Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour
Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours. On this unique tip-based* sightseeing & storytelling tour, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages.
Your super-local guide will combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling, and with the clever use of pictures and maps, you will learn everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour: history, modern life, culture, art, fun facts, and personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
Be prepared to challenge all your preconceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
- Tip-based means you only pay a small booking/marketing fee to the platform and you can tip your guide directly what you think the tour was worth. That motivates us to give the best possible tour and you always get the best value for your money!
Options
Summer Evening Tour
What's included in Absolutely Amsterdam - the Essential Introductory Walking Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Beurs van Berlage
In front of the stock- and commodities exchange buildings, built where the Amtel river used to flow, we discuss the origins of Amsterdam and how water and finance influenced the city.
Damrak
In the old harbor, we discuss the origins of the Red Light District, the role of the Church, and how the holy and the profane have found surprising ways to work and profit from each other over time & the state of prostitution in the 20th and 21st Century: how and why prostitution became a legal profession, how the neighbourhood has changed over time and the current challenges facing the most infamous neighbourhood of Amsterdam.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder
Here we discuss how (Religious) tolerance worked in practice once Catholicism became illegal in the 17th Century but was 'tolerated' under some very peculiar conditions. Form the underlying principles we draw parallels to how tolerance works today, in the 21st Century. (note: we don't actually enter the hidden church, but we see it form the outside and have pictures of it's interior)
Inclusions
- A unique souvenir
- On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie
- Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
- Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- We meet IN FRONT of the stock exchange on Beurplein 5. The guides will be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour, holding a yellow umbrella. You can also find directions by looking for FreeDam Tours on Google maps. !!ATTENTION!! The does NOT start on nearby Dam square!
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
MEETING POINT ADRESS: Beurplein 5 (in front of the main entrance of the Euronext Stock exchange, by the statue of the bull) Get your name checked off the guest list and sign up with one of the guides holding a yellow umbrella who will be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: This is a tip-based tour, but we are not allowed to describe it this way on this platform because we can't 'sell' you a ticket for free. Your price covers the booking and marketing fees for Viator, not the guide who will be giving your tour. On the day of the tour, you can tip your guide what you think the tour was worth to you. That motivates us to give you the best possible tour, and you will always get the best value for your money. And since this is the best-rated walking tour in Amsterdam, we are confident we will deliver on this promise. If you don't agree with this concept, we kindly ask you to cancel this booking, and you will be refunded. ATTENTION - PLEASE BE ON TIME! YOUR RESERVATION IS GUARANTEED UNTIL THE EXACT STARTING TIME OF THE TOUR, AFTER WHICH TIME WE MAY ALLOCATE YOUR SPOT TO OTHERS WITHOUT A BOOKING. WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE RUNNING LATE: 5-10 minutes late: The guides should still be at the meeting point, gathering their guests and introducing themselves and the tour. 10-20 minutes late The 1st stop is on the bridge in front of Tony's Chocolonely Superstore on Oudebrugsteeg 15. Directions on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KPnQiz3ykCB83qCB9 20-30 min late The 2nd stop is usually on a dock on Damrak, on the water. Directions on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XKxZcFVN4M1MnRsBA Attention: we work with several guides, and some guides may have their groups at full capacity once you meet them. This means that you can join them if they still have spots left. If they tell you it's not possible, please accept their answer immediately. There are very strict rules about group sizes in Amsterdam.