The most beautiful way to see Amsterdam is from the canals and this non-profit group (dedicated to preserving historic Dutch boats) offers three or four tours per day, lasting approximately one hour. Boats seat up to 10 and guests are encouraged to bring food, drink or something to smoke... Sign up and get times of departures at the Boom Chicago Bar (Leidseplein 12).
EASTERN DOCKLANDS
For DIY tours of the area, first-stop should be ARCAM for an invaluable map (€7.50), with English and Dutch information on the architecture of the area. Alternatively, take an English-language tour on foot with Arttra or Bakker & Bakker. See also MacBike Tours (below).
URBAN HOME & GARDEN TOURS | www.uhgt.nl
All year round, a variety of tours which explore historic canal houses, interiors and gardens dating from the 17th century are taken by professional garden designers and art historians on the city's major canals. UHGT also organise a number of tailor-made programmes including a Banks & Business tour in which you visit the 17th-century canal house of a prominent VOC merchant family; a private bank near 'The 'Golden Bend'; and take a peep behind the curtains of the Euronext stock exchange. See website for details of these. (On request, tours can be taken in Dutch, English, German, Spanish and French.)
ZOOM WALKING TOUR | www.zoomamsterdam.com
Coffeeshops and capitalism, bicycles and bridges, red lights and religion... Amsterdam is a city of suprising – and often shocking – contrasts. Daily at 5pm, Zoom's guides reveal what makes Amsterdam so unique by leading this tour into the heart of the historical city centre, taking in the oldest streets, canals and merchant houses. The cost is €12.50 per person. Additionally, Zoom offer individual walking tours and individual or group cycling tours. Meeting Point is the VOC Café at Prins Hendrikkade 94.