Amsterdam tours

Things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of charming contrasts: where serene canals reflect the gentle sway of houseboats and lively markets burst with the chatter of diverse tongues. As you cycle along cobblestone streets with your local guide, the city reveals its secrets: from the scent of fresh stroopwafels wafting through the air to the quiet elegance of the Jordaan district. Amsterdam tours with a private guide mean you can skip the line at world-famous museums, relish in a food and wine tour tailored to your tastes, or enjoy a leisurely walking tour that unravels the city's rich tapestry of history and culture, making your Amsterdam adventure uniquely yours. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Amsterdam. Explore Amsterdam your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Amsterdam tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Amsterdam for every interest, including: History tours: Trace trade and resistance stories around Dam Square, the Portuguese Synagogue, and the Jordaan, and hear neighbourhood accounts connected to the Second World War. You can also visit a 17th-century warehouse and the Begijnhof to see how daily life unfolded in the Golden Age. Architecture tours: Compare step, neck, and bell gables along the canal ring, then see Amsterdam School brickwork at Het Schip. For a modern contrast, cross by ferry to the EYE Filmmuseum and explore the bold lines of NEMO and the Eastern Docklands. Art and Culture tours: Focus a museum walk on Rembrandt and Vermeer highlights at the Rijksmuseum, then dive into colour and brushwork at the Van Gogh Museum. If you like contemporary culture, your guide can add NDSM’s studios and street art or small galleries tucked into the Jordaan. The centre is very walkable and bikeable, and trams, metro, and free IJ ferries make it easy to cover longer hops. Your guide will match tour pacing to your comfort with walking or cycling. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Amsterdam inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a leisurely walking tour through Amsterdam and explore its charming neighborhoods with a local guide. A local’s insight offers a deeper understanding of the city. Consider including these neighborhoods in your tour: - Jordaan: Known for its picturesque canals and narrow streets, this area is perfect for those seeking a blend of culture and charm. Discover art galleries, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. - De Pijp: A vibrant, multicultural neighborhood ideal for younger crowds and foodies. Enjoy the bustling Albert Cuyp Market and a variety of international cuisines. - Museum Quarter: Perfect for cultural tourists, this area is home to world-class museums and beautiful parks. It’s a cultural hub that offers enriching experiences for all ages. Day trip ideas from Amsterdam From Amsterdam, it is easy to branch out to nearby cities and attractions, so add a couple of day trips that match what you enjoy and keep your tour focused on your pace. Most tours work year round by train or car. Haarlem: a short train ride brings you to a compact historic centre with the Grote Markt, the Teylers and Frans Hals museums, calm canals, and hidden hofjes courtyards, which suits you if art, history, and café time sound good. Zaanse Schans and Zaandam: classic windmills, wooden houses, and small workshops sit along the river where you can watch crafts, taste local cheese, and step inside a working mill, and your tour can include a ferry or a slow walk along the dikes for photos. Utrecht: lively streets built around split-level canals with wharf cellars, the Dom area, and bike friendly lanes make it great if you like canal views, easy cycling, and a younger vibe with simple food stops. The Hague and Scheveningen: see Dutch art at the Mauritshuis, pass the Binnenhof and the Peace Palace, then ride the tram to the beach for a boardwalk stroll, which fits if you mix museums, politics, and sea air in one day. Rotterdam: bold architecture like the Cube Houses and Erasmus Bridge, the Markthal food hall, and Europe’s biggest port show a different side of the Netherlands, so you get design, skyline views, and harbour stories in one loop. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Amsterdam most travellers miss.