• Private Tour
• Carbon Neutral

See the Red Light District in a different way! Exclusive tour by a local entrepreneur. The notorious area has many stories most tourists never hear about. I'm here to assure you that you'll enjoy the most unique and unknown aspects of this neighborhood!

Destination

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

2 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Nederlands

Included

• Private guide

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Ian.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Damrak 247 - Amsterdam to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Meeting Point

   Meet me by the Red Light District in Holland Rent a Bike

4. Background History

   Hear the story about the infamous district and admire historical buildings

5. Taboo Sights

   See what used to be a former window brothel

6. Canal Walk

   Stroll past beautiful Dutch canals

7. Rembrandt History

   Check out the place where Rembrandt married

8. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Kristyn🇺🇸 United States

24 October 2024

My husband and I travel the world. Ian was the greatest guide we have ever had. Our time flew by with mesmerizing stories of his city, both personal and passionate! He and his wife have a very deep, rich connection with their beloved Amsterdam and it was an honor to witness this through him. Please do not look any further. If you want a true insider's guide to Amsterdam, its people, its stories and mostly its HEART- Ian is your man! We will never forget you Ian! 100 STARS!

Jim🇺🇸 United States

25 May 2024

Ian was the highlight of our Amsterdam trip. As the "Mayor" he was funny and informative of all the tour aspects and all information about Amsterdam. Really enjoyed the time and he has our highest rating. Would do it again in a heartbeat.Amsterdam with Ian

Andrew

15 September 2023

Ian was great. We enjoyed his stories of local culture, arts, and poltics. The tour was in depth and full of facts about local history and art. So many small details. As the tour progresses it becomes more catered to your tastes and likes. The facts about local businesses and places we visited felt like we were more than just run of the mill tourist's. Single handedly revitalizing tour guides

Cassie🇺🇸 United States

28 November 2022

Ian loved his city like most of the guides but he offered a fresh perspective that blended history, justice, and humor. Ian is very involved in the city and it showed. His stories were honest and enlightening. He allowed time for questions and was thoughtful in his responses. His wife is so lovely too..be sure to ask to see their chocolate shop. Delicious and sustainable! Would recommend this tour to all ages.Such a wonderful tour!

Jo🇬🇧 United Kingdom

3 September 2022

Hey, we greatly appreciated Ian’s professionalism and experience of the city. Perfect for our teenagers and parents. He has lots to say and we could have listened all day! Thank you for the old city tour, it was just perfect xDon’t miss this!

Sara🇺🇸 United States

5 June 2022

Ian was outstanding, extremely knowledgeable with a wonderful sense of humor!!! We thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the red light district!!Fabulous tour

Carol🇺🇸 United States

8 April 2022

Wonderful experience. Ivan was a delight. He was a fountain of information and had a delightful personality. I highly recommend him. Carol, Shirley,Jane, Mark

Garth🇺🇸 United States

27 November 2021

We are a family of three well traveled US citizens and decided to take a tour of the Red Light District while we visited Amsterdam. We have a 16 year old so we thought it might be smart to have a tour guide with knowledge of the area and one that could bring the history and interesting stories so that we could enjoy this area verse skipping it. Well Ian was the perfect guide. Ian has a very nice personality and is a wealth of knowledge. We were treated to meeting his wife and visiting their Chocolate store in the heart of the red light...actually in a couple of the "windows". Ian had fun stories about the area and how it is changing dramatically since COVID. We were COVID safe, especially while there were new restrictions being enforced. Again - I'd recommend a tour with Ian if you have the chance. A little edgy, a little humor, a little history and a lot of fun! Fun, local tour of the Red Light District

Sheila🇺🇸 United States

22 October 2019

Ian was fabulous! It was like being shown around town by a friend who knew all the cool stories and where to find the best food. And somehow manage to remember all of the places we chatted about and sent us a list at the end of the night so we have exciting places to check out for the rest of our time in Amsterdam. A surprising and heartwarming way to experience the red light district from a local perspective. Plus, Chocolate! Would recommend whole heartedly to everyone. The BEST tour! So laid back and cool.

Jen🇨🇦 Canada

31 August 2019

We couldn’t have asked for a better way to learn about Amsterdam while having fun! Ian is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and easily adapts the walk to what you feel like or want to see in the moment. We covered a lot of ground and he added some unique and special stops along the way we weren’t expecting that were like the icing on the cake! I highly recommend Ian for any tour large or small!A truly authentic, educational & fun tour

Madlyn🇺🇸 United States

17 August 2019

Fantastic walk and narrative thru old town. Good mix of history and current events. Ian was knowledgable and easy to listn to.Amsterdam behind the scene

Nikki🇦🇺 Australia

11 August 2019

I was after something special, entertaining and informing in Amsterdam for my Brother's Birthday on a recent trip. I found Ian so helpful and lovely to deal with ahead of our arrival and he was very easy to get in touch with. We had such a great time with him. We not only learnt about Amsterdam, the people, the red light district and the history but so much more. He was funny whilst still being informative and really made us feel like we were locals for a few hours. We also never stop laughing with him. If you do one thing in Amsterdam, make it be a tour with Ian. Such a lovely guy but also so passionate about his city. You would be crazy not to book Ian!

Micki🇺🇸 United States

17 July 2019

Ian was so fun. Obviously in love with his city. Great information and presentation. Ian is so animated and fun. Had the chocolate tasting resented by his wive it was informative and delicious. We had a group of twelve and every could hear him and like him. First time I used Withlocals and I would use them again. Loved it

Michael🇬🇧 United Kingdom

21 November 2018

Met Ian as agreed and straight away he got our attention with his knowledge ,enthusiasm and friendly engaging nature. Facinating insight to not just the Red light district but also the history of the Spice trade and the current initiatives .Team building exercise was a curve ball but fun....Thanks for a enjoyable,humourous and really interesting tour..A personal guide is definately the way to get the best of the RLDBrought the district to life

Brenda🇨🇦 Canada

17 October 2018

Ian, the Red Light District came to life through your amazing stories. Your sincere interest in the wellbeing of your neighbours was very apparent. It was interesting and we are happy to hear about the successful rejuvenation projects. We appreciated your candor - and humour - while discussing sensitive issues both past and present. We wish you and your wife much success in your businesses. Thank you for the chocolate...it was delicious. We look forward to exploring the district more during our next visit. Let us know if you come to Canada! We will recommend you to family and friends, and to other With Local travellers. Thank you!Red Light District by Night Tour

Rebecca

24 September 2018

Ian gave us the experience we were looking for! We wanted a host who would give us the "real feel" of Amsterdam. We didn't want to see tourist attractions and monuments, we wanted to see how the locals live and what attracts them to their city. We got exactly that! Ian knows and loves his city and the people in it. You won't be disappointed! As "local" as it gets!

Nick🇺🇸 United States

16 September 2018

We did. Not only was he full of knowledge, good energy and charm, butbits evudebtvhe cares about his neighborhood and community. He made the past AND the future of the Red Light District come to life. We wish him luck and thanks for an outstanding tour. You will love Ian!

Ken

14 September 2018

Ian provided an excellent overview of the history of and contemporary aspirations for the district. A well informed, energetic, and engaging tour guide. Thumbs Up!

Roger🇺🇸 United States

14 May 2018

Ian was kind enough to ask his associate, Guido, to guide as I got the date wrong. Guido was able to tell us quite a bit within an hour and gave us a greater appreciation of the area. Would recommend Very informative

Rachel🇬🇧 United Kingdom

22 April 2018

Stop looking around and just book a tour with Ian as I guarantee you won’t find better. He is so friendly, enthusiastic, lives locally and is a well known member of this lovely community. He will tailor the tour to you and your interests and it will be worth every penny. We will certainly be contacting Ian on our return. We feel like we have made a friend and feel in love with Amsterdam despite only being here for 24 hours. Thank you Ian You won’t get a better tour in Amsterdam!

Tina🇺🇸 United States

22 February 2018

We did the Red Light District Tour with Ian and learned a lot about the history of the area along with general information on Dutch society and their "live and let live" view of life. Ian is an enthusiastic guide with a great love of his city.Nice Tour

Barbara🇺🇸 United States

11 April 2017

Ian enlightened us at each turn of the corner. We now know red lights, white lights, and blue lights. Incredible factoids in his brain. History, pop culture, ethnic, sexual, cultural nuances abound with him. This local is immersed in the community and you benefit from a rare inside glimpse. If there were an ambassador for the Red Light District, he would top the list. Amsterdam is the most liberal city in the world, and Ian provides a tour of the "seed" that is the core of this badge of honor. I have only been to 4 continents, and this IS top shelf. Extraordinary is a mundane word to describe his generousity. Treat him right. Don't know how long the truly unique souvenir is available, so don't wait. Every corner new revelations

Howard🇿🇦 South Africa

25 May 2016

MANY THANKS IAN. Fantastic experience with an extremly knowledgeable and friendly guide. Highly recoimmended. Old city center/ Red Light District - Exclusive Tour

Jennifer

11 January 2016

Ian is incredibly knowledgable about the Red Light district, and also about Amsterdam as a whole. He also really seems to like being a guide, which makes for a fun and lively tour! He talks FAST - the tour was chock full of historical and contemporary info! We learned so much - Ian is a real insider, and it was great to get his perspective on what is good and also what is difficult for "industry." He was also flexible and allowed us to change the time of our tour at the last minute due to the weather. Great tour.Old city center/ Red Light District - Exclusive Tour

Uta

27 December 2015

OkOld city center/ Red Light District - Exclusive Tour

Steve🇺🇸 United States

21 June 2024

My second tour with Ian – another fantastic experience. My wife and I toured with him seven years ago and had a wonderful time. This tour was with a couple of friends of mine and we all thoroughly enjoyed the city tour. Ian is a uniquely talented tour guide that offers knowledge, enthusiasm, and fun to the experience. The real difference with Ian, is that you’re left with the realization that you’ve just spent time with someone truly exceptional as a person, citizen of Amsterdam, and observer of culture. A very unique individual and well worth your time to meet and experience.My second tour with Ian

brazzii🇨🇭 Switzerland

31 May 2024

Wir hatten eine superinteressante Tour mit viel Insiderwissen bekommen. Bei einem Extra-Stopp bei Cacao&Spice erhielten wir weitere interessante Informationen über die Geschichte des Handels von Gewürzen und Cacao in Amsterdam sowie beindruckende Erfahrungen mit den Menschen welche im Rotlichtviertel arbeiten und leben. Vielen Dank für diese grossartige Tour 🙏❤️Wow was für ein Erlebnis

Joseph🇺🇸 United States

16 October 2022

Thanks so much Ian for being helpful in working out a way for our planned tour to work out in spite of changes in availability.Ian's help with modifying our plans

Egid🇧🇪 Belgium

2 August 2022

We hebben een SUPER leuke ervaring gehad met Ian, hij deed de rondleiding top. Ik had Ian aangegeven dat onze dochter van 12 iets meer over de historie van Amsterdam wilde weten, Ian betrok onze dochter heel leuk in zijn verhaal en maakte er ook voor haar een super leuke ervaring mee. Onze dochter wil zeker nog diverse keren terug komen naar Amsterdam, ze vond het een geweldige stad. Indien de agenda's dan passen willen we weer Ian vragen om een vervolg te geven op de rondleiding. Super bedankt!Super leuke ervaring

Mindy🇺🇸 United States

19 June 2022

We loved our tour with Ian - a true local!Great experience!

Danielle🇺🇸 United States

12 April 2022

Salome and Ian were so much fun, their passion and enthusiasm were contagious, and we learned so much from them while tasting all kinds of delicious chocolates from all over the world! This was one of the highlights of our trip, I would recommend it to anybody.Amazing experience!!

Marina🇷🇴 Romania

23 February 2020

Bri🇳🇱 Netherlands

9 November 2019

This was so much more than a chocolate tasting alone! It was like meeting new friends. The chocolate we tasted was from another level, I never knew there was so much to know about chocolate. They knew every story behind every chocolate we tried. On top of that Ian & Salomé mixed the chocolate tasting with stories on Amsterdam's history and even gave some great tips on what to do in the area after. This was the most local experience I've had while visiting. Can def. recommend!Awesome experience, must-do in Amsterdam!

Emily🇬🇧 United Kingdom

29 August 2019

We had a fantastic experience. Ian’s wife is so knowledgable on what she does. The chocolate was lovely. Ian and his wife were really helpfully after I had to rearrange due to being ill. I’d highly recommend Brilliant experience

Jennifer🇺🇸 United States

6 August 2019

This tour weaves together, through chocolate, a history of the city of Amsterdam and its people. Single origin, sustainably sourced cacao has never tasted so delicious as when served in nibbles with such a personal touch. Salomé has such an extensive collection that she could tailor the experience to our tastes. Do not miss this unique experience!

Teresa🇺🇸 United States

27 July 2019

Ian was a wonderful tour guide on our tour of Old Amsterdam and the Red Light District. It was unbearably hot but yet the tour was interesting and fun. We learned a lot about the early days of Amsterdam and about the origins of the Red Light . We would highly recommend this tour!Tour with Ian

christian🇩🇪 Germany

1 July 2019

Ian - you have done it again!! It´s been yet another awesome tour with you - this time we did the Redlight & Historic Tour as well as a very interesting bike tour with you. You took us to beautifel places, you showed us interesting - off the main tourist line - things in the city and we learnt so much about the history and the recent changes of the social infrastructure of Amsterdam. It´s been a very interesting, entertaining and fun tour! You are the best!! We will be back agian - for sure. See you - hang in there ChrisAwesome - again !

James🇺🇸 United States

7 May 2019

Ian was a passionate resident of the Red Light District. He was very proud of his neighborhood and of its embrace for all people of goodwill. He was very protective of the women who worked in the sex trade and was a very knowledgeable and energetic. The Zealot

Karen🇺🇸 United States

30 December 2018

Ian gave us a perspective of the Red Light District we did not expect. He and his wife are involved in efforts to turn former window brothels into businesses, including their chocolate shop. They also are involved in an art project. We really enjoyed our tour with Ian. He even helped us find a place to have dinner at the end of the tour.Unique Overview of Red Light District

Sara🇺🇸 United States

20 December 2018

I loved this experience. Ian was very welcoming and knowledgable. He and his wife own a chocolate & spice shop in the city center and I enjoyed all of the chocolates. They make some chocolates themselves and have so many choices. I was surprised with all the different choices and learned a lot about chocolate and old Amsterdam. I could even buy a nice Christmas gift for my vegan-and-gluten-free mom! Great experience, would recommend to all. Thank you Ian!Loved it! Best chocolate ever

Heike🇩🇪 Germany

30 July 2018

Ian - what a tour it has been!!! How can you transform a group of 8 decently educated (semi) seniors into a bunch of hilariously excited, foolishly acting and funny people?! :-) Anyway, whatever you have done to us - it‘s been a fantastic tour, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, what a great day it has been! A tour worth every minute and every penny . You are a great guy, we will certainly do the best word of mouth campaigning as possible. Keep rocking! Cheers from 8 happy Germans !!!We‘ve done it....!

Julie🇨🇭 Switzerland

19 July 2018

Our tour with Ian surpassed our expectations!! Ian is a real people person, full of energy, funny and full of information. We highly recommend Ian’s red light district tour.. Amazing

Brigitte🇩🇪 Germany

3 November 2017

It was a very interesting and educational tour. Ian answered all our questions and adapted the tour for our teen boys 👍🏼👍🏼 Big thanks to Ian - we‘ll be back!Old Town and Red Light District

Karen🇺🇸 United States

1 August 2017

We had a great afternoon tour of the red light district and old town with Ian. We are a family of 5 (including a 12-year-old boy) and Ian customized our tour so that we didn't see anything too shocking for our pre-teen. The tour was funny, informative and appropriate for our entire family. Ian has a great personality and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.So much fun!

Mary🇺🇸 United States

18 July 2017

Ian was a great tour guide! Very knowledgable and upbeat! He made our tour fun and we learned about Amsterdam!! Old Amsterdam & Red Light District Tour

Paul🇺🇸 United States

6 May 2017

Our party of 3 really enjoyed this tour. Ian was extremely knowledgeable about the area and the dynamics which drive the community. His stories were entertaining, and he made us feel like we were old friends. Important note to other guides: Ian made sure to speak individually with each member of our party as we walked the district, which made every member of the group feel special. Would definitely recommend Ian's tour to anyone who is interested in the history and the future of this vibrant area of the city.Great Red Light District Tour with Ian

Sebas🇳🇱 Netherlands

10 November 2016

We've had a great day! Seeing places you would never came on your one. Ian is the perfect guy to show and to learn you more about Amsterdam. We will come back soon:-) SebasIan is Amsterdam!

Leah-Sol🇬🇧 United Kingdom

4 November 2016

My group of University students absolutely loved the tour! Keep up the fabulous work :)Great Guide

Ricarda🇩🇪 Germany

31 October 2016

We book a tour through the redlight district and ist was fantastic. Unfortunately Ian was not able to go with us - but he organized a reprensentation who did the tour with us. Everthing was fine and we'll come back of course!We loved the walk!

Marsha

3 October 2016

Ian was FABULOUS! He worked with us to make our experience unique and individual to fit our needs. Ian made our trip to Amsterdam a trip to remember. Thanks Ian I will never forget it! MarshaAll About Amsterdam City Tour