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Join the "Essentials" Walking Tour and see how a holy medieval city became today’s free-spirited Amsterdam. From canals to coffee shops, bikes to blunt honesty—no stone (or tulip) is left unturned!

Highlights

• Knowledgeable Dutch local guide
• Learn about the transformation of a holy city into a free-spirited capital.
• Get expert recommendations from your guide to enhance your stay.

Description

We’ll start in Dam Square, right in the middle of Amsterdam. This is where the city began. All around you are landmarks that tell part of the story: the Royal Palace, the Nieuwe Kerk, and the old main post office with its grand façade. From here, we’ll head into the oldest part of the city. Crossing the Torensluis Bridge, you’ll spot one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam and a bronze statue of Multatuli, the writer who spoke out against colonial injustice. As we move along, the city’s history comes into view. You’ll notice traces of medieval streets, the wealth of the Golden Age, and the darker years of the Second World War. Some of these stories reveal themselves in quiet courtyards, others in the energy of the public squares. One of the most memorable stops is the Begijnhof, just off Spui. It is easy to miss, but once you step inside you find a cloistered courtyard that feels like another world, calm and tucked away from the busy streets. Along the way, I will point out more than historic landmarks. You’ll hear where to try real Dutch snacks, which areas are best explored by bike, and how to read the city’s architecture as a record of constant change. The walk finishes by the Amstel River, the waterway that gave Amsterdam its name. We end at the National Monument, a solemn memorial to lives lost in war. By the end, you will have experienced more than a sightseeing route. You will have walked through Amsterdam’s past and present, its struggles and its moments of beauty.

Includes

Guided walking tour of Amsterdam's iconic landmarks Insights into Amsterdam's history, culture, and architecture Recommendations on Dutch delicacies and districts to explore

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund