Amsterdam: History, Hidden Gems & Future Eco-Walking Tour

Highlights

• Step back in time as you journey through 750 years of Amsterdam's history
• Discover the city's rich history, from its earliest settlers to the present day
• Learn about the first dam and dikes, the Golden Age, and World War II
• Hear captivating stories about the city's defining moments and hidden secrets
• Receive a handwritten postcard from historic A'Dam as a token of appreciation

Description

Experience Amsterdam like never before on this interactive and semi-private walking tour for maximum 8 guests. This is not a dry history lecture. It is an unfiltered journey through the soul of a city that lives, breathes, and constantly reinvents itself.

The Foundation: Water & Wind Your expert guide will take you back to where it all began. Using chalk drawings right on the street and historical maps, you will visualize the engineering miracle that allows this metropolis to exist below sea level. Learn how windmills were the original green energy and how the Dutch battle against water shaped their democracy.

Windows to the Past Using iPads to overlay historical paintings onto modern streets, you will see the Golden Age come alive. We connect the dots between the begging of the city, the wealthy merchants of the 17th century, the resilience of the city during WWII, and the explosion of the liberal culture in the 1970s. You will understand how social movements and protests shaped the Amsterdam of today. Really, when all begins in Amsterdam and how ?

The Green Mindset:
Education & Politics / We explore why the Netherlands is a global pioneer in sustainability. We discuss how the Dutch education system instills an eco-friendly orientation in children from a young age. You will learn about the country's green politics and how past and present decisions are securing the future. Whenever we spot inspiring urban eco-details on our walk, we stop to appreciate how the city integrates nature into daily life.

Quiet Routes & Hidden Gems We prioritize walking through quiet local streets and secret courtyards or Hidden Urban Gardens. We do pass by essential historic landmarks to ensure you see them, but we do not linger in the busy areas. We quickly escape the crowds to return to the relaxed, local atmosphere. We respect the city's rhythm. If we encounter street musicians or artists, we pause to enjoy the moment and support the local culture.

We end the tour with a curated list of social impact cafes, shops and breweries to visit. This ensures your trip supports the local community long after we say goodbye.


Meeting Point

Meeting Point: Meet your guide in front of the historic restaurant De Silveren Spiegel at Kattengat 4. Please arrive 10 minutes before the activity starts.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes: We will be walking on cobblestones.

Water bottle: Bring your own reusable bottle as we will show you where to fill it with fresh Dutch water for free.

Weather-appropriate clothing: The Dutch weather can change quickly so layers are recommended.