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Location Icon Amsterdam

Amsterdam Herengracht Walk: Stories & Hidden Gems

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120

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo The Herengracht Amsterdam Walking City Tour Experience is a journey through Amsterdam's heart, led by a local storyteller. This isn't just a walk; it's an exploration of the city's hidden layers. The guide, with a background in film, brings Amsterdam's history to life, revealing overlooked architecture and surprising tales.

Expect to discover Amsterdam beyond the typical tourist spots. The tour includes historical insights and anecdotes, plus fantastic photo opportunities. Starting near Zeedijk, the route meanders to Nieuwmarkt and the Waag, offering glimpses of the Rembrandt House Museum (exterior), the Spinoza Monument, and the Hermitage Amsterdam (exterior). The walk continues to the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and along the scenic Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal).

This guided walking tour provides a unique perspective on Amsterdam's culture and history. It includes tips for exploring the city further but excludes food, drinks, entry tickets to museums, or transportation to the meeting point. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Local Storyteller Guide: Explore Amsterdam with a passionate local guide with a background in film.

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Hidden Gems & Stories: Discover Amsterdam's secret spots and untold stories.

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Iconic Landmarks: See key sights like the Skinny Bridge and Gentlemen's Canal.

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Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personal tour with a small group.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers generally enjoy this walking tour, praising the knowledgeable guide and the fascinating insights into Amsterdam's history and culture. A few minor issues were reported, such as the tour's length or the meeting point's location. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon The tour guide is very informative and friendly.

    Positive Highlight Icon The tour provides a great introduction to Amsterdam's history and culture.

    Positive Highlight Icon Customers enjoyed seeing the beautiful canals and architecture.

    Positive Highlight Icon The small group size allows for a more personal experience.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some customers wished the tour was longer.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few customers had difficulty finding the meeting point.

The Journey

1

Zeedijk

Wander through Zeedijk, Amsterdam's vibrant and historic street. Once a medieval sea wall, it's now a captivating fusion of cultures, brimming with hidden bars, authentic Chinatown landmarks, a serene Buddhist temple, and the city's oldest gay bar. Uncover tales of smugglers, resilient merchants, and a street that pulsates with life day and night. Experience the raw, unfiltered essence of Amsterdam in this unforgettable locale.

2

Nieuwmarkt and the Waag

Step into Nieuwmarkt square and behold the historic Waag building. This architectural gem, once a city gate, weigh house, and even a site for public dissections, has witnessed centuries of transformation. Explore the square's evolution from medieval fortifications to bustling Jewish markets and modern cafes. Discover Rembrandt's connection to this location and delve into the fascinating historical layers beneath its surface.

3

Rembrandt House Museum (Exterior)

Stand outside the historic house where Rembrandt lived and worked during his artistic prime. Learn about his meteoric rise to fame, his eventual bankruptcy, and the vibrant, diverse neighborhood that shaped his artistry. Imagine the daily life of Jewish merchants, engravers, and fellow painters who surrounded him, influencing his masterpieces. While we admire from the outside, the walls whisper stories of a genius at work and at odds with fortune.

4

Spinoza Monument

Reflect at the monument dedicated to Baruch Spinoza, the groundbreaking 17th-century philosopher. Born in Amsterdam's Portuguese-Jewish community, Spinoza's radical ideas on freedom, reason, and religion led to his excommunication and forever changed Western philosophy. Admire the statue, encircled by bronze birds symbolizing free thought and the natural world, and contemplate his enduring legacy.

5

Hermitage Amsterdam (Exterior)

Pause outside the grand 17th-century building that began as a charitable home for elderly women and later transformed into a renowned art museum. Discover its journey from a Dutch welfare institution to a global cultural space, once affiliated with the Hermitage of St. Petersburg. Now collaborating with esteemed institutions like the British Museum, imagine the artistic treasures that have graced its halls and its ongoing contribution to the world of art.

6

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

Behold the Magere Brug, Amsterdam's iconic white wooden drawbridge and one of its most photographed and romantic spots. Hear the bridge's history, the charming tale of the sisters who built it to stay connected across the Amstel, and its endearing nickname. Experience the allure of its manual operation, its role in local folklore, and its appearances in film, including a cameo in a James Bond movie.

7

Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal)

Stroll along Herengracht, the 'Gentlemen's Canal', once Amsterdam's most prestigious address. Learn about the ambitious 17th-century canal expansion, the affluent merchant families who constructed their grand homes here, and the symbolic gables that told their stories. Appreciate the architectural details, discover hidden courtyards, and hear how taxation influenced the creation of the famously narrow facades.

Know Before You Go

This experience includes a guided walking tour with a local storyteller, offering historical insights, surprising anecdotes, and photo opportunities. It also provides tips for exploring Amsterdam beyond the tour. Food and drinks are not included, nor are entry tickets to museums or attractions, as the tour only makes external stops. Transportation to and from the meeting point is also not included. Please meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your adventure.

Hot Tip

Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking. Also, bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery and architecture.

From €189 Price

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As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.