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Amsterdam History & Rijksmuseum Tour by Babylon Tours - Amsterdam

Amsterdam History & Rijksmuseum Tour by Babylon Tours

Amsterdammoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

5.5 hours

Fitness Level

Requires moderate fitness to comfortably walk several kilometers including museum touring with standing intervals.

Overview

Spend 5.5 hours diving into Amsterdam’s vibrant past with Babylon Tours—a semi-private journey through the Rijksmuseum’s masterworks and the city’s historic heart. Discover hidden layers of culture framed by iconic canals and centuries-old architecture.

Amsterdam, North Holland

Combo: Rijksmuseum + Amsterdam History - City Center Guided Tour - Semi-Private (ENGLISH)

5.5 hrs | Entry Included! | Perfect mix of culture, history, and sightseeing

City Tour
Fishing
History Tour
Museum
Private
Sightseeing Tour
Walking Tour

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Adventure Photos

Combo: Rijksmuseum + Amsterdam History - City Center Guided Tour - Semi-Private (ENGLISH) photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 5.5-hour journey through Amsterdam's artistic and historical treasures. Begin at the Rijksmuseum, marveling at masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, then stroll through the city's iconic canals and landmarks. With a small group and expert guide, uncover the rich stories that define this vibrant city.

Book way in advance - we sell out


Rates

  • Adult - €219
  • Youth - €199 (Ages 10 - 17)
  • Child - €159 (9 and under)

Duration

  • 5.5 hours (including a lunch break)

Meeting Point

  • Meet your guide outside the Cobra Cafe by the Toilet/Parking entrance on the north side of the building facing the Rijksmuseum. (between the bicycle lane and the Cobra Cafe)

About

  • For those who aren’t familiar with Dutch culture – and who is really? – we will explore its rich and vibrant past on this popular combo tour. It’s the perfect way to mix culture, history, and sightseeing while spending the day with one of our vibrant guides.
  • The 5.5 hour semi-private tour will include a visit to the Rijksmuseum followed by a historic walking tour of the city center.
  • Groups will not exceed 8 people, so personal attention is guaranteed. Guides will provide you with a ticket that allows you to skip the line at the museum.
  • This tour is in English.

Includes

  • Semi-Private Guided Museum Tour & Walking Tour
  • "Semi-Private" Means Group Size Is Never More Than 8 Guests Maximum
  • Professional Tour Guide
  • Tour Includes All Entrance Fees
  • Duration 5.5 Hours (Including A Lunch Break)
  • Tour Will Run, Rain Or Shine

Excludes

  • Tour price does NOT include hotel pickup or drop-off (we recommend UBER or Taxi)
  • Tour price does NOT include gratuities (optional)
  • Tour is NOT available for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair

Full Tour Description

For those who aren’t familiar with Dutch culture – and who is really? – we will explore its rich and vibrant past on this popular combo tour. It’s the perfect way to mix culture, history, and sightseeing while spending the day with one of our vibrant young guides. The 5.5 hour semi-private tour will include a visit to the Rijksmuseum followed by a historic walking tour of the city center. Groups will not exceed 8 people, so personal attention is guaranteed. Guides will provide you with a ticket that allows you to skip the line at the museum.

Begin at Holland’s answer to the Louvre, called the Rijksmuseum. Explore Dutch history through a selection over 8000 objects on display. We’ll discuss familiar names like Rembrandt as well as lesser known items like 17th century dollhouses. Understand the meaning behind Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid” and marvel at the expansive 19th century library. At the end of the tour, you’ll have a good overview of the museum’s collection and you may even know how to pronounce its name correctly.

After a break for lunch, move outdoors and orient yourself to Amsterdam with an introduction to its history and learn how a small 12th century fishing village with a simple dam became one of the most popular capital cities in the world. Our guides will crisscross its iconic canals and bridges while peeking into its quiet courtyards, offering a postcard image of the city. You will discover its leaning houses and other landmarks while learning how to navigate the oftentimes tricky streets of the city center. Our local guides are also eager to share their insider knowledge so that you can maximize your time spent in Amsterdam.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Meeting your guide 10 minutes before the tour ensures a timely start and smooth entry into the Rijksmuseum.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect moderate walking on cobblestone streets and around museum galleries, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Pack Light

Only small bags or thin backpacks are allowed inside the museum; avoid large backpacks or suitcases.

Prepare for Weather

Tours run rain or shine; bring a rain jacket or umbrella during wetter seasons to stay comfortable.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Mute swans gliding on Amsterdam’s canals
  • Urban foxes occasionally spotted in quiet courtyards or parks

History

Amsterdam grew from a 12th-century fishing village protected by a dam into a global powerhouse during the Dutch Golden Age, a transformation embodied in the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

Conservation

Amsterdam prioritizes sustainable tourism with careful preservation of historic sites and efforts to reduce visitor impact on its delicate canal network and urban ecosystems.

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Adventure Hotspots in Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Supportive shoes are crucial for walking on uneven cobblestones and navigating museum floors.

Light Rain Jacket/Umbrella

Essential

Protect yourself from Amsterdam’s frequent showers during cooler seasons.

spring|fall|winter specific

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated throughout the walking portion of the tour.

Small Daypack or Handbag

Essential

Only small bags are allowed inside the Rijksmuseum’s security checkpoint.