Free walking tour Amsterdam: the official self-guided (and free) route

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1. Westerkerk

Westerkerk is Amsterdam’s most famous Protestant church, completed in 1631 by architect Hendrick de Keyser. Check out its 85-meter tower, the tallest in the city, topped by the imperial crown gifted by Maximilian of Austria. The church is tied to many historic events—Rembrandt was buried here in 1669. The view from the bell tower is spectacular (paid entry). Look for the plaque on the south wall, marking the nearby house where Anne Frank and her family hid. The carillon’s chimes ring out across the neighborhood every quarter hour.

Access :

Free exterior; paid access to the tower.

Tip :

Climb the tower for the view—but expect long lines, especially in summer.

Walking to the next stop : Exit Westerkerk and head east toward the canal; Bartolotti House is just a few minutes away on Herengracht.

2 Arendzen, Petrus Johannes (1846-1932) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

2. Bartolotti House

Bartolotti House at 170 Herengracht is one of the finest mansions on the ‘Gouden Bocht’, the golden bend of the canal. Built between 1617 and 1621 for wealthy merchant Willem Bartolotti van den Heuvel, it stands out for its wide Dutch Renaissance façade and exuberant decorations. Unlike typical Amsterdam houses, it’s not narrow but very wide—a rare privilege linked to the owner’s wealth. Look for mythological figures and masks on the façade, a rarity in the city. Today, the house sometimes hosts exhibitions—check ahead.

Access :

Façade free. Interior accessible during paid events.

Tip :

The façade and canal are freely accessible, but interior visits are occasional and paid.

Walking to the next stop : Continue straight on Herengracht, then turn right toward the center; the Royal Palace is about a 5-minute walk.

3 Marcos Pena Jr · Unsplash

3. Royal Palace

In front of you is Amsterdam’s Royal Palace, a masterpiece of Dutch classicism completed in 1655. Built by architect Jacob van Campen, it was meant to embody the young Republic’s power. Transformed into a royal palace by Louis Bonaparte in 1808, it now hosts official ceremonies. Admire the façade’s allegorical sculptures by Artus Quellinus. Note the central pediment, where Amsterdam is depicted as ruling the maritime world. Few notice the golden weather vane at the very top, shaped like a ship—a nod to the city’s trading heritage.

Access :

Free exterior. Optional paid interior visit.

Tip :

The interior is paid and sometimes closed for official events—check ahead if you want to visit.

Walking to the next stop : Cross the square in front of the Royal Palace; Dam Square is right opposite, less than 2 minutes away.

4 Mario Gogh · Unsplash

4. Dam Square

You’re standing on Dam Square, the historic and symbolic heart of Amsterdam. In front of you is the Royal Palace, a grand 17th-century classical building, once the city hall and later a royal residence. On the square, you’ll also see the New Church and the National Monument, a tribute to World War II victims. This is where the city began, on a dam (‘dam’ in Dutch) built around 1270 across the Amstel river. The square was long the city’s political and commercial center—a place for markets, gatherings, and major public events. Fun fact: Dam Square was once crossed by tram tracks, and you can still spot some old rails embedded in the paving.

Access :

Public square, open access.

Tip :

Don’t stop on the bike lanes around the square. Watch out for touristy shops on Damrak.

Walking to the next stop : From Dam Square, head east along Damstraat; the Oude Kerk is about a 5-minute walk away, in the historic district.

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5. Oude Kerk (Old Church)

This is the Oude Kerk, or Old Church, built in 1306. Notice its brick Gothic architecture and squat tower that dominates the district. Originally, this church was the religious and social center of the old port. It saw sailors, merchants, and local families come and go, and survived the Protestant Reformation. Inside, there’s a monumental organ and carved choir stalls, but entry is paid. Outside, you’ll spot gravestones—Rembrandt had his children baptized here. Look closely: on the square, search for a small bronze sculpture of a hand emerging from the pavement, a discreet nod to the area’s life.

Access :

Free exterior. Paid interior.

Tip :

Keep quiet and remember you’re near the busy Red Light District.

Walking to the next stop : From Oude Kerk, continue east and turn left into the Red Light District (De Wallen)—it’s very close.

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6. De Wallen (Red Light District)

You’re entering De Wallen, Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. It’s the oldest part of the city—a maze of narrow streets, canals, and window displays. Here, prostitution has been legal and regulated since 2000, but the district’s roots go back much further, tied to the port’s history. Since 2020, group tours have been banned here, but you can stroll solo and observe the architecture: medieval façades, red lanterns, and centuries-old cafés. Fun fact: on Oudezijds Achterburgwal, some windows now house artists or social initiatives—a sign the district is evolving.

Access :

Streets and façades freely accessible. No access to the windows themselves.

Tip :

Respect privacy: never photograph the windows. Keep an eye on your belongings.

Walking to the next stop : Leave the Red Light District heading southwest toward Amsterdam’s Canal Belt—it’s about an 8-minute walk.

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7. Amsterdam Canal Belt

You’re on the famous ‘Grachtengordel’, the canal belt listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Planned in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, it’s made up of three main canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. Admire the tall, narrow merchant houses, often topped with carved gables. The canals were used for transport, defense, and drainage. Look for the hooks at the tops of façades, used to hoist up furniture and goods. Fun detail: some bridges still have tiny plaques showing the maximum height for boats.

Access :

Canals and quays freely accessible.

Tip :

Watch out for bikes on bridges and quays; it’s busy.

Walking to the next stop : Follow the canals south to the Begijnhof, about a 7-minute walk.

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8. Begijnhof

You’ve arrived at the Begijnhof, a peaceful green oasis hidden in the heart of Amsterdam. Founded around 1346, this lay convent housed Beguines—pious women living in community without taking monastic vows. The central garden is surrounded by elegant houses, including Amsterdam’s oldest wooden house (from around 1528). After the Reformation, the Begijnhof became one of the few places where Catholic worship was tolerated—hence the two chapels. This peaceful haven contrasts with the city buzz. Look for the small-paned windows and painted crests marking the site’s benefactresses.

Access :

Garden and courtyard freely accessible. Chapels paid, optional.

Tip :

Speak softly and respect the residents’ peace—some live here year-round.

Walking to the next stop : From Begijnhof, continue straight to Spui Square—it’s right next door, 2 minutes away.

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9. Spui

You’ve reached Spui, a lively little square known for its bookshops, cafés, and secondhand book markets. It used to be a moat at the city walls, filled in during the 19th century. Today, it’s a favorite meeting spot for students, intellectuals, and artists. Look for the bronze statue of ‘Het Lieverdje’, symbolizing the rebellious youth of the 1960s. Several historic houses around the square show the area’s bourgeois past. Fun fact: every Friday, the book market attracts bargain hunters and book lovers under the plane trees.

Access :

Public square, open access.

Tip :

Take time to browse the independent bookstores around the square.

Walking to the next stop : From Spui, walk south toward the Singel canal; the Flower Market is along the canal, 3 minutes on foot.

10 E · Unsplash

10. Flower Market

The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market, founded in 1862. The stalls rest on old barges moored along the Singel canal. Here you’ll find tulip bulbs, souvenirs, and colorful bouquets year-round. This spot reflects the Dutch passion for horticulture, dating back to the ‘tulip mania’ of the 17th century, when a single rare bulb could cost more than a house. Today, most bulbs sold are for export, but the colorful display is still impressive. Fun detail: look under some stalls to spot the original floats.

Access :

Outdoor market, open access. Bulb purchases are paid.

Tip :

Check if you can export bulbs if you’re traveling outside Europe.

What next : You’re at the Flower Market—wander among the colorful stalls or continue your visit along the Singel canal.