After many years of learning and sharing my knowledge about Amsterdam in my social media and in my podcast, I decided to introduce a possibility to book a guided walk with me, in Amsterdam. During the walk I talk about the history of the city, about why people here are so bold and confident, what their lives are like and why.
Amsterdam has always been an open and tolerant place, but at the same time also very protective of its residents. I will tell you about the events that have shaped the city into what it is today. Why is Amsterdam often called „the world’s playground”? Who plays here, how and what is the price for that?
We will discuss the history, colonialism, slavery, WW2, sex work and the rights of the LGBT+ community. You will learn about what Amsterdam used to look, feel and smell like. I will also tell you about all the struggles we have today.
Highlights – what will we visit?
MEETING POINT – Let’s meet in front of the main entrance to the central station. Here we will talk about the origin of Amsterdam, about the harbour, Noord and the Dutch expeditions.
STOP 1 – Oude Kerk is the only building in Amsterdam that remains in the same state as it was when Rembrandt attended it. Located in the Red Light District, right next to sex workers.
STOP 2 – The stock market, together with a bank and a currency exchange centre, were all created to make Amsterdam the mighty and financial centre. Money transactions were very important in a republic that traded with everybody!
STOP 3 – Dam Square: Here I will tell you about de Nieuwe Kerk – a place for coronations and royal weddings – and the history of the Royal Palace.
STOP 4 – Het Begijnhof – one of the problems that the city struggled with in the past a lot were fires. That is why – starting from the XV century – wooden houses and thatched roofs have been banned. But there are a few old wooden buildings that have been preserved and are really interesting to look at.
STOP 5 – Herengracht – The dark chapter of Amsterdam history – colonialism and slavery. We will look at a landmark that is strongly connected to the colonial past. A great opportunity to talk about Keti Koti and modern challenges the city encounters.
STOP 6 – Oudezijds Voorburgwal – this canal is full of landmarks. It’s an opportunity to talk about how important it was for people to not only know about shipping and trading, but also about art and science. I will show you an old school and explain what public anatomy lessons looked like.
STOP 7 – One of the hiding locations for Jewish residents of the city, during WW2. Our opportunity to discuss how the war affected Amsterdam and its people.
STOP 8 – Red Light District – sex work is legal in the Netherlands, but the whole matter is very complicated. Especially today, when the city is trying to fight crime, abuse and noise pollution.
STOP 9 – Chinatown – Amsterdam’s got the oldest Chinese district on the European mainland. Located right next to the Red Light District, in de Zeedijk, with the biggest religious building in Europe, built in the Chinese style.
STOP 10 – Cafe ‚t Mandje – This brown cafe is the oldest meeting place for non heterosexuals – run by „The Queen of Zeedijk”, a legend, an icon, Bet van Beeren. Amsterdam is considered a gay capital – I will tell you why.
THE END – Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the end point of our tour, right next to the Central Station.
There will also be a few extra stops, depending on how much time we have.
HOW LONG: 2 hours 30 minuts
LANGUAGES: English or Polish
PRICE: 1-2 people: 40.00 EUR
3-4 people: 70.00 EUR
5-6 people: 90.00 EUR
7 and more: 120.00 EUR
If you want to book a walk, please e-mail at: info@domilingua.com or message me on WhatsApp: +31 6 387 38 543.
