If you’re planning to explore Amsterdam, there are really two main ways to get around: biking and walking. Luckily, the city is perfect for both. Picture yourself strolling along scenic canals, past centuries-old churches, cozy canal houses, and down charming, narrow cobblestone streets.
One of the best ways to truly understand the city is by taking a walking tour. I make it a point to join one in every city I visit. It’s not only a fantastic way to dive into the history and culture, but it also connects you with a local expert who can offer insider tips.
Amsterdam, unsurprisingly, has a wide variety of unique tours. You can find everything from tours led by sex workers in the Red Light District to walks exploring the city’s recreational drug culture, and even those that dive deep into the city’s rich history.
To help you choose, I’ve put together a list of some of the best walking tours in Amsterdam. Here are a few top options worth considering:
- AmsterBike
AmsterBike offers a great way to experience the local rhythm of life. You can pick from different tours, including one that takes you cycling along the canals or even out into the countryside. Their Amsterdam city tour is a three-hour adventure, pedaling through scenic streets and canals, while learning about the city’s history and stopping at iconic landmarks. - Free Food Tour Amsterdam
This two-hour walking tour is a treat for your taste buds. You’ll sample traditional Dutch foods like Gouda cheese, stroopwafels, bitterballen, and herring. As you nibble, your guide will fill you in on the history and culture behind the food. Best part? The food is free—though it’s more of a tasting experience than a full meal. Just remember to tip your guide! - Hungry Birds
For nearly a decade, Hungry Birds, a female-owned tour company, has been serving up food and knowledge. Their 4.5-hour tour takes you through Amsterdam’s best street food, Dutch classics like herring and stroopwafels, and international flavors from places like Suriname and Indonesia. You’ll even visit an atmospheric food market! - HistoryWalks
Led by a retired history professor, the “World War II and the Holocaust in Amsterdam” tour offers a deep dive into the city’s experience during the war. This three-hour tour gives a fascinating look at Amsterdam through the lens of World War II, with guides who truly know their history. If you’re a history buff or simply curious about this period, this tour is a must. - Ultimate Party Amsterdam
If you’re up for a party, the Red Light District pub crawl is your scene. You’ll start with 30 minutes of unlimited vodka shots, and then get a free shot at every stop along the way. The tour ends with entry to Amsterdam’s largest nightclub. It’s a fun way to discover the city’s nightlife, meet new people, and get a bit tipsy while you’re at it! - Eating Europe
Founded in Italy, Eating Europe now offers food tours in several cities, including Amsterdam. The 3.5-hour tour takes you through the trendy Jordaan neighborhood, hitting cool spots for street food, markets, and local eateries. The guides give excellent insight into the history of Dutch cuisine and Amsterdam’s vibrant food culture. - My Amsterdam Tours
If you’re curious about Amsterdam’s recreational drug culture, this 2.5-hour tour covers it all. You’ll visit cannabis grow rooms, a marijuana museum, and learn the ins and outs of Amsterdam’s drug scene—including how to tell good weed from bad. It’s an eye-opening (and possibly mind-altering) experience! - AllTourNative Amsterdam
For a look at Amsterdam’s alternative culture scene, this tour is a gem. The “Street Art and Alternative Amsterdam” tour showcases the city’s best street art, alternative galleries, and coffeehouses that fuel the underground scene. It’s a 2.5-hour adventure that takes you off the typical tourist path. For a different twist, try their street art bike tour.
Amsterdam truly offers something for everyone, no matter your budget or interests. Whether you’re curious about the Red Light District, want to learn more about the city’s history, or are just here for the food, there’s a walking tour that’s perfect for you. A great place to start is with Take Walks—and from there, the possibilities are endless!
