Amsterdam City Center & History - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour

At a glance

Amsterdam City Center & History - Exclusive Guided Walking Tour is a 2h 30m private experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, operated by Babylon Tours Amsterdam. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $62.99 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Tour Guide Exclusively For You (Does NOT apply if you choose "SAVE! BOOK SEMI-PRIVATE" option), Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine, Guided Walking Tour.

Quick facts

Duration

2h 30m

Group

Private tour — only your group

Languages

Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 10m

   Discover the history of Amsterdam’s primary Roman Catholic church. Built in the late 19th century after centuries of prohibition, its striking blend of architectural styles reflects the city's evolving religious landscape.

2. Stop 2 · 10m

   Visit the Schreierstoren, or Tower of Tears, a medieval structure from which women bid farewell to loved ones departing by ship.

3. Stop 3 · 5m

   Stroll along one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets, once a sea dike that held back the waters of the IJ. At the Kolksluis, admire one of the city’s most picturesque lock bridges.

4. Stop 4 · 5m

   From here, we will make our way to the lively nightspot and market square, Nieuwmarkt which is found in the old city centre. This spot has been a centre for commerce and socialising in Amsterdam since the 17th century as the square’s location just inside the old city gate made it a convenient spot for traders and shoppers looking for fresh produce.

5. Stop 5 · 5m

   During our time at Nieuwmarkt, we will also see what is known as “De Waag”, a 15th century building that is one of Amsterdam’s oldest remaining non-religious buildings. Originally a city gate and part of the walls of Amsterdam, the building has also served as a guildhall, museum and firestation, among other things.

6. Stop 6 · 5m

   See Amsterdam’s grandest 17th-century mansion, once owned by the wealthy Trip family, contrasted directly with the city’s “smallest house” built opposite.

7. Stop 7 · 5m

   Step into the courtyard of the Dutch East India Company’s headquarters, the birthplace of the world’s first multinational corporation.

8. Stop 8 · 5m

   Marvel at one of the narrowest houses in Amsterdam, a reminder of how high land taxes once encouraged tall, narrow architecture

9. Stop 9 · 5m

   Amsterdam’s first purpose-built Protestant church, designed by Hendrick de Keyser. Its elegant tower is one of the city’s defining landmarks.

10. Stop 10 · 5m

    Visit the former home and studio of Rembrandt, where the great master lived and worked for nearly 20 years.

11. Stop 11 · 5m

    Following, we will go to what is known as the Stopera, a building complex housing both the city hall and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. The construction of this building was at least 60 years in the making.

12. Stop 12 · 5m

    A rare 17th-century canal house located at the junction of three canals, with façades facing in three directions.

13. Stop 13 · 5m

    Step into this peaceful medieval courtyard, once home to a community of devout women known as Beguines. Here stands one of Amsterdam’s oldest wooden houses.

14. Stop 14 · 5m

    The historic heart of Amsterdam, framed by the Royal Palace, the 15th-century New Church, and the National Monument to WWII victims.

15. Stop 15 · 5m

    Admire the “Golden Bend” of the Herengracht, lined with the city’s richest and most ornate canal mansions from the Dutch Golden Age.

16. Stop 16 · 5m

    Pause outside the Anne Frank House, where the young diarist hid during WWII. Next door rises the Westerkerk, with the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.

17. Stop 17 · 5m

    Look up to spot quirky gable stones, carved with allegories and trade emblems, decorating some of the city’s most ornate façades.

18. Stop 18 · 5m

    Discover the largest hofje in Amsterdam, once built as almshouses around a tranquil courtyard for the city’s poor and elderly.

19. Stop 19 · 5m

    A 17th-century Protestant church built for the Jordaan district. Its unusual cross-shaped floor plan reflects the new ideals of Reformation worship.

20. Stop 20 · 5m

    End at one of the city’s prettiest canal corners. Visit Het Papeneiland, a brown café from 1642, said to serve the best apple pie in town.

Meeting point

Good to know

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It is imperative that you provide us with guests MOBILE PHONE NUMBER (including country code)
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Notes: The tour route may be affected by national celebrations. When this occurs, we will provide guests with an alternative route still being able to see all the highlights on the tour. In these cases we are unable to provide refunds or discounts. No large bags or suitcases are allowed during this tour. We recommend comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, umbrella in case of rain and hat during summer. Due to increased security measures at many attractions some can’t be visited from the inside.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions