There’s a lot of debate about the free walking tour in Amsterdam business and the nuisance that it’s causing. One of the many reasons is that these free tours often have 30, 40 or even more participants per group.

Locals have been trying to get them banned but have been unsuccessful thus far. This article lays out the case on why you shouldn’t do a free walking tour in Amsterdam and why it’s better to pay for one.

1 | Free Walking Tours Are Not Really Free

Whilst advertised as free online, they aren’t free. Every attendee is expected to pay at the end of the tour. Social pressure often forces people to pay the same as that they’d do for a normal paid tour.

Do you know how the “free” tour business model actually works? It’s like this:

• You visit the website of the company that offers “free walking tours”.
• You make a reservation and the company requires you to give all your personal details which they’ll use for marketing purposes.
• Then the company sells the tour to a guide, so the guide actually needs to pay for your personal data and booking.
• And then the guide hopes to get a little bit of money on the end of the tour.

So, the company that offers free walking tours is always the one that wins. They always get the biggest cut and they sold your personal data (sometimes without permission).

2 | Free Tours Cause Nuisance

Free walking tours in Amsterdam cause a lot of nuisance among the residents. Their extremely large tour groups block the cycle- and walking paths. Their tour guides speak too loudly causing noise irritations. Furthermore locals are often annoyed by the falsehoods that they hear when walking past free tour groups, often with a foreign guide.

In addition, companies offering free guided tours in Amsterdam are usually foreign and often unaware of Amsterdam regulations. Partly because of this, it is very common that these types of companies organize guided tours with 30, 40 or 50 participants. These numbers are simply too high for the narrow streets and alleys of Amsterdam.

Rather take a paid tour in Amsterdam with less participants and therefor less/ no nuisance.

3 | Poorly Intelligible

Because of the larger sizes of free tour groups it’s often quite difficult to hear the guide speak. And because foreign guides don’t speak the language they often don’t get the nuances of Dutch society because.

4 | Guides Are Not Dutch

Most guides who host a free walking tour in Amsterdam are foreign. The big majority was not born and raised in the Netherlands. Meaning that they don’t have the same background as local tour guides – who usually offer paid tours. Many foreign guides often cannot explain everything about Dutch culture, simply because they have not had the same cultural background as real Dutch guides.

5 | Free Tour Companies Try To Sell You Stuff

Free tour companies worldwide are commercial marketing-machines. They require you to provide all you personal details which they’ll use to sell you more stuff. Think of other tours or tickets for attractions you don’t want. This is how they make money. This is how they try to scam you.

Rather pay for a tour (in Amsterdam), so you know you get quality delivered without secret conditions. You also pay in restaurants, bars and in hotels, right? Why not for a tour then?

6 | You Get What You Pay For

If you consider to join a free walking tour in Amsterdam, realise that you get what you “pay for”: Very basic information like “this is Dam Square” or “this is Central Station”. While you actually want to hear all the important and secrets facts of certain highlights. You can read about this basic stuff like the names or definitions in travel books instead of doing a tour.

You probably spend at least 1000 euro for your Amsterdam trip, why not spend a normal amount – say 20 euro or 2% – for a proper tour with a local guide from a company that respects Amsterdam?

7 | Information Is Often Made Up

An often heard complaint from local residents is that (foreign) guides who host free walking tours in Amsterdam make up information or exaggerate details completely. Instead of learning about the city that they are representing, they take up some key points and fill up the blanks with rumours or false information.

8 | Free Tours Do Not Respect Local Rules

When problems arose in Amsterdam’s Red Light District because the area became more crowded, local tour operators came together with the municipality to set new voluntary rules. Together, they wanted to improve the area. The new rules entailed; smaller tour groups, no tour after 11 pm, guides should inform customers about the local etiquette, no standing still in certain narrow streets and busy spots, etcetera.

From the start of the debate, the largest free tour operator in Amsterdam – Sandemans New Europe – indicated that they would not adhere to these voluntary rules or join the conversation with the City of Amsterdam. They did not want to improve the area. They only changed their tune when the government forced them with new laws.

From this story alone you get that these free walking tour in Amsterdam operators do not have the interests of locals at heart. For them it’s just cramming as many people into a group as possible and making money.

9 | Big Size Tour Groups

The goal of a free walking tour is always to get as much people in the tour as possible. This is what the business model is based on. Because of the extremely large size of the groups you won’t have easy access to the tour guide. It’s very difficult to ask questions or you might not be able to hear the stories due to the distance and surrounding noise.

10 | You Are Not Paying Taxes

Free tours work on a tips basis. In the Netherlands there are no taxes on tips. Free tours often cause hindrance and nuisance for locals. Public space that gets disrupted by these free tours.

10 Tips

• Join our activities in Amsterdam. We do not offer free walking tours because of all the above points. Free tours have a negative impact on Amsterdam and other cities in the world.
• Choose a company, like us, that respects the local etiquette. We were the first company to sign the covenant/agreement with the local government and residents to improve the city centre by following certain measures.
• Pick a organisation, like us, who has Dutch tour guides. The main advantage is that they were born and raised in the Netherlands, therefore have the best understanding of the Dutch culture and they all speak perfectly English – which is mandatory on primary schools, high schools and universities.

• Take tour guides, like ours, who have a license and permit from the City of Amsterdam.
• If you purchase a service like a guided tour, you have more customer rights.
• If you are dissatisfied about a paid tour, you can always make a complaint, request a refund and possibly share your experience on review sites like TripAdvisor.

ALSO READ:

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The post 10 Reasons Not To Take A Free Walking Tour In Amsterdam in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Sure most Amsterdam canal tours are quite touristy, but these boat tours are really a delightful way to see Holland’s most beautiful city. Several companies depart from at Amsterdam’s Central Station, Damrak, Rokin, at the Heineken Experience and in opposite of the famous Rijksmuseum.

Costs are overall pretty similar (about 16 euro per adult). To avoid the steamed-up glass-window effect, look for a canal boat with an opening seating area. During Amsterdam canal tours at night, there’s the bonus of seeing the beautiful bridges lit up (however these canal tours usually cost a bit more).

1 | Blue Boat Company Amsterdam

The canal tours of Blue Boat Company have a duration of 75-minutes and glides by the top sights in Amsterdam. 90-minute evening canal tours are provided at 8, 9 and 10 pm from March to October and at 8 pm from November to February. Other canal tours are a children’s pirate-themed cruise, a dinner cruise and a tour in a tinier, open-top canal boat. The dock is near the Max Euweplein, just in front of the Heineken Experience and Club BonTon – which offers Amsterdam Brothel Tours too.

Blue Boat Company Prices & Departures

Price: 75-minute canal tour 16 euro for adults and 8.50 euro for children.
Departure: Stadhouderskade 30.
To get there: Take tram 1, 2, 5, 7 or 10 towards Leidseplein.

2 | Those Dam Boat Guys

This is one of the least-touristy canal-tours options. This company offer cozy and personal canal tours (no more than 11 persons) on electric boats. Feel free to bring beers, wine, food and whatever else you want during this 90-minute canal tour. Those Dam Boat Guys have typical Amsterdam boats (see above) that can go underneath every bridge. For rainy days, their boats offer a strong & protective tarpaulin.

Those Dam Boat Guys Price & Meeting Point

Price: 20 euro per person.
Departure: Cafe Wester at Nieuwe Leliestraat 2.
Departure times: 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm.
To get there: Take tram 13, 14 or 17 towards Westermarkt.

3 | Boaty Amsterdam

Want to explore Amsterdam’s waterways while being the captain of your own canal cruise? The way locals do it. Boaty Amsterdam offers electric, environment-friendly boats that you can rent with a maximum of six persons. Boaty’s location on the peaceful Amstelkanaal in the south of Amsterdam makes it an ideal launching pad for exploring the waterways before going to the more busy city-centre canals. Rental includes a detailed map of Amsterdam outlining suggested routes; you don’t need a boat license or prior experience for these smaller boats in Amsterdam. It’s recommended to book in advanced online.

Boat rental at Boaty Amsterdam

Price: per 3 hours from 79 euro.
Location: Jozef Israelskade, in front of Amsterdam’s Okura Hotel.

4 | Lovers Canal Cruises NL

Lovers has been offering canal cruises since 1950. They have a wide range of cruises; regular canal cruises, dinner cruises, candlelight cruises, evening cruises and also pizza & burger cruises. A few of their boats are fully powered by solar energy. All of Lover’s boats offer audio guides in 19 different languages. You can’t miss their orange boats which are located in front of Central Station. Lovers is open 365 days a year and their boats depart several times per hour.

Lovers Canal Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 16 euro per person.
Departure: Amsterdam Central Station, right side.
Departure times: every 15 minutes from 9:00 am to 21:30 pm.
To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station.

5 | Rederij Plas

This canal cruise company is one of the oldest in Amsterdam. It exist 90 years and is located near Central Station, on the Damrak street.

Rederij Plas Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 12 euro per person.
Departure: Across from Amsterdam Central Station, at the Damrak.
Departure times: every 20 minutes from 10:00 am to 21:00 pm.
To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station, walk 2 minutes to Damrak 28.

6 | Stromma Canal Tours

Stromma Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 11,50 euro per person.
Departure: Amsterdam Central Station, left side.
Departure times: from 9:00 am to 22:00 pm.
To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station, walk 2 minutes to Damrak 28.

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The post 6x Best Amsterdam Canal Tours Near Central Station in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is probably one of the densest cultural spots in the world so you might be thinking “what to see in Amsterdam?”. This list contains hidden gems and some other must-sees that the city has to offer.

Amstelkerk

This wooden Dutch church was originally constructed as a temporary church back in 1668. The church was constructed with haste because the Amsterdam canal ring was expanding rapidly at the time, which meant more churchgoers that needed to be served. Temporary became permanent. 

These days the church functions as a multipurpose building. It hosts office spaces and an art gallery area, which can be visited for free during office hours. The larger midsection of the building often host chamber music events. 

Fun fact: during Napoleons visit in 1811 this church supposedly functioned as the stable for his horses. 

Het Boomzagertje

One of the six statues that suddenly appeared in Amsterdam. The maker has remained anonymous. The unknown sculptor placed his statues in the citiy in the 80’s and 90’s in the dead of night, without a prior notification.

Het Boomzagertje (the small tree cutter) is a touching little statue of a man who puts his saw in the tree. 25 years have passed since it first appeared and the tree now encapsulates the statues feet and saw. 

Fun rumor: some people speculated that the former queen of the Netherlands made the statues, because one of them had a face that looked like the one of her husband.

Brouwerij ‘t IJ

Beer from Amsterdam has conquered the world (Heineken, Amstel), but if you truly want to taste some locally brewed beer you should visit Brouwerij ‘t IJ. They offer a wide range of 25 types of beers!

This brewery is located in a former bathhouse next to one of Amsterdam’s last remaining old Dutch windmills. This brewery also has amazing terrace that fills up after each workday during the summer season. Long tables with beer, whine or juice make for an informal atmosphere where you easily meet new people. 

Still wonder: What to see in Amsterdam? Discover more free tips below:

Café In t’ Aepjen 

This café is located in the Red Light District, in an old wooden house, one of the oldest homes in Amsterdam! It dates back all the way to 1544. This was the sailor hot spot for centuries. Back in the day sailors brought back all kinds of exotic animals from their journeys and on more then one occasion these animals were used to pay the bar tab.

The owner of the café kept the monkeys he got in little cages as entertainment so his guests had what to see in Amsterdam. This explains the name of Café In T’ Aepjen (Monkey). Besides a great historical setting they also serve some quality Dutch Jenever (gin). A must visit! 

Sometimes we pass by this amazing Dutch bar during our Amsterdam Red Light District Tours.

Chinatown

In 1911 Chinese shipping stokers were the first Chinese to settle in Amsterdam. These days Amsterdam’s Chinatown is considered to be the oldest Chinese settlement on the European mainland. However, Asian town might be a better term as the area around the Zeedijk and Geldersekade also hosts many Thai, Korean, Japanese and Asian fusion restaurants.

However the Chinese remain the largest group that is present in the area. In Chinatown you’ll find the He Hua Temple at the end of the Zeedijk, close to the Nieuwmarkt. This is the largest traditional Chinese palace style Budhist temple in the whole of Europe. A must what to see in Amsterdam!

We’ll also stop at this temple and tell you more about it during our interesting and highly rated Red Light District tours with local guides. We host them daily. Click on the link above to join this fun activity in Amsterdam.

EYE

What looks like a flying saucer is actually Amsterdam’s film museum: EYE. It’s located across the IJ-river behind Amsterdam Central Station. The architect Delugan Meissel tried with this design to translate the experience of film medium into architecture. The Architects present the building as a sequence of scenes. Inside the museum there are 4 theatre rooms with an extensive collection of old and new films.

The large exhibition space presents 4 different expositions each year that highlight the thin line between film, visual arts and other types of media. For those who don’t care about any of that there’s also a very wide and sunny terrace with a great view of the IJ-river. 

Don’t stop scrolling. Discover what to see in Amsterdam now!

Floor 17

On top of the Ramada Apollo Amsterdam Centre Hotel in the western part of town sits Floor 17 an 85-meter high rooftop terrace. This terrace offers a spectacular view of the city and is open when the weather permits it. Comfy couches, beanbags and mellow music create a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Even in the wintertime this is an excellent spot as the terrace is transformed in the highest skating rink of the city. 

De Hallen

This is the new hotspot of the city. This former tram depot has been transformed into a large cinema with 9 theatre rooms and a large food hall section. As a subtle reminder to the history of the place you can still see tram rails in some parts of the building. The beautiful restoration alone is worthy of a visit. The covered food market is the main attraction and is modeled after examples from London, New York and Madrid. Around a central bar stand 20 different trendy booths that serve the higher end types of street foods. 

Hollandsche Manege 

In the center of Amsterdam there’s a surprising experience! One that shouldn’t surprise any local though since the Hollandsche Manege (Dutch Horse Riding School) has been in Amsterdam since 1882. Dolf van Gendt who also designed Amsterdam’s concert building designed the building, a National Monument.

These days it’s promoted as the living horse museum because of the 54 horses in the stables. A hidden treasure in the museum is the neoclassical style foyer where it appears that not much has changed in 130 years. Those who can already ride a horse can take lessons in astride horseback riding. 

Hortus VU

The cactus collection alone is reason enough to pay a visit to VU Hortos, VU’s very own botanical garden. Three tables both 10’s of meters long are filled from front to end with cacti and succulents, the largest collection of their kind in the Netherlands.

Other greenhouses contain large collections of orchids and ferns. In the tropical greenhouse it’s like your entering the Amazonian rainforest! Visit this unique spot in Amsterdam whilst it still exists.

Royal Palace 

Completed in 1655 Amsterdam’s new city hall was constructed with Amsterdam’s newly acquired power and wealth in mind. The 17^thcentury municipal government dared to think great and constructed the largest governmental building of Europe at the time and presented Amsterdam as the center of the universe. 

Amsterdammers used to proudly speak of the 8^th world wonder. The Royal Palace on Dam Square has an impressive classicist design. The interior dates back to the rule of Napoleon, whose brother took up residence and turned the city hall into a palace.

This place is a must visit for anyone who’s interested in Amsterdam’s golden century.

Amsterdam Red Light District

The most famous area in Amsterdam. Anything deemed unholy you can probably find in this area, window brothels with sex workers, bars, restaurants, smoke-filled cannabis coffeeshops, strip clubs you name it. The locals also know this neighbourhood as De Wallen.

But few know that this area is located in the oldest part of Amsterdam. Sex work in the Red Light District actually dates back to the 1300’s. Amsterdam was already turning into a bustling port back then and all those sailors needed entertainment.

Despite what some may think, escorts do not work behind the windows in the Red Light District. Here you will only find window prostitutes.

Also do not miss out on the live sex shows at Moulin Rouge Amsterdam. They’re amazing and you can join as volunteer on stage during your visit, if you’re up to it.

This is why the area is located so close to Amsterdam’s Central Station, which was planted right in the spot that used to be the old harbor.

NDSM Werf

This former shipbuilding wharf is one of Amsterdam’s last real cultural sanctuaries. Shortly after the closure of the wharf in 1985 artists and outcasts discovered the area. Gradually ever more creatives such as artists, theatre makers, free thinkers and enthusiasts entered the area, where for a short while there were no rules.

As creative hotbeds were closing all over the city in 90’s some artists banded together and presented a plan to the municipality to make the wharf the largest creative hub of Europe. The NDSM wharf has since functioned as a model for the development of similar creative spots all over the world. Expect a creative treasure when you visit this part of town! 

Oost-Indisch Huis

When people talk about Holland’s golden century the VOC, world’s first corporation, will always be discussed. The Oost –Indisch Huis (East-Indian House) served as headquarters of the most powerful and wealthiest corporation that the world has ever known.

These days the building is owned by the Amsterdam University and houses the faculty for political, social and cultural sciences. But it takes little imagination to see the 17^thcentury merchants.

This place that reminds the visitor of the start of the Dutch colonial era also commemorates its end. A plaque remembers 12 American journalists that died in a plane crash after a Dutch press junket trip. 50 years later it was found out that Indonesian Republican separatists were possibly behind the crash. 

Amsterdam Trees Street

On the Lomanstraat in Amsterdam you can find these beautiful trees that look like they come from a Harry Potter movie.

Volkshotel 

After a thorough renovation the Volkhotel (peoples hotel) re-opened its doors as a hotel, café, restaurant and club where, as one would expect with such a company name, everybody is welcome! There’s close to 24/7 hours of different entertainment options for every type of person.

At the ground floor things are lively in “werkplaats”, with on the left a café with among other things a chilled game corner, and on the right long tables and meeting rooms for flex workers. At the backside of the building are workspaces for creative spirits.

But to really get a feeling of the building you’ll have to take the elevator to the 7^thfloor. Enter Club Canvas with its rooftop terrace with a great view of Amsterdam. After 10 pm all the tables and chairs are cleared from the floor and infamous club canvas nights start off inside.

And if you’re up for an all-nighter head back down to the basement to Doka “the basement where life happens in the dark”.

The Best Street Markets in Amsterdam

We also listed 7 street markets in Amsterdam which offers clothing, (Dutch) food, tulips, books, art, vinyl records, jewelry, etc. Check it out!

So, there you have it! Our top picks for things to see and do in Amsterdam when you’re on a budget. If you want more tips or ideas, be sure to check out our other blog posts or hit the green button below to get all sorts of travel advice. And finally, don’t forget to enjoy your time in this beautiful city – after all, that’s what traveling is all about! 🙂

The post 16x What To See In Amsterdam in 2026 appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands went through a lot during the Second World War, between 1940 and 1945. This list contains 5 interesting facts about Amsterdam in WWII and 5 frequently asked questions about the history of Amsterdam.

Second World War Facts

Why did WWII start?

The Second World War began on September 1st, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. This was the beginning of a six-year conflict that would involve nearly every nation in the world. The primary cause of the war was Germany’s aggressive expansionism, which led to the invasion of other countries such as Czechoslovakia and France. Britain and France declared war on Germany in response to the invasion of Poland, and thus began a conflict that would claim the lives of millions of people. In addition to expansionism, other causes of the Second World War include nationalism, the rise of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany, and the failure of previous diplomatic efforts to prevent conflict.

What happened in Amsterdam In WWII?

The German occupation of the Netherlands and Amsterdam can be divided into three parts. After the invasion on May 10, 1940 to June 22, 1941, the ‘better than expected occupation’ part took place; Germans implemented a ‘velvet glove’ approach and the economic exploitation remained limited.

From June 22, 1941 to June 6, 1944, as the war progressed less and less in Germany’s favour, economic exploitation of the Dutch increased and the occupation became grimmer.

The third and final part started on June 6, 1944 and lasted to May 4, 1945. Hunger and shortages culminate during the Hunger Winter. German occupying forces increasingly lose their grip and also become increasingly incalculable. Leaders exert a moderating influence, but destruction is still being wrought. Throughout the German occupation the persecution of Dutch Jews was ever present.

When did Nazi Germany invade Amsterdam?

The war started for Amsterdam with the sound of propellor engines on May 10, 1940, around 3:00 am. German bombers flew over Amsterdam on their way to attack Schiphol Airport. But in a sense the World War II had already begun for Amsterdammers as early as August 1939, with the mobilisation.

The Netherlands maintained its neutrality, but the army was put on alert. 75 schools were used to house soldiers. 50,000 inhabitants had to make their homes available to soldiers.

Yearly on the 4th of May, Remembrance day is held on Dam Square in Amsterdam.

Why was Holland neutral in WW2?

At the start of World War 2 the Netherlands was a neutral country like it had been for over a century. This policy had kept them out of the bloody First World War. The Dutch sat on the sidelines as other countries in Europe first experienced slaughter on an industrial scale. The Dutch would only fight when attacked.

Was Amsterdam bombed in WWII?

Amsterdam was first bombed in WWII, on the 11th of May. On the second the day of the invasion a single Junkers Ju 88 bomber dropped four bombs on the centre of Amsterdam at the Herengracht. In total 44 civilians died and 79 were injured. After this incident the next serious bombing of Amsterdam was done by the allied forces.

On July 17, 1943 158 civilians were killed and 119 injured when allied bombers accidentally hit residential areas in Amsterdam Noord (North) instead of the intended war industry targets close by.

Why did Germany attack the Netherlands?

The Netherlands (and Belgium) were located in a strategic position between Germany and France. The route was logical for both the Germans and allies as fortifications were weak compared to the actual border between France and Germany. The Germans also wanted to turn Europe into an impenetrable fortress. Leaving the Netherlands open for an Allied counter attack was simply out of the question.

1 | Anne Frank: A Name Known Around The World

Anne Frank is the most famous Dutch person in the world, but she was actually born in Germany. Like many German jews her parents decided to leave Germany because of the rising antisemitism and its bad economy.

Her world famous diary actually might never have been published had it not been for Miep Gies, who found the diary and handed it to Otto Frank. She later said that if she had read the journal beforehand, she would never have given it but would have destroyed the pages.

According to Miep Gies, everyone who helped hide the Frank family would have faced the Germans because their names were in the book.

2 | Dutch Resistance

This is a fact about Amsterdam in WWII that not many people know. On a per capita basis the Netherlands had the most people hiding from the occupying forces. Nor have there been so many worker strikes in any other occupied country.

The most famous worker strike was the February Strike in 1941 when the Dutch demonstrated against the persecution of Dutch Jews. This act of public resistance, which was violently struck down, is still remembered every year in Amsterdam.

3 | The Bombing Of Rotterdam

Rotterdam used to have a beautiful historic city centre just like Amsterdam still has today. It was completely destroyed by a German air raid on May 14, 1940 between 13:27 pm and around 13:40 pm.

The bombing led to the surrender of Rotterdam the same day and under the threat of bombing other cities, starting with Utrecht, the Netherlands surrendered to the Germans on May 15. Other historical city centres like Amsterdam’s would be spared the horror of Rotterdam.

4 | Homosexuality During World War 2

Unlike in Germany, no people were arrested or prosecuted in the Netherlands for being homosexual. There were cases of Jews and resistance fighters being arrested who were dealt with extra severely after their homosexuality became known.

One of those Gay resistance fighters was anti-fascist Willem Arondoes. Arondoes led a group of resistance fighters that bombed the public records of Amsterdam. The records there were used by the Nazis in the persecution of Dutch Jews. Before being executed Arondoes loudly proclaimed:

“Let it be known that homosexuals are not cowards!”

Cafe ‘t Mandje Zeedijk: Tolerance & Resistance

Cafe ‘t Mandje was the first cafe in Amsterdam where regular and homosexual people mingled and partied together. The cafe is located on the Zeedijk in Amsterdam Red Light District and close to the then Jewish quarters.

German soldiers were not allowed to go in the area, because they’d get too distracted. Cafe owner (a lesbian herself) Bet van Beeren – aunt of Diana van Laar – hid several jews in the attic of the cafe.

Her brother is said to have stored resistance weapons in the basement. Whilst regular German soldiers weren’t allowed in the area higher officers used to actually go for a drink in this cafe!

5 | Dam Square Shooting

On May 7, 1945, two days after the liberation of the Netherlands people were out celebrating the allied victory on Dam Square, Amsterdam’s main square. Then suddenly around 3:00 pm German soldiers suddenly started opening fire into the big crows of partygoers.

German soldiers were stationed at a corner of Dam Square and fired from the balcony. In total 32 people were killed and 231 injured. A bloody start for a city that regained its freedom.

If you’d like to know more about the May 7th shooting incident we recommend this Dam Square Shooting article.

ALSO READ:

10 Amsterdam History Facts 

Red Light District Amsterdam: Travel Guide

Dam Square Amsterdam

Do you know other facts about Amsterdam in WWII? Drop them in the comment section below and share it with the world.

The post 10 Special Facts About Amsterdam In WWII appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.

Some might be a bit hesitant about doing a Red Light District tour when visiting Amsterdam. This article lays out the case for exploring this unique part of town together with an experienced local guide.

And yes, Amsterdam Red Light District tours are still allowed (after the corona-crisis)!

1 | It’s Educational

Walking around the Red Light District area on your own might be interesting but without the right facts you might get a completely wrong impression. By joining a tour you get a better understanding on how the Dutch deal with prostitution, the reasoning behind the policies and the personal motivations of the sex workers. Why do these women prefer standing in a window brothel instead of the privacy of their own homes? The reasons might surprise you!

2 | It’s Healthy

If you take a Red Light District tour it will be done by foot as most of the area is car-free and for pedestrians only. Most walking tours in the Red Light District take approximately 1,5 hours. Which means that you’ll burn approximately 473 calories. How cool is that?

3 | It’s Fun

Human sexuality will always be a topic of jokes and Red Light District tours logically are filled with them. With a funny tour guide these educational tours can be lifted to a whole other level. All joking aside, the tour guides treat the actual sex workers with the respect that they deserve.

4 | It’s Special

Amsterdam’s Red Light District area is a unique area in the world. Where else do you find such a large erotic entertainment area in the centre and oldest part of town? Only in Amsterdam you see window brothels in opposite of a church and red-lit window brothels next to this daycare.

The Red Light District offers amazing architecture, legal prostitution, (gay) bars, Chinatown, ‘coffeeshops’, a hidden church, canals, residential houses and whatnot. All in 1km2.

5 | It’s Social

Taking a tour is a great way to meet other people like travellers around the world and locals. Usually these tours have around 15 participants who gather around at the meeting point. This is also where the tour guides welcomes everybody. Also a good moment to get in touch with others who are interested in the Dutch culture and Amsterdam. During the Red Light District tour there’s time in between stops to talk to others. Of course the tour guide is also up for a talk, which can be quite interesting. This area is also great place to hang out with others and enjoy a few drinks after a tour. For those not interested in the social aspect and who prefer solo travel this Amsterdam Audio Tour application is a great alternative option.

6 | It’s Discovering

See those parts of the Red Light District area that you’d normally miss out on whilst walking around by yourself. A building might look beautiful but it becomes even more interesting once you hear the actual stories that it holds. You can only discover those hidden treasures and hear those amazing stories from an experienced and local tour guide.

7 | It’s Safe

The Red Light District area is one of the safest part of town. There’s a lot of police presence on the streets. The area is also has the most square feet of street space dedicated solely to pedestrians. Walk the streets without worrying about traffic, but keep an out for those bicycles though.

With a guided Red Light District tour you’ll feel extra safe. Our licensed tour guides are there for you.

8 | It’s Mind-Blowing

At the end of a Red Light District tour you’ll think much differently about thinks than you first had in mind. Travellers are usually flabbergasted when they hear the truth about this area. It isn’t uncommon for people to leave this tour with their preconceived notion being flipped.

Travellers find it interesting to hear how Dutch people handle things (like prostitution, cannabis, trade and sexuality).

9 | It’s Supportive

Joining a Red Light District tour is a great way to support the local scene in Amsterdam. Our Red Light District tours are all hosted by local licensed guides instead of foreign guides (who know less of the Dutch culture).

You can help Dutch people after the corona-crisis by coming to Amsterdam and by spending a few days here. Did you know that 1 out 9 jobs in Amsterdam were in tourism (before the corona-crisis)?

10 | It’s Time-Saving

Instead of walking around aimlessly trying to find what you’re looking for just do a tour. Our advice would be to do a tour on the first day of your visit. That way you get an immediate understanding of your surroundings and it will be much easier to find what you’re looking for during the rest of your stay. Ask for restaurant tips from your guide to get the best food tips from a local.

Join our Red Light District tours in Amsterdam. You’ll love it!

The post 10 Reasons To Do An Amsterdam Red Light District Tour appeared first on Tours in Amsterdam.