Which places are you planning to visit during your Amsterdam tour? Well, if you’ve not decided yet, this comprehensive guide aims to help you select just the best tour. Go through it and see which tour best fits your plan.
Being the capital city of the Netherlands, as well as the largest city in the country, Amsterdam enjoys a large number of visitors throughout the year.
In fact, Amsterdam is also one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. All this is attributed to its numerous attraction sites, and entertainment options all year long.
The city’s quaint structures and attractive canals, together with vibrant coffee shops and bars, are perhaps some of the things that make Amsterdam quite an attraction. There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam.
Many visitors are also stunned by the city’s deep history and culture. And, besides the main tourist sites we know, the city has more to offer than you can fathom.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best tours in Amsterdam, to help make your next visit an electrifying one. So what are these unique experiences that will make your Amsterdam tour a thrill?
Table of Contents
- Best Tours in Amsterdam (Museums, Bikes, Walking and More)
- Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour – 4.7 stars
- Heineken Experience – 4.5 stars
- Van Gogh Museum Tour – 4.7 stars
- Keukenhof Gardens Tour – 4.4 stars
- The Amsterdam Royal Palace Tour – 4.6 Stars
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Tour – 4.3 Stars
- Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise – 4.5 Stars
- Private Canal Booze Cruise – 4.9 Stars
- Amsterdam 4-Course Luxury Dinner Cruise – 4.5 Stars
- Secret Food Tours of Amsterdam – 5 Stars
- Day trip to Giethoorn and the Windmills of Zaanse Schans – 4.5 Stars
- Private Tour: Amsterdam’s Walking Tour – 5 Stars
- Amsterdam Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour
- Amsterdam Free Walking Tour
- Conclusion
Best Tours in Amsterdam (Museums, Bikes, Walking and More)
These are the best Amsterdam tours to consider during your journey.
Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour – 4.7 stars
If you are into history, or just working on a budget, this would be a great tour for you. You can book this tour online to reserve a place during your visit to the city. You will, however, need to tip the tour guide during the trip, in addition to your booking fees.
This 2-hour Anne Frank walking tour teaches you more about the life of Anne Frank and the horrors that the city suffered during World War II, as recorded in her diary.
With the help of an experienced tour guide, you will see various historical attractions, including:
- The historic Jewish Quarter
- Anne Frank House facade
- Various Monuments such as the Portuguese Synagogue, Auschwitz Monument, and the Jewish Historical Museum
You will also learn more about the Second World War and the Dutch resistance during the war. Get more insights into the dynamics of the Anne Frank House and Anne Frank’s family, how they moved from Germany, the time they spent in hiding, as well as their life after the war.
This is one of the most famous walking tours for people visiting Amsterdam. If you’d like to just tour the house, I suggest you buy your Anne Frank House museum tickets in advance. The lines can get pretty long.
Heineken Experience – 4.5 stars
Established in 1867 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken, the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam is another great place to visit, especially for the brand’s lovers.
Although the company has already shifted its operations somewhere else, the original brewing distillery still receives visitors to date. If you want to know what lies behind those closed doors of the original brewery, this 1.5-hour tour is the best chance for you.
Take the tour and learn more about the world’s number one beer, how it was initially brewed in those early years, as well as the importance of the brand to the people of Amsterdam.
If you are one of those beer lovers, or just want to learn about the history behind the Heineken brand, this is an excellent tour when you visit Amsterdam.
See Related: 2 Days in Amsterdam Itinerary
Van Gogh Museum Tour – 4.7 stars
One of the things that Amsterdam is famous for is its numerous museums and the Van Gogh Museum is the most popular of all. Vincent Van Gogh is one of those many museums and the largest one in the world dedicated to Vincent Willem van Gogh. Vincent Willem van Gogh is one of the most famous Dutch post-impressionist painters.
He created over 2,100 artworks, around 860 of which were oil paintings. Most of these paintings date mainly from his last two years before death. They include portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and self-portraits.
The exhibits within the Van Gogh Museum will take you through the painter’s life, right from his early works to his very final days. Dutch art lovers will love this tour. But, due to the museum’s popularity, it often experiences long queues, which makes it wise to book early to reserve a slot.
Once you are there, you will enjoy complete access to all the museum’s exhibits for free and at a personal pace. Book your spot and enjoy the view of over 200 paintings, 750 letters, and over 500 sketches from Van Gogh himself.
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Keukenhof Gardens Tour – 4.4 stars
Tulips are a major tourist attraction in the Netherlands. And if you are in Amsterdam, visiting Keukenhof Gardens would satisfy your desire to see Dutch tulips. Keukenhof Gardens is located in Lisse town in the Netherlands and covers around 32 hectares of land.
The garden, which is also referred to as the “Garden of Europe,” is also one of the largest flower gardens globally. Roughly, 7 million flowers are planted each year in these gardens, making it quite a spectacle to view.
And, although the gardens are most famous for tulips, you will also enjoy the view of lilies, roses, hyacinths, irises, and carnations. So, if you want to enjoy one of the most amazing flower displays in the world, booking yourself a ticket for this tour will be an excellent choice.
The package from GetYourGuide includes the entry tickets to the gardens, as well as the transport from Amsterdam. When you book in advance, you have a chance to avoid the long lines at the entrance. You will also be given a video presentation about all the various flowers found in these gardens.
Located just 55 minutes from Amsterdam, Keukenhof gardens will never disappoint.
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The Amsterdam Royal Palace Tour – 4.6 Stars
Through this tour, you will get a closer picture of the Dutch Royal family’s lifestyle. Amsterdam’s Royal Palace is among the only three palaces in the country that the monarch has access to through the Act of Parliament.
So, to access a behind-the-scenes picture of how the Royals live, don’t end your tour in the Dutch Capital of Amsterdam without visiting the palace.
The palace is located in the center of Amsterdam, on the west side of the famous Dam Square, which makes its accessibility quite easy.
Although initially built in the 17th century as a city hall, it was later made the official King Louis Napoleon’s palace and then became the house of the Dutch Royal Family years later.
The private tour grants you full access to both the Royal Banquet Hall and the palace residential areas. You’ll get to enjoy the view of all the ancient artifacts and riches present in the palace.
Book your tour with GetYourGuide to get the best experience.
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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Tour – 4.3 Stars
If you are visiting Amsterdam for just a few days, and are looking to have a general overview of the city, then this is a great opportunity for you. It is the best way to experience the city with limited time on your hands. The buses will help you see most of the city at your own pace. Hop on and hop out at various famous attractions of your choice.
Also, since canals surround Amsterdam, you can opt to do your tour on a hop-on-hop-off boat. And depending on how long you have or what you want to see, you have an option to buy a 24-hour ticket or a 2-day one.
And just like with the buses, you can hop off at any attraction site of your choice and hop back on without any extra cost. You will also get audio guides during this tour.
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Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise – 4.5 Stars
There is no way that the Amsterdam evening pizza cruise could miss the list of the best tours in Amsterdam. It’s one of the most breathtaking activities you can do in the city. The numerous canals crisscrossing the city make having your hot pizza on an evening canal cruise quite an experience.
You get the chance to relax and view various beautiful sites while still learning about the city’s history from a professional tour guide. The complimentary pizza from the New York Pizza company makes the tour even more spectacular.
Also, you get to enjoy unlimited drinks, plus a free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream at the end of the tour. If you want to learn more, you have access to a free app that offers audio commentary in various languages.
The canal cruise tour is also an excellent way to learn about the connections that exist between New York and Amsterdam.
See Related: 16 Famous Buildings in Amsterdam to Visit
Private Canal Booze Cruise – 4.9 Stars
If you seek to enjoy the best Amsterdam private tours for your canal cruise, this would be a great option. This boat tour gives you a chance to relish the city’s beauty and culture from a private boat hire while also enjoying some of Amsterdam’s finest cocktails, beer, and wine.
This is quite ideal if you are traveling as a family or with a group of friends. You get served unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, from the open bar, as you enjoy all the beautiful sights cruising on a brand new private boat.
The 1.5 hours tour enables you to:
- Cruise through some of the famous canals in Amsterdam
- Enjoy quality private moments together with family or friends
- Drink to your fill before the tour is over
See Related: Most Beautiful Villages in the Netherlands
Amsterdam 4-Course Luxury Dinner Cruise – 4.5 Stars
For you to make the most of your evening in Amsterdam, a luxury dinner cruise will undoubtedly do the trick. This boat tour offers you the best chance to enjoy the stunning sight of the setting, Amsterdam’s sun, as you learn about the city’s history through an evening canal cruise.
This Amsterdam canal cruise will take you through the numerous historical sites such as the Bloemenmarkt slowly, as you enjoy your 4-course gourmet dinner, accompanied by unlimited drinks. The tour is perfect for a romantic night or a family night too.
In addition, you get to learn more about this amazing city and its culture, via informative onboard commentary, which makes the evening canal cruise quite amazing. The tour offers a complete overview of Amsterdam and its history.
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Secret Food Tours of Amsterdam – 5 Stars
Looking to enjoy some of the best Dutch meals? This Amsterdam food tour is an excellent opportunity. It is a comprehensive and interactive food tour that takes you through local culture, including the famous Jordaan district, with eight stops at different locations.
You get a comprehensive commentary on the various foodstuffs in Amsterdam, including Poffertjes and Gouda cheese, from an experienced local guide. Also, as you sample various Dutch classics, you get to experience eight of the favorite local food stops in Amsterdam.
Have a taste of Amsterdam’s best snacks, including Bitterballen, and Stroopwafels as you enjoy the sight of the various tourist attractions as well as a quintessential Amsterdam experience.
This is a walking tour so bring your best pair of shoes and come hungry.
See Related: Best Amsterdam Souvenirs to Bring Home
Day trip to Giethoorn and the Windmills of Zaanse Schans – 4.5 Stars
For those who want more time to experience the Dutch culture and history, or the various attractive sites in the city, this 9 to 10 hours trip will suffice. This full-day guided tour takes you through the countryside, immersing you more in the country’s culture and way of living.
You get to learn the little-known stories and facts about every stop you make on your way during this full-day tour.
These include facts about things like the artisan cheese factory, Giethoorn village, traditional clog shop, rural windmills, etc. A boat ride via the canals at Giethoorn also adds to the beauty of the trip. This is one of the best tours in Amsterdam that also offers a round-trip from the city.
Many people who have taken this trip review it as one of the most fulfilling tours in Amsterdam. If you find yourself in the city, try to fix some time for this tour.
See Related: How to Take a Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken
Private Tour: Amsterdam’s Walking Tour – 5 Stars
This is a private walking tour for those who prefer to discover the beauty and history of the city alone. If you don’t want to walk as a group, you can simply hire a personal tour guide to walk you through the city’s attractive sites, history, and culture.
With a personal guide, you have a better chance to learn everything you wish and ask every question you have. Your guide will take you through the Van Gogh Museum, and teach you more about the Dutch tradition as you visit the renowned Houseboat Museum.
You also get a chance to enjoy some of Amsterdam’s classic snacks as you pass through Albert Cuyp. So, if you are looking for the best walking tour in Amsterdam, then this tour fits that category.
Seeing the city on foot is a great way to see the best Amsterdam things to do firsthand.
See Related: Best Beers in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour
The Red Light District is a symbol of Amsterdam’s liberal attitude toward prostitution. This two-hour tour takes you around the area to learn more about why the Netherlands is so open about sex work.
You have the chance to visit the Red Light District to hear stories of local prostitutes and S&M workers. You also can taste the nightlife with a free shot in Belushi Bar before the walking tour ends.
The route is managed by a trained professional guide who walks you safely and educates you about local history. A major influence from the Netherlands has been the liberal attitude to sexual activities.
See Related: Best Things to do in Rotterdam
Amsterdam Free Walking Tour
Walking tours are a wonderful method to get your bearings in the first few days in a new city. You may book this free walking tour ahead of time, but it’s customary to give a small gratuity to the guide at the end.
This tour visits some of the world’s most famous attractions, including Anne Frank House, the Jordaan District, and the Red Light District. The local guide is extremely knowledgeable and can suggest other parts of your trip beyond just the city center of Amsterdam.
Outside of a bike tour and a canal cruise, a walking tour is an essential way to see the city of Amsterdam.
Conclusion
Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe. For this reason, the chances that you have visited or are planning to visit the town soon are high. This guide on the best Amsterdam tours intends to make your next visit to the city as fulfilling as possible.
With this guide, you are already armed with information on the best tours to take while you are there. We have done intensive research to compile this list of tours that will never disappoint.
Related Resources
- Best Things to do in Amsterdam in December
- Best Tours in Rotterdam
- Best Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
- Tips for Riding a Bike in Amsterdam
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