Amsterdam’s city tours range from classic walking excursions to Dutch-style bike adventures. I love the bicycle tours – they’re the perfect match for this cycling-friendly city, especially when pedaling past the Rijksmuseum and through leafy Vondelpark. The intimate walking tours connect you with centuries of Dutch history while exploring charming neighborhoods and essential stops like the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. For those seeking comfort with great views, pedicabs glide effortlessly along the canals. When time is limited, private minivan tours efficiently cover the main sites.
The standout favorites combine local insights with off-the-beaten-path spots – particularly the small-group bike and walking tours led by passionate residents who share authentic Dutch perspectives.
Let’s explore the finest city tours Amsterdam has to offer.
Key Points
-
Amsterdam offers a variety of guided city tours, including bike, walking, and pedicab options, catering to different interests and fitness levels.
-
Alternative exploration methods in Amsterdam include Segway tours, open boat cruises, and private minivan tours, providing unique perspectives of the city.
-
Themed tours in Amsterdam, such as true crime and LGBTQ+ tours, offer immersive and specialized experiences for travelers seeking a deeper cultural understanding.
-
Key landmarks and attractions featured in Amsterdam’s city tours include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Dam Square, and Vondelpark, along with hidden gems and cultural insights.
-
Amsterdam’s city tours offer a range of pricing options, with flexible booking and cancellation policies, though accessibility may be a consideration for some tours.
Amsterdam City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
The Amsterdam City Highlights Guided Bike Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions.
With over 900 reviews and a 96% recommendation rate, this 2.5-hour (or 3-hour) tour is a Badge of Excellence winner.
Led by English-speaking guides, you will visit lesser-known gems like the Jordaan district, learn about Amsterdam’s rich history and culture, and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere while cycling.
The tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as Centraal Station, Vondelpark, and the Anne Frank House.
While not recommended for those with limited mobility or medical conditions, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and biking skills.
Read our full review: Amsterdam City Highlights Guided Bike Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: 3-Hour Private Bike Tour of the City Center
For those seeking a more personalized exploration of Amsterdam’s city center, the Amsterdam: 3-Hour Private Bike Tour offers an engaging experience.
At $165.52 per person, this private tour provides a 3-hour guided cycling adventure through the city’s iconic Canal Belt, key sights, and local neighborhoods. Guests can expect to visit landmarks like Dam Square, Westerkerk, and the Anne Frank House, as well as discover hidden gems in the Jordaan area.
Suitable for cyclists of all levels, the tour includes bike rental and an experienced multilingual guide.
With a 4.8/5 overall rating and positive reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and customized experiences, this private bike tour is a great way to see Amsterdam.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: 3-Hour Private Bike Tour of the City Center Review
Book now: Check availability
Segway City Tours Amsterdam
Segway City Tours Amsterdam provides an exhilarating way to explore the Dutch capital, whisking visitors through the city’s iconic streets and picturesque canals.
The tour boasts a 95% recommendation rate from travelers, with prices starting at €99 per person. Participants can expect a comprehensive package including all necessary equipment, a local guide, and food and drinks.
While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with medical conditions, it’s an excellent choice for those comfortable on a Segway.
Reviews highlight variability in guide performance, with some praised for their informative nature and others criticized for lacking commentary.
Read our full review: Segway City Tours Amsterdam Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: 3-Hour Private Highlights City Tour by Minivan
Exploring Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems has never been more convenient than with the Amsterdam: 3-Hour Private Highlights City Tour by Minivan.
This 3-hour private tour allows you to customize your itinerary based on your group’s interests, with a live guide in a comfortable minivan. For $302.67 per group (up to 4 participants), you’ll receive hotel pickup and drop-off and visit notable sites like the Anne Frank House, Central Station, and Rijksmuseum.
While food and drinks aren’t included, and admission tickets may require additional fees, the tour’s flexibility and positive reviews make it an attractive option for those seeking a personalized Amsterdam experience.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: 3-Hour Private Highlights City Tour by Minivan Review
Book now: Check availability
Small City Bike Tour
What better way to experience the charming streets of Amsterdam than on a Small City Bike Tour?
Capping group size at 7, this tour provides a personalized experience with knowledgeable local guides.
Riders will explore must-see landmarks like the Skinny Bridge, Anne Frank House, and the vibrant Jordaan quarter, all while using distinctive yellow bikes and rain ponchos.
With 128 excellent reviews, this tour offers a fun, safe, and informative way to navigate Amsterdam’s bustling bike traffic.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation, and infant seats are available.
Travelers can enjoy the lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Small City Bike Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: 2-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
A fantastic way to discover Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks is through the Amsterdam: 2-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour. Priced from $32.56 per person, this 2-hour activity allows you to explore the city’s rich history and diverse neighborhoods.
Led by experienced guides, you’ll cycle through picturesque canals and see sites like the Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge, Jordaan Quarter, and Museumplein. Bicycle rental and a poncho are included, ensuring a comfortable experience even in less favorable weather.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5 from 877 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its friendly guides, informative stories, and respect for local cycling culture.
Note that it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, and participants must know how to ride a bicycle.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: 2-Hour City Highlights Guided Bike Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Visit the Girl With the Pearl Earing, the Hague & Delft City – Private Day Tour
This private day tour offers the chance to see Johannes Vermeer’s renowned masterpiece, “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” at the Mauritshuis in The Hague.
Guests will also explore Dutch and Flemish art collections, including works by Rembrandt and Rubens.
The tour includes a visit to Delft, where Vermeer lived and painted, as well as a stroll through The Hague’s historic center.
With a 5.0 rating from 53 reviews, the tour is highly recommended, with 98% of travelers endorsing the experience.
While the pace is relaxed, guests should consider mobility and accessibility, as some found the amount of walking challenging.
Read our full review: Visit the Girl With the Pearl Earing, the Hague & Delft City – Private Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Best of Amsterdam City Tour
Immersing visitors in the rich history and architectural wonders of Amsterdam, the “Amsterdam: Golden Age Walking Tour” offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s illustrious past.
Priced at just $1.05 per person and lasting two hours, this English-language tour takes participants through the oldest part of the city, showcasing the Dutch East India Company’s legacy and the birthplace of capitalism.
Knowledgeable guides share captivating stories of pirates, ghost ships, and the spice trade, while leading travelers to iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, the Church on Dam Square, and the Gates of the city.
With a 4.7/5 rating based on 22 reviews, this tour provides an immersive and enjoyable experience for discovering Amsterdam’s Golden Age.
Read our full review: Best of Amsterdam City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Coverage Amsterdam Private City Tour
Travelers seeking an in-depth exploration of Amsterdam’s captivating landmarks and rich history will find the Full Coverage Amsterdam Private City Tour an excellent choice.
Rated 5.0 out of 25 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, this private tour offers a flexible, personalized experience that covers the city’s top attractions, including the Rijksmuseum, Bloemenmarkt, and Rembrandt Square.
With a knowledgeable guide providing historical context, visitors can enjoy the UNESCO-listed scenery.
The tour features convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, a local snack, and tickets for the VMR, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.
Reviews highlight the friendly guides and customized itinerary to suit individual interests.
Read our full review: Full Coverage Amsterdam Private City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Open Boat Tours Amsterdam Historic City Center With Open Bar
Offering a delightful alternative to traditional sightseeing, the Open Boat Tours Amsterdam Historic City Center With Open Bar allows visitors to experience the UNESCO-listed canals of Amsterdam from a unique vantage point.
Priced at just $21.02 per person, this hour-long cruise provides panoramic views of the city’s picturesque architecture and historic bridges, including the iconic Magere Brug.
Along the way, a live guide shares fascinating insights into Amsterdam’s rich heritage, from the Anne Frank House to the lively Jordaan district.
With an open bar and intimate, open-boat setup, the tour offers a relaxed and personal exploration of the Dutch capital’s vibrant canal life.
Read our full review: Open Boat Tours Amsterdam Historic City Center With Open Bar Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam Layover: Airport Transit City Tour
For those with limited time in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Layover: Airport Transit City Tour provides a convenient solution to maximize sightseeing during a layover.
This 3-hour customizable tour boasts a 4.9 rating from 30 reviews, with 93% of travelers recommending it. Featuring airport pickup and drop-off, private transport, a personal guide, and various amenities, the tour allows you to explore key Amsterdam attractions like the canals, Anne Frank House, and Rijksmuseum.
With flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the city during a short transit.
However, it’s crucial to confirm any potential additional charges and clarify the itinerary details before booking.
Read our full review: Amsterdam Layover: Airport Transit City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: City Highlights Walking Tour
The Amsterdam: City Highlights Walking Tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the city’s key landmarks and cultural attractions. Priced at $36.78 per person, the 2-hour tour takes small groups of up to 7 participants on a journey through the city’s historic center.
Highlights include visits to the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the charming Café the Schreiertower, and the iconic Dam Square. Guests can also enjoy a cheese tasting at the Henri Willig Cheese Shop.
While the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, it offers a flexible booking process and a generous cancellation policy.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: City Highlights Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam Pedicab City Tour (2 Hours)
Travelers seeking a unique and immersive sightseeing experience in Amsterdam can embark on the 2-hour Amsterdam Pedicab City Tour.
This private tour includes transportation, snacks, and gratuities, with a maximum passenger weight of 210kg.
Though not wheelchair accessible or recommended for those with mobility issues, the pedicab ride is comfortable and suitable for couples or small groups.
Led by the knowledgeable guide Bram, the tour visits significant sites like Anne Frank’s house, the Jewish quarter, and the Holocaust Memorial, providing historical context and personal stories.
With a 5.0 rating from 14 positive reviews, this tour is an excellent introduction to Amsterdam or a novel way to explore the city.
Read our full review: Amsterdam Pedicab City Tour (2 Hours) Review
Book now: Check availability
Urban Legend City Game Walking Tour Amsterdam
Embarking on the Urban Legend City Game Walking Tour in Amsterdam, participants can expect an immersive, 2.5-hour exploration of the city’s historic center.
This approximately 2.5-kilometer walking tour allows teams of up to 5 players to solve puzzles and crack codes related to an urban legend.
Along the way, they’ll engage with facsimiles of real archive pieces and historical objects, uncovering the story behind the House with the Bloodstains and mayor Coenraad van Beuningen.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in Dutch and English.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and note that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 16, the visually impaired, or those over 95 years old.
Read our full review: Urban Legend City Game Walking Tour Amsterdam Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Tour: Your Own Amsterdam: Walk Through the Old City
Experience Amsterdam’s historic heart on this private walking tour through the city’s old center.
With over 23 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this highly rated tour offers a personalized exploration of Amsterdam’s iconic landmarks.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Anna and Oleksandr, the 3-hour experience includes coffee, tea, and snacks as you stroll the picturesque streets.
Priced at $188.22 per person, the tour provides excellent value, with a 20% discount from the original $235.27 rate.
Flexibility is key, with free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours beforehand.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seeking a deeper dive into Amsterdam’s history, this private tour is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Private Tour: Your Own Amsterdam: Walk Through the Old City Review
Book now: Check availability
True Crime Tour Amsterdam: Explore the Dark Side of the City
Intrigue beckons visitors on the True Crime Tour Amsterdam, which unveils the city’s sinister underbelly.
Over 2.5 hours, groups of up to 6 people can explore the locations of unsolved mysteries, notorious heists, and dark secrets of Amsterdam’s underworld.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour blends beautiful scenery with thrilling crime stories from various periods.
Though not suitable for all, particularly young children, true crime enthusiasts and history buffs will find the content engaging.
With an overall 5/5 rating, the tour offers a unique experience, including interactive elements like quizzes.
While comfortable shoes are recommended, the option to reserve and cancel for free makes this tour an accessible way to dive into Amsterdam’s dark past.
Read our full review: True Crime Tour Amsterdam: Explore the Dark Side of the City Review
Book now: Check availability
2 Hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab
For those seeking a delightful and efficient way to explore Amsterdam’s city center, the 2-Hour Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab offers a distinctive vantage point.
Priced at $213.88 for up to 2 people, this private tour provides an informative and comfortable ride through the city’s charming streets.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, who share insights and history, as well as the ability to stop for photos and recommendations.
Suitable for all ages, the pedicabs can adapt to weather conditions, ensuring a pleasant experience.
With 100% positive reviews and a 5.0 rating, this tour is an excellent choice for first-time visitors or those with limited time in Amsterdam.
Read our full review: 2 Hours Amsterdam City Tour in Pedicab Review
Book now: Check availability
Amsterdam: Guided Red Light District and City Walking Tour
Venturing beyond the charming streets and canal-side views, the Amsterdam: Guided Red Light District and City Walking Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the heart of the city’s famed Red Light District.
With a maximum of 15 travelers and a licensed local guide, the tour provides personalized attention and insider insights into Amsterdam’s culture.
Averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 11 reviews, the tour is highly recommended by 91% of travelers.
Priced from $50.26 per person, the experience includes access to off-the-beaten-path sights and the chance to appreciate the UNESCO-listed canal ring and historical architecture at a relaxed pace.
Read our full review: Amsterdam: Guided Red Light District and City Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
LGBTQ Amsterdam Private City Walk Tour
Offering a unique opportunity to explore Amsterdam’s vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, the LGBTQ Amsterdam Private City Walk Tour guides participants through the city’s historic landmarks and hidden gems.
Priced at $325.79 for up to 6 people, the 3.5-hour tour explores Dutch gay policy and the history of homosexuality, visiting key locations like the site of the first gay marriage.
Participants can discover LGBTQ-friendly bars, support the largest Pride party, and pay respects at monuments dedicated to WWII victims.
With a live guide available in multiple languages, the tour provides a personalized, immersive experience in Amsterdam’s welcoming, tolerant environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
Read our full review: LGBTQ Amsterdam Private City Walk Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Rijksmuseum W/ Entry Ticket & Amsterdam City Center – Guided Tour
This 5.5-hour guided tour allows visitors to explore the renowned Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam’s captivating city center.
Guests will enjoy skip-the-line access to the Rijksmuseum, where they’ll discover over 8,000 objects, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
The walking tour will highlight the Amstel River, leaning houses, and historical bridges, as well as notable sites like the St. Nicholas Basilica and Museum Het Rembrandthuis.
With private transportation between locations, wheelchair and stroller accessibility, and an overall 5-star rating, this tour provides a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the best of Amsterdam.
Pricing starts at $255.05 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Rijksmuseum W/ Entry Ticket & Amsterdam City Center – Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Amsterdam offers a diverse range of city tours to suit various interests and budgets. From guided bike tours and Segway tours to walking tours and private car tours, visitors can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, or simply sightseeing, there’s a tour option that will provide an engaging and informative experience.