about Historical Amsterdam Tours

Our story

Amsterdam is a city to easily fall in love with. Countless bridges, beautiful canals, centuries old monuments, juxtaposed with a vibrant cultural life: Amsterdam is a city that has something to offer for everyone.

Amsterdam is a city that looks and feels completely unique. But why is this? Which people and what ideas culminated in the creation of this unique place? In other words: How did Amsterdam become Amsterdam?

There are many ways to explore Amsterdam. We believe that there is no better way to approach the city than with a private guide, who knows all the good places and all the ins and outs of Amsterdam.

Historical Amsterdam Tours is a collective of private city guides. Three locals from Amsterdam with an impressive curriculum on the city’s art, architecture and history.

We offer personal tours in Amsterdam, focused on its history, culture and arts.

We speak fluent Dutch, English and German and on request we can also arrange tours in other languages. Because of our love for the city and our vast experience we are always able to create tours that are unique and entertaining.

We are Tijs, Edgar and Maarten: your private guides in Historical Amsterdam.

Your Private Amsterdam Guides

Tijs

Founder | Guide

After his bachelor of science in tourism and some years experience at the Amsterdam Tourist Office, Tijs decided to share his knowledge about Amsterdam.

As a history geek he has collected an impressive library on Amsterdam. He loves the combination of storytelling and the international character of tourism.

This is why he founded Historical Amsterdam Tours as private guides collective: a personal approach to the city’s rich heritage.

Edgar

Art Historian | Guide

Although Edgar spent most of his life in Amsterdam, he wanted to understand more about this city.

So Edgar studied the History of Art at the University of Amsterdam. The more he learned, the more beautiful and complex Amsterdam became. Now Edgar works in tourism and writes about art.

Edgar is your ideal buddy in the various Amsterdam museums and along the Amsterdam canals.

Maarten

Art Historian | Guide

Maarten likes nothing more than to share his enthusiasm and knowledge about Amsterdam with others.

He studied Art History as well as Dutch Literature. Although he is quite all-round as city guide, his specializations are in the field of visual arts and cultural history.

Maarten looks forward to showing you his beloved city of Amsterdam.

"Rembrandt was able to not only paint someones face, but also someone's character.”

"Even being born in Amsterdam, this city keeps surprising me.”

"In Amsterdam we do things different. Why and how are a continuous endeavour.”

  Tijs was amazing. His knowledge is outstanding and the tour was fun, interesting and informative. We would definitely recommend him to anyone needing a tour guide in Amsterdam. He tailor... read more

Merle K
8/30/2019

  Gerben Post is an outstanding and knowledgeable tour guide. He provided a moving experience about a topic that is difficult and painful. His ability to provide important and... read more

Nancy L
7/29/2019

  Tijs is a fantastic, energetic and fun guide. Our group consisted of 30 international guests. They loved the walk through Amsterdam guided by Tijs. Defenitelly can recomment Historical Amsterdam Tours!

jansmonkie
5/15/2019

  Amazing experience! Tijs took us through the history, like coming back in the past. Walking in the streets, listening at his storytelling was an incredible experience. Such a passionate guide!... read more

stellacasella
5/11/2019

  I've been in the Tijs's "Amsterdam Jewish in WW2" tour. I live in Amsterdam for quite some time and was walking near these spots without knowing so many tears... read more

eugenma
5/11/2019

  Tijs gave us a wonderful tour of Amsterdam focused on literary history. He showed us where several main Dutch Authors lived, took us to sites that inspired writers and even... read more

Joyce S
4/04/2019

  Living in Amsterdam I read quite a bit about its history. However, during the history of expats tour Tijs knew how to surpise me with interesting details I didn't know... read more before. Time was flying! Thanks!

suusjeaussie1979
4/01/2019

  Maarten was our tour guide. Very punctual, friendly and informative. Booked for my partner who is a finance professional and he loved it. Other positives: well structured and researched; happy... read more

Sightseer778726
1/06/2019

  Tijs gave my family a great tour of the Jewish Quarter in Amsterdam. He was organized, entertaining, informative. It was exactly what we were hoping - educational and a... read more

MKRBethesda
1/03/2019

  On our first trip to Amsterdam together, my husband and I wanted to get a city tour and make the most of our relatively short time here. Historical Amsterdam... read more

EdSamDC
11/24/2018

  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

NJL
8/26/2018

  All communication before the tour was prompt and friendly. Tijs was waiting exactly where he was supposed to be, and we did a walking tour which covered the Golden... read more

Lovetotravel7559
7/25/2018

  Edgar was our tour guide and met us at Centraal Station. We were guided around the city for the next two hours and it was delivered in perfect English. You... read more

Peter B
7/11/2018

  I was looking for personal tour guides for our trip on Amsterdam. I read about Edmund and Tijs on the web and started an email dialogue to create an itinerary... read more

Bob D
5/10/2018

  Exploring the canals of Amsterdam on foot with Tijs as the tour guide was one of the highlights of my first visit to the city. Tijs not only has thorough... read more

EC8531
3/22/2018