The Free Dark Side Tour of Amsterdam
Known for its liberal mindset, it’s hard to imagine that Amsterdam was once the site of public hangings and witch hunts. Beyond the usual ghost stories and urban myths, this tour reveals the darker, more disturbing events of Amsterdam’s post-medieval past. Step with us into the eerie alleys of historic Amsterdam on this tour, where the real stories of the city's ominous history will send a chill down your spine.
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This tour is tip-based, however we charge a €2 booking fee per person
Booking A Tour FAQ
Can I reserve the tour for more than 6 people?
Reservations for the Free Walking Tour Amsterdam are limited to a maximum of 6 people per booking. We keep our groups small to ensure the best possible experience for everyone.
The maximum group size for guided tours in Amsterdam is 15 people. Smaller groups make it easier for everyone to hear the guide, ask questions, and enjoy the stories along the way. It also creates a more relaxed and social atmosphere for travelers exploring the city together.
What happens if I make multiple reservations?
If you make several reservations to try to bring a larger group on the Free Walking Tour Amsterdam, we unfortunately won’t be able to take the extra participants. Those spots may instead be given to other travelers who are waiting to join the tour.
Can larger groups join the tour?
If you are traveling with more than 6 people, we recommend booking a private walking tour in Amsterdam. This allows your group to have a guide dedicated entirely to you and to choose a time that fits your schedule.
For group bookings we offer private tours here:
Private Tours with Guided Tour Holland
This way your group can still enjoy a great experience while keeping our Free Walking Tour Amsterdam comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is strictly for 18+.
The stories shared are not suitable for children due to graphic content, even when accompanied by a parent. However, we offer great alternatives for families, such as our Classic Tour and Food Tour, which are perfect for all ages.
Is the Dark Side Tour a ghost tour?
Not really, although we do cover some ghost stories that haunted the city.
The tour is about the stories of (post-)medieval Amsterdam that hide in the shadow of the past. What would happen if people thought you were a witch? How were criminals punished? Where did some streets and squares get their spooky name in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam was not always as safe as it is today, so prepare yourself for some spooky stories of historic Amsterdam.
Can I do the Dark Side Tour if I have done the Classic Tour?
Yes, in fact you can do all our tours!
Each one offers a unique experience, highlighting different aspects of Amsterdam. We do recommend booking no more than two tours in one day, with some time in between, to fully enjoy each experience.
Do we enter the Red Light District on this tour?
No, all organized tours in the Red Light District are strictly prohibited.
On the Dark Side Tour, we tell a bit about prostitution from a historic perspective. If you want a tour that covers more about the history of sex work in Amsterdam, we recommend the Alternative Tour (NOTE: The Alternative Tour is not a Red Light Tour!).
Meet the Ghosts of the Past on This Evening Tour Through Historic Amsterdam
On the Dark Side Tour, we’ll take you on a chilling journey through Amsterdam’s haunted history, where you’ll:
- Walk through Spooky Streets: Visit eerie locations and discover the origins of the city’s ghostly street names, like Bloedstraat (Blood Street) and Spooksteeg (Ghost Alley).
- Hear the Haunting Tale of Possessed Orphans: Learn the true story of how Amsterdam’s orphans in 1566 were mysteriously overtaken by a demonic force.
- Explore the Graves of Nuns: Search for the lost skeletons of women of God, and stand on the ground where women were burned at the stake for their alleged pact with the devil.
- Discover Amsterdam’s Torture Chamber: Uncover the gruesome practices in the backrooms of Amsterdam’s anatomy lessons, where Anabaptists were tortured and executed.
- Visit the Place of Public Executions: Learn why the gallows were placed near the docks for arriving sailors to witness criminal executions and discover the terrifying persecution of alleged witches in the dark Middle Ages.
Our tour ends & starts at the National Monument on Dam square, and is approximately 2 hours long.
Start & End Of The Tour:
Dam Square – look for the white umbrellas in front of the National Monument. Most tours finish at or close to Dam Square.
This tour is tip-based, however we charge a €2 booking fee per person
Tour Language: English
Book this tour with a private tour guide
Duration: 2 hours
Dam Square
2 hours
All ages
