Amsterdam Golden Age and Zaanse Schans Daily Walking Tour

Amsterdam’s Golden Age and Zaanse Schans Daily Walking Tour is an enriching experience that immerses visitors in the city’s captivating past and the traditional charm of Dutch village life. Over the course of eight hours, travelers explore Amsterdam’s iconic canals, unique architecture, and the historical significance of the region’s liberal policies. The tour then ventures to the picturesque Zaanse Schans, where guests can witness craft workshops, cheese factories, and the iconic windmills that have shaped the Netherlands’ cultural identity. With expert guides leading the way in various languages, this tour promises an insightful journey that leaves one eager to uncover more about Amsterdam’s remarkable heritage.

Good To Know

• This 8-hour walking tour offers an immersive experience in Amsterdam’s historical charm, including its policies on prostitution and drugs, as well as the city’s iconic canal system.
• Visitors will explore the traditional Dutch village of Zaanse Schans, where they can experience museums, workshops, and cheese factories, gaining insights into the region’s cultural heritage.
• The tour provides an overview of Amsterdam’s liberal and pragmatic attitudes towards prostitution and drug policies, highlighting the city’s unique approach to harm reduction and public order.
• The tour’s emphasis on canals showcases their historical significance as vital transportation arteries, economic drivers, and integral elements of Amsterdam’s urban planning and architectural landscape.
• Knowledgeable guides offer the tour in multiple languages, ensuring a personalized and culturally immersive experience for diverse audiences.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The Amsterdam Golden Age and Zaanse Schans Daily Walking Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the captivating history and vibrant culture of the Netherlands.

Priced at €470 per group of up to 6 participants, the 8-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at Amsterdam’s unique architectural and social landscapes. Guests will discover the city’s historical charm, learn about its policies on prostitution and drugs, and witness the purpose of the iconic canals.

The tour also includes a visit to the renowned Zaanse Schans area, where participants can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Dutch village and explore museums, workshops, and cheese factories.

The tour is led by knowledgeable guides and offered in various languages.

Exploring Amsterdam’s Historical Charm

Visitors on the Amsterdam Golden Age and Zaanse Schans Daily Walking Tour can expect to enjoy the captivating historical charm of the city.

They’ll explore Amsterdam, known as the "Venice of North Europe," and discover its unique composition of sin and beauty. The tour guide will share insights into the city’s policies on prostitution and drugs, as well as the meaning behind the three coat of arms crosses.

Participants will also learn about the purpose of the intricate canal system and visit some of the oldest and smallest houses in the city, gaining a deeper appreciation for Amsterdam’s rich history and diverse lifestyles.

Policies on Prostitution and Drugs

Amsterdam’s policies on prostitution and drugs are a complex and often-debated aspect of the city’s culture. Prostitution is legal in designated red-light districts, but there are strict regulations around its practice.

Similarly, the use of "light drugs" like marijuana and hashish is permitted in licensed coffeeshops, though consumption in public spaces is prohibited.

These policies reflect Amsterdam’s liberal and pragmatic approach to social issues, seeking to balance individual freedoms with public order.

While the city’s stance on these matters may seem permissive to some, it aims to promote harm reduction and minimize the negative consequences associated with these activities.

The Significance of Canals

Centuries ago, Amsterdam’s intricate network of canals, or "grachten," served as vital transportation arteries, facilitating the city’s commercial prowess and economic growth.

These waterways allowed for the efficient movement of goods and people, connecting the city’s diverse neighborhoods and enabling the flourishing of trade.

Over time, the canals also became integral to Amsterdam’s urban planning, with houses and buildings constructed alongside them, creating the iconic aesthetic that draws visitors today.

The canals’ purpose extended beyond commerce, as they also provided a means for defense, controlling water levels, and waste management.

Exploring these historic waterways offers a glimpse into Amsterdam’s storied past and its enduring role as a hub of commercial and cultural activity.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Visiting Zaanse Schans

What makes the Zaanse Schans such a captivating destination for visitors to Amsterdam? Located just 15 km from the city, this famous windmill area transports visitors back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Strolling through the charming Dutch village, guests can explore fascinating museums, clog and porcelain craft workshops, and cheese factories. The windmills themselves are a highlight, with their distinctive wooden structures and sail-powered machinery.

Visitors can even step inside the historic buildings to get a glimpse of traditional Dutch life. With its well-preserved architecture and authentic atmosphere, the Zaanse Schans offers a unique cultural experience just a short trip from Amsterdam.

Experiencing Dutch Village Life

Stepping off the bus at the Zaanse Schans, visitors find themselves immersed in the quaint charm of a bygone era. Wooden windmills, historic homes, and traditional craft workshops line the picturesque canals, offering a glimpse into the daily life of 17th and 18th-century Dutch villagers.

Activity	Description
Exploring Craft Workshops	Visitors can watch skilled artisans demonstrate the intricate process of clog-making and porcelain painting, handing down age-old techniques.
Visiting Cheese Factories	The air is filled with the rich aroma of freshly-churned cheese, as guests learn about the region’s renowned dairy production.
Strolling Through Museums	Immersive exhibits showcase the region’s cultural heritage, from the inner workings of a windmill to the evolution of traditional Dutch architecture.

Tour Guide and Language Options

Offering live tour guides, the Amsterdam Golden Age and Zaanse Schans Daily Walking Tour provides language options that cater to a diverse audience.

Participants can choose from English, Czech, Croatian, Serbian, Serbo-Croatian, or Slovak tours, ensuring they can fully enjoy the experience and understand the historical and cultural details.

The tour guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, bringing the city’s rich heritage to life through engaging narratives.

Whether you’re a native English speaker or prefer a different language, this tour offers a seamless and personalized experience, allowing you to explore Amsterdam’s wonders with ease.

Important Information for Travelers

Travelers should be mindful of a few key regulations during their Amsterdam walking tour.

Drinking alcohol in public spaces is prohibited by Dutch law. However, light drugs like marijuana and hashish are allowed only in designated facilities called coffeeshops.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to all. Plus, a private group tour option is available for those seeking a more personalized experience.

Key regulations:

1. No public alcohol consumption
2. Light drugs permitted only in coffeeshops
3. Tour is wheelchair accessible
4. Private group tour option available

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Any Meals Included in the Tour Price?

No, the tour price doesn’t include any meals. The tour focuses on exploring Amsterdam’s historical sights and the Zaanse Schans open-air museum, without providing any food or refreshments for participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but consumption of alcohol in public spaces is prohibited by Dutch law. Light drugs are only allowed in designated facilities like coffeeshops.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, though parental discretion is advised. Children under 12 may participate for free, but all guests must be accompanied by a paying adult. Certain museum exhibits may not be appropriate for young children.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and all necessary equipment and transportation are provided. Just bring comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can’t be extended beyond 8 hours. However, participants can book a private group tour option to customize the tour length and pace to their preferences.

The Sum Up

The Amsterdam Golden Age and Zaanse Schans Daily Walking Tour offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of Amsterdam’s rich history, unique culture, and traditional Dutch village life. Participants can discover the city’s iconic canals, liberal policies, and the picturesque windmills and craft workshops of Zaanse Schans, all while being guided by knowledgeable experts in various languages. This tour provides an exceptional opportunity to experience the vibrant charm and cultural significance of Amsterdam.

You can check if your dates are available here: