not a pleasure and you will need public transport only if you need to commute quickly from one place to the other. So the best way to discover the Dutch capital is to wander the streets along the canals and to enjoy the special character of the city.

These 4 walking routes of Amsterdam will be your best companion when visiting the city .

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🏆🥇 the #1 best rated walking tour in amsterdam.

FreeDam Tours was founded in 2016 with the mission not to be the biggest, but the best walking tour company in Amsterdam. We are a collective of experienced guides with fresh new ideas who are (almost literally) in love with what we do. So much so we created the ideal formula for the best free walking tour in Amsterdam: one containing the perfect mix of historical depth to make you knowledgeable, compelling facts to make you think again, and personal anecdotes that will make you smile. A tour that speaks to the free spirit of Amsterdam – FreeDam Tours.

• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
• Accepts electronic payment This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours – the best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam! Together with your super-local guide, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages and understand how these values continue to influence it today. We combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling and cover everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour: history, modern life, culture, art, fun facts and personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam. Be prepared to challenge all your pre-conceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way. “From the Red Light District to the evolution of Amsterdam as the global centre of world trade in the 17th century, its transition from a republic to a monarchy, the tragedy of the Nazi occupation and its enlightened and effective attitude to drug control, your guide will stitch these diverse items together with humorous personal anecdotes and insightful commentary on the underlying social and cultural mores of the Dutch people”. Duration: 2.5 hours Starting point: In front of the main entrance of the Stock Exchange (Beursplein 5), by the statue of the bull. You can also find us by looking for freedamtours on Googe maps! Endpoint: Dam Square PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY: Minimum age: 16 (The tour is not suited for young children!) Maximum number of people per group / booking: 5 people. Bigger groups will be turned away at the meeting point Every tour is unique. Route, sights, and topics may vary slightly depending on weather and/or guide. The Tour is always and only in English, NOT Spanish. We reserve the right to turn away guests with a limited understanding of English. Useful information: + Small Groups of Maximum 15 people for a truly high-quality experience and access to areas that are off-limits to other walking tours. + Supported by pictures, paintings and maps that bring history to life.  + Super Local Guides: all our guides are life-long locals with very deep roots in this city, country and culture so they can answer any question you may have.  + Free Snack & Souvenir: on the tour, you will be treated to a typical Dutch snack and you will also receive a nice souvenir at the end.   

What will we visit on this tour?

Look for the guide(s) holding a big yellow umbrella, in front of the Stock Exchange on Beursplein 5

• 1 Outside visit Beursplein

No guided tours are not allowed in the area, but we discuss the topic around the corner from it

• 3 Outside visit Chinatown Show 17 more stops
• 4 Outside visit Nieuwmarkt
• 5 Outside visit Amsterdam Central Station
• 6 Outside visit Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
• 7 Outside visit Waterlooplein
• 8 Outside visit Rembrandt House Museum
• 9 Outside visit damrak
• 10 Outside visit Universiteit van Amsterdam - Oudemanhuispoort
• 11 Outside visit zeedijk
• 12 Outside visit Zuiderkerk
• 13 Outside visit Waag
• 14 Outside visit Jodenbuurt
• 15 Outside visit Oost-Indisch Huis
• 16 Outside visit Salon de Thé (The Smallest House in Amsterdam)
• 17 Outside visit amstel river
• 18 Outside visit Dam Square
• 19 Outside visit National Monument
• 20 Outside visit Royal Palace Amsterdam

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (5010)

Fun, informative...excellent historical context and intelligent social commentary...couldn't recommend enough

David was very knowledgeable, funny and personable on the tour

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others cities to visit after amsterdam, where are you traveling to.

An Audio-Guided Tour

🎧 Over 15 Narrated Points of Interest: Engage with the rich history of Amsterdam through captivating stories and facts at each landmark.

🗺️ Interactive Map for Seamless Navigation: Easily find your way around the city's winding canals and historic streets.

📖 Dive into the Rich History and Cultural Melting Pot of Amsterdam: Discover how this city's unique position in Europe influenced its development, culture, and architecture.

🎶 Immersive Soundscapes: Background sounds and music that bring the historical atmosphere of Amsterdam to life.

🎭 Inclusion of Lesser-Known Stories: Delve into the tales of Amsterdam's communities and individuals who shaped the city's history.

⏳ Approximately 2- to 3-Hour Tour: Immerse yourself in a comprehensive exploration of Amsterdam at your own pace.

For Tourists and Locals Alike

Discover Amsterdam like never before with our innovative audio guide app! Perfect for both tourists and locals, this user-friendly app transforms your smartphone into a personal tour guide. With GPS-enabled navigation, effortlessly explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Amsterdam at your own pace. Say goodbye to endless research and hello to instant, in-depth insights about the city's iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and must-visit spots.

During the guided tour, you'll learn more about Amsterdam's famous figures like Anne Frank, Rembrandt, and many others.

Rembrandt van rijn, narrated points of interest.

• Anne Frank House: "Reflect on Anne Frank's enduring legacy at the historic site where her story unfolded."
• Stopera: "Marvel at the architectural grandeur of Stopera, a hub of Amsterdam's cultural and political life."
• Begijnhof: "Step into Begijnhof, a serene, hidden courtyard that whispers tales of Amsterdam's past."
• The House with the Graffiti: "Discover the enigmatic 'House with the Blood Stains' along the Amstel Canal"
• Beurspassage: "Stroll through the Beurspassage, where art and commerce blend in a dazzling display."
• In ‘t Aepjen: "Visit In ‘t Aepjen, one of Amsterdam's oldest pubs, brimming with history and character."
• Jordaan: "Experience the charming Jordaan, a neighborhood famous for its quaint streets and rich artistic heritage."
• Central Station: "Admire the architectural splendor of Amsterdam's Central Station, a gateway to the city's wonders."
• Chinatown: "Explore the vibrant colors and flavors of Amsterdam's Chinatown, a fusion of cultures."
• Dam Square: "Witness the bustling heart of Amsterdam at Dam Square, a crossroads of history and modernity."
• Damrak: "Take in the lively atmosphere of Damrak, a bustling thoroughfare lined with iconic Amsterdam sights."
• Oude Kerk: "Visit Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building, and a testament to the city's rich religious history."
• De Waag: "Uncover the medieval secrets of De Waag, a historic building with a storied past."
• Pathé Tuschinski: "Step back in time at Pathé Tuschinski, an exquisite cinema blending Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles."
• Rembrandthuis: "Explore Rembrandt's world at the Rembrandthuis, where the master lived and created his renowned artworks."
• Westerkerk: "Admire Westerkerk's towering spire, an iconic landmark that offers stunning views of Amsterdam."
• Muntplein & Flower Market: "Immerse yourself in the fragrant beauty of the Muntplein Flower Market, a kaleidoscope of blooms."

Step into the Heart of Amsterdam

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Amsterdam: Walking Tour, Canal Cruise And Transfer

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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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Amsterdam doesn’t want any more tourists – so here are 10 alternatives

A 200-yard-long TikTok-generated queue for fries; shoulder-to-shoulder pedestrians in shopping streets; parks so packed they look like a festival is on the go; restaurants and cafes where you struggle to get a table – overtourism is strangling Amsterdam . Cheap air tickets and the direct London to Amsterdam Eurostar connection keep the people flowing in. 

After the pandemic-induced lull, numbers of visitors to Amsterdam have shot back up to around 20 million a year. That’s for a city that is home to just over 900,000 somewhat overwhelmed Amsterdammers. Party tourism – British stag and hen parties, especially – generates the most media outrage, but the overcrowding floods into all corners of the city, and is not just caused by pub-crawlers and pot-smokers. Getting a ticket to a good exhibition can be just as much a trial as pushing your way through revellers in the red-light district.

Now even the tourists are starting to complain. An academic study reported in local newspaper Het Parool found that tourists’ brain waves (measured using an EEG helmet) showed a panicked flight response at the sight of busy city tourist spots.

Amsterdam authorities have announced various measures in recent years as part of attempts to tackle the problem, such as severe restrictions on short-term rentals and a ban on disruptive activities such as beer bicycles and large walking-tour groups. An online campaign that directs people Googling for information on stag venues to a site imploring them not to come has had little notable effect. Currently Europe’s most expensive city break destination , Amsterdam again raised its tourist tax this year to 12.5 per cent (the highest on the continent). But global tourists are getting richer, and the visitors continue to come.

It is time to start looking for somewhere else and, luckily, the Netherlands has plenty of alternatives. Here are 10 of the best.

Best for a vibrant city atmosphere

Rotterdam’s raw urban edge, bravura architecture and big-town buzz set it apart from other Dutch cities. From the Blaakse Bos (cube-shaped apartments up-ended on one corner and perched on stalks), to the exuberantly colourful Markt Hal, the city brings a sense of adventure. Different city quarters flip the mood as you go: hip eateries and quirky shops in the Laurenskwartier; young-talent art galleries around Witte de Withstraat; the old-world gabled charm of Delfshaven. The Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum (boijmans.nl; famed for its surrealist collection) is closed till 2029, but check out what’s on at the Kunsthal (kunsthal.nl).

How to do it: Fly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport with British Airways (from London City and Edinburgh) or Transavia (from Edinburgh). Trains from Amsterdam to Rotterdam take 40–75 minutes. The direct Eurostar London-Amsterdam train also stops in Rotterdam.

CitizenM Rotterdam is a buzzy hotel with compact but comfortable rooms, near the old harbour area and one of the hippest parts of town.

Best for a chic experience and fine art

Funky Amsterdam’s slightly disapproving, posher sister is the seat of government and home to the Dutch Royals, as well as host to embassies, the world Peace Palace and powerful international courts. It boasts a sedate and grand air, especially as you wander where the big wheels turn: Binnenhof, Lange Voorhout and Paleis Noordeinde. All this is leavened by a large city forest, the Scheveningse Bosjes, and a long stretch of seafront at Scheveningen. Added in the mix come the Mauritshuis museum (with Vermeer, Rembrandt and more fine Golden Age painting) and the Kunstmuseum , which shows excellent modern and contemporary art.

How to do it: Fly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport with British Airways (from London City and Edinburgh) or Transavia (from Edinburgh), or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to The Hague take around 50 minutes.

The Collector is a friendly hotel with contemporary verve, right in the heart of town.

Best for porcelain aficionados

One of the prettiest towns in the Netherlands, Delft offers teaspoon-sized helpings of Dutch charm: tree-lined canals, gabled houses, a lively market, quiet cafe terraces, a Renaissance-style city hall, august churches – together with many a street scene that could have been painted by its most famous son, Johannes Vermeer. Visit Royal Delft , where the famous blue-and-white porcelain has been made since 1653, to see how it is done and admire the collection. 

How to do it: Fly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport with British Airways (from London City and Edinburgh) or Transavia (from Edinburgh), or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Delft take an hour, transfers from Rotterdam Airport around 40 mins.

Hotel Arsenaal is an exquisitely restored 17th century arsenal, on a canal in the heart of town.

Best for student bonhomie

The Netherlands’ northern capital is a lively university town with a fierce sense of independence. Offbeat and bohemian, Groningen is more laid-back than hip. It’s been a prosperous place since medieval times (witness the towering Gothic steeple of the Martinikerk and occasional patrician mansion), but prefers bonhomie to boasting. Wander among the quirky stores and cafes on Oosterstraat and Nieuwe Ebbingestraat for a taste of easy-going Groninger life, test the nightlife along Poelestraat, or take in the zany design of the Groninger Museum where differently coloured walls, odd angles and motley mosaic stairwells set the mood for displays of contemporary art.

How to do it: Fly to Schiphol Airport (served by British Airways , KLM , easyJet , and Ryanair, from various UK locations) or take Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Groningen take around 2.5 hours.

The Prinsenhof is an elegant city-centre hotel dating back over six centuries, with a walled garden.

Best for ceramics lovers

Leeuwarden was the birthplace of seductress and spy Mata Hari and the artist MC Escher, whose former home (originally an 18th-century royal palace) now forms part of the Princessehof Ceramics Museum . The museum’s superb collection is especially strong on Chinese Imperial porcelain, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, and of course, Dutch ceramics and contemporary work. For more on Mata Hari, head to the Frisian Museum, which also has displays of Escher, local Frisian art and culture, and, curiously, the pre-Raphaelite artist Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

Look out for men walking rabbits, too. No, really. That’s what Gavin Haines saw on a visit for Telegraph Travel .

How to do it: Fly to Schiphol Airport (served by British Airways , KLM , easyJet , and Ryanair, from various UK locations) or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Leeuwarden take 2–2.5 hours

Boutique Hotel Catshuis offers contemporary calm in a canalside location.

Best for design buffs and techies

The Dutch narrative rarely touches on the country’s fifth biggest city – but Eindhoven is more than a name from the football fixture list. It is home to an internationally renowned Design Academy and a leading technical university. And it delivers striking architecture in the Evoluon , a UFO-esque landmark which, though built in 1966, still speaks of the future. Visit the hip Strijp-S and Strijp-R, former industrial areas with restaurants, bars, art and design spaces, and a lively skatepark; or the restaurants, cafes and weekly market around Kruisstraat.

How to do it: Fly to Eindhoven Airport with Ryanair (from London Stansted), or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Eindhoven take around 1 hour 20 minutes.

Hotel Piet Hein Eek incorporates work by some of the Netherlands’ best new designers into an art-cum-living space near the hip Strijp-S quarter

Best for foodies and the good life

The oldest city in the Netherlands, Maastricht (on a narrow tongue of land that pierces south between Belgium and Germany) is also one of the most beautiful, with huge cafe-filled squares, fine buildings, cobbled alleys to explore, and a wide, slow river meandering through the middle. To the Dutch, Maastricht is the symbol of the southern love of the good life, and, indeed, the food here, from market and cafe to high-end restaurant and chocolatier is superb. Along the way, take in the gentle Romanesque arches of Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (the Basilica of Our Dear Lady), medieval carvings and modern art at the Bonnefantenmuseum , and 10th-century glitz in the treasury of the vast St Servaas Basiliek.

How to do it: Fly to Schiphol Airport (served by British Airways , KLM , easyJet and Ryanair, from various UK locations) or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Maastricht take 2 hours 20 minutes.

Hotel Au Quartier offers cosy charm in an 18th-century city centre townhouse.

Best for that ‘little Amsterdam’ feel

A 25-minute rail trip from the Dutch capital, Utrecht shares many characteristics with its bigger sibling – quaint canals, world-class cultural attractions, a thriving nightlife – but without the crowds. The Centraal Museum boasts the world’s largest collection of work by Gerrit Rietveld, a principal member of De Stijl art movement (including his famous Red Blue Chair), as well as 400 other works, from medieval paintings to dresses by the designers Viktor & Rolf. The ancient Catharijneconvent has beautiful medieval paintings and stages impressive, well thought-out exhibitions.

How to do it: Fly to Schiphol Airport (served by British Airways , KLM , easyJet , and Ryanair, from various UK locations) or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Utrecht take around half an hour.

Mother Goose is a friendly boutique hotel in the heart of where it’s all happening.

Best for bulb lovers

Leiden has it all: canals, gabled houses and world-class museums – with a few windmills thrown in for good measure. It hosts the country’s most prestigious university, dating back to 1581, was Rembrandt’s birthplace and home to the Pilgrim Fathers before they set off for America, and is the site of the first tulips ever grown in Holland. Those were planted by Carolus Clusius in 1593 in the Hortus Botanicus, a tranquil botanical garden you can still visit. There’s a rich repository of Old Masters at De Lakenhal Museum , and one of the best collections of Japanese art and artefacts in the world at the Sieboldhuis . Leiden is also a good base for trips to the bulb fields in spring.

How to do it: Fly to Schiphol Airport (served by British Airways , KLM , easyJet , and Ryanair, from various UK locations) or take the Eurostar to Amsterdam. Trains from Amsterdam to Leiden take 30 to 40 minutes.

Hotel d’Oude Morsch offers a time-warp stay in an old guardhouse, right in the city centre, beside a park and canal.

Best for cheese lovers

Famed for its cheese (more varied and exciting than what the British call “gouda”) and top-class candles, Gouda has a thriving arts-and-crafts scene. Top attractions are the fairytale-like Gothic Stadhuis and the 16th-century Sint Janskerk – the longest church in the Netherlands, incorporating some fine medieval stained glass rescued from a predecessor. A re-enacted medieval cheese market (Thursday mornings in summer), beloved by tour groups, is easily avoided if it’s not quite your thing.

How to do it: Fly to Rotterdam The Hague Airport with British Airways (from London City and Edinburgh) or Transavia (from Edinburgh), take the Eurostar to Rotterdam, or fly to Amsterdam Schiphol. Trains from Amsterdam to Gouda take around 50 minutes, transfers from Rotterdam Airport around an hour.

The Weeshuis is housed in a 16th-century former orphanage and city landmark, and is renowned locally for its friendly staff and cuisine

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Steve Albini, Studio Master of ’90s Rock and Beyond, Dies at 61

A musician and audio engineer, he helped define the sound of alternative rock while becoming an outspoken critic of the music industry.

By Ben Sisario

Steve Albini, a rock musician and revered studio engineer who played a singular role in the development of the sound of alternative music in the 1980s, ’90s and beyond — recording acclaimed albums by Nirvana, PJ Harvey and Pixies, along with hundreds of others — while becoming an outspoken critic of the music industry, died on Tuesday at his home in Chicago. He was 61.

The cause was a heart attack, said Taylor Hales of Electrical Audio, the Chicago studio that Mr. Albini founded in 1997.

With a sharp vision for how a band should be recorded — as raw as possible — and an even sharper tongue for anything he deemed mediocre or compromised, Mr. Albini was a visionary in the studio and one of rock’s most acerbic wits.

On his own, he led the bands Big Black and Shellac, both of which venerated loud, abrasive guitars and snarling vocals. In those groups, and in virtually every project he worked on, Mr. Albini clung to punk’s defiant do-it-yourself ethic with an almost religious tenacity.

He also long maintained an impish zeal to provoke and offend. Big Black’s last, most acclaimed album, from 1987, has a typically unprintable title, and he once dismissed Nirvana — the group that later hired him to record the album “In Utero” (1993), at the peak of their fame — as nothing but “R.E.M. with a fuzzbox.”

A withering and prolific critic of the music business’s exploitive extremes, Mr. Albini wrote a widely quoted 1993 article, “ The Problem With Music ,” describing in clinical detail how naïve bands are lured into major-label deals that, in most cases, leave them broke and in debt.

In that article, which was published in The Baffler, Mr. Albini laid out a hypothetical ledger for a rock group that had signed a $250,000 record deal, but whose work, according to his math, netted the label $710,000 and the producer $90,000 — and just $4,031.25 for each member.

“The band members have each earned about ⅓ as much as they would working at a 7-Eleven,” Mr. Albini wrote, “but they got to ride in a tour bus for a month.”

However, in the 1990s, when his work as a recording engineer — he scoffed at being called a producer, thinking that term implied control over an artist’s work — was in highest demand, Mr. Albini made no apology for accepting big checks for recording major-label acts.

His recording approach, for underground bands like the Jesus Lizard and Slint, captured their muscular power with clarity, and brought out a drum sound you could feel in your gut.

Those bands also worked with Mr. Albini at their own risk; in those days, he was known for ridiculing the bands he recorded after the fact.

“Never have I seen four cows more anxious to be led around by their nose rings,” he wrote after recording “Surfer Rosa,” the seminal 1988 album by the Boston-based quartet Pixies, which became one of the defining classics of 1980s alt-rock. (Even so, Mr. Albini remained a close friend of Kim Deal, the bassist in that band, and recorded her other project, the Breeders.)

But to those who followed Mr. Albini closely, he was far more than a two-dimensional character. He became a champion poker player — winning more than $196,000 at the World Series of Poker in 2022 — and embraced social media, answering questions at great length and often with eye-opening honesty.

In recent years he also surprised many of his followers and detractors alike by revisiting his often-obnoxious past persona with a sense of contrition.

“A lot of things I said and did from an ignorant position of comfort and privilege are clearly awful and I regret them,” he wrote on Twitter , the platform now called X, in 2021.

Steve Albini was born in Pasadena, Calif., on July 22, 1962, and grew up in Missoula, Mont., where his father, Frank, worked as a wildfire research scientist.

He has described his young life in Montana as unremarkable until, as a teenager, he heard the Ramones’ first album, a blueprint of punk rock that was released in 1976. Its aggression, simplicity and puerile sense of humor opened up a new world for him.

“It was the first time I felt like there was any part of culture that represented the irreverence and goofiness and kind of mania that my friends and I were displaying,” Mr. Albini told The Guardian in an interview last year.

He enrolled at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., near Chicago, and began to develop his approach as a provocateur and a self-reliant musician. As an art project, he once stood behind a pane of plexiglass and taunted the audience to throw whatever they wanted at the barrier.

While at Northwestern, he recorded the first Big Black EP, “Lungs” (1982), almost entirely by himself on a borrowed reel-to-reel tape machine. It had cold, echoey, synthetic rhythms, and it sketched out a dark, nihilistic worldview in its opening lines: “The only good policeman is a dead one/The only good laws aren’t enforced.”

Big Black soon became a full band — though it continued to use drum machines — and the group’s output came to define a particularly raw form of the post-punk vanguard. At its best, on songs like “Kerosene” and “Jordan, Minnesota,” the band presented a nightmarish view of America, populated by arsonists, killers and child abusers, set to an impossibly intense, screeching soundtrack.

At the same time, Mr. Albini made a name for himself as a splenetic commentator on music. His written work, published in various fanzines, could seem like a form of insult comedy. He dismissed the Replacements’ beloved 1984 album, “Let It Be,” for example, as “a sad, pathetic end to a long downhill slide.”

In the late 1980s, he reached perhaps the height of his provocation with a new band he called Rapeman; the name, he said, was borrowed from a Japanese comic book, though he never denied it was meant to goad the audience. At some shows, the band faced protests. “The really annoying thing,” he once said, “was that the majority of the people on the picket line were precisely the kind of people that we would have liked at the gig.”

After making “Surfer Rosa,” which brought Pixies to wide attention, Mr. Albini became an in-demand producer for underground acts like Boss Hog, Superchunk and Urge Overkill. He recorded PJ Harvey’s “Rid of Me” (1993) with serrated guitars and — unorthodox for a major album — vocals set notably low in the mix.

He was soon courted by Nirvana for its follow-up to “Nevermind,” the album that became a global smash and ignited a revolution in the music business. Before agreeing to work with the group, he sent its three members a letter giving advice and laying out his terms.

“Bang out a record in a couple of days, with high quality but minimal ‘production,’” he wrote, “and no interference from the front office bulletheads.” He also told them, “I would like to be paid like a plumber” — meaning that he wanted a flat fee and not “points,” or a percentage of sales, a common practice among top record producers that Mr. Albini disdained as unethical.

But when the album was completed, the band’s record label, DGC, pushed for changes, and several of its tracks were remixed by Scott Litt, who had worked with R.E.M. “They waged a publicity campaign to try to shame the band into doing the record again,” Mr. Albini once told Tape Op , a magazine about audio recording.

He said his reputation had been damaged by the incident, though it was resuscitated when Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin recruited him for their 1998 album, “Walking Into Clarksdale.”

Since then, he had continued to work as an engineer and producer for countless bands, often at Electrical Audio, his studio; in a 2018 interview , he estimated that he had recorded “probably a couple thousand” albums to that point. Among the most acclaimed of them are records by Joanna Newsom, Nina Nastasia, Neurosis and Will Oldham.

His survivors include his wife, the filmmaker Heather Whinna, and his mother, Gina. Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.

When asked by The Guardian last year how he would like his career to be seen if he were to retire then, Mr. Albini answered: “I’m doing it, and that’s what matters to me — the fact that I get to keep doing it. That’s the whole basis of it. I was doing it yesterday, and I’m gonna do it tomorrow, and I’m gonna carry on doing it.”

He added, with an expletive, that he didn’t care.

Ben Sisario covers the music industry. He has been writing for The Times since 1998. More about Ben Sisario