In a nutshell
- We walk you through 7 guided Amsterdam tours that are genuinely worth your time.
- With so many options out there, we’ve picked the best tour in each category: canal cruise, classic walking tour, Red Light District, historical, alternative, culinary, and by bike.
- Our personal favorites are the canal cruise and the Anne Frank walking tour.
- At the end, we share practical tips to help you choose the right Amsterdam tour for you.
Canal Cruise Through Amsterdam
Best for? First-time visitors and anyone looking for a great overview of Amsterdam
If you want to explore Amsterdam on a tour, we recommend a canal cruise on an Open Boat.
You might be thinking: “But that’s not a city tour.”
And you’d be right. But honestly, the canal cruise is simply the better way to see the city in Amsterdam.
You can kick back and relax in a small group, listen to live commentary, and ask any questions that come to mind. And you can do all of this even if you only have one day in Amsterdam.
You’ll also get a really great overview of Amsterdam and have plenty of opportunities to snap some amazing photos.
Hassle-free, laid-back, and still packed with content.
Book the Open Boat Canal Cruise
Also read:
Classic Amsterdam Walking Tour
Best for? First-time visitors and anyone who wants to learn more about Amsterdam
A classic walking tour of Amsterdam brings you closer to the history of the city.
You’ll be guided through the most important spots in a small group, get the story behind Amsterdam’s most famous attractions, and have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
It’s perfect for a deeper dive into the city’s streets and for understanding how Amsterdam came to be — and how it works today.
Book the Classic Amsterdam Walking Tour
Amsterdam Red Light District Tour
Best for? Fun-seekers, night owls, and anyone who doesn’t want to explore the neighborhood alone. Ages 14 and up!
Peeking behind the curtain of Amsterdam’s Red Light District holds a certain appeal for many visitors.
The evening Amsterdam Red Light District Tour takes you all the way through the infamous De Wallen.
From the so-called Condomerie to coffee shops to brothels, you’ll get to see everything this area has to offer.
Entry into the venues and establishments is not included. But the tour strikes exactly the right balance between fun and information.
The whole thing is packed with Amsterdam facts you won’t get on any other tour.
Book the Amsterdam Red Light District Tour
Also read:
Anne Frank & World War II Walking Tour
Best for? History buffs, curious minds, and as a great alternative to the Anne Frank House
Even though Amsterdam is a destination full of joy, we want to share this personal recommendation with you: the Anne Frank & World War II Walking Tour.
This is a really meaningful way to engage with Amsterdam’s darker past — one that should not be forgotten — and a wonderful alternative to the Anne Frank House.
The tour takes you through the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam and gives you the chance to visit a synagogue and the Jewish Museum.
Along the way, you’ll learn everything about Anne Frank and her diary, the Dutch resistance during World War II, and the hiding places scattered throughout the city.
Book the Anne Frank & World War II Walking Tour
Coffee Shop Walking Tour
Best for? Adventurous fun-seekers and anyone looking for a laid-back city tour. Ages 18 and up!
Want something a little different? Then we’d suggest the guided coffee shop walk with a local.
You’ll get an inside look at the world of cannabis that Amsterdam is famous for, and learn everything about legalization, drug policy, and the history behind it all.
Along the way, you’ll visit one to three coffee shops and pick up some really cool Amsterdam insider tips — and not just about the city’s best ganja hotspots.
Book the Amsterdam Coffee Shop Tour
Also read:
Culinary City Tour of Amsterdam
Best for? Food lovers and anyone who wants to be guided through Amsterdam’s food culture
A culinary walking tour of Amsterdam combines the best and most famous food the city has to offer with its top sights.
You’ll have the chance to sample eight dishes, from Dutch cheese to herring to fresh fries.
Along the way, you’ll stroll through the flower market and the Jordaan neighborhood, and see landmarks including the Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace.
Almost as a bonus, your local guide will share entertaining anecdotes about their beloved city throughout. We think this is simply one of the most authentic ways to get to know Amsterdam.
Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam
Best for? Active travelers and anyone who wants to get around Amsterdam by bike
Want to hop on a bike in Amsterdam? A guided bike tour is a great way to do it safely.
We wouldn’t recommend cycling solo due to the chaotic traffic — but the guided bike tour is a fantastic way to ride through Amsterdam just like the locals do.
You’ll cover everything from the historic city center to the museum district to Amsterdam’s harbor.
And that’s exactly what makes it so special. You’ll see more spots than on any walking tour.
Book the Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam
Also read:
Free City Tours in Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers so-called free walking tours. These operate on a pay-what-you-want basis — meaning you tip your guide as much or as little as you think the tour was worth. Usually that’s somewhere between 5 and 10 euros.
You can book these tours online. These three come highly recommended:
Best of Amsterdam Centre Free Tour: A 1.5-hour tour through the center of Amsterdam with a knowledgeable local guide
Red Light Haunted History: A one-hour murder & mystery tour through Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District
Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: A 1.5-hour journey through time along Amsterdam’s canals — from antiquity to the 17th century
Finding the Right Amsterdam Tour: What to Look For
To help you pick the right guided tour in Amsterdam, here are a few pointers to make your decision a little easier:
What are you interested in?
Think ahead about which topics genuinely interest you, how in-depth you want the experience to be, and which spots sound exciting.
English or another language?
Most guided tours in Amsterdam are offered in English, which makes them easy to follow for international visitors. Some tours are also available in other languages — worth checking when you book.
Think ahead about whether you’d prefer a tour in your native language or whether English works just fine. After all, you don’t want to miss out on any information.
Pay attention to group size
Groups that are too large often make the tour harder to follow. You’ll also have fewer — or no — opportunities to ask questions. Which is a real shame.
A tour in small groups offers far more advantages. You’ll finish feeling well-informed and usually with great insider tips from your guide rattling around in your head.
Choose a local guide
Local guides who live in Amsterdam — or even grew up there — can authentically answer all your questions and know the coolest spots. Plus, they’re the perfect source for even more Amsterdam insider tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amsterdam Tours
How much does a guided tour in Amsterdam cost?
Guided tours in Amsterdam cost an average of about 30 to 35 euros per person. More affordable are the classic canal boat tours in Amsterdam, which typically run about 20 to 25 euros per person.
How long does a guided tour of Amsterdam take?
It depends on the provider and the tour you choose. In most cases, you can expect 1.5 to two hours.
Are guided tours in Amsterdam worth it?
Absolutely! Especially if you want to learn more about the city’s history or specific neighborhoods. A guide can show you all the key spots and share information that would otherwise take you hours to dig up on your own.
Which Amsterdam tour is best for kids?
If you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, we recommend the Open Boat Canal Cruise or the classic walking tour.
Both are kid-friendly, cover topics that are easy and engaging for younger visitors, and leave plenty of room to look around and be amazed.
Be sure to also check out our article Tips for Amsterdam with Kids. We also mention the Kids Cruise by Blue Boat (Tickets) — though we haven’t tested that one ourselves.
