Welcome to Amsterdam! This charmingly walkable Dutch city oozes centuries of character and history. A local guide is waiting to take you on a private Amsterdam tour to uncover the best the city has to offer.

With your guide you can walk canal-side on the streets of the city, seeing the historic sites, including the Van Gogh and Rijks Museums, Anne Frank House, and charming Jordaan district. Hop in a canal boat and see Amsterdam's unique architecture from the water.

Apart from seeing the main sights, our private tour guides can take you to their favorite coffee house, art gallery or local neighbourhood boutiques. A local guide knows the the most unusual spots that a traveler might not see without their help.

Choose a ToursByLocals guide and you will learn about the city's history, understand the intricacies of the canal system and experience the best of the city's cultural scene.

Amsterdam

We will stroll through the oldest part of town, the red light district and the canal area. We'll walk through the centuries and will hit many special points of interest. You will experience and enjoy the unique history of Amsterdam and the effects on our lives it still has today. We'll visit sights that played a big role in the 16 th century Reformation and how freedom of religion was conceived in Europe. You will see the places where Henry Hudson set sail to discover unclaimed territory in North America and where Rembrandt created famous paintings. We'll also hit spots in town where modern day capitalism was conceived. While strolling along the canals and their beautiful canal homes, we'll discover wonderful stories about 17th en 18th century entrepreneurs and their families. On our way, you'll learn how to move around town. Where to have a great meal. Where to chill in our great "brown cafés" and taste our wonderful jenevers and liqueurs.

I am a storyteller. Are you ready to hear my Amsterdam stories

Let's discover the best sites in Amsterdam in 4 hours

Highlights of Amsterdam Private Walking Tour

I'll pick you up from your hotel. Zoom in the quiet electric car over some backroads and I'll explain all about the history of tulip growing in The Netherlands. I know where the most beautiful flower fields are. There we stop so you can take pictures.

You have approx. 2, 5-hours leisure time to fully enjoy KEUKENHOF tulip garden at your own pace.
There is time for 1 extra stops, before your visit Keukenhof. Let me know what you like to see!

Customize your private Keukenhof tour!
- Dairy farm, Gouda cheese &amp; Clogs
- Windmills in Dutch country side
- Ride bicycle through the tulip fields (€10 per bicycle, not included)
- Flight over the tulip fields (upon request)
- Delft pottery factory (€10 pp, not included
- Cruquius steam pumping station, how Dutch live below sea level (€10 p. p. , not included)
- or a personal request.

TIP: Choose a (late) start at 12:30pm and avoid the crowds at Keukenhof and traffic jams.
This way the flowers are even more enjoyable!

* Ticket Keukenhof included

Keukenhof gardens &amp; tulip fields. Including skip-the-line ticket!

Keukenhof 2025 - Customized Private Tour

We start with a sightseeing car drive through the historical centre of Amsterdam, with its unique architecture, beautiful canals and countless bridges. Whenever you want, we park the car and go for a nice stroll!

A visit to one of Amsterdam's museums (eg. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank) is optional.

From Amsterdam, we follow a scenic countryside road to visit the historical towns Marken, De Rijp and Edam (famous for it's cheese). A car drive through the Beemster and Schermer polder (reclaimed land) including a visit inside a 400 year old windmill is also on the program!

Next, we drive to the old city of Haarlem. We will visit the famous Grote Markt square (with the impressive St. Bavo Church), see many beautiful monumental buildings and walk through charming old shopping streets. If you wish we can visit the Frans Hals or the Teylers Museum.

From Haarlem we follow a countryside road back to Amsterdam with a brief stop at pittoresque Spaarndam (Remember "Hans Brinker, or the silver skates"?!)

This daytour can also be combined with a visit to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens: open from March 23 till May 14 2023.

Transportation in a premium luxury sedan (Lexus LS 600hL) for up to 3 people is included in all tour prices. For bigger groups (4-8) I will rent a Mercedes van at additional charge. Please contact me for a quotation.

City & Countryside Tour by premium luxury car

Amsterdam & Surroundings Private Tour

When we think of Amsterdam, the typical photos of its hanging houses, canals (Unesco World Heritage), its cobblestone streets, its bicycles, and tolerance come to mind.
Amsterdam is an exquisite mix of factors that undoubtedly leave no one indifferent. Amsterdam has everything for all tastes, if you like culture here you have almost 60 museums, if you like the night this is also your place, but if instead your thing is walking or sports, don't hesitate in Amsterdam, the bicycles will suit you. I invite you to discover with me the best of Amsterdam, culture, traditions, secrets, stories and factors that make it unique in the world.
Discover Amsterdam beyond the usual.

Let's discover together the secrets of Amsterdam!

Amsterdam Highlights Private Tour

A walk through the heart of the historical city, walk through charming area's not yet discovered by mass tourism. And see all the highlights of Amsterdam.

I will tell you all about the Amsterdam history, and see all the highlights like the Rembrandt house, royal palace, red light district and canals.

Experience the city as a local, get to know the history and hear about the Dutch way of living!

See the best of the city with private guide, exclusive and customized 2.1/2 hour tour

What makes this tour different? In this tour, you will not visit the crowded touristy places. If you want to see the real Dutch countryside, then this is the tour you should do. I will only show you villages where the locals still welcome you with a smile and a greeting.

The village Broek is just a stone's throw away from Amsterdam but what a difference! Marken is a former island in the Southersea where most of the houses are built from wood. The village De Rijp has beautifully restored 17th century houses, all bear witness to the style and glory of the past steeped in a long tradition of whaling fleets and herring fishing.

The Beemster polder is an absolute miracle. The draining of this lake in 1612 is a shining example of how the Dutch "created" large areas of their country.

In Schermerhorn we will visit a windmill from 1632! (not open on Mondays)

If you want, we can visit a cheesefarm/ woodenshoe maker near Monnickendam.

Non-touristy villages and windmills

Countryside tour full day

My tour gives in the first place a wide orientation on the city of Amsterdam.
It show the places that most travellers do not come! We'll avoid the crowds!
We will see the seventeenth century canal belt area, the medieval city, RijksMuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Anne Frank House and more WW2 history.
The tour is a combination of driving by van and making short walks.
My small group tours are an ideal way to escape the large group tours and explore the Dutch countryside in a more intimate way. We will visit small, picturesque villages North of Amsterdam where the big busses are not even allowed to drive.
Edam, Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam and Marken are always delightful and authentic.
If you are interested in a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijks Museum or Rembrandt House we can end the tour here. From that point on it is easy to discover the city on your own.
We will see all the city highlights and the hidden gems of the countryside.
So in four hours you can see a lot of Amsterdam.

Easy going half day tour: Amsterdam, Broek in Waterland, Monnickendam, Marken, Volendam, Edam.

Amsterdam and Countryside by van

Join me for an exclusive, private tour of the Vincent Van Gogh Museum; home to one of the world's most impressive collections of works by this master of post-impressionism. 

As an artist myself, I am passionate about Van Gogh's use of vivid colors and expressive brush strokes to evoke deep emotions.

Living in Amsterdam allows me to share this passion with you and provide unique insights into his works. No boring commentary here!  Its a fun and engaging  introduction, meeting Vincent the Mastermind and his legacy into today's art, in a non complicated way! 

*Please not that a later visit avoids the crowds, thats why there is no morning times. Please request in advance alternative times.

Welcome to My Amsterdam!

Museum entrance fee and administration costs

 A quintessential museum guide that re-introduces Art and Vincent, in a non-formal but engaging way! 

Best Van Gogh Museum Tour with an Artist

Anne Frank & Jewish History - Amsterdam Walking Tour

The Jewish history of Amsterdam started at the end of the Middle Ages and left its cultural heritage all over the city. Even the German occupation in the Second World War and the Holocaust couldn't destroy this heritage. The influence of Jewish thinkers, architects and artists can still be found in modern day Amsterdam.

On this tour we will walk through Amsterdam looking for the remnants of the Jewish culture and religion. Most of the jews in Amsterdam assimilated in Dutch culture without losing their connection to their ancient beliefs. The jews of Amsterdam nicknamed the city as Mokum. Mokum means city of God in Hebrew and the people of Amsterdam are still proud if this nickname and consider themselves Mokummers. The most famous Mokummer is Anne Frank.

She stands as a symbol for the Holocaust both in Amsterdam and in the world, a symbol of hope. We can still hear her voice through her famous diary. We will visit these places and the monuments during our tour.

Namenmonument: a huge monument designed by Daniel Liebeskind with 104.000 stones. Each stone has the name of a Dutch jew murdered in the Holocaust

The representation of every name of the murdered Jews on the Namenmonument is a very concrete way to commemorate the death. The monument also has an abstract level which we will discover during our tour.

The Auschwitz Monument in Amsterdam filled up with flowers just after the commemoration of Auschwitz Liberation Day. The Dutch artist Jan Wolkers designed this monument which consists of broken mirrors. The broken mirrors represent on an abstract level the reflection of the destroyed innocence of men after Auschwitz.

De Magere brug or Skinny Bridge on the Amstel River. This bridges in Amsterdam were an important tool in making the Ghetto (secluded area for Jews) in the first phase of the Holocaust. The bridges were used as checkpoints to control the people of Amsterdam. The bridges were no longer a symbol of connection, but now they became a symbol of separation.

Portuguese Synagogue and the Dokwerker Statue on Remembrance Day of the 1941 February Strike.

Let's walk through Jewish Amsterdam in the footsteps of Anne Frank.

Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam tour with your own art historian, TBL's no 1 guide in the Netherlands

Visit the two best visited art museums in Amsterdam with your own private art historian: Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. I teach art history since 1995 and have a lot of experience in guiding in the best museums in Holland and Europe.

No audiotour with headphones, but a living expert who you can ask anything you want! I will share your love for art, teach you about artists and styles, I will show you beautiful details, tell interesting stories and will let you feel the history.

PLEASE NOTE: all my tours are CUSTOM MADE. We can add more hours, private transportation, extra places to visit, do a city walk/private canal cruise, whatever you would like to see, eat, or do. Please tell me your preferences and I'll prepare the perfect tour for you.

4 hours private tour with time tickets for two museums and taxes included.

Attention: children under 18 can visit these museums FOR FREE, but still need tickets. Please book for adults only but contact me for free Under 18 Tickets.

Per person cost for skip the line tickets for Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum and taxes included. 

Please note that time tickets can be sold out for a certain day or time. I will contact you to discuss an alternative. 

4 hours private museum tour Amsterdam with fast line tickets included (1-10 people)

My 3 hour private walking tour gives you the opportunity to discover Amsterdam. Besides the old town we visit Dam square and you experience our world famous canal district. Admire the former houses of the rich merchants and take pictures on scenic bridges.

And there is so much more to see because as a resident of Amsterdam I like to show you the less known places. I love local products with a nice story and buildings and places with a special history.
As with all of my tours I individualize each tour based on what YOU want to see. During this tour there is an option to taste local delicacies or I give you suggestions for the best local shops.

I will tell you about the history of Amsterdam, from the earliest origin, the 17th Century and the influence on our life nowadays. After my tour you will not only know more about Amsterdam and its inhabitants. If you like I can also give you recommendations for places to visit, restaurants, shops and public transport.

A complete introduction to the city!

Three Hour Tour - History and life nowadays: city overview with Yvonne

Private walking tour Amsterdam

One of the most lovely things to do is driving the car at the countryside while listening to beautiful music! In this personalized trip tour we wilI do so and make the day from the start till the end an amazing experience! My "James Bond car" takes us everywhere we want and brings us to amazing areas.

Meanwhile I will tell you about my life as a pianist, a teacher and a mother. And how Amsterdam is a city of freedom and tolerance. After showing you the courtyard from 1919 where I Iive we hit the road. Since 5 years working as a guide I developed a great pleasure and passion to make sure that all the details that makes a tour perfect are arranged.

Of course I share nice anecdotes, historical and funny stories. For 40 years I've been living in Amsterdam - a year in Paris and Spain - and visited the countryside, often to play the piano at castles or amazing houses, but as well climbing up a windmill and talking to the locals whom always are proud to tell about their craft. For sure it will be unforgettable!

Discover the windmills, fishing villages, a castle and or the tulip fields, Private Tour from Amsterdam

See the authentic Dutch countryside and visit Delft and Haarlem with a local guide

Hidden Treasures: Amsterdam Half Day Private Walking Tour

Quaint canals, narrow alleys, gabled houses, aroma of coffee shops (in all senses of the word), the forbidden attractions of the Red Light District and the charm of the flower market. Secret courtyards, surprising tales, atmospheric cafes.

There is a story under every brick, a treasure waiting to be discovered.
Amsterdam is a city like no other. Join me in exploring it as locals know it, see the attractions and the hidden gems. The three hour walking tour is designed to introduce you to a strange city so that get to know it as a close friend.

Every nook and corner of Amsterdam is beautiful

Explore the mysteries and delights of Amsterdam with a private guide

Private walk setting you up for succes in Amsterdam

Walking around Amsterdam is like stepping into history without even opening a book or seeing a map. It is my greatest pleasure to tell guests about all the lovely and quirky bits of life in Amsterdam. I take equal pride in sharing the stories of how this city grew to be the wealthiest spot on the map during its peak. The Dutch are like ants: everywhere! The at-times dark stories of trading every inch of the globe made Amsterdam and The Netherlands an important part of the world you know today.

Travelers are open to new impressions, and spending time with a local just makes it that more interesting.

A very entertaining and educational walk in real life history

Amsterdam First Time Visitor Private Tour

If you are new in the city or you suddenly have spare time to explore the city I give you an introduction. The rise and also fall of the Dutch Empire in the 17th century (The 'Golden' Age), the 17th century buildings, the immigrants, the connection with the sea and beyond, etcetera.

Amsterdam is beautiful and Amsterdam is fantastic! Are you new, do you just want to explore the city or you didn't had time to read the brochures? Be my guest.

Amsterdam has a fascinating history, unlike other European cities. Many stories to tell. After my tour you will see the city with different eyes.

During our walk along iconic places I tell you in an understandable way (with Amsterdam humor) about the history and background of the city. The general history completed with anecdotes.

After our tour you will see Amsterdam with different eyes!

Half day tour, Zaanse Schans, Windmills tour

Zaanse Schans is an open air museum and preservation area full of traditional architecture, Dutch handicrafts and culture. By the banks of the Zaan River we ll see 17th, 18th, 19th century windmills, charming wooden houses and a number of workshops and museums. I will tell you all about the history and purposes of the mills, and the role of the water in the financial and living development. We ll visit a functioning windmill where you can view the whole area and the iconic Dutch landscape, a great spot for impressive photos! We cannot skip a visit to a cheese shop and see skilled artisans making the traditional wooden clogs. We ll have the time for a little break for coffee, refreshments and souvenir shopping. The tour will end with our return to the Hotel.
Join me in this truly authentic Dutch experience!

I provide private transportation with a professional driver for comfort and safety

Zaanse schans tours

Explore with 358 tours and 51 guides.

Bart V.

$ 530 (USD)

Stefka W.

$ 1,113 (USD)

Eric N.

$ 909 (USD)

Diana P.

$ 383 (USD)

Jolijn K.

$ 314 (USD)

Vincent A.

$ 949 (USD)

Hans L.

$ 549 (USD)

Dina

$ 279 (USD)

Marten K.

$ 371 (USD)

Walda B.

$ 766 (USD)

Yvonne K.

$ 423 (USD)

Christa M.

$ 686 (USD)

Arunabha S.

$ 274 (USD)

Louke S.

$ 377 (USD)

Adriaan B.

$ 337 (USD)

Laura Maria M.

$ 682 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Zaanse schans

Customize your tour