Private Amsterdam Walking Tour

 and what happensBook a fun and informative Private Amsterdam Walking Tour for an exploration of old Amsterdam. As we guide you through hidden alleys, lively squares, and along the iconic canals, you’ll experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Our tour is specifically designed to immerse you in the rich history and culture of Amsterdam, with plenty of stops to highlight the landmarks, details, and stories that truly make it unique.

Learn the History:

Discover how Amsterdam grew from a small village around a dam into a major trading city. Moreover, you’ll find out how it gradually evolved into the vibrant place it is today. To illustrate, we will walk you through significant points that reveal this transformation. 

Famous Dutch Liberalism:

Learn about the Dutch reputation for tolerance and directness. We’ll explain how these values developed over time and why, consequently, they are often misunderstood by visitors. In essence, you’ll come to appreciate the depth behind this aspect of Dutch culture.

The Protestant Reformation:

Understand how the Reformation fits with the Dutch approach to life. In particular, you’ll see how the focus on pragmatism and individualism played a key role in shaping society. Equally important, we’ll discuss the nuanced relationship between religious shifts and societal changes.

Dutch East India Company:

Explore the impact of the world’s first multinational corporation. In addition, you’ll learn how it laid the foundations of our modern business and financial systems. For instance, we will point out historical buildings that were central to this influential period.

Bicycle Culture & Canals:

Get insights into Amsterdam’s love for bicycles. Furthermore, we’ll explain why so many of them end up in the city’s many canals and what happens to abandoned bikes. Specifically, we’ll talk about how this culture reflects Dutch practicality and environmental consciousness.

Architectural Styles:

Take in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Dutch Classicism, Baroque, Rococo, Neo-Classicism, and Dutch Art Deco. Together, these styles create the city’s distinctive appearance. To illustrate, we’ll show you buildings that exemplify these styles and discuss their historical context.

Inspiration for Famous Artworks:

Visit places immortalised in famous paintings by artists like Rembrandt and Monet. As you explore, you’ll gain insights into the scenes that inspired their masterpieces. What’s more, we’ll share stories of how these locations have retained their charm over centuries.

Crooked Houses & Houseboats:

Hear the stories behind Amsterdam’s charmingly crooked buildings and narrow houses and its unique lifestyle on the water to understand the city’s distinctive character even more. Additionally, you’ll get to know how these structures symbolize Amsterdam’s adaptive spirit.

Food & Drink Recommendations:

Get tips on where to enjoy the best local food, beer, and café culture. As part of the package, we’ll share our favorite hidden gems that are often missed by tourists. For example, we’ll mention small, family-run spots that locals love.

Coffeeshops & Markets:

Learn about Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture. Additionally, we’ll give you advice on the best flea markets, farmers markets, and street markets to visit. In brief, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how these spots contribute to the local lifestyle.

The Route:

Routes vary depending on where we start, but we typically visit Dam Square, the Zeedijk, the Nieuwmarkt, the Dutch East India HQ, a corner of the old Jewish District, and the ‘Monet Bridge.’ We’ll also pass by the book market corridor, Spui, the Begijnhof, and the Canal Belt West.

We’ll cover museums, where to go and which tourist traps to avoid, and any other topics that come up during the tour. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a tour with a local’s perspective, That Dam Guide is here to help. Our Private Amsterdam Walking Tour gives you a broad, yet detailed, look at the city, setting you up to make the most of your holiday.