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.
12 Best Amsterdam Tours (2020 Guide)
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 makes 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 Amsterdam tours, to help make your next visit an electrifying one.
So what are these unique experiences that will make your Amsterdam tour a thrill?
Best Tours in Amsterdam (Museums, Bikes, Walking and More)
These are the top tours to consider during your journey in Amsterdam.
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 for 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 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 ancient Jewish Cultural 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 about the dynamics of 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, former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam is another great place to visit, especially for the brand’s lovers. Although the company has already shifted the operations somewhere else, the original distillery still receives visitors up 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 – Follow This Guide
Van Gogh Museum Tour – 4.7 stars
One of the things that Amsterdam is famous for is its numerous museums. 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 will take you through the painter’s life, right from his early works to his very final days. 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, as well as the over 500 sketches from Van Gogh himself.
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 on 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.
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 which 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 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 Dutch Royal House years later.
The 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.
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 in your hands.
The buses will help you see most of the city and 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 2 days 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.
Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise – 4.5 Stars
There is no way that the Amsterdam evening pizza cruise could miss on the list of the best tours in Amsterdam. It’s one of the most breathtaking activities you can do while in the city. The numerous canals crisscrossing the city makes 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 of 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 tour is also an excellent way to learn about the connections that exist between New York and Amsterdam.
Private Canal Booze Cruise – 4.9 Stars
If you seek to enjoy the best Amsterdam private tours, this would be a great option. The tour gives you a chance to relish the city’s beauty and culture from a private boat hire. This is quite ideal if you are traveling as a family or with a group of friends.
You get served to 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
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 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 cruise.
Cruise the numerous historical sites such as the Bloemenmarkt slowly, as you enjoy your 4-course gourmet dinner, accompanied with 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 cruise quite amazing. The tour offers a complete overview of Amsterdam and its history.
See Related: Amsterdam vs Copenhagen: Differences You Should Know
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 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, you get to experience eight of the favorite local food stops in Amsterdam, as you sample various Dutch classics.
Have a taste of Amsterdam’s best snacks, including Bitterballen, and Stroopwafels as you enjoy the sight of the various tourist attractions.
See Related: Best Amsterdam Souvenirs to Bring Home
Daytrip 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 tour takes you through the countryside, immersing you more into 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.
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.
Private Tour: Amsterdam’s Walking Tour – 5 Stars
This is a private 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. See the city on foot is a great way to see the best Amsterdam things to do firsthand.
Conclusion on the Best Amsterdam Tours
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
- 10 Things To Do In Amsterdam in December – Both Indoor and Outdoors
- 11 Best Tours in Rotterdam – Bike, Boat and More
- Best Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
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