5.0(10 reviews)
Rijksmuseum & Amsterdam City Center Guided Tour
From€238.5
3 hours
Amsterdam, Netherlands
About this activity
Experience Amsterdam's art and history with a guided tour of the Rijksmuseum and city center, including skip-the-line access and visits to iconic landmarks.
Highlights
- Skip-the-line access to the Rijksmuseum
- Guided tour of Amsterdam's historic city center
- Visit to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Dam Square
- Explore the rich art collection at the Rijksmuseum
- Discover Amsterdam's charming canals and architecture
Full description
Dive into Amsterdam's rich art and history with this exclusive guided tour. Enjoy skip-the-line access to the renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Stroll through the city's charming streets, passing by the Royal Palace and Dam Square, and uncover the stories behind Amsterdam's iconic landmarks. This tour offers a perfect blend of art, culture, and history, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Netherlands.
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line access to the Rijksmuseum
- Guided tour of Amsterdam's historic city center
- Visit to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Dam Square
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Split the day between the canals and cobblestones of the city’s historic center and the masterpieces hanging in the Rijksmuseum. This tour will begin at the Rijksmuseum, Holland’s version of the Louvre, and learn about the highlights of its 8000 or so objects on display, including works by iconic Dutch artists like Rembrandt. Visit the impressive and expansive collection that curates Dutch history over the centuries. For those who aren’t familiar with Dutch culture, explore its rich and vibrant past through a selection of paintings and artifacts from the 8000 objects on display. Explore familiar names like Rembrandt while discussing lesser known items like 17th century dollhouses and Vermeer’s portrait of domesticity, “The Milkmaid.” There’s even a fascinating 19th century library containing more stories than we could ever tell. By the end, you’ll have a good overview of the museum’s collection and you may even know how to pronounce its name correctly. After lunch, enjoy a historical walk. Learn about the capital city, known for its openness, charming bridges and leaning houses. Wander the canals and get your bearings as you learn about the medieval gate and Amstel River that helped shape Amsterdam.
Duration: 2h 30mAdmission: YES
2
Starting at our designated meeting point of St Nicholas’ Basilica, we will firstly discuss the history of the city’s primary Roman Catholic Church. Built at the end of the 19th century at a time when Roman Catholics could once again profess their faith in public after three centuries of prohibition, the building is a blend of different architectural styles and artistic movements.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
We will then make our way towards the Schreierstoren, often known as the Tower of Tears or Weeper’s Tower. Originally part of the medieval city wall of Amsterdam, this tower is mainly known for the belief that women wept there for their husbands who would leave from the port to go to war or to fish.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO
4
We will then walk through an area known to be the Chinatown of Amsterdam. Zeedijk is a street in the old centre of Amsterdam and consists of a number of Asian markets, restaurants and shops, as well as the Zeedijk Buddhist temple, known to be the largest Chinese style Buddhist temple in Europe.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
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: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
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: 10 minAdmission: NO
7
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: 10 minAdmission: NO
8
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
9
Marvel at one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam, a reminder of how high land taxes once encouraged tall, narrow architecture.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
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: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
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: 10 minAdmission: NO
12
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: 10 minAdmission: NO
13
A rare 17th-century canal house located at the junction of three canals, with façades facing in three directions.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14
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: 10 minAdmission: NO
15
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: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
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
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- Photography may be restricted in certain museum areas; follow the guide's instructions.
- The tour involves walking; be prepared for a moderate amount of physical activity.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the city tour.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and art.
- 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)
- Notes: Rijksmuseum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.
Traveler reviews
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Ask for Cecilia M
Cecilia M, was an enthusiastic guide with a depth of knowledge about the Golden Age of the Netherlands. We enjoyed her so much.
Deborah HApr 7, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Excellent and knowledgeable guide.
We had an excellent tour. Jacopo was so knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the artists and their history. We learnt so much more than if we had visited the museum on our own. He cleverly navigated various school groups and we saw everything we set out to see- and more. Many many thanks!
LouiseM976Feb 16, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Van Gogh.
Love it, Well recommend to all art lovers. Would love to book more trip if we got more times. Please plan to book on advance. It is hard to get Van gogh museum ticket.
599kanchanapApr 12, 2024TRIPADVISOR
Babylon Tours is the only way to see Amsterdam
We were in Paris in September was discovered Babylon tours there and the tours were fantastic. So when we elected to visit Amsterdam a year later, Babylon was the first place we turned and, once again, we were not disappointed despite our high expectations. Our guide was friendly, knowledgable, helpful and professional. She not only clearly knows Amsterdam and art, but also knows what people enjoy viewing, how to present the works in a way that interesting and how to tell a story that ties the entire tour together. Clearly Babylon knows how to find, train, and keep terrific guides, no matter the city. Definitely would recommend this tour and Babylon in general...regardless of what city you're visiting!!
DuncanTCHDec 15, 2022TRIPADVISOR
Great Experience
Our guide was entertaining and thoroughly knowledgeable!! Great history of Amsterdam and the Dutch Masters
A9104BKjackkNov 28, 2021TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
Notes: Rijksmuseum may be subjected to occasional closures without previous warning from the museum management. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an appropriate alternative if the museum opening time is delayed more than 1h from the tour starting time. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. No large bags or suitcases are allowed inside the museum, only handbags or small thin bag packs are allowed through security. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' or 'No Wait' access. Some specific rooms inside the museum are subjected to a very quiet or restricted right to speak inside, in this cases your guide will provide the information about this places before entering the specific rooms where this rule applies. Some collections may vary along the year.