Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours. On this unique tip-based* storytelling tour, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages.
Your super-local guide will combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling, and with the clever use of pictures and maps, you will learn 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 preconceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
* Tip-based means you only pay a small booking/marketing fee to the platform and you can tip your guide directly what you think the tour was worth. That motivates us to give the best possible tour and you always get the best value for your money!
Minimum age: 16
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A unique souvenir
On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie
Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!
Departure Point
Beursplein 5, 1012 JW Amsterdam, Netherlands
We meet in front of the stock exchange on the 'Stock Exchange Square' (Beurplein 5), which is located on the wide road between Central Station and Dam Square called Damrak. Your guide will be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour holding a big yellow umbrella.
Return Details
Dam, 1012 Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Tour ends in front of the Royal Palace on Dam Square
Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam, The Netherlands In front of the stock- and commodities exchange buildings, built where the Amtel river used to flow, we discuss the origins of Amsterdam and how water and finance influenced the city. 20 minutes
Damrak, Amsterdam, The Netherlands In the old harbor, we discuss the origins of the Red Light District, the role of the Church, and how the holy and the profane have found surprising ways to work and profit from each other over time & the state of prostitution in the 20th and 21st Century: how and why prostitution became a legal profession, how the neighbourhood has changed over time and the current challenges facing the most infamous neighbourhood of Amsterdam. 15 minutes
Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Here we discuss how (Religious) tolerance worked in practice once Catholicism became illegal in the 17th Century but was 'tolerated' under some very peculiar conditions. Form the underlying principles we draw parallels to how tolerance works today, in the 21st Century.
(note: we don't actually enter the hidden church, but we see it form the outside and have pictures of it's interior) 15 minutes
Chinatown, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Dutch drug policies explained. Find out how this area became an absolute no go area in the 1970's and how this sparked the beginning of the infamous ‘Coffeeshops’ dedicated to the selling of Marjauana. 15 minutes
In de Waag, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Discovering where Rembrandt painted his first major work ...and how it revolutionised the art of portrait making. We have a copy of the painting to show you all the details! 10 minutes
Oostindisch Huis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands In a stunning 17th Century Courtyard hidden inside this building (only accessible during week-days) you will learn how Amsterdam was able to become the center of a global trading empire, making Amsterdam the richest city on the planet in the17th century (aka 'The Golden Age), and how this place, the Headquarters of the first and biggest corporation in human history, kickstarted modern-day capitalism. We discuss the good, but definitely don't shy away from darker legacy of this period. 15 minutes
Waterlooplein Market, Amsterdam, The Netherlands The Oldest Market of Amsterdam located in the (former) Jewish Quarter, that was almost completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War - but not why who you think! Find out about the disastrous consequences of the Nazi occupation, that decimated the Jewish populations of what once was a safe haven for persecuted jews from all over Europe, and what the Amsterdammers had to do to survive the last 'hunger-winter' of the war.
15 minutes
The Amstel, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Here, or (depending on weather / guide) at another canal we discuss why Amsterdam has canals, and the architecture of the famous canal houses: why are they so skinny, why do they lean in all kinds of directions (some of it is on purpose), why do all the houses have a hook, and why do Dutch people keep their curtains open at ALL times. Everything will be revealed! 15 minutes
Oudemanhuispoort, Amsterdam, The Netherlands In this beautiful, hard to find former monastery, turned into hospital and now part of the University of Amsterdam we discuss the unique Dutch Bike Culture: find out why there are more bikes than people and why in the most famous, proud cycling city on the planet most of the bikes look so....ugly. 10 minutes
Royal Palace Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Learn about the very peculiar history of our Royal Palace, why and how we made the transition from a Republic to a Monarchy. Meet our current Royal Family (we have pictures), and get up to speed with the latest juicy Royal gossip! Dam square is also where the tour ends. 15 minutes
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
J3740UYkatherinem
17 Nov 2024
What a wonderful tour! David is a wonderful tour guide and it was wonderful to hear from an Amsterdam local. 10/10, was wonderful and would go again.
tbharris67
17 Nov 2024
Super introduction to this beautiful city and my first time visiting. Nina was an engaging guide and, being a local, offered unique blend of history, behind the scenes information and fun. Highly recommend Nina to be your guide.
589janicee
16 Nov 2024
Excellent tour for our first day in Amsterdam! Danny was full of history and great information to help us with the rest of time in Amsterdam.
This tour in
Amsterdam
is organized by
FreeDam Tours
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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