Amsterdam travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture
+9 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $30 / person
- Location
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Languages
- EN, IT, FR
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Walking In Amsterdam
- Meeting point
- The guide will be waiting for you in front of the Van Stapele biscuit shop, next to the Manders Rokin fountain statue, with a black umbrella with the company logo.
Description
Discover Amsterdam beyond the stereotypes on a guided walk through its alternative history and culture. Explore coffeeshop culture, historic taverns, Chinatown, and the stories behind the Red Light District. Walk along Zeedijk and through lively Nieuwmarkt as your guide shares stories of sailors, merchants, and changing neighborhoods. Learn how coffeeshops became part of Amsterdam’s identity and discover the history of cannabis, magic mushrooms, and truffles. Explore LGBTQ+ history, Dutch tolerance, and the contrasts behind the city’s reputation for openness. Hear about the history of sex work and the realities behind the red lights. Enjoy anecdotes, ask questions, and get tips on bars, live music, and nightlife. Discover the people, ideas, and contradictions that shaped Amsterdam’s alternative side.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 4:00 PM
- Next available
- Sat, Oct 31
- Adult (ages 5+)
- $30
Out at sunset: the 4:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 4:53 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 12 of the next 30 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 30.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Dam Square & Damstraat
The guide will share stories, historical information, and anecdotes about this site.
Red Light District
Since 2020, Amsterdam regulations have prohibited guides from conducting tours inside the Red Light District. For this reason, we will walk around the area without stopping in front of the windows. The guide will share stories, historical information, and anecdotes about this site.
The guide will share stories, historical information, and anecdotes about this site.
The Bulldog The First
Chinatown
Zeedijk
Condomerie
What's included
Included
Visual material and pictures.
Discussion on coffeeshop culture and brown cafés
Exploration of Amsterdam's tolerance and open-minded culture Information on prostitution culture.
Stories about ghosts, pirates, and local legends
Visit to illuminated canals, historic squares, Chinatown, and nightlife districts
Stories about Amsterdam's nightlife, history, and culture
Not included
Food and drinks
How it compares in Amsterdam
- Starting price $30 is 57% below the typical $68 for tours of similar length in Amsterdam
Excurgo comparison of 2,121 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture take?
Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture cost?
Prices start at $30 per person for this Amsterdam experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 4:00 PM.
Does Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture sell out?
It can: 12 of the next 30 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The guide will be waiting for you in front of the Van Stapele biscuit shop, next to the Manders Rokin fountain statue, with a black umbrella with the company logo. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT, FR.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Compare similar tours in Amsterdam
- Lowest price: Amsterdam Red Light District Tour with Sex Worker Meet & Greet — $20
- Best rated: Treasures of Amsterdam: Coffeeshops & Red Light District Private Tour — 4.9 (98 reviews)
- Shortest: Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture — 2 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam Alternative Tour Red Light and Coffeeshops Culture | 2 hours | — | $30 | |
 Treasures of Amsterdam: Coffeeshops & Red Light District Private Tour | 2 hours | 4.9 (98) | $90 | View |
 Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffeeshop Walking Tour | 2 hours | — | $125 | View |
 Private red light district & coffeeshop tour with a local | 2 hours | 3.0 (2) | $114 | View |
 Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Coffee Shop Tour with Expert Guide | 2h 30min | 5.0 (2) | $225 | View |
 Private Amsterdam Red Light District and Pub Tour including drink | 2 hours | 4.3 (3) | $99 | View |
 Amsterdam Red Light District Tour with Sex Worker Meet & Greet | 2 hours | 4.7 (111) | $20 | View |
from$30
Free cancellation