Historical Amsterdam Tours

26/06/2024

Just outside of Amsterdam one can spot this amazing Medieval water/land gate in Amersfoort.

20/06/2024

Amsterdam, bike city.
has about 900.000 inhabitants and over a million bicycles. As a compact and relatively flat city, Amsterdam is perfect for cycling. The Dutch capital has limited space for automobiles, so one can see bikes as an extension of the legs: freedom.

28/05/2024

There's a secret neighborhood in the centre of Amsterdam: the Lastage. Once this was the resting place for ships, docks and ship repair. Houseboats have now taken over the canals and the tranquility in the morning hours is unique in this bustling city.
Discover Amsterdam with a private guide: Historical Amsterdam Tours. Link in bio.

23/05/2024

Meet Amsterdam's oldest! The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is the oldest building of Amsterdam.
With the earliest remains dating back from 1306 it's a patchwork of architectural styles. From High Gothic , via Renaissance to the French Louis-styles of the 1700s.
The ceiling showcases Europe's oldest and largest wooden barrel vault structure. It was converted to a Protestant church in 1578, in the turmoil of the Dutch Revolt. Since then the pulpit is located centrally. Today the sacred atmosphere inside contrasts with the red lit streets around.
In 1633 Rembrandt announced his marriage with Saskia Van Uylenburg here. Saskia herself is also buried in the Old Church.
The Oude Kerk is a great place to enjoy a centuries old silence, in a sometimes loud city.

12/04/2024

The beautiful Bartolotti house. Probably the most beautiful house on the Amsterdam canals. Built for Willem van der Heuvel, who inherited the fortune of his childless uncle Bartolotti, an Italian banker.
Architect Hendrick de Keyser is also known for his Noorderkerk, Zuiderkerk and the V.O.C. headquarters. His style is called Dutch Manerism, a mix of Italian Renaissance and Flemish influences, fitting in with the bend of the Herengracht.
Today it is partly a museum house and partly the headquarters of the Hendrick de Keyser Foundation (HdK), which takes care of the Dutch monumental heritage.
Visit the Bartolotti House as part of the Historical Amsterdam Tours' Canal Ring Architecture tour. Your private guide will inform you about all aspects of the UNESCO-protected Amsterdam canal belt:
Https://historicalamsterdamtours.com

08/04/2024

The only sub-aquatic parking garage for bikes in the world. Right in front of Centraal Station this bicycle storage has space for 7000 two-wheelers.

03/04/2024

This is a bit of a homecoming: the heathlands near Laren, my birthplace. Here I climbed trees and built huts.
This 'flock of sheep' is painted by Anton Mauve, a first cousin of Vincent van Gogh and a pioneer in outdoor painting.
This masterpiece now hangs proudly in the Rijksmuseum, but the story doesn't end there.
Our expert art historians will bring the stories behind the brushstrokes to life.
Join Historical Amsterdam Tours for a private journey in the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum .
➡️ Book your unforgettable experience today! (link in bio)
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28/03/2024

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange and tulips. What's the connection?
Find out on the Financial History Tour of Historical Amsterdam Tours:
Http://historicalamsterdamtours.com
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24/03/2024

https://youtu.be/P03kJQ8DhtE?si=vHYvwim8_MHu0GiA
Episode 3:
Piet Mondrian: A Pioneer of Abstract Art
In Paris Mondriaan gradually broke away from Picasso’s cubist movement. His paintings evolved into a minimalist abstract style, characterized by primary colors, black, and white, arranged in a grid-like pattern, embodying the essence of abstraction and precursores Mark Rothko and Barr Van Der Lek. Still today the works of Piet Mondriaan continue to inspire artists and designers worldwide. 
CoBrA: A happy rebellion
The Cobra movement, an avant-garde art movement founded in 1948, brought together artists from the Netherlands, Denmark and Belgium. Inspired by Surrealism, Expressionism, and folk art, their works were characterized by spontaneous expression, bold colors. Their childlike energy reflected a rejection of traditional art forms and societal norms. Cobra trailblazers like Karel Appel, Constant Nieuwenhuys and Corneille would have a lasting impact on Herman Brood, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring.

20/03/2024

Hello spring season! Amsterdam is in full bloom and ready to welcome you.
Book your private guided tour with Historical Amsterdam Tours: https://historicalamsterdamtours.com

17/03/2024

Two somewhat neglected Dutch painters have had a tremendous impact on the art world as we know it. Their time in Paris marked the start of and .
The influence of Johan Barthold Jongkind on the young Claude Monet and that of Kees van Dongen on Pablo Picasso deserves more attention.
This new video shines a light on these Dutch bohemians.

https://youtu.be/ze2glXhNf8k?si=gV5ztXbBgzzakuYe

15/03/2024

Opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam.

12/03/2024

The replica of the 18th century VOC ship the Amsterdam in front of the National Maritime Museum. The original one shipwrecked on its first voyage near the coast of Hastings, England.
Learn more about the maritime history of Amsterdam at the Maritime Amsterdam tour of Historical Amsterdam Tours.

11/03/2024

What a privilege to guide in the marvelous Rijksmuseum. The country's largest museum and home for the world's largest collection of Dutch Masters. Meet Vermeer, Rembrandt, Cuyp, Heda, Hals, Jan Steen and many other top painters from the 17th century.
Book your private Rijksmuseum tour with Historical Amsterdam Tours.
Link in bio.

10/03/2024

Historical Amsterdam Tours proudly present: Dutch Painters In Paris. In this series of 3 episodes we explore the city of lights and retrace the footsteps of - somewhat forgotten Dutch artists that played a crucial role in the development of modern art.

Episode 1: The Dordrecht born Ary Scheffer, who propelled up in the upper elite of Paris in the 1830s and 1840s. Scheffer's art studio became a popular hangout for the cultural hotshots of his time.

https://youtu.be/vzClIpQ1uOk

10/03/2024

Historical Amsterdam Tours proudly present: Dutch Painters In Paris. In this series of 3 episodes we explore the city of lights and retrace the footsteps of - somewhat forgotten Dutch artists that played a crucial role in the development of modern art.

Episode 1: The Dordrecht born Ary Scheffer, who propelled up in the upper elite of Paris in the 1830s and 1840s. Scheffer's art studio became a popular hangout for the cultural hotshots of his time.

https://youtu.be/vzClIpQ1uOk

Historical Amsterdam Tours present: Dutch Painters in ParisAlthough somewhat swept under the rug in the Parisian art museums, the Dutch painters have made a ...

04/03/2024

The iconic 'Magere Brug' or Skinny Bridge over the Amstel river.
Legend has it that when you kiss your lover on a boat underneath this bridge, you will always stay together.
Does anyone have experience with this?

02/03/2024

The Amsterdam Canal Ring is blessed with thousands of Elm trees. Thanks to this green belt the seasonal changes are very clear. This photo was taken a month ago. If you visit Amsterdam today you'll notice the first subtle traces of spring popping out along the water.
Historical Amsterdam Tours looks forward to a beautiful season full of life. Discover the splendor of Amsterdam with us. Book your private Canal Ring Architecture tour now: https://historicalamsterdamtours.com

28/02/2024

Calling all history buffs and adventure seekers! ️

Explore Amsterdam's vibrant maritime past on our Maritime Amsterdam Tour with Historical Amsterdam Tours!

➡️ Walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers.
➡️ Witness Amsterdam's maritime might at the Scheepvaartmuseum.
➡️ Uncover hidden gems with our passionate guides.

Experience the city like a local & customize your tour!

Book your adventure today!

22/02/2024

Amsterdam by night.

21/02/2024

View on the Singel. Technically this is not part of the UNESCO listed canal ring, as the Singel is the medieval moat around Amsterdam since ~1488. About 100 years later a new moat, the later Herengracht, was laid around the Singel. The latter transformed into a residential canal although here and there the medieval ramparts can still be traced alongside.

18/02/2024

Official announcement:
now has a collaboration with . Booking a private guided tour is easy: https://www.getyourguide.com/activity-t614620/

17/02/2024

Whoop whoop! Our Financial History Tour is now available on GetYourGuide:
https://www.getyourguide.com/-t614620

16/02/2024

from the water. The UNESCO listed canals of Amsterdam have a relaxing effect on the city. Somehow it feels calmer near the waterfront. Discover this magic vibe with a private guided tour of Historical Amsterdam Tours: https://historicalamsterdamtours.com.

04/02/2024

Amsterdam during the low season. The January and February light make Amsterdam a perfect destination for photographers. The architecture along the canals is more exposed and the shades go miles far.

01/02/2024

A concert at Royal Theatre Carrė is always a great pleasure.
This venue started as a circus theatre in the 1880s. After the phenomenon of a brick and mortar circus lost its momentum, the building became the home of a typical Dutch theatre style: , a mix between standup comedy, satire and music.
Occasionally still offers circus events, but is better known for its music concerts and cabaret. This photo was taken just before the concert of .

31/12/2023

The last hours of 2023 are ticking away. What was your highlight of the year?
We look forward to meeting you in Amsterdam in 2024.
Happy new year!
#2024

22/12/2023

Are you ready for Christmas? We are!
The guides team of Historical Amsterdam Tours wish you a Merry Christmas, together with your loved ones.
Tijs, Edgar, Maarten

10/12/2023

Say it with flowers.
Even on chilly winter days like today you can enjoy the Amsterdam canals. Like here at the Singel, near the New Lutheran church.
If you want to know the full story about the canal ring, book your private tour with us: https://historicalamsterdamtours.com