Private tour in Amsterdam Ian W

Red Light District & Old Amsterdam Private Tour

5.0

(47) reviews

-
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

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

Ian W.

5.0

Guide rating

191

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 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

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most fascinating neighborhoods, and for me, it has always been home. I was born and raised in Amsterdam, and my family has been part of the historic city center for generations. Together with my wife, I have been an entrepreneur in the Red Light District for more than 14 years. I am also one of the co-founders of the Business Investment Zone (BIZ) of the Burgwallen, giving me a unique insider’s perspective on the area and its transformation. During this tour, I share the history of Amsterdam and the Red Light District through personal stories, local experiences, and the changing face of the neighborhood. We explore the oldest part of Amsterdam and discover how trade, sailors, migration, and tolerance shaped the area from the 17th century until today. This is an honest and personal introduction to the Red Light District, beyond the stereotypes. Please note: due to city policy we do NOT pass by any active window brothels

Recent Reviews

Jeannie M.United States
August 2026

Ian knows his stuff. He gears the tour to his subjects….it’s not a cookie cutter event! It’s simply fabulous! My 2 college grandsons said that Ian gave the best 2 hour tour that they have ever been on! I agree! 🎉5 CHEERS for Ian!!

Leanne Lentz S.United States
June 2026

We (four older adults) had a great visit to the Red Light District that included a stop at Cacao and Spice, the shop owned by he and his wife, for a chocolate tasting (and buying - it was delicious). Ian has a lively personality and is full of interesting stories about the area. He was kind enough to drop off our chocolate purchases at our hotel later in the day so we would not have to carry our bags during the rest of our walking tour. I highly recommend this tour with Ian.

Maria Isabel B.Peru
June 2026

I booked this tour for my 2 adult sons and they enjoyed it so much !! Ian was an excellent host and very dedicated. He understood immediately what their interests were and tailored the visit. Highly recommended.

Nancy C.United States
July 2025

Simone substituted for Ian due to a medical emergency and we considered ourselves lucky indeed. She was a great guide with a depth of knowledge of Amsterdam and the Red Light District. As an entrepreneur and chocolatier, she invited us into her shop and taught us about chocolate making around the world. Highly recommend the Cacao & Spice experience. Thank you Simone!

Carter B.United States
October 2024

Ian was fantastic! Rich with history, stories and small treasures! I could have spent all day with him!

James J.United States
August 2024

Ian is an enthusiastic guide with an excellent knowledge base. We enjoyed our two hours with him. His English is excellent and his ability to compare and contrast his country with ours (USA) was interesting and appreciated. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in the history and current trends in Amsterdam.

Your Amsterdam tour itinerary

- Introduction to Amsterdam’s oldest and most historic neighborhood - How the area developed from a harbor district into one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world - How trade, sailors, migration, and international influences shaped the neighborhood - The origins of Amsterdam’s culture of tolerance and liberal reputation - Historic landmarks in the oldest part of the city - Current changes and transformation projects in the Red Light District - Insights into daily life as a local entrepreneur in the area - Visit to my wife’s specialty chocolate shop, located in a former window brothel and part of the neighborhood’s transformation Please note: due to city policy we do NOT pass by any active window brothels

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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking Tour

What's included
Other: - Visit to our own chocolate and spice store located in the heart of the Red Light District.
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses
Meeting location

Beursplein 5, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Beursplein 5. I will stand at the statue of the Wallstreet bull, in front of the stock exchange.

Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
164159
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, culture, and the unique transformation of the Red Light District. It's ideal for those who want to connect with a local like Ian W. for deeper insights into the area’s past and present.

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?

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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