Famous for its canals, colorful houses, and coffee shops, Amsterdam is a city that’s high on everyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re backpacking Amsterdam or here for an extended vacation, the city has some amazing gems that can be easily missed. To make sure you maximize your time, check out the best tours in Amsterdam.
Note: All tours listed here are bookable through GetYourGuide – our no. 1 choice when it comes to booking guided tours and excursions. They have an excellent reputation, great customer service, competitive prices, and free 24-hour cancellation. You seriously can’t go wrong by booking your tours with them.
Volendam, Marken & Windmills Half-Day Tour
No Amsterdam itinerary is complete without taking some time to experience the picturesque Dutch countryside surrounding the city. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a half-day tour full of tons of fun demonstrations. Head to Zaanse Schans where you’ll visit their renowned windmills and houses, and even get the chance to see a working windmill. A stop in the fishing village of Volendam will yield a visit to a cheese museum and a tasty lunch at a traditional fish restaurant. From Volendam, cruise to the quaint island of Marken and see a wooden shoemaker. And to make this tour even more awesome you get a free ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise in Amsterdam. In our opinion this is one of the best tours in Amsterdam and it is worth every penny. Don’t miss out.
Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Tour
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Tour will take you past all of the best attractions in the city so you can get an idea of where things are and what you want to take a closer look at. The tours operate from 09:10 to 18:15 and the buses and boats run about every 20 minutes, so you can hop off and see the places that interest you then hop back on to see something else. The bus has an open top, so you can get great pictures as you pass by sites like the Flower Market and the Anne Frank House. If this is your first time to Amsterdam, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Tour is an ideal introduction to the city.
Cultural Ganja Walking Tour of Selected Coffee Shops
“Coffee shop” takes on a whole new meaning in Amsterdam, and this tour will give you all of the ins and outs of cannabis in the city. Beginning outside of the legendary Dam Palace, you’ll learn about the history and legalization of marijuana as you visit some of the best coffee shops in central Amsterdam. Although the price of weed isn’t included at your stops, you will get to learn how to roll a joint with your expert guide. This tour even gives you the opportunity to sample bitterballen and see the Amsterdam Museum. Perfect for gaining insight on cannabis in Amsterdam, you’ll absolutely love this one-of-a-kind walking tour.
3-Hour Guided Bike Tour of Historical Amsterdam
This bike tour will take you by some of the city’s best attractions and hidden gems. You’ll see all types of sights, from the Red Light District to the Royal Palace, and even make a stop in the beautiful Vondelpark. If you haven’t biked in a while, don’t worry, there are plenty of stops along the way where your amazing guide will tell you more about the history and culture of Amsterdam. To see Amsterdam from a different angle, this bike tour is the perfect solution.
1.5-Hour Evening Canal Cruise
It goes without saying that you have to take a canal cruise while in Amsterdam. This canal cruise is even better because you’ll get to see Amsterdam by night. With the city lights illuminated, you’ll cruise along Amsterdam’s Canal Belt past gorgeous buildings, bridges, and boats. Snacks and drinks are available on the boat, and one drink is even included with the price of your ticket. You’ll be given headphones so you can choose the language of your tour as you hear about the history and great stories of Amsterdam.
2-Hour Amsterdam Red Light District Walking Tour
While there’s still a stigma regarding prostitution for some, the Red Light District Walking Tour will give you the truth about this historic district. Guests will explore the streets of the district and learn about significant sites along the way. The Old Church, the Condomerie, and the Prostitution Information Center are only a few of the important stops you’ll make. In addition to the history, you’ll also learn the realities of the district and what the city thinks about the situation. After exploring the Red Light District by night, you’ll wrap up this enlightening and humorous tour with a free shot at the famous Belushi’s Bar.
Henri Willig Cheese Tasting Tour with Wine
Since 1974, Henri Willig and his wife Reit have been creating high-quality cheeses in the Netherlands. A short film shows the traditions of Dutch cheese making while you prepare to sample some of their delicious cheeses. Not only can you sample cheese, but you’ll also get two glasses of specialty beer from the Maallust Brewery or two glasses of red wine. Because they know samples just won’t be enough, you’ll get 10% off of any purchases you make at the shop after your tour. By far one of the tastiest tours you’ll find in Amsterdam, a tour and tasting at the authentic Henri Willig’s is unbeatable.
2-Hour History of Anne Frank Walking Tour
Travel back to WWII and experience Amsterdam through the eyes of Anne Frank. Not only will you learn more about Anne from stories in her diary, but also about the history of WWII in Amsterdam. As you travel through the Jewish Quarter and even past Anne’s house, history will come to life as you hear about the horror and dark times experienced during the occupation by the Germans. You’ll even get to see some of the Dutch resistance secret hiding places opened to families like the Franks. With Anne having such a great impact on the world at such a young age, the History of Anne Frank Walking Tour is great fun and education for the whole family.
Ultimate Party Pub Crawl
To have the time of your life, the Ultimate Party Pub Crawl can’t be beat when it comes to the best tours in Amsterdam. Go crazy with unlimited vodka shots from 20:00 – 20:30, then stumble through the Red Light District following your guide on this five-hour tour. Stopping at five pubs and a club, you’ll get a free shot of Jägermeister at every venue as well as drink specials and free entrance to the club. To meet other party animals in Amsterdam, the Ultimate Party Pub Crawl is the perfect tour for you.
75-Minute Amsterdam ArenA Stadium Tour
Topping the list of the best tours in Amsterdam for the sports lovers is the Amsterdam ArenA Stadium Tour. This tour will give you an up-close-and-personal look at the largest stadium in the country. Home to the Ajax football club, you can even get a peek at their official dressing room. You also get exclusive access to the dugout and holy pitch on this tour. This iconic site is one that shouldn’t be missed while in Amsterdam.
With so many must-see sights, the best tours in Amsterdam will make sure you have expert guides as you explore the city. Looking for things to do outside of Amsterdam? Check out our article on the best day trips from Amsterdam here.
Comments