Old Amsterdam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Explore Amsterdam’s East Side and Jewish District at Your Own Pace

For just $9.99 per person, the Old Amsterdam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers an affordable way to explore Amsterdam’s historic East Side and Jewish District without the need for a group tour. With lifetime access in English, this tour spans approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, giving you the flexibility to walk at your preferred pace, linger at particular stops, or skip ahead as you wish. It departs from Nieuwmarkt and ends near the Odebrug bridge, allowing a convenient route through key sites.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy independent exploration with informative narration. Led by producer Edmond Van Putte, a seasoned historical researcher, the experience provides a rundown of the area’s past and present. The self-guided format means no scheduled groups or guides, making it perfect for flexible schedules or repeat visits. The tour’s offline capability and easy-to-use app ensure smooth navigation even without internet access.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $9.99, with lifetime access
• Self-guided format allows full control over start, stop, and pacing
• 16 stops, including historic landmarks, memorials, and cultural sites
• Includes narration from Edmond Van Putte, a historical researcher
• Offline access ensures reliable navigation without data connection
• Not suitable for those looking for guided group experiences or museum entry

Starting Point at Nieuwmarkt: A Historic Square

The tour begins at Nieuwmarkt, a lively historic square in the heart of Amsterdam. This location serves as a natural gathering spot and offers immediate views of the area’s vibrant street life. From here, the narration kicks in, setting the stage for a walk through Amsterdam’s East Side, once a hub of international trade and home to a large Jewish community from the 1600s onward.

As you move through the neighborhood, the story of trade, exploration, and cultural diversity unfolds. The accessibility of self-guided touring means you can choose how much time to spend absorbing the history or taking photos along the way.

Passing the Rembrandt House Museum and South Church

On this tour, Rembrandt House Museum is passed by but not entered. The narration describes it as a carefully reconstructed 1600s dwelling of the famous artist. Nearby, the South Church is also highlighted; although not visited inside, the narration shares its architectural and historical significance.

These passing points allow a visual appreciation of Amsterdam’s artistic and religious heritage, with stories giving context to the buildings outside. The self-paced setup makes it easy to pause and observe the facades or move on swiftly.

Strolling Along Waterlooplein Market and Iconic Bridges

Next, the tour takes you past Waterlooplein Market, one of Amsterdam’s largest and oldest flea markets. Here, the narration covers the market’s history and its role in local life. The route also includes famous bridges such as Blauwbrug and Magere Brug, both of which are highlighted as notable architectural features.

The narration provides insights into the history of these bridges, including Magere Brug’s status as an iconic pedestrian crossing. The pass-by nature of these sites lets you enjoy their visual charm without the need for detours or entry fees.

Exploring the Jewish Heritage: The Jewish Museum, Synagogue, and Memorials

A core part of this tour focuses on the Jewish District, with several significant sites passing by:

• Jewish Museum: The narration discusses its role and significance in the community.
• Portuguese Synagoge: Known as the largest synagogue in the world for centuries, this site highlights the Sephardic Jewish traditions and the rich cultural history.
• National Holocaust Names Monument and Memorial to Auschwitz Victims: These memorials are described in detail, emphasizing their importance as places of remembrance.

Although not entered, these sites are presented with contextual stories that deepen understanding of Amsterdam’s Jewish heritage and the impact of WWII on the community.

Visiting Hortus Botanicus and ARTIS Zoo

The route allows views of Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens worldwide, and ARTIS Zoo, also among the oldest in the world. The narration offers brief insights into these institutions’ history and significance, making them more meaningful even with just a passing view.

Such sites are ideal for those who appreciate cultural and natural history, and the self-guided tour provides the flexibility to visit these venues independently afterward if desired.

WWII Memorials and the Verzetsmuseum

The Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam, dedicated to World War II resistance, is another passing point. The narration shares details about the local resistance efforts and how the museum depicts wartime life. The tour emphasizes the importance of commemoration and history in understanding the city’s past.

This stops are ideal for visitors interested in modern history or seeking a more reflective experience during their walk.

Maritime and Scientific Landmarks: The Maritime Museum and NEMO

Further along, the National Maritime Museum is discussed, especially its history as the Dutch fleet’s former navy warehouse and its role in maritime history. The NEMO Science Museum, shaped like a ship, is also highlighted, noted for its distinct green exterior and location on what was once a sea arm that linked Amsterdam to the ocean.

These landmarks appeal to those with an interest in maritime history or science, and the narration adds context that enriches the experience even from outside.

Concluding the Tour Near the Odebrug

The route concludes just before the Odebrug bridge, providing a clear endpoint. Since the tour allows unlimited use before and after the booking date, visitors can choose to extend their exploration or revisit favorite sites independently.

The self-guided nature means there are no constraints on timing, making it especially suitable for flexible itineraries and custom pacing.

Practical Aspects and User Experience

The tour is delivered via the VoiceMap app, compatible with both Android and iOS. Once booked, a ticket with instructions and a unique code is provided. The app offers automatic GPS playback, turn-by-turn directions, and can be used offline, making navigation straightforward even without internet access.

No guided group is involved, and museum entries or meals are not included, meaning you’ll need to handle those separately. The meeting point at Nieuwmarkt is accessible, and the tour is suitable for most travelers with basic smartphone access.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The self-guided format combined with lifetime access and offline capabilities makes this tour highly flexible. The narration by a historical researcher ensures reliable information, and the route covers many key sites in Amsterdam’s Jewish District and East Side that grow in significance as you pass by.

While it doesn’t include guided interaction or entry into attractions, its affordable price and comprehensive narration make it a compelling choice for independent explorers who enjoy self-paced walking.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour is best suited for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, or independent travelers seeking a cost-effective and flexible way to learn about Amsterdam’s past. It’s particularly appealing to those interested in Jewish heritage, maritime history, or urban architecture.

Since it’s entirely self-guided, it’s less suitable for visitors looking for guided commentary or museum visits included. The ability to pause, rewind, and repeat makes it ideal for repeat engagement and personal pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $9.99 per person, offering lifetime access.

How long does the tour last?
The approximate duration is 2 to 2.5 hours, but you can take more or less time depending on your pace.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam and ends just before the Odebrug bridge.

Is the tour suitable for offline use?
Yes, the VoiceMap app provides offline access to audio, maps, and navigation data.

Are museums or attractions inside the tour included?
No, the tour does not include entry to museums or attractions. You are responsible for any admission fees if you choose to visit them separately.

What devices are compatible with the tour?
The tour works with Android and iOS devices via the VoiceMap app.

Can I pause or replay the narration?
Yes, the self-guided format allows you to pause, rewind, or replay any part of the narration at your convenience.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers with smartphones and basic mobility can participate; no specific age restrictions are noted.

Do I need to book in advance?
While it can be booked up to 10 days in advance, it’s best to reserve early to ensure availability.

Are there any group size restrictions?
This is a private tour activity, so only your group participates, providing a personalized experience.

This self-guided audio tour in Amsterdam offers an accessible, flexible, and educational way to explore key historic sites at your own pace, perfect for those interested in history, culture, and architecture without the constraints of guided group tours.