14 Best Tours in Amsterdam for 2023

Which places are you planning to visit during your Amsterdam tour? Well, if you’ve not decided yet, this comprehensive guide will help you select the best tour. Please go through it and see which tour best fits your plan.

Being the capital city of the Netherlands and the largest city in the country, Amsterdam enjoys a large number of visitors throughout the year. Amsterdam is also one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. All this is attributed to its numerous attraction sites and entertainment options year-round.

The city’s quaint structures, attractive canals, and vibrant coffee shops and bars are perhaps some of the things that make Amsterdam quite an attraction. There are plenty of things to do in Amsterdam.

Many visitors are also stunned by the city’s deep history and culture. And, besides the main tourist sites we know, the city has more to offer than you can fathom. 

In this guide, we will explore some of the best tours in Amsterdam to help make your next visit electrifying. So what unique experiences will make your Amsterdam tour a thrill?

Best Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands

These are the best Amsterdam tours to consider during your journey.

Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour

This will be a great tour if you are into history or just working on a budget. You can book this tour online to reserve a place during your visit to the city. You will, however, need to tip the tour guide during the trip in addition to your booking fees.

This 2-hour Anne Frank walking tour teaches you more about the life of Anne Frank and the horrors that the city suffered during World War II, as recorded in her diary. With the help of an experienced tour guide, you will see various historical attractions, including:

• The historic Jewish Quarter
• Anne Frank House facade
• Various Monuments, such as the Portuguese Synagogue, Auschwitz Monument, and the Jewish Historical Museum

You will also learn more about the Second World War and the Dutch resistance during the war. Get more insights into the dynamics of the Anne Frank House and Anne Frank’s family, how they moved from Germany, the time they spent in hiding, as well as their life after the war.

This is one of the most famous walking tours for people visiting Amsterdam. If you’d like to tour the house, I suggest you buy your Anne Frank House museum tickets in advance. The lines can get pretty long.

Heineken Experience

Established in 1867 by Gerard Adriaan Heineken, the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam is another great place to visit, especially for the brand’s lovers.

Although the company has already shifted its operations elsewhere, the original brewing distillery still receives visitors. If you want to know what lies behind those closed doors of the original brewery, this 1.5-hour tour is the best chance for you.

Take the tour and learn more about the world’s number one beer, how it was initially brewed in those early years, as well as the importance of the brand to the people of Amsterdam.

If you are one of those beer lovers or want to learn about the history behind the Heineken brand, this is an excellent tour when you visit Amsterdam.

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Van Gogh Museum Tour

One of the things that Amsterdam is famous for is its numerous museums, and the Van Gogh Museum is the most popular of all. Vincent Van Gogh is one of those many museums and the largest one in the world dedicated to Vincent Willem van Gogh. Vincent Willem van Gogh is one of the most famous Dutch post-impressionist painters.

He created over 2,100 artworks, around 860 of which were oil paintings. Most of these paintings date mainly from his last two years before death. They include portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and self-portraits.

The exhibits within the Van Gogh Museum will take you through the painter’s life, from his early works to his very final days. Dutch art lovers will love this tour. But, due to the museum’s popularity, it often experiences long queues, which makes it wise to book early to reserve a slot.

Once there, you will enjoy complete access to all the museum’s exhibits for free and at a personal pace. Book your spot and enjoy the view of over 200 paintings, 750 letters, and over 500 sketches from Van Gogh himself.

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Keukenhof Gardens Tour – 4.4 stars

Tulips are a major tourist attraction in the Netherlands. And if you are in Amsterdam, visiting Keukenhof Gardens would satisfy your desire to see Dutch tulips. Keukenhof Gardens is located in Lisse in the Netherlands and covers around 32 hectares.

The garden, also referred to as the “Garden of Europe,” is one of the largest flower gardens globally. Roughly 7 million flowers are planted yearly in these gardens, making it quite a spectacle.

And, although the gardens are most famous for tulips, you will also enjoy the view of lilies, roses, hyacinths, irises, and carnations. So, if you want to enjoy one of the most amazing flower displays in the world, booking a ticket for this tour will be an excellent choice.

The package from GetYourGuide includes entry tickets to the gardens, as well as transport from Amsterdam. You can avoid the long lines at the entrance when you book in advance.

You will also be given a video presentation about all the various flowers in these gardens. Located just 55 minutes from Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens will never disappoint. 

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The Amsterdam Royal Palace Tour – 4.6 Stars

This tour will give you a closer picture of the Dutch Royal family’s lifestyle. Amsterdam’s Royal Palace is among the only three palaces in the country that the monarch can access through the Act of Parliament.

So, to access a behind-the-scenes picture of how the Royals live, don’t end your tour in the Dutch Capital of Amsterdam without visiting the palace. The palace is located in the center of Amsterdam, on the west side of the famous Dam Square, which makes its accessibility quite easy.

Although initially built in the 17th century as a city hall, it was later made the official King Louis Napoleon’s palace. Then it became the house of the Dutch Royal Family years later.

The private tour grants you full access to the Royal Banquet Hall and the palace’s residential areas. You’ll enjoy the view of all the ancient artifacts and riches in the palace. Book your tour with GetYourGuide to get the best experience.

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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat Tour

If you are visiting Amsterdam for just a few days and looking for a general overview of the city, this is an excellent opportunity. It is the best way to experience the city in a limited time. The buses will help you see most of the city quickly. Hop on and hop out at various famous attractions of your choice.

Also, since canals surround Amsterdam, you can opt to do your tour on a hop-on-hop-off boat. And depending on how long you have or what you want to see, you can buy a 24-hour ticket or a 2-day one.

And just like with the buses, you can hop off at any attraction site of your choice and hop back on without any extra cost. You will also get audio guides during this tour.

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Amsterdam Evening Pizza Cruise – 4.5 Stars

There is no way that the Amsterdam evening pizza cruise could miss the list of the best tours in Amsterdam. It’s one of the most breathtaking activities you can do in the city. The numerous canals crisscrossing the city make having your hot pizza on an evening canal cruise quite an experience.

You get the chance to relax and view various beautiful sites while still learning about the city’s history from a professional tour guide. The complimentary pizza from the New York Pizza company makes the tour even more spectacular.

Also, you can enjoy unlimited drinks and a free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream at the end of the tour. If you want to learn more, you have access to a free app that offers audio commentary in various languages. The canal cruise tour is also an excellent way to learn about the connections between New York and Amsterdam.

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Private Canal Booze Cruise

If you seek to enjoy the best Amsterdam private tours for your canal cruise, this would be a great option. This boat tour lets you relish the city’s beauty and culture from a private boat hire while also enjoying some of Amsterdam’s finest cocktails, beer, and wine.

This is ideal if you are traveling as a family or with friends. You get served unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, from the open bar as you enjoy all the beautiful sights cruising on a brand-new private boat. The 1.5 hours tour enables you to:

• Cruise through some of the famous canals in Amsterdam
• Enjoy quality private moments together with family or friends
• Drink to your fill before the tour is over

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tour | Boating the Canals in 4K UHD

Watch this video on YouTube.

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Amsterdam 4-Course Luxury Dinner Cruise

To make the most of your evening in Amsterdam, a luxury dinner cruise will undoubtedly do the trick. This boat tour offers you the best chance to enjoy the stunning sight of the setting, Amsterdam’s sun, as you learn about the city’s history through an evening canal cruise.

This Amsterdam canal cruise will slowly take you through the numerous historical sites such as the Bloemenmarkt as you enjoy your 4-course gourmet dinner, accompanied by unlimited drinks. The tour is perfect for a romantic night or a family night too.

In addition, you get to learn more about this amazing city and its culture via informative onboard commentary, which makes the evening canal cruise quite impressive. The tour offers a complete overview of Amsterdam and its history.

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Secret Food Tours of Amsterdam – 5 Stars

Looking to enjoy some of the best Dutch meals? This Amsterdam food tour is an excellent opportunity. It is a comprehensive and interactive food tour that takes you through local culture, including the famous Jordaan district, with eight stops at different locations.

You get a comprehensive commentary on the various foodstuffs in Amsterdam, including Poffertjes and Gouda cheese, from an experienced local guide. Also, as you sample various Dutch classics, you experience eight of Amsterdam’s favorite local food stops.

Have a taste of Amsterdam’s best snacks, including Bitterballen and Stroopwafels, as you enjoy the sight of the various tourist attractions as well as a quintessential Amsterdam experience. This is a walking tour, so bring your best pair of shoes and come hungry.

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Day trip to Giethoorn and the Windmills of Zaanse Schans – 4.5 Stars

For those who want more time to experience the Dutch culture and history, or the various attractive sites in the city, this 9 to 10 hours trip will suffice. This full-day guided tour takes you through the countryside, immersing you more in the country’s culture and way of living.

You get to learn the little-known stories and facts about every stop you make during this full-day tour. These include facts about the artisan cheese factory, Giethoorn village, traditional clog shop, rural windmills, etc.

A boat ride via the canals at Giethoorn also adds to the beauty of the trip. This is one of the best tours in Amsterdam that also offers a round-trip from the city. Many people who have taken this trip review it as one of the most fulfilling tours in Amsterdam.  If you find yourself in the city, try to fix some time for this tour.

See Related: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken

Private Tour: Amsterdam’s Walking Tour – 5 Stars

This is a private walking tour for those who prefer to discover the beauty and history of the city alone. If you don’t want to walk alone, you can hire a tour guide to walk you through the city’s attractive sites, history, and culture.

With a personal guide, you can learn everything you wish and ask every question you have. Your guide will take you through the Van Gogh Museum and teach you more about the Dutch tradition as you visit the renowned Houseboat Museum.

You also get a chance to enjoy some of Amsterdam’s classic snacks as you pass through Albert Cuyp. So, if you are looking for the best walking tour in Amsterdam, this tour fits that category. Seeing the city on foot is a great way to see the best Amsterdam things to do firsthand.

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Amsterdam Red Light District 2-Hour Walking Tour

The Red Light District symbolizes Amsterdam’s liberal attitude toward prostitution. This two-hour tour takes you around the area to learn why the Netherlands is so open about sex work.

You can visit the Red Light District to hear stories of local prostitutes and S&M workers. You also can taste the nightlife with a free shot in Belushi Bar before the walking tour ends.

The route is managed by a trained professional guide who walks you safely and educates you about local history. A major influence from the Netherlands has been the liberal attitude to sexual activities.

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Amsterdam Free Walking Tour

Walking tours are an excellent method to get your bearings in the first few days in a new city. You may book this free walking tour ahead of time, but it’s customary to give a small gratuity to the guide at the end.

This tour visits some of the world’s most famous attractions, including the Anne Frank House, the Jordaan District, and the Red Light District. The local guide is highly knowledgeable and can suggest other parts of your trip beyond just the city center of Amsterdam. Outside of a bike tour and a canal cruise, a walking tour is an essential way to see the city of Amsterdam.

Conclusion

Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in Europe. For this reason, the chances that you have visited or are planning to visit the town soon are high. This guide on the best Amsterdam tours intends to make your next visit to the city as fulfilling as possible.

With this guide, you are already armed with information on the best tours to take while you are there. We have done intensive research to compile this list of tours that will never disappoint.

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