We always like to do a “get our bearings” tour when we first arrive in a new city—to understand where we are, see the important sites, learn some history, and meet someone who truly knows the area. We were so lucky to find Marten! We spent an incredible afternoon with him, and it was immediately clear how much he loves Amsterdam, its history, and everything the city has to offer. His enthusiasm was infectious as we quickly fell in love with Amsterdam too. The tour was the perfect introduction to this unique city, allowing us to see the highlights while identifying neighborhoods and places we wanted to revisit during our stay. Walking around Amsterdam with Marten was like visiting a friend. We casually walked and talked as though we had known him for years. His deep knowledge allowed him to weave history, personal experiences, and fascinating details about everything around us into the conversation. His recommendations for local restaurants, shops, and places to visit were invaluable. By the end of the tour, we had a wonderful understanding of Amsterdam that allowed us to enjoy our next six days there even more. We couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the city. Highly recommend Marten!
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Private tour in Amsterdam Marten K
Half day walking tour: My Amsterdam away from the tourists, I will show you the city that once ruled the world
5.0
(3) reviews
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4 hours
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4 hours
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Marten K.
5.0
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I was born in a small town near Amsterdam in 1967. My father took me on long boat trips through the surroundings of my hometown. At every bridge and village we went through he had a story to tell about its history and the people who lived there. He was the first tour guide in my life. Telling stories to other people is a gift. I inherited this gift from my father. In 1985 I moved to Amsterdam to study at the Amsterdam University and a whole new world opened up to me. There is no end to the stories to be told about this magnificent city at the Noordzee. Globalization, capitalism and modern society started in this small fisherman's town. In my tours I will tell the stories about the start of the modern world we live in today. The history of Amsterdam can be found in its city plan, architecture, food and mentality. We can walk for hours through the old city, drink coffee and eat apple pie in the shadow of De Oude Kerk. Biking around the old center and having a Dutch food tour at the Albert Cuijpmarket is another option. I'm an official tour guide at the Rijksmuseum and I can show you the highlights of the Dutch Golden Age. The remnants of Amsterdam's Jewish history is everywhere in the city and I can show you the monuments and tell the stories of the Holocaust. Outside of Amsterdam I can show you the beauty of my underwater country. For centuries the Dutch have been fighting the water successfully. This fight is a big part of our country's DNA and is petrified in dykes and windmills. Contact me and I'll share all my knowledge about Amsterdam and Holland with you. Greetings from Amsterdam and tot snel, Marten - Professional Tour Guide for 10 years - Historian - Official Tour Guide with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce - Official Tour Guide at the Rijksmuseum - Official Tour Guide at the Van Gogh Museum - Friend of the Rijksmuseum - I will drive you with my Volvo all around the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Marten K.
Walk with me through the last 17th century complete innercity of the world.
Overview of your Amsterdam tour
During these tour I will show the highlights and hidden gems of Amsterdam. In the 17th century Amsterdam became the first city to rule the entire world. Not by military force, but by building a borderless trading empire. The traders of Amsterdam invented a new religion and an economic model that laid the bricks for this empire. In today's Amsterdam we can still find the remnants of their worldview in architecture, mentality and much more. Globalisation in the 21st century started in 17th century Amsterdam. We will walk through the old center, Lastage area, Jordaan area and the old harbour.
Recent Reviews
Terrific guide
Marten was an excellent tour guide! We learned so much and he is very knowledgeable on a broad variety of subjects. He was very enjoyable to be with - a great conversationalist! Highly recommend him for any tours ; we were thrilled we did!
Your Amsterdam tour itinerary
We'll meet in front of the Stock Exchange. The first Stock Exchange in the world. This Dutch invention changed the world forever and gave Amsterdam world dominance in the 17th Century. The so called Dutch Golden Age started with an economical and religious revolution. Luckily the Amsterdam 17th innercity century survived floodings, wars and the introduction of the car. First we'll walk into medieval part of Amsterdam. The Warmoestraat, Zeedijk, Schreierstoren, St. Nicholaschurch, Montelbaanstoren, De Waegh and the Old Church. The second part of our tour will take us from Damsquare to the Jordaan area. In this part we'll see the Royal Palace, New Church, Prinsengracht, Westertoren, Anne Frank House, Karthuizerhofje and the Noorderchurch. And of course a lot more. If you have any requests, please let me know and I will adapt the tour to your requests.
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Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking
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Meeting location
1 Beursplein, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, 1012 JW, Netherlands
ByGuide: In front of the Bistro Berlage Adress: Beursplein 1 Amsterdam
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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English
Dutch
German
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4 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
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