“Jan is very knowledgeable and has an easy going style. We saw a lot and covered a wide area of the city. It's a great way to orient yourself for first time visitors.”
M
MichaelNew Jersey · Airbnb review
Private · Fully Tailored · Amsterdam
See Amsterdam like you've got a friend in the city.
Private walking tours with Jan. The must-sees, the secret spots, and the corners only a local would think to show you. No two tours are ever the same.
★★★★★
4.95 on Airbnb · 4.9 on Viator
Jan Noordman
Your guide & friend in the city
Meet your guide
A friend who happens to live here.
Jan has lived in Amsterdam for 14 years and has welcomed visitors as a private guide and host for the past 8. He's a part-time B&B manager, a high school philosophy teacher and a tour guide, and he occasionally writes pieces for the local newspaper — like this one on Amsterdam's architecture.
That mix makes the city come alive: history, world-class art and modern culture, connected to the debates shaping Amsterdam today. Jan handles the route, the timing and the tips, and adjusts on the go. You just show up curious.
Philosophy
Writing
Art
History
“
Relax, enjoy, and see everything Amsterdam has to offer. It'll feel like you've got a friend in the city you've known for years.
What will you see?
Three hours. Ten stops. One friend in the city.
Every tour is tailored and shaped around your group. These are some of the things we'll generally be doing on the tour, and we detour whenever something catches your eye. Groups are a maximum of 4 people.
01
Dam Square
How did the Royal Palace go from City Hall to royal residence? And what is the role of the Dutch royals today?
02
Red Light District
I'll tell you what to do to keep the working girls from spraying you with water guns.
03
Floating Flower Market
Where tulips came from, the Tulip Mania of the 1630s, and the surprising modern parallels.
04
Amsterdam Restaurant Tips
I know where to find the best stroopwafels, the coziest coffee places, and the restaurants worth your evening.
05
Begijnhof, the Secret Gardens
A serene 14th-century hidden Catholic courtyard, once home to pilgrims who would set sail for the USA.
06
Spiegelstraat: Art & Antiques
The origin of Delft Blue, the taboo around our peppernut cookies, and how Santa Claus is actually Dutch.
07
Canals: Rise of a New Social Class
How Amsterdam's roots led to the rise of a new merchant class that built the iconic canal houses.
08
The Mayor's House
Let me tell you about the time I had dinner with the mayor, got into an argument, and almost got kicked out.
09
The 'Secret' Catholic Church
Everybody knew there was a Catholic church here, but everyone pretended they didn't. Why? Let me explain.
10
Beurs van Berlage
Why the 17th century became our Golden Age. It's because we invented the stock market!
€175
3 hours, per group
+€40
Per extra hour
5% off
Pay in Bitcoin
Moments
Real days, real people
A few snapshots from tours around the city: markets, canals, courtyards and the odd stroopwafel.
Tap any photo to view it large
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Guest stories
★★★★★
What guests keep saying
Travellers from all over the world. Here is what a few of them said.
“Jan is extremely friendly and an excellent tour guide. He knows a lot of interesting information and history about every place we walked past. Highly recommended for anyone who wants an enjoyable walk around the city center.”
B
BoossakolBangkok · Airbnb review
“Jan is a super friendly person. Walked us around ALL of Amsterdam! Showed us little secrets in the city and all the local treats. Very flexible also: he met us in a different location and adapted the tour for us. Happy with the experience!”
I
IngridNew York · Airbnb review
“Amazing experience! Jan is extremely knowledgeable and easy going. Definitely recommend!”
E
EmmaNew York · Airbnb review
“Wonderful tour with a knowledgeable host who answered all our questions about both history and also current daily life in Amsterdam!”
L
LisaSan Antonio · Airbnb review
“Jan conducted a thorough walking tour of the city and pointed out unique places and historical tidbits and recommendations for further exploration of Amsterdam's must-see sites.”
S
SummerSan Francisco · Airbnb review
“We had a great time the four hours we spent touring with Jan. It was our first time in the city. Walking the beautiful canal-side streets gave us the confidence to venture out and explore over the next few days.”
Kenneth & FamilyViator review
“We had an amazing time. Jan made this a truly special, custom day for us. He found sights we could never have thought of, was super fun to talk to, explained everything, and adjusted the day as we went.”
Sven D.Viator review
“Great tour. Jan gave a lot of local information and I felt safe as a solo traveller. Would recommend him to others without hesitation.”
Cynthia C.Viator review
“I booked Jan with only 3-hours notice and he was simply amazing!”
S
Sandra B.Aug 2024 · Viator review
“Jan knew all of the shortcuts, and he was knowledgeable on the history of Amsterdam.”
R
Rodney P.May 2024 · Viator review
“If you got 3 hours in Amsterdam book Jan you will not be sorry!!”
R
Richard Z.Apr 2024 · Viator review
Plan your day
Ready to explore Amsterdam?
Tell Jan what you're hoping to see and he'll craft the perfect day. Private groups only, up to four guests.