About Us
That Dam Guide was started by me, Mark, in 2013. Before that, I spent two years as a guide with one of the big ‘free tour’ companies. It was interesting work, and it gave me a solid foundation in guiding. After 2 years of showing huge groups of 30+ people around town I broke away and created my own company, initially offering Small Group Tours. After Covid, I switched to Private Tours, which is my focus today. Private Tours are a great format because they are much more personal and can be tailored in countless ways to suit your individual interests.
Lee and Rob and I have worked together from our early ‘free tour’ days. When I am booked they do tours for me on a freelance basis which is why they’re listed below. We all have an extensive knowledge of Amsterdam and love people, and our strength lies in instinctively knowing, as we show you around, what to highlight and what to leave out. Our goal is always to enhance your stay and experience of our inspiring city. If you want to read a longer version of the above, here is a blog post I wrote recently about the story of That Dam Guide!
Hi, I’m Mark, originally from South Africa, and I’m proud to now call myself a Dutch citizen. My connection with Amsterdam began in 1991 when I first moved here and fell in love with its charm, rich history, and tight-knit neighbourhoods. What was meant to be a brief adventure turned into four incredible years.
After over a decade in England, where I studied law and worked in property development, I found myself drawn back to Amsterdam in 2009—but this time, for love. My partner and I got married here, and we’ve been happily together ever since. In Amsterdam, we call people like me “lovepats,” a playful twist on expats, which perfectly describes my journey back.
One of my many passions is exploring the art and architecture that make Amsterdam such a visually stunning city. I love diving into the stories behind the buildings and the masterpieces found in our world-class museums.
My guiding philosophy is all about creating a personalized experience. I tailor the information and pace of the tour to match your interests and energy. Every tour is different because every guest is unique, and that’s what makes guiding constantly fulfilling.
Amsterdam is not just where I live—it’s where I thrive, surrounded by history, culture, and community. Whether you’re curious about the city’s fascinating past or need a local’s tip on where to find the best stroopwafel, I’m here to help.
Hi, I’m Lee! Though of Dutch heritage, I grew up in Toronto, Canada. Until the age of 22, my life revolved around ballet, living and breathing the world of dance, until I discovered there was a whole universe outside the studio.
After traveling extensively to study, teach, and explore new career paths, I eventually found my way back to Amsterdam—the city that feels like home. Since 2009, I’ve been sharing my passion for this incredible city through guided tours, and nothing brings me more joy than introducing guests to my favorite places.
What makes my tours unique? For me, it’s all about personal connection. Guests often say it feels like meeting up with a friend who knows all the hidden gems of Amsterdam. I tailor each tour to your interests—whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply want to explore at a relaxed pace.
I love blending Amsterdam’s rich history with its vibrant contemporary culture. Whether we’re talking about the Golden Age of the 1600s or what’s happening today, I make sure you get a well-rounded sense of the city. I come prepared with materials to help bring Amsterdam’s stories to life, and I’m always happy to share recommendations on restaurants, day trips, or even quirky spots like the Cat Museum. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, well-oriented, and ready to enjoy the rest of your trip.
Let’s explore Amsterdam together, one historic street—and slice of apple pie—at a time!
Hi I’m Rob, originally from New Jersey and I’ve been living in the Netherlands since 2003. One of the things I appreciate the most about life here is the strong sense of community. The Dutch are one hundred percent team players and they believe in collaboration and compromise. Also, I always feel like I”m running into people I know.
As a tour guide, I get to combine two of my favorite things: meeting people from all around the world, and sharing Amsterdam’s fascinating history and culture. While my tours are relaxed, friendly, and anecdotal, they are also rooted in the why’s of how the Netherlands and Amsterdam came to be how they are.
I love to look for the connections between the past and the present. I focus on making sure the experience is informative and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, take in the scenery, and get a real sense of the city’s past. Whether you’re visiting with family, traveling solo, or exploring with friends, I’ll make sure you leave with a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s place in history – and maybe even a few new favorite spots.
Contact Us
Fill out the form below or email mark@thatdamguide.com
