Amsterdam has excellent tip-based free walking tours for orientation, plus boat, bike, and food tours that genuinely add value in a city built on canals and cycling. Here are the ones we recommend, save them to your trip, or book directly.
The Best Tours in Amsterdam (Free & Paid)
1
TourFree
Amsterdam Free Walking Tour (Old Centre)
A tip-based local-guided walk through the old centre, Dam Square, the canals, the Begijnhof, the best first-day orientation.
Old Centre, starting at Dam Square2.5-3 hours
Book this tour
2
TourFree
Red Light District Historical Walking Tour
A guided walk through the history of the old city and the Red Light District, far more than its reputation suggests.
De Wallen (Red Light District), starting near Oude Kerk1.5-2 hours
Book this tour
3
Experience€18-30
Evening Canal Cruise
The classic evening canal cruise, the single best way to understand the city from the water.
Various departure points along Damrak and Prins Hendrikkade1-1.5 hours
Book this tour
4
Food€65-89
Jordaan Neighbourhood Food Tour
A small-group tasting tour through the Jordaan, Dutch cheese, herring, stroopwafels, and local bites.
Jordaan neighbourhood, starting near Noordermarkt3-3.5 hours
Book this tour
5
Tour€32-45
Bike Tour Through the City
See the city the local way on two wheels, with a guide to handle the traffic and the route.
Central Amsterdam, various starting points near Centraal Station2.5-3 hours
Book this tour
6
Tour€20-35
Canal Ring UNESCO Boat Tour
A focused boat tour of the UNESCO canal ring with the history of the Golden Age waterways.
Various departure points along central canals1.5-2 hours
Book this tourFAQ
- Are the free walking tours in Amsterdam really free?
- They are tip-based: there is no set fee, and you pay the guide what you feel the walk was worth at the end. Booking a slot in advance is still recommended as group sizes are capped.
- Is a canal cruise worth it in Amsterdam?
- Absolutely, it is the one paid experience almost everyone should do. Choose a smaller electric boat over the big barges for a more personal trip, and go at dusk when the bridges light up.
Make it your trip
Save these places and build your own Amsterdam itinerary in TripBox.