Best Tours in Amsterdam

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Top sights in Amsterdam

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Recommended to visit in Amsterdam
Amsterdam: Moco Museum Ticket and City Discovery Audio Tour
Amsterdam: Moco Museum Ticket and City Discov...

The ticket to Moco Museum Amsterdam is included in this self-guided audio walking tour. Please note that an audio tour inside the museum is not provided within this bundle. You may redeem it at the museum. After you finish exploring Moco Museum, unpause the tour and walk on Museumplein, where contemporary art sets the tone, then continues to the Rijksmuseum for Dutch national treasures. From there, the route shifts to Melkweg, a former industrial site turned cultural venue, before reaching the Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht. The journey carries on to the Royal Palace on Dam Square, pauses at Van Stapele Koekmakerij, then explores the medieval heart of the city at Oude Kerk and the Red Light Secrets Museum. The tour ends at the Rembrandt House Museum, where one of the Dutch Golden Age’s greatest artists once lived and worked. Along the way, the most memorable experiences include standing before bold modern works, passing from grand civic spaces to quiet canal houses, sensing the weight of wartime memory, tasting one of Amsterdam’s most talked-about cookies, and discovering how old churches, nightlife, and masterpieces coexist in a single city.

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Dutch Drinking History
Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Tour Through Dut...

This self-guided audio walking tour explores Amsterdam through its historic pubs, tasting rooms, breweries, and hidden courtyards. It is ideal for travelers curious about local culture, Dutch drinking traditions, and the stories tucked behind old facades in the city center. The route starts at In ’t Aepjen near Amsterdam Central Station, one of the city’s most famous historic bars, and winds through a compact stretch of old Amsterdam. Along the way, you pass classic brown cafés such as Café Karpershoek and Hoppe, beer landmarks including In The Wildeman, Heineken, and Brouwerij De Prael, and genever institutions like Three Little Bottles, Wynand Fockink, and Proeflokaal de Ooievaar. The tour also pauses at places that broaden the story, from the elegant d'Vijff Vlieghen to the peaceful Begijnhof and the historic Stadsbank van Lening. The walk ends at Proeflokaal de Ooievaar, close to where Amsterdam’s old streets meet the waterfront. Along the way, traveler will experience the contrast between lively tasting houses and serene historic corners, discover the roots of Dutch beer and genever culture, and step into some of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric drinking spots.

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Pride and Memory
Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Pri...

This self-guided audio walk explores Amsterdam through the lens of LGBTQ+ history, remembrance, and cultural life. It will appeal to travelers interested in human rights, local stories, and the city’s layered past beyond the usual postcard sights. The route begins at the National Monument on Dam Square, where themes of war and memory set the tone, then passes the Royal Palace before heading into the canal belt and the Jordaan. Along the way, you will encounter the Multatuli Statue, the Homomonument, the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, COC Amsterdam, Saarein, Hiv Vereniging, and other places tied to activism, community, and everyday life. From there, the walk continues south and east past canals, civic landmarks, nightlife venues, and cultural institutions including Paradiso, H'ART Museum, the National Opera & Ballet, and Oudemanhuispoort, before ending at Spui. The most memorable moments include standing at the Homomonument beside the canal, reflecting near Anne Frank House, spotting Amsterdam’s elegant canal views, and discovering how pride, protest, and resilience are written into the city streets.

Amsterdam: Essence of the City Audio Tour
Amsterdam: Essence of the City Audio Tour

Take this in-app audio tour to explore the essence of the remarkable city at your own pace! During this self-guided tour, you will unveil the secrets that make Amsterdam so special. Starting from the Central Station, you will delve into the rich tapestry of this city, connecting its present-day freedom with its deeply rooted historical heritage. As you walk through the ancient streets of the old city centre, you will immerse yourself in the ambiance of De Dam, Spui, and Chinatown areas, that define Amsterdam, and discover firsthand what gives this city its distinctive character. Along the way, you will be able to try genuine Amsterdam delicacies, and visit its top museums such as Rembrandt House where you will gain insights into the artistic legacy of this old Dutch master and how his works have shaped Amsterdam's cultural identity. You will unravel the mysteries of its canals, and, of course, uncover the intriguing history of the Red Light District. The tour finishes at de Dam, the heart of the city. This place gives you access to anything, whether you want to go shopping, have a taste of the culture or go for some food and drinks. Let Amsterdam's spirit guide you as you navigate its streets and unveil the secrets that lie within.

Amsterdam: Jewish Cultural Quarter Audio Tour
Amsterdam: Jewish Cultural Quarter Audio Tour

In this tour, you will explore a small but incredibly rich of history part of Amsterdam – the Jewish Quarter. With this self-guided tour, you will get up close to its history and traditions. See the magnificent Portuguese Synagogue. Its 17th-century interior is still fully intact and illuminated by hundreds of candles. Discover the Dockworker and the Auschwitz Monument, which are important symbols of the Jewish Quarter. Soak up the atmosphere of Henry Polaklaan Street and find the National Holocaust Memorial. It is the theatre where, during the Second World War, the occupying forces made Jews assemble. Cross the Piet Meerburg bridge named after a resistance fighter in the Second World War and learn more about other such bridges in the area. End your tour at the Waterlooplein Flea Market, immerse yourself in the local culture and, perhaps, buy some souvenirs that will remind you of your journey. Get ready for your journey!

Amsterdam: Time-Travel Audio Tour
Amsterdam: Time-Travel Audio Tour

Get to know Amsterdam through this sightseeing audio tour taking to the past and present of the city. You will start the tour near Central Station at the Prins Hendrikkade street, easily reached from any part of Amsterdam. There you can have a look around, get the first impression from the surroundings and continue the tour. You will start learning about the main attractions one by one. You will see two churches, one is New (not by age!) and serves as an exhibition hall, another one is Old that could keep its original state since 17 century and is located in the red-light district. The tour will take you through the famous streets, but you can always walk to the small alleys and then return to the route; it will still have something to show you! For instance, you will come close to the Royal Palace that is still used by the Royal Family and at the same time open to visitors as a museum. After you discover this part of Amsterdam, you will cross the river IJ by ferry to see the modern architecture and feel a different vibe of the city. By the end of the tour, you will find yourself near the 100-meter tower. Would you go up for 360-degree views of the surrounding areas?

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Canals and Old Streets
Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Can...

This self-guided audio walk explores historic Amsterdam through canals, church towers, market lanes, and harbor edges. It suits first-time visitors, curious walkers, and anyone who wants to understand how trade, faith, and daily life shaped the old city while seeing it up close. Your route begins at Zwanenburgwal, where calm canal water reflects narrow brick houses and rows of tall windows. From there, you follow the old waterways to Oudeschans, then return toward the elegant Zuiderkerk and the stately stretch of Kloveniersburgwal. The walk continues past the former Spinhuis and the quiet Walloon Church before opening into lively Nieuwmarkt. After the square, you slip into smaller streets along Bloedstraat, reach the historic spine of Zeedijk, and pass through narrow Spooksteeg. The tour ends at Damrak, after a stop by the Schreierstoren, the medieval tower by the water that once stood at the city’s edge. Along the way, you can expect memorable contrasts: still canals beside busy streets, a 17th-century church linked to Monet, the stout silhouette of the Waag near market stalls, the layered character of Chinatown on Zeedijk, and the salty, harbor-side feeling near the old tower at the end of the walk.

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Memory and Masterpieces
Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Mem...

This self-guided audio walk explores Amsterdam through wartime memory, canal history, and great Dutch art. It will appeal to first-time visitors who want more than postcard views: travelers interested in Anne Frank, Jewish heritage, historic streets, and the city’s museums. Your route begins at the Anne Frank Monument, beside the Prinsengracht, where the bronze figure stands near the water and narrow canal houses. From there, you continue to the Anne Frank House, then follow the canals into the heart of Amsterdam. Along the way, you cross Torensluis, pass through the elegant Grachtengordel, and enter the busy center at Magna Plaza, The New Church, the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds, and Nieuwmarkt. The walk then leads into the old Jewish Quarter, where Zuiderkerk, Huis de Pinto, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, the Memorial to Auschwitz Victims, The Dokwerker, and the National Holocaust Names Monument reveal layers of faith, loss, resistance, and daily life. The tour finishes farther south among Amsterdam’s cultural landmarks: the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Heineken Experience. The most memorable moments include standing near Anne Frank’s story where it happened, seeing sunlight flash on the canals, crossing grand squares framed by stone facades, and ending among paintings, memorials, and museum buildings that show Amsterdam at its most moving and vivid.

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Ride Through the Amstel and De Pijp
Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Ride Through the...

This self-guided audio bike tour explores Amsterdam beyond the postcard center, following a lively route through De Pijp and along the Amstel. It suits first-time visitors who want a local feel, with market streets, green parks, river views, and a few surprising landmarks along the way. Your ride begins at Ajax Bike in De Pijp, where rows of bicycles and busy side streets set the scene for everyday Amsterdam. From there, you move onto Albert Cuypstraat, one of the city’s best-known market streets, then pause by the Andre Hazes monument, a tribute to one of Amsterdam’s most beloved singers. The route continues through Sarphatipark, with its lawns, water, and winding paths, before reaching the houseboats and broad riverbanks near the Amstel. Further south, the city opens up. You pass modern architecture, the peaceful grounds of Zorgvlied, cycling-focused landmarks, and the riverside setting near De Riekermolen, a 17th-century windmill beside the water. The route also brushes the edge of Amstelveen and Amstelpark, then turns back toward the urban core, passing near Heineken Brewery HQ before ending close to central Amsterdam at Free walking tour Amsterdam. Along the way, the most memorable moments are likely to be the market energy of De Pijp, the quiet green pause in Sarphatipark, the sight of houseboats rocking on the Amstel, and the classic windmill standing against the open sky.

Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Hidden Histories
Amsterdam: Self-Guided Audio Walk Through Hid...

This self-guided audio walk explores Amsterdam through its quieter courtyards, protest landmarks, street culture, and layers of faith. It will suit first-time visitors who want more than postcard views and are curious about how daily life, belief, and rebellion have shaped the old city. Your route begins at the Begijnhof, a peaceful enclosed courtyard where brick houses and church walls preserve the feel of medieval Amsterdam. From there, you pass the Maagdenhuis and the Amsterdams Lieverdje, then continue toward Vrankrijk and Vrolijk, places tied to activism and alternative city life. The walk then opens onto Dam Square, the historic heart of Amsterdam, before slipping into narrower lanes such as Pijlsteeg. In the final stretch, you move from the famous frontage of The Bulldog to one of the city’s most remarkable hidden spaces at Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, a canal house with a secret church tucked above its living rooms. You also encounter Café 't Mandje, a landmark of LGBTQ+ history, and the bright rooflines of Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple, before the tour ends in the Jewish Cultural District. Along the way, the most memorable moments include stepping from noisy streets into silence, spotting a church concealed inside a merchant’s home, standing in the broad stone space of Dam Square, and seeing how many communities have left their mark within just a few hundred meters.

About Amsterdam

Insider tips for visiting Amsterdam

Rolf Laimbock

Rolf Laimbock is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2020 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Amsterdam on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Amsterdam.

When I visit Amsterdam for shopping, I usually skip the obvious chains and head for De 9 Straatjes first. Between the canals, I browse independent fashion, vintage, and design stores tucked into old merchant houses. For sharper local style, I recommend the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk area in Amsterdam; locals know it for small concept shops, excellent delis, and bookstores. If you visit Amsterdam and like contemporary labels with a more polished feel, Oud-Zuid around Beethovenstraat is a smart choice. In my travel guide Amsterdam, these are the areas I mention most because they combine browsing with some of the best things to do in Amsterdam: walking, people-watching, and café stops.

When I’m in Amsterdam on my own, I always start with a slow walk through the Jordaan early in the morning, before the cafés fill and the canals turn busy. For solo visitors, it’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Amsterdam because you can move at your own pace, browse small galleries, and sit unnoticed with coffee on the Noordermarkt. I often continue to the Begijnhof or the canal belt, which belong high on any list of what to see in Amsterdam. Unlike many tours in Amsterdam, this feels personal. These quieter corners are also among the most memorable attractions in Amsterdam for people traveling alone.

In my travel guide Amsterdam, I usually recommend three full days in Amsterdam as the sweet spot. That gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the city: an unhurried canal walk at dusk, a museum morning, and a neighborhood like De Pijp or the Jordaan where Amsterdam feels lived-in rather than staged. When I visit Amsterdam myself, I find two days can work if you stay central and choose carefully, but four lets you add ferries to Noord or a slow afternoon in the Plantage. For me, the best things to do in Amsterdam reveal themselves when you leave space between plans.

When I want a break from the center of Amsterdam, I head just beyond it to places that still feel connected to the city’s history. The ferry to NDSM is one of my favorite short escapes; in Amsterdam, it gives you a rawer, creative side with street art and old shipyard buildings. I also recommend taking the train to Haarlem for an afternoon, especially for quiet hofjes and excellent small museums. If you’re comparing attractions in Amsterdam with what to see in Amsterdam nearby, these are the places I mention first. Unlike many tours in Amsterdam, they let you feel how the city opens outward into very different neighborhoods and towns.

If you plan to visit Amsterdam around a major event, I’d time it for King’s Day in April or the Grachtenfestival in summer. King’s Day shows Amsterdam at its most exuberant, but I prefer the smaller pockets: families selling old treasures on the streets of the Jordaan and canal-side music drifting through quieter blocks. In my travel guide Amsterdam, I also highlight Open Monumentendag in September, when historic buildings in Amsterdam open doors usually closed to the public. For me, these are among the most memorable things to do in Amsterdam because they reveal the city’s character, not just its postcard image.

When families ask me where to go in Amsterdam, I often suggest the maritime area around Het Scheepvaartmuseum. For me, it’s one of the smartest things to do in Amsterdam with children because the old harbor setting already feels like an adventure, and the full-scale VOC ship draws them in immediately. From there, I like walking toward the Oosterdok, where Amsterdam opens up with wide views and room to move, which parents appreciate. Among the classic attractions in Amsterdam, this area feels less cramped than the canal core. It also works well if you’re deciding what to see in Amsterdam without relying on standard tours in Amsterdam.

In my travel guide Amsterdam, I always say the city makes most sense on foot, with trams for longer stretches. When I visit Amsterdam, I walk the canal belt and Jordaan because distances are shorter than they look, and you notice the details that make Amsterdam special: crooked gables, hidden courtyards, flower boxes leaning over bridges. For neighborhoods like Amsterdam Noord or the eastern docks, I use the free ferry or tram rather than a bike; locals know cycling here can feel hectic if you do not know the rhythm. For me, combining walking with public transport is one of the most practical things to do in Amsterdam.

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