Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan worth booking?
Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan is a 2-hour experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from $3 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (12)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $3 per person
How did Amsterdam become known for its liberal outlook? Join a local guide for a two-hour walk exploring the people, protests and ideas behind the city’s counterculture. Discover the Jordaan, spot street art and houseboats, and hear stories about the hippie movement, squatting, LGBTQ+ history and Dutch soft-drugs policy. Your guide connects Amsterdam’s reputation with the everyday city around you, with time for questions and local recommendations. The tour is in English, with a maximum of 15 participants per guide. We discuss the Red Light District’s history and culture, but do not enter the district. Your Viator payment includes all mandatory fees. There is no additional compulsory payment at the meeting point. Tips for your guide are entirely voluntary; you decide whether and how much to give.
What you get
About this experience
How did Amsterdam become known for its liberal outlook? Join a local guide for a two-hour walk exploring the people, protests and ideas behind the city’s counterculture. Discover the Jordaan, spot street art and houseboats, and hear stories about the hippie movement, squatting, LGBTQ+ history and Dutch soft-drugs policy. Your guide connects Amsterdam’s reputation with the everyday city around you, with time for questions and local recommendations. The tour is in English, with a maximum of 15 participants per guide. We discuss the Red Light District’s history and culture, but do not enter the district. Your Viator payment includes all mandatory fees. There is no additional compulsory payment at the meeting point. Tips for your guide are entirely voluntary; you decide whether and how much to give.
What's included
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Engaging storytelling by licensed guide
- An educational dive into the city's counterculture
Not included
- Food and Beverages, (bring some water)
- Transportation (we walk everything)
- Entry into the Red Light District (tour groups are restricted from entering)
What you'll see and do
Dam Square
Our tour starts at the National Monument on Dam square, close to where Amsterdam was founded. Our tour also ends here.
5 minutes here
Royal Palace Amsterdam
Originally built as a town hall, the historic palace is the most culturally significant building of the Netherlands. A visit is highly recommended after the tour and can be booked on the Royal Palace website.
5 minutes here
The Jordaan
Explore the captivating neighborhood of Jordaan in Amsterdam and immerse yourself in its rich history and irresistible charm. Walk along its narrow streets lined with cozy cafes, art studios, and independent boutiques, and uncover the stories of rebellious artists, working-class heroes, and the struggles of a bygone era.
60 minutes here
Gay Monument
Amsterdam is famed as a liberal city, but it wasn't always like this. Stop at Amsterdam's Gay Monument and pay tribute to the LGBTQ people who were persecuted because of their gender or sexual preference.
10 minutes here
Amsterdam
We will stop at various locations showcasing Amsterdam's street art, graffiti & houseboats. As of 2020, tour operators aren't allowed inside the Red Light District, however, we do cover the subject and its relevant backstory.
40 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Amsterdam
Meet us 10 minutes before the tour starts, in front of the National Monument. You'll recognize us by the white umbrella with an orange logo. Please don't message or call us if you are late, there is no catching up with the group after the start time and the guides can't be reached during the tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet us 10 minutes before the tour starts, in front of the National Monument. You'll recognize us by the white umbrella with an orange logo. Please don't message or call us if you are late, there is no catching up with the group after the start time and the guides can't be reached during the tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Guided Tour Holland
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Recommended for adults (topics include prostitution & soft drugs policy), or teenagers under supervision.
- No catching up with the group if you are late (please book a new time slot)
- Bookings accepted up to 5 people, larger groups will not be taken by the guide
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Review of two half’s
No 1 tour- Essential Amsterdam walking tour with Felipe. Excellent tour in which we could ask questions, we learned a lot and the pace was comfortable. No 2 tour- Alternative tour with Alessio. 3/5, he often forgot what he was saying part way through and other people on the tour were constantly interrupting saying about their city etc. We didn’t cover a lot of ground, we moved very slowly and we didn’t feel as though we learned a lot compared to the tour above.
via Tripadvisor
Tour cancelled without notice with last minute solution
We booked an “Alternative Tour Amsterdam | Drugs story, street art & more” via TripAdvisor, so paying one euro more than buying directly on the company’s website (freealternativetouramsterdam). So far all acceptable, however, once we arrived at the meeting point, there was no our guide and above all none of the guides really present was there to administer this type of tour. From them we were given information on the spot, informal and conflicting with the absence of our guide (and the fact that he did not respond to our messages) and, above all, we never received any official communication from either the company or TripAdvisor. Instead, kindly, we were given the opportunity to join an ordinary walking tour (which we had already done) or receive back the money from our reservation (unclear how and how much). We opted to redo the ordinary tour and, luckily, our new guide has included in his own tour some alternative info.
Response from the operator: Dear Caterinal, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. You are absolutely right. The tour should have taken place as booked, and you did indeed book this tour with us. We sincerely apologize for what happened. This is not how our tours are supposed to run, and we fully understand your disappointment. We are currently investigating internally what went wrong, so we can make sure this does not happen again. Normally, all of our tours run as scheduled, and this is something you can rely on when booking with us. Unfortunately, in this case, we clearly fell short of that standard. Thank you again for your feedback, and our sincere apologies for the inconvenience. Kind regards, Tim Lunshof
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Alternative tour of amsterdam
We bought this voucher, but the guide said afterwards: you have not paid yet. I have to pay a lot for the tour to do, so you have to pay 2 euros each to cover those costs. Then I haven't earned anything. Someone who wanted to leave he called back: you have not yet paid a tip. Although the guide was very sympathetic and gave a pleasant playful tour, I found this an unpleasant ending. I don't think tipping is normal anymore, but to say how much you have to give...then this should be better described when buying
Response from the operator: Bedankt voor je review, en fijn om te horen dat je de gids en de rondleiding leuk vond. Helaas mogen wij bij de verkoop van de voucher niet vermelden dat de aanbetaling voor deelname niet het totale bedrag van de tour is. Deze kleine vergoeding gaat niet naar de gids, maar naar het bedrijf, zodat we meer mensen kunnen bereiken en blij kunnen maken met een rondleiding. Een fooi aan het einde, als de tour naar wens is geweest, word meer dan gewaardeerd.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Great experience. Highly recommend the “Alternative” tour.
The tour was fantastic! I leaned so many things about the city. Gerben was entertaining and good company. I highly recommend the “Alternative” walking tour. Fine for teenagers.
Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about the Free Alternative Tour Amsterdam. We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great time exploring the city with Gerben. He’s an amazing storyteller with a real passion for showing the creative, offbeat side of Amsterdam, so it’s fantastic to know you enjoyed his company and learned a lot along the way. We’re also really happy that you found the tour suitable for teenagers — we always aim to make it fun, insightful, and engaging for all ages. Thanks again for recommending the Free Alternative Tour Amsterdam. We hope to welcome you or your family on another one of our tours in the Netherlands soon! Kind regards, Tim Free Alternative Tour Amsterdam
via Tripadvisor
A walking Tour with Wit & Humour!
An amazing experience with Sergio our tour guide. With his wit, humour and interesting stories, we walked around the sights of Amsterdam listening to Sergio's every word. He was a true professional, full of empathy and caring to all his attendees, listening to their questions and requirements. This tour was not full of facts, numbers and a guide pointing to the tourist attractions, but with true life stories and history. A wonderful experience, magical and enlighting. i left knowing more about the residents of Amsterdam, than any website. Thank you Sergio, for being Mr Amsterdam!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Guided Tour Holland, who run 7 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.7.
See everything Guided Tour Holland runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Amsterdam.
How much does Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan cost?
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Prices start at $3 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Amsterdam usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Amsterdam is not rushed.
Is Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Amsterdam, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Amsterdam can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Amsterdam and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Amsterdam within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?
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On Outty we rank every Amsterdam experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings, Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group, Amsterdam 90 minutes Canal Cruise with bar and snacks on board.. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Amsterdam?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan?
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Included: English-speaking guide; Engaging storytelling by licensed guide; and An educational dive into the city's counterculture. Not included: Food and Beverages, (bring some water); Transportation (we walk everything); and Entry into the Red Light District (tour groups are restricted from entering). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan?
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Meet us 10 minutes before the tour starts, in front of the National Monument. You'll recognize us by the white umbrella with an orange logo. Please don't message or call us if you are late. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Amsterdam Alternative Tour: Drugs Policy, Street Art & Jordaan?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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