Private tour in Amsterdam Ian W

Private Old City Center + Chocolate Tasting

5.0

(6) reviews

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Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

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Ian W.

5.0

Guide rating

191

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

I was born in Amsterdam and give tours/work in tourism since I was 17 . When I was young I started working as an actor, after which I travelled and worked in several countries. During my travels I've worked as a tour guide in Brasil, Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands. Making people enthusiastic about my town is one of my specialties. Every tour is an adventure, with 100% customer satisfaction. Over the years I have given tours and made custom programs for budget travellers , students, families, businesses and some of the most famous and influential people on the planet. I love to connect with travellers from all walks of a life. - MY SPECIALTY I specialize in giving private tours in the old city center of Amsterdam (the Red Light District) and tours about the second world war and Jewish heritage in Amsterdam. - OLD CITY CENTER & RED LIGHT DISTRICT The Red Light District is one of the most diverse and tolerant neighborhoods in the world, but it has a bad reputation. It somehow became my mission to show visitors the many beautiful sides of the oldest part of Amsterdam. This area has some of the best restaurants, bars, tasting rooms, museums, stores and nightlife of Amsterdam. - 5 STAR PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE I am a really well known 5* tour guide in the area, no tour is the same. Sometimes locals invite us inside, or we have a small cheese/chocolate tasting, or other adventure. It all depends on the wishes of the group. I mastered the talent of being able to adapt to the wishes of my groups. - ROOTS IN THE AREA My grandfather used to own one of the first bars in the old city center for black sailors. I love telling stories about multicultural Amsterdam (most multicultural city in the world and safest in Europe!), the 17th century, Red Light district as the old harbor area, second world war, tolerance towards religion, the Dutch soft drugs policy, prostitution and current changes in the neighborhood. - STORE OWNER Together with my wife (who is also a toursbylocals guide) I own a chocolate speciality shop at the oldest canal of Amsterdam. We can visit my chocolate shop during my tour. - SOME MORE ABOUT ME In Brasil I've worked with an indigenous tribe called the Pataxó, with my foundation Terra Nossa. Together we set up a lot of social, cultural and environmental programs, including a large reforestation project, which after 14 years is still run by the Pataxó tribe. My wife and me are co founders of the largest business investmentzone of the Netherlands, in the old city center of Amsterdam. We are involved in a lot of (creative and green) projects that benefit the area. -Certified Tour guide Amsterdam -Former relief worker travellers in need -Tour guide & host trainer -Tour developer -Destination developer -Local agent/destination manager - I don't guide in museums - I don't own a car but if necessary can arrange transfer. Do notice: public transport is pretty good arranged in Holland and usually cheaper.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ian W.

Overview of your Amsterdam tour

Enjoy a unique program, where you taste some of the best chocolates in the world, and see the Old City Center of Amsterdam. My wife and I both work as guides for ToursByLocals, we also own a chocolate specialty shop, located at the oldest canal of Amsterdam. The first part of the program we will walk through the Old City Center where I will show you this area like no other local can. This tour is an ideal mix of history, local hotspots, changes in the area and stories about the city that became the richest town in the world due to the trade in spices, and still has the largest cacao harbor in the world. Than I'll take you to the oldest canal of Amsterdam, for a private chocolate tasting (+- 20 min). My wife her shop is specialized in Single Origin and award winning chocolates. During the chocolate tasting you will taste different Single origin chocolates, learn about the connection of Amsterdam & cacao and how to taste chocolate in the best way.

Recent Reviews

Alan S.United States
May 2026

Ian gave us insight on the old city of Amsterdam that we had never experienced before. We have been to Amsterdam often, and saw things we had not seen before. His wife’s chocolate store was the perfect ending to this tour.

Tracy P.United States
June 2023

Ian was a fabulous guide! In addition to being very knowledgeable, he was easy going, kind, and flexible. He was able to bring alive the long history of Amsterdam, from the early sea faring days to WW2 to the present day. We highly recommend Ian, and look forward to one day taking another tour from him.

Darren P.United Kingdom
April 2022

Ian is a fantastic tour guide, friendly and engaging throughout providing great insight into the history of the red light district area and Amsterdam itself. It was fascinating to see the regeneration brought about by current social and environmental thinking breathing new life into the city. A particular highlight was the chocolate shop visit, not only as we got to taste some of the wonderful chocolate but also learning so much about the ethics of the industry. A great tour - highly recommended.

Pamela M.United States
July 2019

Ian was superb. 5/5. We adored him.

Linda G.United States
July 2019

Ian is a great tour guide with lots of very interesting stories along the way. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with him. I think this is a tour that should be a must for all those going to visit Amsterdam.

Scott H.Germany
October 2018

Recently home from a great weekend in Amsterdam. Traveled with a small group of friends. Selected a tour with Ian W. from being on a tour a few years ago. He was the only guide I wanted to contact for a tour. He is friendly and has good humor and really knows his information. Learned many of the secrets of the old Amsterdam and the Red Light area. Then a chocolate tasting of some very good quality in Cacao & Spice. The owner is lovely and passionate about her products. Highly recommend this tour!

Your Amsterdam tour itinerary

○ Private tour in the old city center (former Red Light) ○ Enjoy a chocolate tasting with Award winning single origin chocolates! ○ Learn about the story of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and how this influenced the world wide cuisine Please note: my wife, Salomé, offers a different version of this tour on the ToursByLocals platform. If you would like a shorter tour and a more extensive chocolate tasting, you can look up her profile.

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Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking.

What's included
Other: Single Origin Chocolate Tasting
Private Guide
Meeting location

Beursplein 5, Amsterdam, Netherlands

In front of Beursplein 5. I will be standing at the statue of the Wallstreet Bull, in front of the stock exchange.

Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Food And Drink
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
412971
Languages
Dutch
English
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Amsterdam best suited for?

This private tour in Amsterdam is perfect for travellers interested in history, local culture, and chocolate. It's ideal for those who want to explore the Old City Center and enjoy a unique chocolate tasting experience. Connecting with a local like Ian W. offers deeper insights into the city's rich history and its connection to cacao.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Amsterdam be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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