Explore hidden streets with friends

Exploring Amsterdam often involves visiting its famous canals and iconic landmarks, but this small-group tour offers something different: an intimate look into the city’s lesser-known corners. For $52.18 per person, you get a 2.5-hour journey through the Jordaan neighborhood and surrounding areas, guided by local experts who bring Amsterdam’s history to life. With group sizes capped at 10, this experience emphasizes personal attention and authentic storytelling, making it ideal for visitors eager to see the city beyond typical tourist paths.

The tour starts at Beursplein 1-3 and winds through narrow streets, hidden courtyards, and lively squares. You’ll visit key sites like the Amsterdam Canal Ring, the nine streets shopping area, and the charming Karthuizerhof courtyard. The guides excel at sharing stories about Amsterdam’s evolution, from the world’s first stock market to social housing initiatives, making this experience engaging and educational. The inclusion of a visit to the antique market provides a relaxed chance to browse for souvenirs, adding a nice touch of local flavor.

This tour is perfect for those who appreciate personalized service, local insights, and a leisurely pace. While the walking is manageable for most, participants should be prepared to walk around 2.5 miles (4 km) over about two and a half hours. The tour’s strength lies in uncovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations, making it a favorite among visitors who want to explore Amsterdam’s authentic character.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $52.18 per person for a deep dive into Amsterdam’s secrets
• Duration of 2 hours 30 minutes with manageable walking distances
• Guided by local experts who share personal stories and historical insights
• Focus on Jordaan neighborhood, hidden courtyards, and antique markets
• Small group size ensures personal attention and a more engaging experience
• Tour departs from Beursplein 1-3 and ends at Elandsgracht in central Amsterdam

Exploring Amsterdam’s Origins and the Stock Market

The tour kicks off with an introduction to Amsterdam’s origins, highlighting the significance of the world’s first stock exchange. This background sets the stage for understanding the city’s growth from a small medieval settlement to a thriving commercial hub. The guide explains the importance of the central square and the historical town hall, giving context to Amsterdam’s political and social development.

This initial overview provides a foundation that enriches the subsequent visits through the city’s narrow streets and historic sites. It’s a great way to start the tour, especially for those interested in how Amsterdam’s past shapes its modern identity.

Crossing the Iconic Canal Ring

One of the highlights is crossing the Amsterdam Canal Ring, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the guide explains how the city expanded during medieval times and how the canal system contributed to Amsterdam’s prosperity. This walk along the canals also offers excellent photo opportunities of the historic waterways and bridges.

Participants get to see how the Canal Ring has evolved, maintaining its charm while adapting to contemporary needs. It’s a good introduction to the city’s unique layout and engineering feats.

Discovering the Nine Streets Shopping District

The nine streets, known locally as De Negen Straatjes, serve as a cozy shopping area away from the crowds. This part of the tour offers a relaxed stroll past boutique shops, cafes, and galleries. The guides point out the area’s history as a former merchant hub, now transformed into a fashionable neighborhood.

Though primarily a shopping zone today, the nine streets retain their historic architecture, making them an attractive part of the tour. Visitors can enjoy browsing for souvenirs or simply soaking in the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

The Charm of the Jordaan Neighborhood

Spending about 1 hour 20 minutes in Jordaan, the tour reveals an authentic Amsterdam neighborhood that has retained much of its original charm. Guides lead visitors through hidden streets and secret squares rarely visited by travelers. This area is well known for its art galleries, quaint cafes, and historic houses.

An emphasis is placed on the neighborhood’s social history, including its role as a community for widows in the Karthuizerhof courtyard — one of the first social housing projects in the world, built in 1650. The guides share stories about the church for the poor and other local landmarks, enriching the experience with social and architectural insights.

Passing by the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk

During the walk through the Jordaan, the Anne Frank house is visible, giving a poignant reminder of Amsterdam’s WWII history. The tour also passes Westerkerk, an impressive church built by wealthy merchants, notable for being the burial site of Rembrandt.

While the tour doesn’t stop here, these landmarks add depth to the exploration, illustrating Amsterdam’s rich cultural tapestry. The guides’ commentary helps visitors appreciate both the historical significance and the architectural beauty of these sites.

Visiting the Courtyard of Karthuizerhof

A brief stop at Karthuizerhof showcases a medieval courtyard constructed in 1650. This site offers a rare glimpse into early social housing initiatives designed for widows, reflecting Amsterdam’s ongoing social innovations. The small 10-minute stop allows visitors to admire the architecture and imagine life in 17th-century Amsterdam.

This location exemplifies how social history is woven into the city’s fabric, making it a meaningful highlight of the tour.

The Role of the Guides: Personal Stories and Local Knowledge

The guides, such as Michael and Christian, are consistently praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and personal approach. They offer stories that go beyond basic facts, sharing insights into Amsterdam’s buildings, history, and social fabric.

Many reviews highlight how guides bring the city to life with anecdotes about architecture, notable figures, and local customs. Their ability to point out hidden streets and lesser-known sites makes the tour feel both informative and intimate.

Practicalities: Meeting Points and Accessibility

The tour begins at Beursplein 1-3 and ends at Elandsgracht, both centrally located and accessible via public transportation. The group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Expect to walk around 2.5 miles (4 km) over about 2.5 hours, which is manageable for most visitors with average fitness.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and does not require extensive physical exertion. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, as the route includes walking through cobbled streets and courtyards.

The Unique Experience of Off-the-Beaten-Path Amsterdam

What sets this tour apart is its focus on hidden streets, secret courtyards, and authentic neighborhoods. Unlike typical city tours, it avoids overly crowded areas and popular tourist traps. Instead, it emphasizes local stories, social history, and architectural details that many visitors miss when exploring alone.

This approach gives a more genuine feel of Amsterdam, appealing to those who want to see the city’s soul rather than just its postcard sights. The small group setting enhances this sense of intimacy and discovery.

Booking, Cost, and Cancellation Policy

The tour is priced at $52.18 per person, which is considered good value given the duration, personalized guiding, and exclusive access to lesser-known sites. It’s recommended to book about 76 days in advance due to its popularity.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility for changing plans. The tour is led by The Amsterdam Feeling, a reputable provider committed to delivering authentic local experiences.

Explore Hidden Amsterdam with Confidence

This walking tour offers a compelling way to see Amsterdam’s secret streets and historic neighborhoods with a knowledgeable local guide. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a relaxed pace, personal attention, and insights into the city’s social fabric. The focus on hidden courtyards, social history, and authentic neighborhoods makes it a distinctive alternative to more mainstream sightseeing options.

While it involves moderate walking and covers several sites, the manageable distance and engaging storytelling ensure a rewarding experience without feeling rushed. If discovering Amsterdam’s true character appeals to you, this tour delivers an authentic, well-rounded introduction to the city’s lesser-known treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $52.18 per person, offering good value for the 2.5-hour experience led by local guides.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Beursplein 1-3 and concludes at Elandsgracht, both centrally located in Amsterdam.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Participants should be prepared to walk about 2.5 miles (4 km) over 2.5 hours. The route involves walking over cobbled streets and through courtyards but is accessible to most.

What makes this tour different from other Amsterdam city tours?
It emphasizes hidden streets, secret courtyards, and local stories, avoiding overly crowded tourist spots and providing a personalized, off-the-beaten-path experience**.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour’s start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.