The 6 Best Private History Tours in Amsterdam

1.Anne Frank and the Jewish History of Amsterdam Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 307 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Spend about three hours walking 2 kilometers through Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter and Plantage district with a private English-speaking guide such as Chris, Kaleigh, Guido, or Inbal. Visit memorials, hear about wartime Amsterdam, stop for Dutch apple pie and coffee or tea, and finish at Anne Frank House. Entry depends on ticket availability, with virtual reality offered when needed.

“This tour went way beyond our expectations. Kaleigh has a beautiful personality and has so much knowledge to share about the area’s history and the German occupation of Amsterdam. It was like getting a fascinating walk-through lecture from the best history teacher of all time. My two teenage girls fell in love with her and it felt like we gained a new family friend.”

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2.Private Boat Tour Amsterdam – 90 Min incl. welcome drink on historic saloon boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $265

You’ll cruise Amsterdam’s canals for 90 minutes on a private historic saloon boat, with a welcome drink, bottled water, and complimentary coffee or tea. Guides such as Carl, Robert, and Robertino tailor commentary to your interests, point out key sights, and share Dutch customs. Beer, wine, Champagne, and soft drinks are available from the minibar for an added cost.

“Fabulous - very relaxing and our guide was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. Highly recommended.”

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3.Amsterdam Private Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $156

Walk from Dam Square through Amsterdam’s historic center with a private English-speaking guide. You’ll see the Royal Palace, New Church, Begijnhof, Munttoren, Nieuwmarkt, Bloemenmarkt, and Spui, with time for local history, cheese tasting, fair-trade stories, and food tips near the Jordaan.

“Our private tour with Henk was fabulous! Henk is super knowledgeable about Amsterdam’s history and took us to historical sites/important landmarks that we definitely would have missed on our own. The walking tour also helped us get familiar with the layout of Amsterdam which helped us navigate the city a bit easier thereafter. Overall, it was a wonderful tour and I highly recommend it!”

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4.Historic Amsterdam 2-Hour Private Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 53 reviews · 2 hours

Start at Dam Square with a private English, German, or Dutch speaking guide, then walk or cycle through Amsterdam’s old center. You’ll see merchant houses, canals, the Red Light District, Begijnhof, the Flower Market, and Rembrandtplein. The standard tour lasts two hours, with longer options available by arrangement. Bike rental and drinks cost extra.

“Great walking tour of all of the highlights and history of Amsterdam!”

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5.Amsterdam: Private Pedicab Historical Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 2 hours

Ride through Amsterdam’s old center and canal ring in a private pedicab for two hours with local guide Bram de Haan. You’ll see Dam Square, Zeedijk, Chinatown, the Jewish quarter, the Skinny Bridge, the Amstel and Museumplein, with hotel pickup and historical explanations in English, Dutch or German.

“Awesome guide, very informative, we loved seeing different the neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It was a wonderful way to see Amsterdam and get a feel for the city!”

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6.Amsterdam: Private Anne Frank and Jewish History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 26 reviews · 3 hours · from $336

Spend three hours with a private guide tracing Amsterdam’s Jewish history, Nazi persecution, Dutch resistance, and Anne Frank’s story. Guides include Chris, Kayleigh, Kaleigh, and Inbal Tur-Shalom. The tour includes apple pie, a drink, and Anne Frank House tickets when booked early and tickets are available.

“Kaleigh is a knowledgeable, thoughtful, energetic guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her. Highly recommend this tour. We learned so much about WW2 and the resistance efforts in the Netherlands”

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