Amsterdam Walking Tour — History & Heritage & Hidden Gems (3.2 km)
Amsterdam's Hidden History: A Premium Walking Tour
Walking Distance
3.2 km
Estimated Duration
~5 hours 25 minutes
Total Stops
6
locations
Your Walking Route
START
Oude Kerk Amsterdam
Stop 1
END
Anne Frank House
Stop 6
Tour Highlights
Interests Covered
Tour Features
Delve into the captivating history of Amsterdam with this meticulously crafted walking tour. We'll journey through the heart of the city, uncovering hidden gems and architectural marvels that whisper tales of resilience, ingenuity, and artistic expression. From the oldest church in Amsterdam to a clandestine Catholic church hidden in an attic, this tour unveils layers of the city's past, offering a unique perspective beyond the typical tourist trail. Prepare to be transported through time as we explore royal grandeur, serene courtyards, and poignant memorials, painting a vivid picture of Amsterdam's enduring spirit.
Map shows numbered stops along your walking route
Get This Complete Walking Tour
Unlock complete details, insider tips, opening hours, and turn-by-turn directions for all 6 stops.
One-time purchase • Instant access • $2.99
Want to see the route first?
Preview Route in Google Maps (Read-Only)View the walking route on Google Maps • Purchase for full tour details
Tour Overview
Preview - First Stop ShownWelcome to the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's 'Old Church,' a stunning medieval landmark and a defiant survivor in the heart of the Red Light District. Prepare to be amazed as we step inside the city's oldest building, a place where history, art, and a touch of the unexpected collide.
What to Experience
Don't miss the breathtaking wooden vaulted ceiling, one of Europe's finest examples, and Rembrandt's wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, is buried here – look for her memorial plaque. The ornate pipe organ is a masterpiece, and if you're lucky, you might catch a rehearsal. Take your time to wander through the churchyard, now a public square, and absorb the atmosphere.
History & Background
Consecrated in 1306, the Oude Kerk has witnessed Amsterdam's transformation from a small fishing village to a global powerhouse. It originally served as a Catholic church but was seized during the Reformation in 1578 and converted to a Calvinist Protestant church. Imagine the sounds of sermons echoing through these very walls for centuries!
Insider Tip
Look closely at the floor tiles – they're actually gravestones! Many prominent Amsterdammers are buried beneath your feet, a somber reminder of the church's long history. Try to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds.
Did You Know?
Believe it or not, the Oude Kerk's tower used to serve as a watchtower, keeping an eye out for fires and potential enemies approaching the city. Imagine the view from up there!
Opening Hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- + more days...
Contact
020 625 8284Website
Visit websiteAccessibility
✓Wheelchair accessible
✓Accessible entrance
Walk to Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
2 mins • 0.1 km
Leaving the Oude Kerk, turn right and walk along Oudekerksplein. At the end of the square, turn left onto Oudekennissteeg. Our next stop is just a short walk down this street.
More Locations in This Tour
5 additional stops included in the complete tour
Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Toastable
Begijnhof
Anne Frank House
Ready to Explore Amsterdam?
Get complete details, insider tips, opening hours, and turn-by-turn directions for all 6 stops.
$2.99 • One-time purchase • Instant access • Lifetime availability
Explore More Walking Tours
Discover self-guided tours in other cities and countries