Amsterdam city tour: these 5 tours are unique

It’s your first time in Amsterdam, you’ve brought the best weather with you, found great accommodation and now it’s time to plan your programme. Perhaps you’ve leafed through a travel guide or two beforehand or done a bit of research on the internet to find out what there is to do and discover here.

The best way to get to know a city authentically is still with the help of a local! Because the locals will give you the real insider tips, the best recommendations and, of course, the most beautiful places up close. We are, of course, talking about a city tour in Amsterdam.

Of course, you can also discover the city on your own to get a first impression. But if you want to delve deeper and have a lot of fun, then take a look at our 5 recommendations.

Psssst…. Every city tour in Amsterdam can be booked with us in German. So you can get to know the city comfortably in your native language and are guaranteed not to miss any exciting information!

5 city tours that will make your visit to Amsterdam unforgettable

1) The unique beauty of the canals: Canal cruise

Let’s start with a city tour that isn’t a tour at all, because you can sit comfortably in the canal boat while it takes you past all the sights. Our beautiful Amsterdam is loved above all for one thing: the picturesque canals that run through the entire city centre and beyond. The canal cruise is therefore a must-do for every visit to Amsterdam!

As a seafaring nation, the Netherlands has always had a special relationship with water and has found ways to utilise it. Nowadays, however, the focus is less on using the water and much more on enjoying the canals on leisurely boat trips – ideally in small groups, in an open boat and with a personal guide on board! The guide is not only there to provide you with drinks (because they are included in the price ;)), but can also answer all your burning questions about the city.

Especially now in spring and later in summer, there’s nothing better than letting the gentle breeze blow around your nose on the canal boat and listening to your guide’s fascinating facts. Highly recommended!

2) In the footsteps of the Second World War: Anne Frank

After you have gained a good overview of the most important sights and the history of the city on the canal cruise, it’s time for another exciting city tour in Amsterdam: Anne Frank.

Few names are as well-known in German-speaking countries as Anne’s – and her story is closely linked to that of the city. Follow in Anne’s footsteps on the guided tour through the Jewish quarter and listen to the touching story, while Anne herself speaks out again and again through her entries in her diary. Anne’s life story is not only very touching, but also incredibly important and valuable – for families as well as couples, school classes and solo travellers.

3) Authentic to Fiets: Cycle tour(centre or Noord)

As famous as the Netherlands is for seafaring, it is just as popular for its favourite means of transport of the present day: the bicycle, or fiets, as it is so beautifully known here. In fact, Amsterdam is one of the cycling capitals of the world and as such has more bicycles than inhabitants.

So if you want to enjoy a truly authentic Dutch experience, then a bike tour is a must on your programme!

Here you can choose between a city tour by bike through the city centre of Amsterdam, or in the cool and idyllic Amsterdam Noord district. Are you spoilt for choice? Then you should think about how good your cycling skills are (the city centre is more for experienced cyclists ;)) and whether you would prefer to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle or away from the tourist crowds.

Both tours are recommended in any case – so it all depends on your personal preference.

4) Wicked is not always dirty: red light tour

Next to Hamburg, Amsterdam has perhaps the most notorious red light district in Europe – and also the largest. So you should definitely not miss out on a trip there! You can also walk through the neighbourhood on your own, as it is freely accessible to everyone, but then you will miss out on the fascinating facts about the history and working methods in the district.

If you want something for your ears as well as your eyes, then the red light tour is just right for you. You’ll find out how the neighbourhood in Amsterdam got so big, how the sex workers work and how Amsterdam’s unique system works. The best is saved for last:

5) Experience Van Gogh and Rembrandt up close: Museum tour

Last but not least, a great cultural programme should of course include a museum or two. We can especially recommend the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

As the name suggests, the Van Gogh Museum is all about the famous 19th century Dutch artist. You can marvel at many of his most important works (The Potato Eaters, Sunflowers, Almond Blossoms) in the museum, as well as many of his characteristic self-portraits. If you want to delve deeper into the background of his life and works, then a (private) Van Gogh museum tour is just the thing for you! Take your time with your guide to marvel at all the works in detail and find out what characterised Van Gogh’s short – but eventful – life.

Then continue on to the Rijksmuseum, which is right next door! This houses the largest collection of Dutch art history ever – so you’ve come to the right place if you want to immerse yourself in Dutch culture. Marvel at the most important works by Rembrandt & Co. on the Rijksmuseum tour and learn how the Golden Age shaped the Netherlands and its idea of beauty. Let your guide show you the beautiful hidden library inside and learn exciting background information about all the highlights in the museum.

By the way: after the tour, you can stay in the museum for as long as you like and take your time to look round all the corners. The ideal start to a great day in Amsterdam!