Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
June 19100% refund
June 20No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Tip-Based Tour
2 Adults x $5.51
$11.02
Approx Total
$11.02
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
A unique souvenir
On the tour you will be treated to typical Dutch Cookie
Super Local Guides who are are also happy to share share their (restaurant) recommendations with you
Our guides support their tours with pictures, paintings and maps that help bring history back to life!
Overview
Discover the fascinating history of the most liberal city in the world with FreeDam Tours. On this unique tip-based* storytelling tour, you will discover how freedom and tolerance shaped the city and its people throughout the ages.
Your super-local guide will combine beautiful sightseeing with exciting storytelling, and with the clever use of pictures and maps, you will learn everything you need to know about Amsterdam in one tour: history, modern life, culture, art, fun facts, and personal stories for a unique insider’s perspective on life in Amsterdam.
Be prepared to challenge all your preconceived ideas about this city because after this tour you will never look and think of Amsterdam the same way!
* Tip-based means you only pay a small booking/marketing fee to the platform and you can tip your guide directly what you think the tour was worth. That motivates us to give the best possible tour and you always get the best value for your money!
Itinerary
Beurs van Berlage
In front of the stock- and commodities exchange buildings, built where the Amtel river used to flow, we discuss the origins of Amsterdam and how water and finance influenced the city.
20 minutes
Damrak
In the old harbor, we discuss the origins of the Red Light District, the role of the Church, and how the holy and the profane have found surprising ways to work and profit from each other over time & the state of prostitution in the 20th and 21st Century: how and why prostitution became a legal profession, how the neighbourhood has changed over time and the current challenges facing the most infamous neighbourhood of Amsterdam.
15 minutes
Our Lord in the Attic Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder
Here we discuss how (Religious) tolerance worked in practice once Catholicism became illegal in the 17th Century but was 'tolerated' under some very peculiar conditions. Form the underlying principles we draw parallels to how tolerance works today, in the 21st Century.
(note: we don't actually enter the hidden church, but we see it form the outside and have pictures of it's interior)
15 minutes
Chinatown
Dutch drug policies explained. Find out how this area became an absolute no go area in the 1970's and how this sparked the beginning of the infamous ‘Coffeeshops’ dedicated to the selling of Marjauana.
15 minutes
The Waag
Discovering where Rembrandt painted his first major work ...and how it revolutionised the art of portrait making. We have a copy of the painting to show you all the details!
10 minutes
Oostindisch Huis
In a stunning 17th Century Courtyard hidden inside this building (only accessible during week-days) you will learn how Amsterdam was able to become the center of a global trading empire, making Amsterdam the richest city on the planet in the17th century (aka 'The Golden Age), and how this place, the Headquarters of the first and biggest corporation in human history, kickstarted modern-day capitalism. We discuss the good, but definitely don't shy away from darker legacy of this period.
15 minutes
Waterlooplein Market
The Oldest Market of Amsterdam located in the (former) Jewish Quarter, that was almost completely destroyed at the end of the Second World War - but not why who you think! Find out about the disastrous consequences of the Nazi occupation, that decimated the Jewish populations of what once was a safe haven for persecuted jews from all over Europe, and what the Amsterdammers had to do to survive the last 'hunger-winter' of the war.
15 minutes
The Amstel
Here, or (depending on weather / guide) at another canal we discuss why Amsterdam has canals, and the architecture of the famous canal houses: why are they so skinny, why do they lean in all kinds of directions (some of it is on purpose), why do all the houses have a hook, and why do Dutch people keep their curtains open at ALL times. Everything will be revealed!
15 minutes
Oudemanhuispoort
In this beautiful, hard to find former monastery, turned into hospital and now part of the University of Amsterdam we discuss the unique Dutch Bike Culture: find out why there are more bikes than people and why in the most famous, proud cycling city on the planet most of the bikes look so....ugly.
10 minutes
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Learn about the very peculiar history of our Royal Palace, why and how we made the transition from a Republic to a Monarchy. Meet our current Royal Family (we have pictures), and get up to speed with the latest juicy Royal gossip! Dam square is also where the tour ends.
15 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Free Cancellation
June 19100% refund
June 20No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
2468
4 stars
112
3 stars
34
2 stars
5
1 star
20
We perform checks on reviews
We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 2468 reviews with 5 stars
Clear filter
Educational and Fun!!
Published on Mar, 2025
This was a fantastic way to see the area while learning about its history. Carl was a fantastic tour guide, as he made it educational and FUN! I highly recommend the tour!
Amazing tour!
Published on Mar, 2025
5 out of 5. Loved the way David connected the places to the history, government, culture and people. Excellent tour with lots of information in a friendly and often funny way. I highly recommend this tour!
Great tour!!
Published on Mar, 2025
We love doing walking tours when we get to a new city, Sergio was our guide in Amsterdam. He was so much fun, and he really knew his stuff. Would highly recommend this tour.
Daan was an excellent guide.
Published on Mar, 2025
Daan gave us a great experience. He is friendly, knowledgeable and funny. We appreciate that he was born and raised here and studied history at the University. It didn’t hurt that we had the perfect weather to walk around and learn about the architecture and history.
Burn calories learning about Amsterdam
Published on Mar, 2025
Japp our tourist guide also a history teacher knows the place and history very well. Brings in lot of additional historical knowledge about Netherlands. Great way to know about the city with a very knowledgeable guide.
We guarantee the lowest price on all 200,000+ experiences we sell. If you find the same product cheaper within three days of booking or while you're in your destination, we'll refund the difference.It's Easy To Do
Gather your information
Assemble your Viator Booking Number or Itinerary Reference Number and the proof of the lower price you found.
Send it to us
Email connect@travelone.io with the documents, your name, and your home address.
We'll review
We'll examine your materials and get in touch as soon as we can.
Receive your refund
If everything checks out, we'll refund you the difference between the two prices.
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.
Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?
What is your destination?
Are you visiting Japan for the first time?
Travel Date
What is your general interest for this trip?
City Breakup
Travelers Details
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Accommodation Preferences
Preferred Star Rating?
Property Preference?
Property Location?
Preferred Hotel Chain?
Meal At The Hotel?
Dining Preferences
Which meal package would you like to choose?
What are your meal preferences?
Dining Style Preferences?
Cuisine Preferences?
Dining Atmosphere Preferences?
Preferred Meal Times?
Transportation
What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?
What are your preferences for internal transfers?
Guide Support
What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?
Preferred Language for Guide?
Preferred Type of Guide?
Group Size for Tours with Guides?
Desired Role of the Guide?
Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?
Dining recommendations/reservations?
Flights Preferences
What are your preferences for onward and return flights?
Cabin Class
Preferred Departure Time
Preferred Arrival Time
Preferred Airlines
What are your preferences for internal flight?
Cabin Class
Preferred Departure Time
Preferred Arrival Time
Preferred Airlines
What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?
Culinary Classes and Workshops
Candy Making ClassesChocolate ToursCocktail TastingsMixology ClassesPaella Making ClassesPasta Making ClassesPizza Making ClassesOlive Oil TastingWine Making Workshops
Golf Tours & Tee TimesLacrosse ClassesSoftball ClassesTennis
Winter Sports
SkiingSkiing Classes
Combat & Tactical Sports
Martial Arts ClassesPaintball
Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
Obstacle Courses
Sports Training & Lessons
Sports LessonsCyclingCycling Classes
Exclusive & VIP Experiences
Private and LuxuryViator VIP ToursOnce in a Lifetime ExperiencesViator Experience Award 2022Viator Experience Award 2023Viator Experience Award 2024Viator Exclusive Tours
Private & Personalized Travel
Private Day TripsPrivate DriversPrivate Sightseeing Tours
Romantic & Scenic Experiences
Romantic ToursSunset CruisesHelicopter ToursLimousine ToursLuxury Car ToursPhoto Shoots