Nieuwmarkt Square: Our most recommended tours and activities

Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour

1. Amsterdam Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour

Discover how and why Amsterdam developed its reputation for liberal attitudes towards sex and drugs on a tour of the Red Light District. Learn about the district from a local perspective, and discover the locations of several coffee shops, including the first coffee shop in Amsterdam. Starting near the heart of the Red Light District, you'll explore the famous streets, alleys, and canals that are home to the city's iconic red-lit windows. Your guide will provide an interesting and informative commentary on the history and culture of the area. Next, learn about the legalization of prostitution and the challenges that sex workers face today. Stroll into the atmospheric streets of the Red Light District. Explore the small shops and restaurants of Chinatown, and walk down some of the city’s narrowest streets. Finally, experience the unique and fascinating culture of Amsterdam's Red Light District as you hear explanations about the coffee shop culture, prostitution, political issues, and history.

Amsterdam: Anne Frank Walking Tour in German or English

2. Amsterdam: Anne Frank Walking Tour in German or English

Get to know one of the most important facets of the city and immerse yourself in the World War II history, current affairs and culture of the Jews of Amsterdam with an experienced German or English-speaking guide. The Jews, expelled by the Spanish Inquisition, transformed Amsterdam into one of the wealthiest commercial cities in Europe and thereby influenced the cityscape significantly. This is how the Jodenbuurt was founded with its most well-known part the Jewish Triangle. The tour will take you through this area with interesting stories and illustrate why it was especially this piece of land that the Jews wanted to inhabit. Not only Jews settled here. Non-Jews like the famous painter Rembrandt van Rijn also had their domicile in the middle of the Jewish quarter.  But even in Amsterdam, Jewish history is not just about success and good life. The strong discrimination experienced by the Jews by the Nazi Germans also ended in Amsterdam with the Holocaust during World War II.  Learn about the young and courageous Anne Frank, who was one of the Jews hiding not to get deported. While hiding she wrote her famous diary. Her diary will accompany the tour and exemplify the grief the Jewish community had to undergo. Thousands of people were deported and hardly anyone came back. But not all Amsterdammers wanted to accept this. Learn about the February Strike in 1941, but above all: explore the courageous resistance by Jews and non-Jews, who saved many lives while endangering their own.  Pass by the Portuguese synagogue on the tour and see important testimonies such as Stolpersteine, the gate of the old plague cemetery and monuments commemorating the courageous resistance of the Third Reich and World War II.  Also, discover how the Jewish community lives today in multicultural Amsterdam. Join this tour to explore the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam during World War II and today, while following the moving story of Anne Frank.

Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in German or English

3. Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour in German or English

Discover Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District on a fun tour with a German OR English guide. Learn how much on average a prostitute earns per night, how many customers they have per shift, and which sexual acts pay the largest sums. Additionally discover the history of coffeeshops in Amsterdam, what the political situation around them looks like and how coffeeshops in Amsterdam are regarded both a blessing and a curse for the city. Choose the small-group tour with no more than 4 people that goes right into the center of the Red Light District, or opt for a public tour that tells the story of the Red Light District, visits some of its highlights, and explores other famous hotspots in the LGBTQ part of the Red Light District, Chinatown and the harbor. Red Light District Tour and Highlights Enter the heart of the Red Light District with a maximum group of 4 people plus your guide (small-group tour) or in a group of maximum 15 people (public tour). The tour highlights all the positive as well as negative aspects of the Amsterdam Red Light District, taking a critical perspective. From the National Monument on Dam Square go to Warmoestraat, one of the most famous gay streets in Amsterdam. Pass the Condomerie, a fun condom store and learn about Amsterdams contraception history. Then, go further into the heart of the district to the Prostitution Information Center (PIC) where former prostitutes are dedicated to educational work and are trying to dispel prejudices about prostitution. Directly opposite lies the Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam and probably the only church in the world which is surrounded by prostitution. Discover more about the process of negotiations between customers and prostitutes, about their income and expenses, prices, room rental and taxes, but also about the women's security. Dive into the Red Light District’s origins and visit the harbor, the reason the red light district came about. Catch a photo opportunity in front of the “dancing houses,” one of the most picturesque spots in Amsterdam. Learn more about the history and politics of the coffeeshop business in Amsterdam, how it was established, what issues the city has to tackle and what the future of coffeeshops in Amsterdam may look like. This tour does not include an inside visit of a coffeeshop. You will get the chance to explore them at your own pace after the tour if you wish. Equip yourself with recommendations from your guide on how to keep exploring the Red Light District at your own pace. Get tips on visiting a 70s peepshow, which you can experience on your own after the tour.

Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour

4. Amsterdam: Red Light District Tour

Join this 2-hour walking tour and discover a unique insight into the Red Light District. Learn about the history of the Red Light District as you wander through the historical Old Town of Amsterdam. Explore the district and learn about its history, culture, and the daily life of its inhabitants. We'll start by exploring the area's famous red-lit windows and neon signs, learning about the legal and cultural aspects of the trade. Visit some of the district's hidden gems, including historic buildings and cultural landmarks that often go unnoticed by visitors. Throughout the tour your guide will provide you with insightful information about the district, offering a deeper understanding of this unique and often misunderstood neighborhood. As you stroll through the district's narrow streets and alleys, your guide will share fascinating stories and anecdotes about the district's past and present, including its more recent controversies. See the oldest building in Amsterdam, the canals, and beautiful old houses. While inside the Red Light District, your guide will walk you through its many alleys. Wander along the narrowest street in Amsterdam and see the first coffee shop. Finally, your tour will end at the Dam Square.

Amsterdam: Red Light District and Local Pub Tour

5. Amsterdam: Red Light District and Local Pub Tour

Discover infamous Red Light District of Amsterdam with a knowledgeable guide. Explore the district's narrow streets and learn about some of the oldest pubs of the city. Finish the tour with a rest at a traditional local pub. Meet your guide in central Amsterdam. Get a comprehensive overview of the history of the city. Start in the Old Town District and Amsterdam's Chinatown. Here your guide will tell you about the history of the city and about some of the city's oldest pubs. Hear stories and take a look inside famous pubs like t' Aepjen and t' Mandje. Continue to the center of the Red Light District where your guide will tell you everything about the sex work industry, peep shows, and the history of the Amsterdam Red Light District. Find many curiosities, like the narrowest street of Amsterdam, famous coffee shops, an indoor prostitution street, and many "smartshops." Hear what it's like to work as a prostitute in the Red Light District and find out about liberal laws. Walk to Dam Square where the tour will end. On your way to this area you'll see some of the last sights of the tour, like the Condomerie, the Royal Palace, and the Dam Square. Finish the tour with a rest at a traditional local pub.

Amsterdam Small-Group Walking Tour

6. Amsterdam Small-Group Walking Tour

On this tour, you will hear stories that you would never hear otherwise. With an expert guide, you will experience the history of this city, from its start as a muddy village on the River Amstel, to how it became the most important trading city in Europe. From the wild history of prostitution and drug decriminalization to the tragedy of Anne Frank’s story and the Nazi occupation. The aim of this unique tour is to give you the perfect introduction to the city. After the tour, you will have all the time you want to explore further with fellow travelers. Whether you visit one of Amsterdam’s famous museums or check out the cafés and bars of the Jordaan District, this tour will help you to get your bearings in this often confusing city and allow you to make the most out of your stay here.

Amsterdam: Red Light District Exclusive Night Tour

7. Amsterdam: Red Light District Exclusive Night Tour

Join this 2-hour walking tour through the Red Light District of Amsterdam after dark. At night the Red Light District truly comes alive. Only then can you experience this famous district at its most charming. Learn all about the culture and history of the Red Light District and the Old Town area. Discover how and why Amsterdam developed its reputation for liberal attitudes towards sex and drugs and see everything that the area has to offer. See the oldest building in Amsterdam, the canals, and beautiful old houses. You'll also explore the small shops and restaurants of Chinatown, the Condomerie, and the Royal Palace. Admire the Old Church, the oldest building in Amsterdam, and see many sights such as the narrowest street in Amsterdam, the city's first coffeeshop, several smart shops, and an indoor prostitute street. You'll come away from this tour more educated about the culture, political issues, and history of this famous area.

Amsterdam: Walking Tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch

8. Amsterdam: Walking Tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch

For the cheese lovers, this 2.5-hour tour is the perfect way to enjoy Amsterdam. Hear the stories not commonly included in the guidebooks and go beneath the surface of the city with the help of an English or Spanish-speaking guide.  Highlights of this tour include: the first Stock Exchange in the World, a walk through Dam Square with its National Monument and Royal Palace, close to the Red Light District, the Chinese neighbourhood and Jewish Quarter, Flower Market, Dam Square, and a walk past the Royal Palace or Begijnhof.   And in the end, you will enjoy the Dutch pancake menu in a very nice restaurant with typical Dutch dishes in the city center. From the wild history of prostitution and drug decriminalization to the tragedy of Anne Frank’s story and Nazi occupation, the aim of this tour is to give you a perfect introduction to this city. Whether you visit one of Amsterdam’s famous museums or check out the cafés and bars of the Jordaan District, this tour will help you to get your bearings in this unique city and allow you to make the most out of your stay here.

Amsterdam: Private Red Light District and Food Tour

9. Amsterdam: Private Red Light District and Food Tour

Explore Amsterdam's notorious Red Light District and learn about Dutch food culture on this 2-hour private tour. Start at the Amsterdam Central Station to meet your tour guide. Walk to the Red Light District and see several well-known sights like the Old Church, China Town, the city's first coffee shop and the narrowest street of Amsterdam. Listen to your knowledgeable, local guide as they provide you with an educational insight to the area and its coffee shop culture. Also, hear about Dutch law and the legalization of prostitution and toleration of marijuana. Learn about Dutch food culture, what locals eat and what the traditional Dutch snacks are. Taste 3 Dutch foods, such as a kroket, Dutch cheese and the famous stroopwafel. End your day at Dam Square.

Small-Group Walking Tour with Amsterdam Canal Cruise

10. Small-Group Walking Tour with Amsterdam Canal Cruise

From the meeting point at Beursplein square, start the walking tour of the main central attractions with your expert guide. Hear stories you’d never hear otherwise and experience the history of this city. From its start as a muddy village on the River Amstel, to the wild history of prostitution and drug decriminalization, to the tragedy of Anne Frank and Nazi occupation, the aim is to give you a perfect introduction to Amsterdam. At the end of the walking tour, your guide will let you know where to take the selected cruise boat to continue touring the city’s iconic canal routes. On board, relax and take in the memorable sights that surround you. You can’t truly experience the city without getting to know its waterways, and on this cruise you will see the main canals, the Amstel River, and the famous seven bridges. Whether you visit one of Amsterdam's famous museums or check out the cafés and bars of the Jordaan District, this tour will help you get your bearings in this often confusing city and allow you to make the most out of your stay here.

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What people are saying about Nieuwmarkt Square

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 144 reviews

Very informative ! Very pleasant care! Very highly recommended. Have not had such positive experiences with other offices. Highly recommended for other topics as well. Everything that is possible is made possible. Individual wishes for tours are also taken into account and implemented.

Ben was a great host - the game was challenging enough to require some thought but not too difficult for us to give up. Most importantly, we saw lots of Amsterdam as we were doing it! Recommended.

Very nice and competently guided tour with interesting content, also beyond the life of Anne Frank. Recommended.

Super nice city guide in Amsterdam. Very informative and exciting story. Top!

One of the best tour I have ever experienced… thank you