Walk Amsterdam’s streets through the stories of its most badass women—from the first Black female millionaire in the Americas to Indonesian feminists—on a unique 2.5-hour tour with Badass Tours.
Walk Amsterdam’s streets through the stories of its most badass women—from the first Black female millionaire in the Americas to Indonesian feminists—on a unique 2.5-hour tour with Badass Tours.
Book with Badass Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Badass Tours · Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
Amsterdam’s historic center, with its winding canals and narrow merchant houses, holds more than picturesque views—it’s a living archive of stories that often go untold. Badass Tours, operating from Prins Hendrikkade 48, creates an unforgettable 2.5-hour walking experience that casts the spotlight on the remarkable women who shaped this city and beyond. The (Exclusive) Women's History Tour offers more than a typical stroll; it’s a purposeful journey into the lives of trailblazers whose impacts ripple across continents.
Starting near the busy waterfront, the tour navigates past the former city bank, where one learns about the first Black female millionaire in the Americas—an extraordinary figure whose legacy challenges traditional narratives. Participants also uncover the enduring presence of Indonesian feminists connected to Amsterdam’s Dutch East India Company (VOC) era, illustrating how colonial histories and women’s resilience intersect in complex, profound ways.
This tour’s route weaves through hidden courtyards and quiet streets, revealing spaces where women practiced creative defiance and left subtle marks on the city’s cultural landscape. Unlike conventional history tours, Badass Tours foregrounds the voices often omitted from mainstream accounts, grounding their stories in tangible locations that retain historical fingerprints.
Badass Tours distinguishes itself in Amsterdam’s outdoor scene by combining thoughtful cultural immersion with accessible urban walking. It’s ideal for visitors and locals seeking to deepen their understanding of Amsterdam’s diverse heritage on foot, blending a fresh perspective with the city’s iconic setting.
Finishing at Spui, a hub of intellectual and activist energy, the tour encourages reflection on the continuing struggles and achievements of these women. For guests arriving by bike, parking is convenient at Upper Rokin, making this walk seamlessly integrated into Amsterdam’s bike-friendly streetscape.
This immersive experience challenges visitors to reconsider the layers beneath Amsterdam’s charm, making Badass Tours a standout choice for thoughtful adventurers eager to connect history with the modern urban pulse.
easy.
2–3 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, includes moderate walking on paved and cobblestone surfaces
The tour is designed primarily for adults due to its historical content and walking pace, but older teens interested in history are welcome.
Currently, the (Exclusive) Women's History Tour is offered in English only.
This is a walking tour; bicycles are not permitted during the experience, but secure parking is available nearby for your bike.
The tour continues rain or shine, so dress accordingly with waterproof gear.
Groups are capped at 15 guests to maintain an intimate, engaging atmosphere.
Please contact Badass Tours directly for their specific cancellation policies.
Amsterdam was a major trading hub during the VOC era, and its colonial history deeply influences the stories shared on this tour.
Badass Tours emphasizes respectful interaction with public spaces to preserve Amsterdam’s historic streetscapes and encourages sustainable tourism practices.
Badass Tours is a Amsterdam-based tour operator located in Noord-Holland that highlights overlooked stories across the city. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Badass Tours offers self-guided and guided experiences focused on women's, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC histories, plus private custom tours and special Rijksmuseum guided visits led by expert Tanja Bladt‑Cohen. Tours include a two‑week Self‑Guided Tour unlocked by phone for flexible group exploration, the Hidden Gems Tour visiting sites such as the Artist's Resistance Monument and the Portuguese Synagogue, and focused walking tours that explore Women's History, Jewish History, and LGBTQ+ History. Many walking experiences run rain or shine; several exclusive options add wheelchair accessibility and private customization. A Customized Private Tour lets visitors tailor routes and themes to specific interests. Badass Tours emphasizes accuracy and accessibility. The company highlights verifiable historical sites across Amsterdam's historic center and integrates context about four centuries of Jewish presence, local LGBTQ+ landmarks including early drag venues, and stories of influential women and BIPOC figures. The Shifting the Frame Rijksmuseum tour reframes canonical collections to include female, LGBTQ+, Jewish, and BIPOC artists, led by a named expert. Practical booking features include phone-unlocked self-guides, private reservations, and small-group walking formats. These options make Badass Tours suitable for solo travelers, groups, and visitors seeking themed, educational experiences. Bookings are offered online, via partners, for private events, small groups, solo travelers, and educational visits too.
Book with Badass Tours