Skip to content
Daily Tours

Amsterdam Legends & History Guided Walking Tour

5.0(46)AmsterdamFree cancellation

About this activity

Every city has its legends. Amsterdam has hundreds. Some are based on real events. Others grew with every generation that retold them. During this walking tour, you'll discover how history and folklore became intertwined, and why these stories still shape the city today. Together with one of our local guides, you'll explore more than ten remarkable locations in Amsterdam's historic centre, including the Begijnhof, the House with the Bloodstains and Dam Square. Unlike traditional storytelling tours, we don't stop at the legend. Drawing on years of research in archives, old newspapers and historical collections, we compare myth with historical evidence. Sometimes the legend is closer to the truth than you might expect. Sometimes reality turns out to be even more remarkable. During the tour you can also play our Urban Legend Bingo, spotting clues hidden in both the stories and the city around you. Join us and discover the Amsterdam that history books don't tell on their own.

Highlights

    What's included

    • Guided walking tour with professional local guide
    • Snacks
    • A unique souvenir
    • Urban Legend bingo card

    Not included

      Itinerary

      1. Amstel River

        For the first stretch of our journey, we follow the Amstel River, where the city’s dark and mysterious past lingers along its banks. As we walk, we’ll pass beautiful historic landmarks linked to a couple urban legends.

        20 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      2. Rembrandt Square

        At Rembrandtplein, elegance meets intrigue. Here, we share a story of a royal visitor whose presence stirred the city—and how a nearby tower holds the key to a legend about Amsterdam’s very beginnings.

        10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      3. Mint Tower

        We pass one of Amsterdam's former city gates, where you'll hear the oldest legend of the tour. It has a surprising connection to a traditional Amsterdam sweet that you'll get to taste.

        5 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      4. De Bijenkorf

        Our next stop is the Rasphuis Gate, one of the few remaining traces of Amsterdam's former correctional institution. Here, you'll discover the building's remarkable past and the surprising origin of a Dutch expression that is still used today.

        5 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      5. Next, we arrive at Spui, a lively square filled with cafes and restaurants, each with its own unique charm. Among them is one café that’s tied to a fascinating story.

        10 minutesAdmission free

      6. Begijnhof

        Our next stop is the Begijnhof, a peaceful, hidden courtyard with an interesting past. Here, we’ll uncover an eerie story about one of its former residents. You’ll also have time to explore the serene chapel, adding a moment of reflection to this mysterious stop.

        15 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      7. Rokin

        Next, we head to Rokin, a historic spot with not one, but two captivating stories. One of them, the Miracle of Amsterdam, dates back to the 13th century. This miraculous event not only shaped the city’s history but also turned Amsterdam into a renowned destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

        10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      8. Dam Square

        Dam Square, where history and legend intertwine. Here, you'll stand before the grand Royal Palace — once the city hall, now the royal residence — a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that has witnessed centuries of royal drama. Just across the square, the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) stands, its towering spire hiding an interesting tale.

        10 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

      Meeting point

      Meet your tour guide on the stunning 'Magere Brug. The guide is visibly wearing an 'Urban Legends City Quest' tote bag.

      The map shows Amsterdam. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

      Pickup

      • Everyone meets at the start point

      Drop-off

      • The final point of the tour is Dam Square.

      Know before you go

      • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
      • Service animals allowed
      • Public transportation options are available nearby
      • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
      • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
      • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
      • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
      • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
      • One per booking

      Cancellation and refunds

      For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

      If you cancelRefund
      At least 1 days before100%
      Between 0 and 1 days before0%
      • Cancelled and fully refunded if the weather makes it unsafe
      • Cancelled and fully refunded if too few travellers book
      Supplied by
      Urban Legends City Quest
      Product code
      415100P2

      Customer reviews

      5.0 · 46 reviews
      5.0
      46 reviews
      • 5 ★44
      • 4 ★2
      • 3 ★0
      • 2 ★0
      • 1 ★0

      Ratings from Viator 5.0 (1) · Tripadvisor 5.0 (45)

      You might also like

      More in Amsterdam

      From

      $22$20per person