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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  This walking tour gave an insight about Amsterdam during the dark period of 1940 and 1945. The 2 hour tour started at the Anne Frank House and ended at... read more the Jewish cultural quarter in the Plantage. Tijs spoke about the harrowing times that led up to the second world war, the daily struggels of the jewish citizens of Amsterdam, their persecution and their massacre in various death camps in Poland. We also learnt about how ordinary Amsterdammers tried to resist the nazi occupation of the city and how they tried to save lives. The tour itself leads through the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam and I highly recommend it to everyone who has not much time to spend in Amsterdam. You will not only visit stunning parts of the city but you will also learn more about the important topic of the Holocaust. At times, I felt emotional during this tour but it was one of those tours that I will remember for a long time. I absolutely recommend.

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    IldikoF8
    March 8, 2020
  • star rating  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 Age, Financial information and World War II. Tijs was engaging, interesting and humorous and I would...More

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    avatar thumb Lovetotravel7559
    July 25, 2018
  • star rating  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 can tell Edgar is very passionate and knowledgeable about history and art, and loves living...More

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    avatar thumb Peter B
    July 11, 2018
  • star rating  Very informative tour about the Jewish history in Amsterdam from various angles and centuries. Tijs has a way to tell the stories in an interesting way, pointing out details and... read more throwing in portions of humor where appropriate. I could feel that he is enthusiastic about...More

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    avatar thumb Caroline S
    February 26, 2018
  • star rating  We’ve lived in Amsterdam for 10 years and finally took the time to learn more about the fascinating history. The financial tour did not disappoint - learning about both the... read more financial innovations of the Dutch, but also the uncomfortable truths in its history. Thank you, Thijs, for the engaging tour! …

    tripadvisor logo
    Ramela S
    July 20, 2021

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