Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour

Discover the history of one of Europe’s most beautiful and influential cities with the Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour!

Described as “the birthplace of liberalism” by writer and historian Russell Shorto, Amsterdam has an incredible, vibrant, moving history.  Our city has left a legacy that has impacted the entire world.  Discover all of this and more on our comprehensive Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour!

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 Amsterdam was founded circa 1390, when a small community arrived at the mouth of the River Amstel and decided to attempt to dam the river.  Their efforts were successful, and they were able to create land out of literally nothing.  The entirety of Amsterdam now sits on land that should be beneath water.  It is from the incredible efforts of this small medieval community that the city derives its name – Amsterdam, the dam on the River Amstel.

Willem De Zwijgler, first Prince of Orange

A VOC shipyard during the Golden Age

Since then Amsterdam has gone from strength to strength, despite having faced enormous challenges.  During the medieval period the city built its name and influence on trading in preserved fish, particularly herring.  As Europe became engulfed in the religious conflicts of the reformation Amsterdam challenged the Hegemony of the mighty Holy Roman Empire, turning the city into a haven of religious tolerance.  In time this spirit of toleration drew oppressed and disowned peoples from across the world to make a home in the Free City.  In particular Amsterdam has been a haven for Jewish communities since the Sephardic diaspora from Spain and Portugal in the late 16th century.  In 1680 the city entered it’s Golden Age, a period characterized by the incredible wealth brought into the city by the VOC, the Dutch East India Company.  It was this influx of wealth that catalysed the rapid expansion of the cities signature canal ring system.  This period produced some of the greatest philosophers, scientists, artists and statesmen that Europe has ever seen.  These men and women left an unquestionable imprint upon the history of the world.

Entering a period of decline in the 19th century, the  city was revitalized by construction and industrial projects in the 1890’s.  However, it was increasingly the scene of civil unrest.  Several large scale riots broke out in the early 20th century, most famously the Aardappeloproer (Potato rebellion).  The 20th century saw Amsterdam facing terrible threats and enormous challenges.  In 1940 the city was occupied by Nazi Germany, and some Amsterdammers gave shelter to persecuted Jews, exposing themselves and their families to great risk.  The efforts of the Amsterdam resistance saved many hundreds of people, including more than 600 children, from deportation and almost certain death.  Despite this, this period was one of terrible suffering in the city.  More than 100, 000 Dutch Jews were deported from The Netherlands during the Second World War.  Some 60,000 of these were from Amsterdam, whose vibrant Jewish community was decimated.  The final years of the war were times of extreme shortages of food and fuel – The people of the city consumed dogs, cats and tulip bulbs for survival.

But Amsterdam did survive, and moved on from strength to strength.  New suburbs were built around the city following the War, and these included many beautiful parks and improved housing.  But despite the destruction caused by the war, the city’s population has remained fiercely protective of its distinct style of architecture and aesthetics.  In 1975 a series of disturbances broke out known as the Nieuwmarktrellen (Nieuw Markt Riots). Residents and protesters clashed with municipal police whilst attempting to defend homes in the Nieuwmarkt area from demolition planned to make way for a new metro line.  In response the city council suspended its plans for further metro expansion.

As the 20th century closed Amsterdam has seen a full scale restoration of its city center, pioneered by large private organisations such as Stadsherstel Amsterdam.  Today the entire city center is a protected area, and many of its buildings hold historic monument status.  The Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht all hold places on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Join our Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour and discover the secrets of this magnificent city!

Today we invite you to discover the incredible history of this breathtakingly beautiful city.  Our historic walking tour is designed to illustrate Amsterdam’s history as a home of European liberalism and  individuality.  We start at Dam square, where we discuss the founding of the city and the beautiful buildings that circle this historic square.  We then set off on a tour of some of Amsterdam’s most important historic locations.  We visit De Wallen Red Light district, where we cover the history of prostitution in the city.  At the Nieuwmarkt and Jewish district we examine the history of this indomitable community and its impact upon the city’s development.  In  China town the tour covers some of the important buildings and locations central to Amsterdam’s history as a locus for immigration.  At Rembrantplein and Rembrant Huis we cover the history of this incredible artist and the Dutch Golden Age.  Finally we arrive at Waterlooplein, where we consider Amsterdam’s modern history.  Our Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour is an unmissable experience for anyone who has an interest in the history of the city, The Netherlands, or Europe as a whole.  For those who are seeking a deeper understanding of this incredible city, our tour will help you to develop a new perspective through our exploration of Amsterdam’s exhilarating past.

Book our Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour today, and discover our city’s amazing history!

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Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour Services

2.5 hour tour of some of the most famous historic locations.

Experienced tour guide with a post graduate qualification in history.

Map of the city.

Prices

Please note – minimum group size is 6 people.
6-10 people – €20 per person.

11-20 people – €18 per person.

21-30 people – €15 per person.

Options and

Do you have a specific idea of what you would like to learn about Amsterdam?  Perhaps you would like to focus on the history of a particular group or area?  No problem!  Simply contact us know in advance and our guide will design a tour tailored to your specific interests.

Interested in the history of the City, check out our tour of Amsterdam’s historic Jewish Quarter!

Amsterdam Historic Walking Tour