Historic Amsterdam Private Walking Tour

Historic Amsterdam Private Walking Tour

Discover the history of one of Europe's most beautiful and influential cities with this private half-day historic Amsterdam walking tour. Recently described as “the birthplace of liberalism” by writer and historian Russel Shorto, Amsterdam has an incredible, vibrant, moving history, that has left a legacy that has impacted the entire world.  Visit sites such as the Dutch East India Company House, the Red Light District, World’s first Stock Exchange. Discover all of this and more on this comprehensive Amsterdam history tour!

Amsterdam was founded circa 1190, 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. This Amsterdam history tour starts near Dam Square, where you will learn how this historic location has changed in tandem with Amsterdam as a whole.

Amsterdam has an amazing history!

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 drew oppressed and disowned peoples from across the world to make a home in the Free City.  During the Eighty Years War the city played a crucial role in the establishment of the Netherlands as an independent state, and in the subsequent struggle between Republican and Monarchist Dutch factions within the nation.

The tour includes:
• The Dutch East India Company House.
• The Red Light District.
• Masterpieces of Dutch art.
• Widest Bridge and the smallest house in Amsterdam.
• World’s first Stock Exchange.
• The Old Church.
• The New Market.
• The Royal Palace.
• Leaning buildings & gable stones.