Where to Start: the 5 Best History Walking Tours in the Netherlands

1.Amsterdam: Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 10,467 reviews · from $37Our pick

Walk Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter with guides such as Jonas, Martina, Yoshi, and Manuel, tracing Anne Frank’s family story, Dutch Resistance sites, and WWII memory. You’ll see the Portuguese Synagogue, Jewish Historical Museum, Auschwitz Monument, and Anne Frank House façade in two focused hours.

“Manuel was the most knowledgeable guide. He was enthusiastic in his delivery and wish to impart as much informationabout the history of Anne Frank's family and the Amsterdam Jewish community during WW11. He made it relevant and interactive for the teenagers and adults alike. I would thoroughly recommend him to all who have the privilege to hear him.”

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2.Amsterdam: Haunted History and Ghost Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 488 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Join an English-speaking guide such as Sunil, Duncan, or Jan for a two-hour walk from Dam Square through Amsterdam’s darker past. Hear tales of the Spinhuis, a condemned nun, Blood Street, and the Waag, with plenty of city history alongside the ghost stories.

“Duncan was so knowledgeable and we had a fantastic time. He took us to places that we hadn’t even clocked while doing our walks around the city. The stories were great and we were still talking about the quiet place and wafer hours after the tour as it blew our minds. The bonus added extra was having Rosie with us too… made it extra special. We would recommend this tour to anyone who is planning on going to the dam as it’s worth every penny to see the history you just don’t know about”

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3.Amsterdam History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 281 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $6Best value

Walk central Amsterdam with a guide such as Samuel, tracing the city from its founding to the Dutch Golden Age. See Dam Square, Anne Frank House, Spui, Bloemenmarkt, and the crooked Dancing Houses, with local culture, freedom, crime, and tulip fever woven into the story.

“Really nice tour, I would recommend it a hundred times! I did it with my girlfriend and we enjoyed it a lot. Such a cool guide!”

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4.Amsterdam: Highlights & History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 266 reviews · 2 hours · from $32

Spend two hours with a local guide exploring Amsterdam’s Old Town, crooked houses, China Town, Dam Square, Begijnhof, canals, the Royal Palace area, and the Flower Market. Guides such as James, Aaron, Robin, and Andrea are praised for lively stories, humor, and strong local insight.

“Aaron was very knowledgeable about the history of Amsterdam. He took the time to explain and allowed time for questions. There were only 6 people in our group.”

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5.Amsterdam Private Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $156

Spend about two hours walking Amsterdam with a private English-speaking guide. See Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Begijnhof, Nieuwmarkt, Munt Tower, Spui, and the floating flower market. Guides such as Henk and Sylvia are known for clear stories and lively context.

“Our private tour with Henk was fabulous! Henk is super knowledgeable about Amsterdam’s history and took us to historical sites/important landmarks that we definitely would have missed on our own. The walking tour also helped us get familiar with the layout of Amsterdam which helped us navigate the city a bit easier thereafter. Overall, it was a wonderful tour and I highly recommend it!”

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