Amsterdam History Tour

Our Amsterdam History Tour can be taken by bike or on foot, and is an amazing opportunity to learn about the incredible history of the city. Join us on a journey through the past that explains how Amsterdam gained its reputation as one of the most diverse and influential city’s on earth.

Amsterdam was founded circa 1190, when a small community arrived at the mouth of the River Amstel and decided to attempt to dam the river. Our Amsterdam History Tour Starts at Dam Square, where you will learn how this historic location has changed in tandem with Amsterdam as a whole.

Amsterdam has an amazing history

Amsterdam has gone from strength to strength, despite having faced enormous challenges. During the medieval period the city built its name and influence on trading in preserved fish, particularly herring.

During the 17th century the city entered its Golden Age, a period of unprecedented prosperity that catapulted Amsterdam to the forefront of international trade and politics. The spectacular wealth of this period encouraged the arts and sciences. And inspired many of Amsterdam’s most famous artists and inventors, such as Jan Van Der Heyden and Rembrandt.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the rise to power of the fascinating Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, the VOC, famous in the English speaking world as the Dutch East India Company. Our tour includes several important East India Company locations. We will stop by the Amsterdam Maritime Museum to view the spectacular Amsterdam ship. A replica of the type of Dutch Indiaman trading ship used by the VOC at the height of its power!

The Amsterdam History Tour covers the rise and fall of Amsterdam as an international trading city

In the 19th century Amsterdam saw a decline in its influence and wealth, but this was also a period of architectural redesign and restructure. Several new stations and museums were built, including the Rijksmuseum and Centraal station, today both considered part of the national heritage of the Netherlands.

During the Twentieth Century, Amsterdam suffered periods of severe unrest, famine and war. During the First World War the city suffered food shortages that caused lethal riots. We will visit the sites of some of the violence and will consider the role of mob action and rioting in the cities history. We will also visit the historic Jewish quarter of the city. There we discuss the long and vibrant history of the Jewish community in Amsterdam, from its arrival in the late 16th century to its terrible suffering during World War Two. And then its incredible revival in the aftermath of the war.

Amsterdam’s breathtaking past has changed the face of the world. From the stock exchange to the groundbreaking works of Rembrandt, from the liberal philosophy of Baruch Spinoza to the social engineering theories of Jan Van Der Heyden, Amsterdam has left an indelible mark on human history. Our tour will help you to understand the city by journeying through its past. And this tour that will bring to life the figures and events that made Amsterdam the birthplace of liberalism.

The Amsterdam History Tour includes:

• The Dutch East India Company House.
• The Red Light District.
• Masterpieces of Dutch art.
• Widest Bridge and the smallest house in Amsterdam.
• World’s first Stock Exchange.
• The Old Church.
• The New Market.
• The Royal Palace.
• Leaning buildings & gable stones.

Your tour will be led by a postgraduate history student, who has extensively studied the history of the city and is fully prepared to answer all of your questions. Is there a specific part of the city or history you’re interested in? Just contact us and we will tailor a tour to your tastes!

Looking for more stuff to do in the great city of Amsterdam? Look no further! We have a huge range of activities and attractions on offer, such as a brewery tour or a BBQ boat, all at competitive prices! Check out our activities page to see the full range of what’s on offer!

Please note that while the tour usually includes the sites and stories above, your tour may vary!