What to do and see in Amsterdam, North Holland Province: The Best City Tours

September 23, 2021 Terina Blouin

This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam's labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot. For an unusual and memorable alternative to hotels, consider staying in a houseboat.
Restaurants in Amsterdam

1. PRIVATE and SAFE Saloon Boat Ride: Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Unlimited Drinks

Amsterdam Centraal, Stationsplein, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Withlocals
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5.0 based on 43 reviews

Float through the architectural beauty of Amsterdam on a private tour with our historic boat Undine. Sail on the city's picturesque waterways through historical districts while sipping a chilled drink. Also available as a night tour, with Amsterdam's lightened bridges! Hop on in my boat and let's start the tour with a view on the famous skew 'Sluyswachtershuis', which is a cafe now. from there we'll go down on Amstel river, passing the Skinny Bridge. We'll pass by Heineken Brewery, Anne's Frank House, and famous Red Light District. Soak up the beautiful views and enjoy the company of your friends or family. Admire all the buildings from your unique point of view on the water. Sail along Amsterdam's famous canal districts: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Singelgracht. I'll tell you fascinating stories & even give you personal recommendations for your next days. The boat has a removable roof; whatever the weather is, you will be comfy!

Inclusions: Local guide, Private sightseeing boat ride, Unlimited alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Extra food and drinks

Reviewed By simkm

Efi did a fab job of keeping 8 of us together on a walking tour of Amsterdam and showing us all the main sights and giving us some great background into the history of this amazing city. Great job Efi - definitely recommend a tour with you.

2. Architectural Highlights in Amsterdam

I Amsterdam Visitor Centre, Stationsplein 10, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands Walks In Europe - Amsterdam
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Learn the architectural style of Amsterdam's rich past and discover the highlights Hit the streets to enjoy this great cultural and architectural treasure of Europe Orientate yourself in Amsterdam with an expert local guide See Amsterdam’s most curious sites and neighborhoods

Inclusions: Professional guide, Local guide, Small group walking tour

Exclusions: Lunch, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Ricardo L

We explored parts of the city that many people wouldn’t know to visit. Cecilia was very charming and showed us places that were off the beaten path. Would definitely go again.

3. Flexible Amsterdam Layover Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private ★★★★★

Schiphol, Netherlands CityUnscripted
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Beat the layover blues and make the most of your time in a new city. Tailored to fit your schedule and preferences, you’ll join one of our local hosts for a personalized experience of Amsterdam. See famous attractions like Dam Square and the Anne Frank Museum or explore the trendy Jordaan district where you can feast on some delicious dutch delicacies. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalized itinerary , 4 to 8 hours with a host (includes travel time) , Your host will meet you at the airport, Transfers to and from the airport , Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs other than airport transfers, Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By cbassmix

Anna Aksionova was my tour guide for a 5 hours visit of Amsterdam and I really enjoyed it She was very well educated of the places and history of Amsterdam. I will remember this tour for a very long time!

4. Private Amsterdam Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised

Amsterdam, Netherlands CityUnscripted
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

A day in Amsterdam is at your disposal, you lucky thing. Make the most of it with one of our hosts in a customized experience of the city. Visit iconic venues like the Anne Frank House or Van Gogh Museum, or stroll The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) that connect the city’s main waterways. Perhaps you’d like to take in traditional Dutch architecture whilst cruising down the famous Herengracht canal? But wait, did someone mention food? Stop at a street vendor for some traditional Dutch sweets, pop in to a local eatery or visit a food market. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours with your host- Pick your preferred duration when booking!, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities

Reviewed By bchapman630

We had a super stressful travel day and was having a really hard time finding her at the airport as we were not familiar with the meeting spot and didn’t realize there was only one! In retrospect, it was very easy to do - just keep walking out and there it is. Anna was able to calm our nerves and warmly invite us to her beautiful city!! She was compassionate and kind and did amazing with our special needs son. She was knowledgeable, flexible, kind, and fun!!! She planned an AWESOME itinerary and we just loved our quick visit. Getting back into the airport and collecting our stored luggage was a breeze. My apologies for arriving so stressed and thank you for welcoming us regardless :)

5. Sebi Boat Tours

Keizersgracht 198, 1016 DW Amsterdam, Netherlands Sebi Boat Tours
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5.0 based on 43 reviews

We are Sebi Boat Tours, two true Amsterdammers who want to share their love for this beautiful city. With our 100% electric boat which is open on sunny days and closed on rainy and windy days and has a toilet, we will provide a 2 hour intimate canal tour. We will pass all the highlights Amsterdam has to offer including the world famous canal belt, The Jordaan, The red light district, the river Amstel, the maritime area and places, where big tour boats cannot go. On the way we will make a stop at Amsterdam's best boat caterer, childhood friends of ours, to pick up some traditional Dutch snacks while you enjoy a wide variety of complementary drinks. All this while Captain Sebi will pass on his years of knowledge of the city and canals, on current events and Amsterdam people in Dutch, English and German!

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Restroom on board

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Reviewed By larserikmarcussen

My wife and I went on a really nice trip with Sebi yesterday. In fact, we were the only two passengers, but that did not put a damper on Sebi’s enthusiasm one bit. The trip was so great I really just need to summarize in bulletpoints: - beautiful boat, great for 12, luxurious for 2 - boat small enough to fit under the lowest bridges, you see what the others don’t - great and tastefully arranged drinks and snacks, incl hot, fresh snacks picked up from a catering kitchen - fresh flowers, blankets, pillows and all comforts - a REALLY knowledgable guide who is at least third generation true Amsterdamer. Ask him about his grandfathers passport tools! - a tailormade trip where you learn and see what really makes Amsterdam unique Is it worth the extra hour and twice the price of one-hour trips on big, 75+ passenger boats? Most definitely. It’s so worth it. An absolute joy and the highlight of our trip.

6. Private Tour: Complete Amsterdam Highlights & Must-Sees with a Local

Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Withlocals
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

If you’re wondering how to see the best of Amsterdam in just one day, this tour is what you need. Go to the must-sees of the city and cover more ground on this extended experience. See the essentials and learn what makes Amsterdam such a fascinating place, from food to hidden gems and landmarks. Get to know Amsterdam and its main spots on a 4-hour walking tour that will give you a more in-depth insight of the city. Check out the outside of the Rijksmuseum, a historic orphanage that was also a monastery, and the famous Rembrandt Square. Embrace the local Dutch culture as you stroll through the flower market by the canal, and cross some of the main bridges with unique stories behind them. And how about the hidden gems? Find a hidden courtyard only inhabited by Beguines, and discover a cool cafe with an incredible view over the city. Discover where the main gates of the city used to be and stumble into a theatre that’s a fantastic architectural gem designed in 3 different styles.

Inclusions: Local guide, Delicious Dutch Snack - Bitterballen, 2 alcoholic & non alcoholic drinks: beer, wine, Private tour

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

Reviewed By orlannamorris

My dad bought me this as a birthday gift due to concern we wouldn’t be able to visit Amsterdam! Luckily it is looking like we can go so Sebastian took us through the wonderful Dutch history and also gave us places and spots to visit during to bring the story to life! Loads of helpful tips and a really easy guy to talk to! Little bit of trouble with the time difference but he was really flexible and soon sorted! Thank you!

7. Private City Kickstart Tour: Amsterdam

Café the Schreiertower, Prins Hendrikkade 94-95, 1012 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Withlocals
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5.0 based on 140 reviews

Receive a warm welcome to Amsterdam on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Amsterdam to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest. Discover where to find main attractions like Dam Square and Nieumarkt, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction. Private City Kickstart Tour: Amsterdam is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small-group tour option available, Local Guide, Local Tips and Tricks, City Orientation

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By simkm

Efi did a fab job of keeping 8 of us together on a walking tour of Amsterdam and showing us all the main sights and giving us some great background into the history of this amazing city. Great job Efi - definitely recommend a tour with you.

8. Amsterdam Old City Center Small-Group Tour by Boat

Amstel 51C, 1018 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Boat Adventures
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5.0 based on 105 reviews

Join our boat tour and escape the hectic Amsterdam street life while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere on the best canal cruise in town (#1 on TripAdvisor). Your friendly captain and guide will show you the best Amsterdam has to offer and take you on an adventure through the beautiful canals and also explore some of the city's more peaceful waterways, while telling you about the many sights along the unique route through our captivating city. Our canal boat is a super comfortable, modern, electric and silent, small open boat and we take a max of 12 passengers and can therefore guarantee a more personal experience. Drinks are for sale onboard, however you are also welcome to bring your own drinks and snack along. Don't miss this opportunity to see and experience Amsterdam from this unique and magnificent view.

Inclusions: Blanket, Life vest (upon request), English speaking guide

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop, Bottled water

Reviewed By sudoslav84

We were looking for such trip and came into this one by accident, we asked about it and it turned out that the trip will start within next 3 minutes so we decided to give it a try! We were very happy and excited about this decision! The trip was great, with lots of interesting informations about Amsterdam city and it’s history. I can fully recommend this to anyone! Apart from above, you have drinks included in the price of 1.5h trip! Thank you!

9. Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights and Hidden Gems!

Spuistraat 30, 1012 SR Amsterdam, Netherlands We Bike Amsterdam
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4.9 based on 286 reviews

We are proud to be Amsterdam's smallest bike tour company! We work with a maximum of 12 participants (usually less!) per tour group to ensure you a personal and high quality tour. This three hour bike tour focuses on Amsterdam's undiscovered area's and the city's hidden gems. We will meet each other at our office in Amsterdam's city centre to pick up our first class bikes. You will discover secret courtyards, hidden churches and off-the-beaten path neighborhoods. While crossing canals and cruising through parks you will learn about Amsterdam fascinating history as well as the current city life of Amsterdammers.  Hop on and we'll bike the extra mile!

Inclusions: Local taxes, Professional guide, Use of bicycle

Exclusions: Food and drinks during our short break (You're never oblidged to order)

Reviewed By AnjaJ12345

Lovely trip to the Dutch countryside, which - it turns out - is just a short ride outside of the buzzing Amsterdam city streets. Thijs shared great insights on the area we cycled through and I now have some villages & cafes to return to and more on the list to explore! Thanks for the nice ride & break from lockdown routine!

10. Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese

Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands Flagship Amsterdam
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4.9 based on 965 reviews

On this 1h15min All-In Luxury Classic River Boat Cruise, you will explore the city, its famous landmarks, culture, and rich trading history whilst relaxing with a drink in your hand. During the cruise, our skipper will take you through many highlights our city has to offer and our hostess will provide you with drinks and Dutch Gouda cheese. The cruise is live guided, so expect an interactive tour, with enough space for questions and any needed recommendations for your further stay in Amsterdam. All tours are in ENGLISH.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Local guide, Dutch Gouda Cheese, Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop

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Reviewed By alexissF6408SU

I loved the boat trip. all the guides, especially Charly, were very friendly (Charly is very handsome). My boyfriend and I enjoyed the explanation and the fun facts about Amsterdam. I would take the trip with them again.

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