Amsterdam City Walks

City walks >> Overview

The whole year round city walks are given to groups. These walks have to be booked in advance. One can choose from one of our many walks in the field of history or the history of art. All city walks takes 1½ hours. A city walk costs 8 euros per person, with a minimum of 80 euros per group (19% btw tax included).

			In the footsteps of Rembrandt

			This year we celebrate the Rembrandt Year. Rembrandt was born in 1606, exactly 400 years ago, as the son of a miller. He settled in Amsterdam in 1633 where he set up a thriving art studio. In this walk we will follow Rembrandts career over the years. We will ‘meet’ his colleagues, clients, family and friends.

			Amsterdam its rise, greatness and fall

			This walk is a general introduction to the history of the city and its major monuments. It will show you how a little Medieval town evolved into the centre of 17th century European economy and became the intriguing city it is today.

			The splendour of the Golden Age

			In the 17th century Amsterdam was the economical centre of the Western World, her ships sailing all the oceans. In this period the city expanded dramatically and the arts flourished. This walk shows you this important period in all its different respects.

			The United East India Company

			In 1602 the VOC or United East-India Company was founded. The headquarters was based in Amsterdam and as such its history is interwoven with that of the city. This walk tells you the story of what has frequently been called the first multinational in the world.

			Jewish Amsterdam

			From the end of the 16th century onwards a large Jewish community lived in Amsterdam. This walk, through the former Jewish neighbourhood and the charming Plantage, deals with different aspects of Jewish history and culture.

			From Christ to Buddha

			The Medieval town of Amsterdam was an exemplary Catholic village. Beginning at the end of the 16th century though, the tolerant climate let to the rise of many religions. They form an interesting subject for a city walk.

			Architecture through the ages

			In this city walk we will deal with the different architectural periods in the history of the city. Depending on the neighbourhood where the walk takes place, emphasis can be laid on a specific period or architectural style.

			Amsterdam and the Renaissance

			In 15th century Italy the culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans was rediscovered. This Renaissance was destined to have a lasting influence on world culture. In this walk we will show you what influence classical culture had on the city of Amsterdam.

			The Plantage

			The Plantage is one of the most charming neighbourhoods of the city. In the 17th century it was designed as a park, but in the second half of the 19th century it became a living quarter. With its shady lanes the Plantage is an extraordinary neighbourhood that just asks for a city walk.

			Courtyards in the Jordaan

			In this city walk we will visit a number of intimate little courtyards in the Jordaan. The small houses surrounding the lovely courtyards were built to provide free housing for the needy of the time. They will show you an unknown side of the most famous neighbourhood of Amsterdam.

			The Grachtengordel and the Jordaan

			In this walk two neighbourhoods that can be seen upon as each others opposite are presented. On the one side the luxurious 'canal area’; where the wealthy few spent their lives, on the other side the Jordaan. The Jordaan, nowadays an attractive neighbourhood with intimate little streets and canals, but up to 50 years ago the most impoverished neighbourhood of the city.