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Medieval City Tour

Private Medieval Amsterdam tour

Medieval City Tour

Book tour

Private Medieval Amsterdam tour

The origins of Amsterdam

Medieval City Tour

Book tour
Book tour
  • Startingpoint
    Startingpoint

    Start in front of the Central Station, at the entrance of the IAmsterdam Visitor Centre. End point is at the Dam.

  • Duration | Distance
    Duration | Distance

    2,5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

  • Highlights
    Highlights

    - Old Harbour
    - Oude Kerk
    - De Waag
    - Agnieten chapel
    - Begijnhof
    - Dam

  • Price
    Price

    Available from €43,75 p.p.​

Schedule your private
Medieval Amsterdam tour

More Information
Tour Reviews
  • Startingpoint
    Startingpoint

    We Start in front of the Central Station, at the entrance of the IAmsterdam Visitors Centre.
    We end at the Dam.

  • Duration | Distance
    Duration | Distance

    2,5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

  • Highlights
    Highlights

    - Old Harbour
    - Oude Kerk
    - De Waag
    - Saint Agnes Chapel
    - Begijnhof
    - Dam

  • Price
    Price

    Available from €43,75 p.p.​

Book your private
Medieval Amsterdam tour

More Information
Tour Reviews

Medieval Amsterdam Tour 

On the Medieval Amsterdam Tour we dive into the earliest records of the city. You get a deeper insight on the historical center of Amsterdam. How did the city start off and what does it say about modern Amsterdam Today?

Get a better understanding of the sources of Amsterdam’s tolerance and pragmatism. Walk in the footsteps of Rembrandt; see a different side of the red light district; find the soul of the city.  Have a great first impression of Amsterdam.

The earliest history of Amsterdam

Starting in front of the Central Station we walk into the alleyways of old Amsterdam. What does the oldest document mentioning Amsterdam say about Amsterdam today? The Dam is where it all started for Amsterdam. Who were the first settlers and why did they choose this place? And how come the Dam marks both the beginning and the end of the middle ages in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam, a city emerged from a swamp

We introduce you to the architecture and urban planning of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. Why do the houses lean over and how is Amsterdam built up? Learn how the city was defended against its enemies. Also see what is left of these antique structures. 

The old harbor of Amsterdam

We aim to revive the bustling harbor front at the Amstel and IJ. Porters, carriers, seagulls, carillons, the smell of fish, tar and ropes. Why was this location so strategic for trade? Which inventions led to the growth of Amsterdam?  

Religious Amsterdam

Which role did religion play in Medieval Amsterdam? Is there a continuous tradition? How religious is Amsterdam today? Find out more about the Dutch liberal mindset towards things that are oppressed elsewhere. How does the Red Light District ‘work’ and how did it evolve over time?

Monasteries in Amsterdam 

Walk along the many former monasteries and see their current function. How is Amsterdam’s monumental heritage preserved? And what are the latest discoveries?

Legendary Amsterdam 

In the city’s oldest courtyard we talk about the legends of Amsterdam. What’s the story behind the three crosses everywhere? What miracle made Amsterdam become a major tourist destination?

End of the Middle Ages 

We can determine to the exact date on which the Middle Ages ended for Amsterdam. What happened on that day that had such a profound impact on the development of Amsterdam?

Tour reviews

  • star rating  Tijs is one of the people that makes us wish the day to have more than 24 hours! :) Not only a guide who makes the fascinating Amsterdam even more... read more fascinating! His vision for the city reveals the past, the present, and create great perspectives for the future. With all the secrets of each street, you learn not only about Nederlands but also its World's Influence. Knowledge, culture, amazing angles for photos and a real lesson of lively history in just one day, I can imagine how wonderful it would be if we had the privilege to spend a week with our new Dutch Friend! Absolutely recommended, I have no doubt he will be an essential part of my tours!

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    RafaTraveller
    December 22, 2020
  • star rating  Surprised and Delighted - What a wonderful tour - we thoroughly recommend it. Tijs was knowledgeable, full of interesting stories and extremely courteous and polite. A fascinating tour and to be able... read more to see inside Huis Bartolotti was the icing on the cake! Thank you Tijs.

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    emmaH205UX
    March 27, 2023
  • star rating  I really enjoyed my morning walking tour of the canal district with Historical Tours Amsterdam. Tijs’ knowledge of the city is amazing and he explains fascinating historical details clearly... read more and with enthusiasm. I learned about the reasons why the Amsterdam skyline is as we see it now, why the canal fortifications are necessary to maintain the city and why there is a swan on top of a Protestant domed church. I now understand more about how Amsterdam expanded rapidly from medieval times onwards as trade developed and where the remnants of the old city walls can still be seen. I heard about the story behind the Multatuli statue on the oldest bridge in Amsterdam with a prison below it and the origins of fair trade coffee. Likewise the stories behind the different widths and gable-ends of the houses was so interesting; now I’ll
    look at this familiar city through fresh eyes. I highly recommend Tijs as a guide who can add a fun personal touch to a tour of Amsterdam and bring history to life.

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    212claret
    March 3, 2020
  • star rating  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 remained with us from early morning until late at night ( I believe we would...More

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    avatar thumb NJL
    August 26, 2018
  • star rating  Excellent bespoke tour of highlights of the Rijksmuseum. Edgar Foley was a great and knowledgable guide! He put the history of Dutch Art in the Golden Age and... read more earlier in context.

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    ColinP975
    May 31, 2023
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