Architecture | History
Medieval City Tour
A dive into the origins of Amsterdam – 800 years of history
Description
Highlights
- Amsterdam’s history of tolerance
The secret behind Dutch liberal mindset towards things that are oppressed elsewhere. How does the Red Light District ‘work’ and how did it get this way?
Old Church
What about Amsterdam’s oldest building? An introduction to the architecture and urban planning of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. Why are the houses leaning over? How is Amsterdam built up?
Secret church
Which role did religion play in the history of Amsterdam? And does it ring on. How religious is Amsterdam today?
Headquarter of world’s first multinational
The Dutch East Indian Company marked the start of a whole new economic era. Learn about its causes and consequences.
Dam
The places where it all started for Amsterdam. Who were the first settlers and why did they choose this place?
Royal Palace
Learn about the transition from the Republic into the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and the role this Royal Palace played in it.
The Medieval Amsterdam tour on YouTube
Practical
Starting point
We start at Amsterdam Central Station, in front of the Iamsterdam Visitor Centre
Duration
Duration: 2 hours (about 3 km)
Included
A drink in a typical Dutch ‘Brown Café’.
Combine with...
Flexible as we are, you can combine this tour with: - Jewish District - Rijksmuseum - Canal Ring - Walk & Cruise - Financial History - 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:
Related tours
Canal Ring
Let us guide you on a walk along the Amsterdam Canal Ring. A masterpiece of urban engineering in the 17th century, listed on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Financial History
Banknotes, economic bubbles and stock frauds, the financial legacy of Amsterdam is rich! Follow the money from the oldest document towards the ‘Hippy 60’s’.
Jewish District
How did World War Two affect the Jewish district and what is left of the Jewish heritage today? Get the answers on the Amsterdam Jewish District Tour.
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