Beyond the Golden Age: Amsterdam's Colonial Past Walking Tour
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Instant confirmation
- Guided tour in English
About this experience
Discover the complex history behind Amsterdam's renowned grandeur with this comprehensive and thought-provoking walking tour. While the Dutch 'Golden' Age is often recognized for its wealth, art, and trade, the deeper narrative of colonial expansion, exploitation, and slavery that underpinned this prosperity remains less widely known. During this two-hour guided experience, participants will visit significant historical sites throughout the city, exploring the ascent of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) and WIC (Dutch West India Company), the transatlantic slave trade, and the involvement of everyday citizens in colonial enterprises. The tour also highlights stories of resistance, resilience, and individuals who challenged prevailing injustices. Gain a nuanced and critical perspective that links Amsterdam's past to contemporary discussions on memory, identity, and social justice. This tour is ideally suited for inquisitive travelers, history enthusiasts, and students seeking a deeper understanding of the city's heritage beyond its iconic landmarks.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Live tour guide of your chosen language
- 2-hour in depth Colonial History
Not included
- Tips & Gratuities
Itinerary
- 1
The tour starts in front of Restaurant-Café In de Waag. Your guide will be holding an orange umbrella for recognition.
- 2
The rise of the East-India Trade
- 3
Foundation of the West-India Company.
- 4
NHM was a Dutch trading and financial company, established in 1824, in The Hague by King William I to promote and develop trade, shipping and agriculture.
- 5
The Mayor's residence has a commemorative plaque in front of he house.
- 6
The most prestigious and chique canal of Amsterdam; "The Golden Bend".
- 7
Resistance against slavery.
- 8
Abolition of slavery in Indonesia.
- 9
The role of the Royals during colonialism.
- 10
National War Memorial
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Guide
- Guided tour in English
- Start times
- 10:00 · 11:00 · 13:30
Know before you go
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not wheelchair accessible
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Look for the guide with the orange umbrella in front of Restaurant-Café In de Waag (the Castle in the middle of the square)
- Bottle of water and comfortable walking shoes
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts.
- 1 day or more before: full refund
- Less than 1 day before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
Nieuwmarkt 4
- Address
- 4 Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam Amsterdam, 1012 CR, NL
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 52.37279, 4.90030
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 2 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 1 day before the experience starts. 1 day or more before: full refund · Less than 1 day before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in English
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at Nieuwmarkt 4, 4 Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam Amsterdam, 1012 CR, NL.
Still have a question?
Message our team on WhatsApp — we can help with dates, group bookings and anything else before you book.
From AED 92 per personFree cancellation
