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Offered languages
- English
- Dutch
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet your tour guide on the stunning 'Magere Brug. The guide is visibly wearing an 'Urban Legends City Quest' tote bag.
The final point of the tour is Dam Square.
Itinerary
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1The Amstel
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Rembrandtplein
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Munt Tower (Munttoren)
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Rasphuispoort
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Spui
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Begijnhof
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Rokin
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 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Dam 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 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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