Amsterdam Walking Tour with Cheese Tasting

Discovering Amsterdam: Walking Tour with Cheese Tasting

If you’re thinking about how to get a real feel for Amsterdam, this Walking Tour with Cheese Tasting might just catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want a mix of history, local flavor, and a friendly guide to help navigate the city’s winding streets.

What really draws us in is the chance to hear stories you probably wouldn’t find in a guidebook—the kind that make a city come alive. Pair that with a delicious cheese experience at a renowned cheese shop, and you’ve got a tour that’s both educational and tasty.

One point to consider: the tour involves some walking, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a very relaxed, sit-down experience. But, if you enjoy exploring on foot and love cheese (who doesn’t?), this tour offers a balanced taste of Amsterdam’s past and present.

This experience works well for curious travelers eager to learn about local culture and history, and for those who want a flavorful introduction before venturing into the city’s museums or neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines a guided walking tour with a cheese tasting session.
• Educational Content: Offers stories about Amsterdam’s origins, wild history, and tragic tales.
• Authentic Tasting: Includes five types of cheese and wines selected by a sommelier.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personal feel.
• Flexible Pricing: Cost is $45 per person, with options to reserve and pay later.
• Rain or Shine: The tour proceeds regardless of weather, so dress accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Amsterdam Walking Tour with Cheese Tasting

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour kicks off at Beursplein 1-3, a central spot in Amsterdam, easy to locate with the guide waiting near the Café Bistro. From there, the guide takes you through the city’s streets, sharing stories that reveal layers of Amsterdam’s history. The entire walking segment lasts about 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to absorb the sights, sounds, and stories of the city.

The tour concludes at the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, where the cheese tasting is set to happen. The timing of the cheese experience depends a bit on availability but typically starts at 1:30 PM. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy this tasting right after the walk, but sometimes it might shift later, so flexibility is key.

The Walking Tour: A City’s Evolution

Throughout the walk, you’ll visit several key stops that highlight Amsterdam’s transformation from a humble village on the River Amstel to one of Europe’s most important trading hubs. Each stop comes with its own story, painted by the guide’s narration, offering insights that go beyond typical tourist fare.

From the Zeedijk Street to the Jewish Quarter, each district tells a different piece of the city’s complex story—covering everything from historic commerce and multicultural roots to darker times under Nazi occupation. One reviewer loved the way the guide shared stories you wouldn’t hear otherwise, making the history feel alive and relevant.

Highlights of the Itinerary

• Beursplein: Starting point, a bustling square with a history linked to trade and finance.
• Zeedijk Street: Known for its vibrant history and multicultural roots.
• Nieuwmarkt and Lastage: Areas that once bustled with commerce and now offer a lively atmosphere.
• Jewish Quarter: A poignant reminder of Amsterdam’s Jewish community and WWII history.
• Zuiderkerk & Begijnhof: Historic religious sites that add a peaceful, reflective element.
• Dam Square: The city’s iconic hub, perfect for a photo op and to grasp Amsterdam’s modern pulse.

Each stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving enough time for photos, quick explorations, or just absorbing the atmosphere. The guide’s knowledgeable commentary makes each site more meaningful, especially if you’re eager to understand the city’s layered past.

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The Cheese Tasting Experience

Post-walk, you’ll head to the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, a traditional spot famous for its Gouda. Here, you’ll sample five different types of cheese paired with wines carefully selected by a sommelier. This part of the tour offers a real taste of local craftsmanship and flavor.

The cheese tasting lasts about an hour. Travelers report that the cheeses are varied and high quality, with some reviews emphasizing that the wines complement the cheeses perfectly. Many also appreciate that the tasting is intimate and well-paced, allowing plenty of time to ask questions or just savor the flavors.

Value for Money and Practicalities

At $45 per person, this tour offers a good balance of price and experience. When compared to other similar tours, the inclusion of both a guided walk and a cheese tasting makes it a compelling option, especially as it covers so much ground in just 3.5 hours.

The small group size (max 10) helps keep the experience personal, with the guide able to give individual attention. The flexibility to reserve and pay later is handy if you’re still firming up your plans. Plus, the full refund policy up to 24 hours before departure adds peace of mind.

The Reviewers’ Perspective

Most reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the quality of the cheese and wines. One reviewer noted, “You’ll hear stories you’d never hear elsewhere,” which speaks to the tour’s storytelling aspect. Others appreciated the rundown of Amsterdam’s history, especially those unfamiliar with the city’s more complicated past.

However, some mention that the walking can be a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to walking for a few hours or if the weather turns rainy. The tour is rain or shine, so dressing appropriately is important.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want more than just a superficial overview—they’re interested in local stories, history, and flavors. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a relaxed pace, enjoy walking, and love cheese. Family travelers might find it a bit long for very young kids, but older children who enjoy history and food might enjoy it too.

It’s particularly good for first-time visitors eager to get their bearings and understand the city’s fabric before exploring on their own. Foodies will love the cheese and wine pairing, and history buffs will find the stories enriching.

FAQs About the Amsterdam Walking Tour with Cheese Tasting

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3.5 hours, including the 2.5-hour walking tour and one hour for the cheese tasting session.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Beursplein 1-3 and ends back at the same location, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

Is the cheese tasting included in the price?
Yes, the cheese tasting is part of the tour package and includes five types of cheese with wines selected by a sommelier.

Can I choose the starting time?
Availability varies, but the typical starting time for the cheese tasting is around 1:30 PM, after the walk. You can check current options when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly family-focused, older children interested in history and food might enjoy it. Keep in mind it involves some walking and standing.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides are available in English and Spanish, and the tour is conducted in one language per session.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and bring an umbrella if rain is forecasted as the tour is rain or shine.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there any food or drink not included?
The tour covers the cheese and wine tasting, but any additional food or drinks are not included.

In Summary

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging way to see Amsterdam while learning some stories that stick with you—and if cheese is your thing—this tour offers a memorable combo. The personal guide, quality cheese and wine, and central location make it a smart choice for many visitors wanting to get a taste of what makes this city special.

Just be prepared for some walking, and check the timing of your cheese tasting in advance. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances history, flavor, and fun, making it a worthwhile addition to your Amsterdam itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: