Private tour in Amsterdam Ian W

The Changing Red Light District Private Tour

5.0

(11) reviews

-
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

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

3 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 changing fast due to a big project of the city council of Amsterdam. The city created this project to regenerate the old city center of Amsterdam, an area previously known for its window brothels and coffeeshops. During this informative tour of 2 hours I will take you around the former Red Light District and explain you all the pro's and con's of this project. My wife and I were some of the first new entrepeneurs that were allowed to take over a window brothel, to find a new function for it. Definitely not a boring tour: hear the story behind the story, get to know Amsterdam like never before. This tour is not allowed at night. Please note: due to city policy we will NOT pass by any active window brothels

Recent Reviews

David D.United States
September 2025

Ian mixed strong knowledge and sincere passion to provide us a great tour experience. He loves the subject matter and provides a very candid description of his country, its history and the area visited--for all its good and its challenges. We would recommend Ian to others.

Heidi G.United States
April 2024

Ian has the perfect mix of reverence, humor, and knowledge. We absolutely loved this tour. Aside from our tour, Ian gave us fabulous tips for the rest of our stay. If you want a true character of Amsterdam take a tour with Ian.

Hildegarde C.United States
December 2023

We had a fantastic tour with our guide, IAN and The Changing Red Light District. This is the second time I have toured with Ian's family. From start to finish, the afternoon could not have gone better! We all learned a lot and had a great time too. I highly recommend him. He is so knowledgeable and kind that you'll absolutely benefit from your time together!

Tamara C.United States
September 2022

Ian was an outstanding tour guide. He was engaging and very knowledgeable. Our "Behind the Scenes" tour of the Red Light District was quite amusing, but very educational too. We learned the in depth history on how it became such an infamous district, and more recently, how the city's new mayor plans to restructure and revitalize the entire area. I would highly recommend Ian.

Alice B.United States
August 2022

Ian was a great guide. He was recommended to us and he did not disappoint. He was very knowledgeable, interesting and really geared the tour to our interests. We loved his stories and his excitement. One of the best tour guides we have had in all our travels.

Rosa O.United States
July 2019

Very knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend Ian for those wanting to tour the Red Light District.

Your Amsterdam tour itinerary

My usual start location is Beursplein nr 5, if your hotel is located within the old city center (1012 zip code) I can meet you in the lobby of your hotel. During this tour we will walk within an area of roughly 1 km2 where I will show you all of Amsterdam's old city center: the Red Light District. I will introduce you to old and new businesses, and will tell you everything about the history of the area. We can visit my store, where we take some time to sit down and you can ask everything you'd like to know. I will introduce you to other 'pioneers' in the Red Light District who started new types of businesses in former window brothels. Please note: due to city policy we will NOT pass by any active window brothels

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Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking Tour

What's included
Other: - Visit to my store
Meeting location

Beursplein 5, Amsterdam, Netherlands

In front of Beursplein 5. I will be waiting for you at the statue of the Wallstreet Bull.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Off The Beaten Path
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
199132
Languages
Dutch
English
Activity level
Minimal

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 the history and transformation of the Red Light District. It's ideal for those who want to learn about the area's regeneration and meet local entrepreneurs who are part of this change. It's also great for anyone looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights into Amsterdam's evolving culture.

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 this private tour in Amsterdam suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

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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