9 ideas of guided tours in Amsterdam

Are you coming to the Netherlands soon? Discover the Dutch capital under all its seams with our 9 ideas of guided tours in Amsterdam!

Renowned for its artistic heritage, its magnificent canals and narrow gabled houses, a legacy of the city’s golden age, Amsterdam is a vibrant, trendy and multicultural city. Ideal destination for city-break of a weekend or longer stay, it offers everything you need to avoid getting bored. You can enjoy its lively nightlife, visit its many museums, walk along its bike channels, or enjoy some specialties.

Rich culturally and historically, it is unfortunately possible to miss part of the city or exciting details during its stay. Fortunately, you can choose one or more guided tours in Amsterdam. It exists for all tastes, all desires, in both English and French. A passionate guide will make you discover this beautiful and surprising European capital. He will reveal all the secrets to you!

Amsterdam in a few words

Like all coastal cities, Amsterdam was originally a small fishing village. In the 12th century, the construction of a dam on the Amstel River gave this name of Amsterdam to the village located there, “dam” meaning dam in Dutch. Thanks to its strategic position, the city quickly became an important shopping centre in northern Europe. Depends on Spain, it takes advantage of the discovery of the New World and the commercial opportunities it presents.

With the arrival of the Reformation, the Netherlands revolted, giving rise to the Eighty-year War which will lead to the independence of the United Provinces. Thanks to its stock exchange, its merchants and its port, Amsterdam lived two Golden Centurys. From the first date the town hall of Dam Square. She was also a refuge for many artists and intellectuals, Rembrandt, Spinoza and Descartes. Today, Amsterdam remains the intellectual centre of the Netherlands. With its large immigrant population, it is also a universal symbol of tolerance and freedom. This atmosphere is very palpable in the city.

Visit Amsterdam in French

Is English not really your cup of tea? So be reassured: the offer of guided tours in Amsterdam in French is very wide! Regardless of the type of visit you choose, you will often have the opportunity to opt for a professional guide speaking French. There are many Francophones visiting Amsterdam, local companies have necessarily adapted to the demand for tours in French.

Among the guided tours in Amsterdam in French, you can choose, for example, a cycling tour of the main areas and monuments of the city, or a walking discovery of the city centre. These historical and cultural guided tours usually last from two hours to four hours.

You can also opt for cruises on canals . If the guide or staff does not necessarily speak French, you will necessarily be given an audioguide in French. These cruises are ideal for exploring the Dutch capital from another angle, from the water. This activity is particularly romantic at nightfall.

Finally, you can choose different thematic guided tours: tour of pubs Red area , guided tour in the footsteps of Anne Frank, etc. It's for all tastes!

The guided tours of Amsterdam thematic

On the traces ofAnne Frank

Anne Frank was hiding with her family in Amsterdam during the German occupation and the Second World War. During this period, she wrote an intimate newspaper, which was later published by her father. The latter is indeed the only survivor of the group hidden in a secret apartment set out in the Appendix of its business.

A guided tour in Amsterdam allows you to learn more about it story of Anne Frank of his family, but also of the Jewish community during this tragic period. For two hours, you will visit the Jewish Quarter and the historic centre of Amsterdam. Fascinating and moving, this tour guide usually costs between 25 and 30€ per person.

Around cannabis

Amsterdam is known for its coffee shops. If cannabis is not legal and is subject to strict rules, it is possible to visit the establishments where its consumption is possible. Visits on this topic are carried out with a specialized guide. You are thus well supervised during this discovery. During the visit, you will learn more about the history of this plant, and also about the legislation in the Netherlands. A visit of this type lasts an average of two hours. It usually costs 15 to 25€ per person.

Street Art in Amsterdam

Like all European capitals, and especially in such a culturally dynamic city, Amsterdam has many street art spots. To discover them, you can obviously opt for a guided tour of Amsterdam on the theme of urban art and graffiti. If this subject impresses you, we can only recommend them to you!

Travellers can book a two to three-hour walk. Your passionate guide will take you to discover the most famous spots in the capital. It will teach you more about alternative subcultures. For this type of guided tours in Amsterdam, prices are usually 25€ per person.

Free visits to Amsterdam

Are you looking for a free guided tour in Amsterdam? With specialised platforms in tours and activities, you can book a free visit from the Dutch capital. It focuses on the history of Amsterdam. It will make you discover several points of interest in the city, such as the House of Anne Franck, the Jewish Quarter, the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company and its hidden churches.

In English and for a duration of 2 and a half hours, it is necessary to make a reservation in advance. The visit is free, but you can however leave a tip to your guide at the end.

Amsterdam gastronomic

A multicultural and dynamic city, Amsterdam obviously has a beautiful gastronomic scene. The Jordaan area is the epicentre. In addition to traditional cheese tastings, you can opt for a gourmet visit to this area. For example, there is a three-and-a-half hour tour with a passionate and professional guide.

Costing 45€ per person, it includes thirteen tastings in seven different locations. You will also learn more about the culinary history of the Dutch capital.

This visit is one of the most popular and can be booked online. You can also opt for visits by premises. These are easily found online or on sites like Airbnb.

The different ways to visit Amsterdam

As mentioned above, Amsterdam has a lot to offer to its visitors. You will not miss museums, monuments, cultural sites or experiences to visit or enjoy during your stay. To discover them, many means of transport are at your disposal.

On foot

Guided tours in Amsterdam are often on foot. After all, it is the most convenient and widespread means of transport. Along the canals, by taking or not public transport, you will discover Amsterdam and its wonders. Many are the city's historical and cultural guided tours. Some focus on major monuments and sites in the city centre, others on its history, including the history of Anne Frank, or in its Red Quarter.

For a guided tour in Amsterdam on foot, usually take 16 to 30€ per person. The visits last for an average of two hours, but some little-sale extends over half a day or even a day. They usually take place in English, but it is possible to find guided tours in French.

Bike

The inhabitants of the Netherlands and its capital are well known for their love of cycling. To visit Amsterdam, choose a bicycle, adopt local habits and discover an aspect of Dutch culture! Thus, many guided tours in Amsterdam are cycling. With its canals, small streets and bike paths, the Dutch capital is the perfect playground for amateur or passionate veterans.

For these visits, historical or not, count from 16€ to 4(€ per person. This rate obviously depends on the schedule of the day and the duration of the visit. On average, a guided tour of Amsterdam by bike lasts between two and three hours. Professional guides usually speak English, but it is possible to find visits in French.

By boat

Who says canals, necessarily says cruises! To discover the city from another angle, there is nothing better than a small guided tour to Amsterdam by boat. These visits usually last about an hour and a half. Prices range from 16€ to 45€ per person. These rates obviously depend on activities. Some cruises include a dinner or a cocktail. Note that some romantic cruises can take place at nightfall.

Panoramic bus

Like many European capitals, Amsterdam has a panoramic bus network. The latter allow for a quick tour of the main tourist places. You will then have a large glimpse of the city. Thanks to your audio guide, you will also learn more about the history of Amsterdam as you discover it. For this type of visit, count between 17 and 21€ per person for a ticket valid for one day.