Magpie
5.0(33 reviews)

Amsterdam City Center Guided Walking Tour

From€51.94
2 hours
Amsterdam, Netherlands

About this activity

Join a semi-private guided walking tour through Amsterdam's historic center, exploring iconic landmarks and hidden gems with an expert local guide.

Highlights

  • Explore Amsterdam's historic center
  • Discover hidden gems off the beaten path
  • Learn about the city's rich history
  • Enjoy a personalized experience
  • Capture memorable photos of iconic sites

Full description

Discover the charm of Amsterdam's historic center on this semi-private guided walking tour. With a maximum of 12 participants, you'll explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems, all while learning about the city's rich history from an expert local guide. This personalized experience ensures you see the best of Amsterdam, from its picturesque canals to its vibrant neighborhoods. Don't miss the chance to capture memorable photos and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the city. Perfect for those seeking an authentic and engaging exploration of Amsterdam's heart.

Included / Excluded

  • Expert local guide
  • Semi-private group (max 12 people)
  • Visit to iconic landmarks
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Discover the history of Amsterdam’s primary Roman Catholic church. Built in the late 19th century after centuries of prohibition, its striking blend of architectural styles reflects the city's evolving religious landscape.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Visit the Schreierstoren, or Tower of Tears, a medieval structure from which women bid farewell to loved ones departing by ship

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO
3

Stroll along one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, once a sea dike that held back the waters of the IJ. At the Kolksluis, admire one of the city’s most picturesque lock bridges.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

From here, we will make our way to the lively nightspot and market square, Nieuwmarkt which is found in the old city centre. This spot has been a centre for commerce and socialising in Amsterdam since the 17th century as the square’s location just inside the old city gate made it a convenient spot for traders and shoppers looking for fresh produce.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

During our time at Nieuwmarkt, we will also see what is known as “De Waag”, a 15th century building that is one of Amsterdam’s oldest remaining non-religious buildings. Originally a city gate and part of the walls of Amsterdam, the building has also served as a guildhall, museum and firestation, among other things.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Moving on, we will see both the Trippenhuis & Klein Trippenhuis. While the Trippenhuis is Amsterdam’s widest home, spanning an enormous 22m, the Klein Trippenhuis is one of Amsterdam’s narrowest houses located right across from the Trippenhuis.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
7

Step into the courtyard of the Dutch East India Company’s headquarters, the birthplace of the world’s first multinational corporation.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
8

Marvel at one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam, a reminder of how high land taxes once encouraged tall, narrow architecture.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
9

Amsterdam’s first purpose-built Protestant church, designed by Hendrick de Keyser. Its elegant tower is one of the city’s defining landmark

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
10

Next we will pass by Rembrandt’s house, a historical building and art museum in which the Painter Rembrandt lived and worked between 1639 and 1656. The collection of the museum contains Rembrandt’s etchings and paintings of his contemporaries.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
11

Following, we will go to what is known as the Stopera, a building complex housing both the city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. The construction of this building was at least 60 years in the making.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
12

A rare 17th-century canal house located at the junction of three canals, with façades facing in three directions.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
13

Following, we will see one of the oldest hofjes, or almshouses in Amsterdam, Begijnhof. It consists of a group of houses built around a secluded courtyard and garden, known to have provided homes for the Beguines – a group of unmarried women who lived together under vows of chastity. Today it is also the site of two churches.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
14

One of the tour’s last stop includes the Dam Square. Its notable buildings and frequent events make it one of the most well-known locations in the city, as it includes the Royal Place, New Church and National Monument.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15

Admire the “Golden Bend” of the Herengracht, lined with the city’s richest and most ornate canal mansions from the Dutch Golden Age.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16

Pause outside the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist hid during WWII. Next door rises the Westerkerk, with the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
17

Look up to spot quirky gable stones, carved with allegories and trade emblems, decorating some of the city’s most ornate façades.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
18

Following, we will walk through one of the busiest squares in the city, Rembrandt Square. As you can tell by its name, Rembrandtplein is named after the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt. Here you will see a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, The Night Watch, which was displayed as part of the celebration of the artist’s 400th birthday in 2006.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
19

A 17th-century Protestant church built for the Jordaan district. Its unusual cross-shaped floor plan reflects the new ideals of Reformation worship.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
20

End at one of the city’s prettiest canal corners. Visit Het Papeneiland, a brown café from 1642, said to serve the best apple pie in town.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine
  • Minimum age for participants is 12 years
  • Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring a camera for photos
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • A maximum of 12 people per tour allowed
  • Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!

Traveler reviews

5.0
33 reviews
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Excellent guide, Hanneke!

Most excellent tour with our fabulous guide, Hanneke-a fifth generation Amsterdam citizen.

kathywR3794GSMay 9, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Amsterdam Walking Tour with Frank D!

I booked a semi-private Amsterdam city walking tour with Frank D, and once again, Babylon Tours delivered an exceptional experience. Frank was incredibly knowledgeable, and we spent 3.5 hours exploring Amsterdam while he shared so many interesting insights I would have never discovered on my own. This is probably my sixth tour with Babylon across London, France, Italy, and now the Netherlands, and they continue to impress every time. Highly recommend!

Mindy WMar 21, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fun walking tour of historic Amsterdam

We met with our guide, Clare, as instructed. There were only 5 of us which made it easy to listen and to chat. Clare tailored the walk to what everyone wanted and made it so interesting. It was a fun afternoon and we would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting ..... to get to know the city and its history a bit before you go off and explore yourself. Thankyou Clare.

terrytI4712WVMar 15, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Moving experience

Really excellent tour from Fleur. She helped bring the exhibits to life and I was very moved by the devotion to restoring The Night Watch by Rembrandt including that we could see the conservators in situ whilst we viewed the art. I had a beautiful emotional tearful moment at that. Thanks Fleur for your guiding and the time and attention you gave to us and the exhibits. Andrew

playleandrewFeb 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Engaging and informative walk through history

This tour was the perfect way to learn our way around Amsterdam through the lens of Jewish history and the associated sights. Our tour guide, Josje, was extremely knowledgeable and did a wonderful job of contextualizing the events of WWII through the buildings that are still standing today. Note that this is the kind of tour where you're expected to continually ask questions and raise talking points - you might get a side eye or two from the guide if you aren't interacting enough. There's a bit of "this will be on the test" energy to the tour.

kevingM1008ZPOct 22, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code) Minimum numbers apply. This tour will not run without a minimum of 2 guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund Children must be accompanied by an adult A maximum of 12 people per tour allowed Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee – Important Details We stand by our commitment to providing the best tour experience. If for any reason your experience did not meet expectations, we offer a 100% Guarantee under the following conditions: 1. Contact Us Within 24 Hours – To qualify for any potential refund or resolution, you must reach out to us within 24 hours of your tour. 2. Give Us a Chance to Make It Right – Before posting any negative reviews online, please allow us the opportunity to address your concerns. We take pride in our customer service and are committed to finding a fair solution. To request a resolution, please contact us at after tour. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to ensuring every guest has an amazing experience!
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