Magpie
5.0(13 reviews)

Amsterdam City Center Walking Tour

From€51.94
2 hours
Amsterdam, Netherlands

About this activity

Join a guided walking tour through Amsterdam's historic center, visiting landmarks like the Royal Palace and Anne Frank House, with insights from a local expert guide.

Highlights

  • Explore Amsterdam's historic city center
  • Visit the Royal Palace and Anne Frank House
  • Discover hidden gems with a local guide
  • Learn about Amsterdam's rich cultural heritage
  • Enjoy a personalized walking experience

Full description

Discover the charm of Amsterdam's historic center on this engaging walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll visit iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the Anne Frank House, while uncovering hidden gems and learning about the city's rich cultural heritage. This personalized experience offers a unique glimpse into Amsterdam's past and present, making it an unforgettable addition to your travel itinerary.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided walking tour of Amsterdam's historic center
  • Visit to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Anne Frank House
  • Personalized insights from a local expert guide
  • 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: 5 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

See Amsterdam’s grandest 17th-century mansion, once owned by the wealthy Trip family, contrasted directly with the city’s “smallest house” built opposite.

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: NOT_APPLICABLE
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 landmarks.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
10

Visit the former home and studio of Rembrandt, where the great master lived and worked for nearly 20 years.

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

Step into this peaceful medieval courtyard, once home to a community of devout women known as Beguines. Here stands one of Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses.

Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
14

The historic heart of Amsterdam, framed by the Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument to WWII victims.

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: NO
18

Discover the largest hofje in Amsterdam, once built as almshouses around a tranquil courtyard for the city’s poor and elderly.

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: NOT_APPLICABLE
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

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine
  • Photography is allowed at most sites
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes
  • Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated
  • 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

  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Stroller Accessible
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • 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.

Traveler reviews

5.0
13 reviews
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Anita's tour was a great way to learn about Amsterdam.

Anita was very knowledgeable about Amsterdam. She was a trooper and kept us moving, as we battled the rain and wind during our tour. Despite the wet weather, we enjoyed our time with Anita and recommend this tour if you are interested in learning about Amsterdam.

Kim_SNov 7, 2025VIATOR

Walking tour

Our tour was great! Our guide was knowledgeable about the city, its history and other details that made our tour worthwhile. It was a beautiful day, so we walked the city and saw incredible sights.

AmyLynn440Oct 2, 2025TRIPADVISOR

First time in Amsterdam

Diana is very knowledgeable of Amsterdam history, answering all our questions and pleasant to walk with.

Darryl_ASep 5, 2025VIATOR

Top Notch Tour

Wonderful guide with information that gave us such an appreciation and understanding of Amsterdam. Highly recommend!

Shelley_GJul 22, 2025VIATOR

Great way to learn about Amsterdam!

Great way to explore and learn a bit about Amsterdam! Janet is super friendly and knowledgeable! I recommend doing this tour at the beginning of your visit if possible.

kellyabatesJun 4, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code) Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately 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.
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