Amsterdam: Food Tour with Drinks by Spui, Canals and Jordaan

If you’re looking to combine sightseeing with delicious bites, this Amsterdam food tour offers an authentic taste of the city’s culinary soul—all in just three hours. Guided by local experts, you’ll get to explore three charming neighborhoods, sample ten different foods, and sip on regional drinks, all while soaking in the sights and stories of Amsterdam.

What makes this experience shine are three main points: the chance to taste a variety of iconic Dutch snacks and international flavors, the engaging guides who bring Amsterdam’s culture alive, and the opportunity to do it all in a small, friendly group. However, since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must, and weather can impact your experience—so plan for rain just in case.

This tour suits food lovers, first-time visitors wanting a quick local intro, or anyone eager to enjoy the city’s neighborhoods with a tasty twist. If you’re after a fun, flavorful way to explore Amsterdam’s streets, this one’s a solid choice.

Good To Know

• Authentic local flavors: Taste 10+ traditional and regional treats.
• Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides with engaging personalities.
• Neighborhood exploration: Discover Spui, UNESCO canals, and Jordaan.
• All-inclusive: Food, drinks, and insider tips included.
• Great value: Enough food for a full meal in just 3 hours.
• Small group size: Intimate experience with up to 12 people.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction: Why This Food Tour Is a Must-Do in Amsterdam

We love the idea of combining sightseeing with culinary delights, and this guided food tour does just that. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of Amsterdam’s diverse food scene without spending hours wandering alone. The fact that every guide seems to put their personal spin on the tour offers a fresh, lively experience with plenty of local stories.

You’ll love how each stop offers a chance to nibble on authentic Dutch cheese, savor warm stroopwafels, or taste Dutch sashimi (herring). Plus, with enough food to serve as a breakfast, lunch, or indulgent dinner, it’s a flexible culinary adventure. The inclusion of drinks—from wine and local spirits to sodas and coffee—takes the experience to another level.

One minor consideration? Since parts of the tour venture outside, the weather can influence your comfort. But with rain gear and good shoes, you’ll be fine. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want a relaxed, engaging, and flavorful introduction to Amsterdam’s neighborhoods.

What to Expect from the Amsterdam Food Tour

This 3-hour guided experience takes you through three historic areas: Spui, the UNESCO World Heritage canals, and Jordaan. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance food, local sights, and stories, giving you a well-rounded taste of the city’s cultural and culinary heritage.

Starting at Gastrovino and De Mannen Van Kaas

Your tour kicks off at a cozy cheese shop, where the first tasting is a cheese lover’s dream—artisanal Gouda, aged to perfection. The guide, typically someone personable and knowledgeable, welcomes you with a quick introduction and a glass of something refreshing, setting a friendly tone.

Cheese Tasting and Wine Pairing

You’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring different cheeses, learning how Dutch cheese is made, and sampling varieties that reveal the country’s dairy craftsmanship. A brief wine tasting follows, complementing the cheeses and helping you understand the pairing traditions.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Strolling through Spui Square

Next, your guide will lead you into Spui, a lively square with a rich book and café culture. Here, expect a guided walk with local insights, plus a chance to taste some traditional snacks. Reviewers have appreciated guides like Joeri and Todd for their engaging storytelling and warm personalities.

Sampling Local Snacks and Regional Foods

As you wander, you’ll stop at spots to enjoy snacks like Dutch sashimi (herring), Surinamese or Indonesian comfort foods, and bitterballen (Dutch croquettes). These bites showcase the Netherlands’ multicultural influences. Many reviews highlight how these stops offer enough food for a satisfying meal, making it both a culinary and cultural experience.

Exploring the Canals with Tasting Stops

Crossing into the UNESCO canal belt, you’ll pause for a canal-side tasting, perhaps enjoying regional foods with picturesque views. These stops give you a chance to appreciate Amsterdam’s famous waterways while sampling regional delicacies.

The Jordaan and Hidden Gems

Your route ends in the Jordaan, one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. Here, guided tours often include insight into Amsterdam’s history, plus tastings of Dutch treats like warm stroopwafels—sweet, caramel-filled waffles that reviewers find irresistible.

Street Food and the Negen Straatjes

Finally, a stroll through the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)—a quaint shopping district—offers more bites and a chance to soak in the local vibe. Expect additional tastings like local sweets and perhaps a cheeky shot of jenever, the Dutch gin.

Returning to the Starting Point

You’ll finish back at the cheese shop, feeling full and happy, with plenty of tips from your guide for further exploring Amsterdam’s culinary scene.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

With 10+ tastings across five beloved spots, you’re getting enough food for a full meal—at a price of $117 per person. Considering the quality and variety, many reviewers agree it’s a worthwhile investment. Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to weave stories into the tasting experience, making it feel personal rather than scripted.

The inclusion of drinks—ranging from local spirits to wine and coffee—enhances the experience without extra cost. Plus, small group sizes (max 12) mean plenty of interaction, personalized attention, and opportunities to ask questions, which is often missing in larger tours.

Deep Dive: The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Cheese Tasting at Gastrovino

Starting at De Mannen Van Kaas, you’ll be greeted with a selection of Dutch cheeses. The focus here is on artisanal Gouda, which the guides often explain in detail—how aging affects flavor, the cheese-making process, and regional variations. Reviewers like Nicole from Canada mention that the tour “had ample food with great variation,” with the cheese tasting being a highlight.

Wine and Local Beverages

Following the cheese, a short wine tasting introduces you to Dutch and regional wines, adding sophistication and balance to the cheese experience. Many guides like Dennis are noted for their “great energy” and engaging explanations, making even wine tasting enjoyable for beginners.

Neighborhood Walks and Cultural Insights

Moving through Spui, the UNESCO canals, and Jordaan, the guides share stories about Amsterdam’s history, architecture, and local life. For example, one reviewer appreciated how Joeri provided “a first general experience of Amsterdam,” blending food with city stories smoothly.

Sampling Dutch Sashimi and International Flavors

The herring (sashimi) is a must-try, with guides often explaining its significance in Dutch culture. Reviewers like Evi from Cyprus praise Joeri for “giving us a lot of local flavors,” and many mention the Surinamese or Indonesian snacks as eye-opening, showcasing the city’s multicultural influences.

Sweet Treats and Final Bites

As the tour concludes, expect to indulge in warm stroopwafels and regional sweets. One reviewer notes that Todd’s pancakes are “the best taste in pancakes,” emphasizing the quality and authenticity of the food.

Drinks: Jenever and Beyond

Throughout, you get to sample local spirits like jenever, which many reviewers find a fun and authentic way to drink like a local. The inclusion of soda, coffee, and water ensures everyone stays refreshed.

Practical Tips for Your Experience

• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking quite a bit.
• Be prepared for rainy weather—a raincoat or umbrella is advisable.
• The tour lasts roughly 3 hours, so plan accordingly—it’s a filling experience.
• Meeting point is at a cheese shop on Spui Square; arriving a few minutes early can help you settle in.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many mention the guides’ personalities as a highlight—Dennis, Todd, Joeri, and Katya all received praise for their engaging storytelling, local knowledge, and warmth. Several reviews highlight that the tour is very interactive, making everyone feel involved and comfortable.

One reviewer from Germany, Lea, says, “Todd made a point of actually teaching us not only about Dutch cuisine but also about the history of Amsterdam,” which underscores how educational and entertaining the tour is.

Another reviewer appreciated the tour’s pacing, noting that “the food tasting itself was great, and I learned tons about Amsterdam’s food culture,” emphasizing the value of guides who blend fun facts with tasting.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This food and drink tour is best suited for travelers who want an engaging, authentic, and tasty introduction to Amsterdam. It’s ideal for those who enjoy small-group experiences, appreciate local insights, and love trying new foods. Given the generous tastings and drinks, it’s perfect as a substantial snack or even a light meal.

Foodies and first-timers alike will find this tour a delightful way to explore different neighborhoods while sampling Amsterdam’s culinary treasures. With knowledgeable guides, a relaxed pace, and a variety of bites, it’s an excellent way to kick off a trip or enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

If you’re keen on discovering the city’s food scene with an authentic local touch, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments—plus, plenty of tasty stories to take home.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including tastings, walking, and guiding.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit?
The tour covers Spui, the UNESCO canal belt, and Jordaan.

Is the food enough for a meal?
Yes, with over ten tastings, many guests say it’s enough for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks like wine, spirits, coffee, and soda.

What is the group size?
A small group of up to 12 foodies ensures personalized attention.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees your spot, especially during peak times.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews indicate it’s family-friendly, especially since the food is appealing and the pace is relaxed.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential; weather-appropriate clothing, including rain gear, is recommended.

Where do I meet the guide?
At Gastrovino cheese shop on Spui Square—arrive a few minutes early to settle in.

This food tour offers an authentic, flavorful glimpse into Amsterdam’s neighborhoods, guided by friendly experts who know their city inside out. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or just looking to enjoy a fun afternoon, it’s a taste of Amsterdam you won’t forget.

You can check if your dates are available here: