Amsterdam: Dam Square, Anne Frank House & Jordaan Walk

4.97

(164 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“If you want to know what the Dutch really think, just watch how we bike,” joked our guide, Pieter, as we dodged a blur of locals weaving through Dam Square. It was early but already busy — the kind of morning where the air smells faintly of coffee and canal water. We started right at the National Monument, and Pieter pointed out how it’s become both a meeting spot and a place people still pause at in silence. I didn’t expect to feel anything there, but I did.

We wandered past the Royal Palace (which looks fancier than it feels up close — maybe it’s all those pigeons), then over to Nieuwe Kerk. The bells chimed while Pieter explained how Amsterdam grew rich during the Golden Era. He told us about the old post office — Magna Plaza — and I caught myself staring at its brickwork instead of listening for a second. There’s something about this city that makes you want to slow down, even when you’re on a tour. The private group felt small enough that we could ask weird questions (someone asked about Dutch cheese shops; Pieter had opinions).

The Anne Frank House was quieter than I expected from outside, with people moving slowly along Prinsengracht. We didn’t go in (it’s not included), but standing there while Pieter talked about Anne’s diary made me think about how history feels different when you’re actually here. Later, near the Homomonument, he shared stories about Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ scene — Li laughed when I tried to pronounce “Jordaan” right (I probably butchered it). The wind picked up as we crossed into the Jordaan district and someone’s dog barked at us from a window above a flower shop — just one of those tiny moments that sticks.

By the time we reached Begijnhof, my feet were tired but I didn’t really care. The hidden church inside was easy to miss if you weren’t looking for it; Pieter gave us tips for exploring more after the tour ended. I still think about that courtyard — quiet except for distant tram bells and someone humming nearby. If you’re curious about Amsterdam’s layers (and don’t mind walking 3 or 4 kilometers), this day trip through Amsterdam’s center is worth it.