Architecture | History
Financial History Tour
Follow the money: 500 years of economic innovation
Description
Banknotes, a stock exchange, an exchange bank, an economic bubble and stock frauds, the financial legacy of Amsterdam is priceless! For two centuries the world’s elite, such as Russian tsars and American presidents formed the clientele of Amsterdam’s banks.
Follow the money from Amsterdam’s oldest document, via the Golden Age, to World War II, and the city’s current position in the financial world.
Highlights
- The world’s first stock exchange, limited company and central bank
Three of the financial innovations that shook world trade started in Amsterdam. Learn the story behind Amsterdam as an emerging superpower in the early 1600s.
- Tulip Mania
What is the story behind the world’s first economic bubble, that happened right here in Amsterdam?
- John Adams’ first US embassy and the Louisiana Purchase
Why was the U.S. first embassy located on the Amsterdam canals and how did Amsterdam contribute to the world’s largest land purchase in history?
- A visit to an iconic hundred years old former bank building
We visit a monumental former bank building and we venture into the faults to find the historical treasures of the city.
- Bank frauds during World War II.
How did the resistance finance their underground actions? How did the Nazies finance the holocaust? It all happened remarkably close to each other in the streets of Amsterdam.
The Financial History tour on YouTube
Practical
Starting point
We start at the Beursplein, in front of Bistro Berlage. The square is located between the Central Station and the Dam.
Duration
Duration: 2,5 hours (about 3,5 km)
Included
A visit to the vaults of a former bank building.
Combine with...
Flexible as we are, you can combine this tour with: - Canal Ring Architecture - Rijksmuseum - Medieval Amsterdam - Walk & Cruise - Golden Age - Rembrandt Walk - World War II - Sixties
Pricing
Tailored tours, tailored offers
Our private tours are tailor made. Do you prefer a hotel pick up? A mix of tours? A more extended program? We are here to make your Amsterdam visit a great experience.
Contact us to receive a tailor made offer:
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World War II
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Canal Ring
Walk along the UNESCO listed Amsterdam canal ring with a private guide. Have a deeper insight on architecture and historical context of this marvellous urban landscape.
Sixties
No decade had more affect on Amsterdam than the 1960’s. A revolutionary generation created Europe’s ‘Magic center’ with bicycles, coffeeshops and Flower Power.
What others say about us
- Merle K
Tijs was amazing. His knowledge is outstanding and the tour was fun, interesting and informative. We would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a tour guide in Amsterdam. He tailor... read more 
8/30/2019Nancy L Gerben Post is an outstanding and knowledgeable tour guide. He provided a moving experience about a topic that is difficult and painful. His ability to provide important and... read more
7/29/2019jansmonkie Tijs is a fantastic, energetic and fun guide. Our group consisted of 30 international guests. They loved the walk through Amsterdam guided by Tijs. Defenitelly can recomment Historical Amsterdam Tours!
5/15/2019 - stellacasella Amazing experience! Tijs took us through the history, like coming back in the past. Walking in the streets, listening at his storytelling was an incredible experience. Such a passionate guide!... read more
5/11/2019eugenma I've been in the Tijs's "Amsterdam Jewish in WW2" tour. I live in Amsterdam for quite some time and was walking near these spots without knowing so many tears... read more
5/11/2019 Tijs gave us a wonderful tour of Amsterdam focused on literary history. He showed us where several main Dutch Authors lived, took us to sites that inspired writers and even... read more 
Joyce S
4/04/2019 - Living in Amsterdam I read quite a bit about its history. However, during the history of expats tour Tijs knew how to surpise me with interesting details I didn't know... read more
suusjeaussie1979
4/01/2019 Maarten was our tour guide. Very punctual, friendly and informative. Booked for my partner who is a finance professional and he loved it. Other positives: well structured and researched; happy... read more 
Sightseer778726
1/06/2019 Tijs gave my family a great tour of the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam. He was organized, entertaining, informative. It was exactly what we were hoping - educational and a... read more 
MKRBethesda
1/03/2019 - On our first trip to Amsterdam together, my husband and I wanted to get a city tour and make the most of our relatively short time here. Historical Amsterdam... read more
EdSamDC
11/24/2018 My family of 5 adults never has more than a long weekend to explore the cities of Europe and Tijs truly surpassed our expectations, This knowledgable, fun and experienced guide... read more 
NJL
8/26/2018 All communication before the tour was prompt and friendly. Tijs was waiting exactly where he was supposed to be, and we did a walking tour which covered the Golden... read more 
Lovetotravel7559
7/25/2018 - Edgar was our tour guide and met us at Centraal Station. We were guided around the city for the next two hours and it was delivered in perfect English. You... read more
Peter B
7/11/2018 I was looking for personal tour guides for our trip on Amsterdam. I read about Edmund and Tijs on the web and started an email dialogue to create an itinerary... read more 
Bob D
5/10/2018 Exploring the canals of Amsterdam on foot with Tijs as the tour guide was one of the highlights of my first visit to the city. Tijs not only has thorough... read more 
EC8531
3/22/2018