Amsterdam Walking Tour: Old Town, Jordaan & Red Light District

Summary

Wander Amsterdam’s canals, history and vibrant neighborhoods

You’ll wander Amsterdam’s canals and lively neighborhoods with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste Dutch snacks at New Market Square, step quietly through Begijnhof’s hidden courtyard, and pause by Anne Frank House for a moment that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light — that watery, silvery sort of glow you only get in Amsterdam, bouncing off the canal just outside Central Station. Our guide, Pieter, waved at us with one hand while balancing a coffee in the other (he joked it was his “Dutch fuel”). We set off past trams rattling by and bikes everywhere — honestly, I almost got run over twice before we’d even left the station. There’s something about those narrow streets that makes you feel like you’re inside a painting.

Pieter led us down Zeedijk street where the air smelled like fried dough and incense from Chinatown’s Buddhist temple. He pointed out an old pub with wood so dark it looked almost black — apparently it’s been there since the 1600s. We wandered into New Market Square where vendors were shouting in Dutch (I caught “stroopwafel” at least three times). Tried one — still warm and sticky, probably too sweet for breakfast but I didn’t care. The day trip through Amsterdam kept surprising me; every corner felt like another story waiting to happen.

I didn’t expect to feel so much standing inside the Old Church — sunlight slanting through stained glass onto worn stone floors, tourists whispering as if they’d stepped into someone else’s memory. At Dam Square, Pieter told us how the city grew around this spot; he gestured up at the Royal Palace while a group of teenagers skated circles around the National Monument. It all felt strangely casual for such historic ground.

We ducked into Begijnhof — suddenly everything went quiet except for birds and our footsteps on old cobblestones. There was a hidden church tucked behind hedges; I tried to imagine living here centuries ago, away from the city noise. Later at Anne Frank House, no one really spoke much. Just stood there thinking about her story and how close everything is together in Amsterdam — history pressed right up against today.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam city introduction walking tour

• Meet at Amsterdam Central Station
• Explore Zeedijk street and Chinatown
• Visit the old city gate Waag
• See the Old Church and learn history
• Discuss Beurs van Berlage and stock exchange
• Visit Dam Square and main monuments
• Explore Begijnhof courtyard and church
• Learn about Anne Frank House story
• Discuss Amsterdam canal ring construction
• Visit Rembrandtplein and learn about Rembrandt
• Discover history of Portuguese Synagogue

Top questions

How long is the Amsterdam walking tour?

The tour covers several hours of walking through central Amsterdam including Old Town, Jordaan, and more.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for selected hotels in central Amsterdam if requested.

What main sights are visited on this walking tour?

You’ll see places like Dam Square, Red Light District, Jordaan district, Anne Frank House, Begijnhof, Rembrandt Square and more.

Is this Amsterdam walking tour private?

Yes, you can book it as a private tour with your own guide.

Are snacks or food included?

No meals are included but you can try traditional Dutch snacks at New Market Square during the walk.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since it moves at an easy pace with breaks.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this walking tour.

Can I join from anywhere or do I need to meet at Central Station?

You can start from Central Station or request hotel pickup if your hotel is eligible.

What’s included

Your day includes a local guide throughout central Amsterdam with optional hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels). You’ll stroll through Old Town, Jordaan district and more — entry fees aren’t needed as most sites are viewed from outside but you’ll have time to grab Dutch snacks along the way before finishing back in the city center.