13 Best Food Tours in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam is the perfect place to experience some Dutch food culture. I always think you gain a better understanding of a country when you try its food.
Famous for its canals and historical buildings, the capital of the Netherlands is also home to a surprising food scene.
After living in the Netherlands for more than 20 years and studying in Amsterdam for more than six years, I’ve gotten to know the best places to try some local food here.
And there are lots of places to try some great food in Amsterdam, but where should you go? Read on to find out where to find the best food tours in Amsterdam.
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Top 3 food tours
Walking Tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch
Walking is always a good way to explore a city. In this case, you’ll be guided through the streets of Amsterdam with a knowledgeable guide. And afterwards you’ll get to enjoy one of the best Dutch meals, also known as a ”pannenkoek”. Click here to view the tour.
Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option
This is one of the best food tours in Amsterdam, as it’s affordable and at the same time very enjoyable. You get to cruise the beautiful canals and admire the historical architecture along the way, accompanied by some cheese and wine. Book this tour over here.
Authentic Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan
This food tour is one of the best tours to join, as it takes place in one of the loveliest areas in Amsterdam: the Jordaan. You’ll get to explore local bars and you’ll try food at six different places. It’s a little more expensive, but makes up for it by being a truly unique local experience.
The best food tours in Amsterdam
As there are many food tours available in Amsterdam, it can be hard to choose which one to join. That’s why I’ve conducted this list of the ultimate best food tours in Amsterdam:
1. Henri Willig Cheese Tasting with Optional Wine
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: from 15 euros per person
Explore the delicious cheeses of Henri Willig at a cheese tasting workshop in the centre of Amsterdam. This tour is especially something for you if you want to learn more about the traditional cheese making process.
Henri Willig was born and raised in Katwoude, a small village in the Netherlands. Henri and his partner took over the farm in 1974 and have been producing high quality cheeses ever since.
Here you will get to enjoy some of the finest cheeses. To make it even better, you can complete your cheese journey with a glass of wine or specialty beer. Click here to book this tour.
2. Dutch Street Food Market Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: from 64.50 euros per person
If you want to experience different kind of street foods, then this is the perfect tour for you. Discover the Albert Cuyp market on a guided tour with a local foodie guide. Try some delicious Dutch snacks from the stalls and learn a bit more about the Dutch food culture.
You will also get to enjoy a local craft beer tasting to pare with these delicious Dutch snacks. The groups are small and don’t have more than 12 people in them. This is my personal favorite tour, as you really get to experience the local side of Amsterdam.
3. Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: from 19.95 euros per person
Experience the true essence of Amsterdam by going on this canal cruise through the UNESCO Heritage-listed Golden Age Canals. Sit back, relax, and let the waterways guide you through the city’s iconic sights.
Sail past the charming sights of the Jordaan district, where beautiful houses line the canals, and glide under the iconic Skinny Bridge that spans the Amstel River. Take in the views of the Red Light District, while also passing by the city’s former locks and the Old Harbor.
At the same time, you’ll get to admire the architecture of the Maritime Museum. Along the way, you’ll encounter historical landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, each carrying a significant piece of Amsterdam’s past.
This canal cruise offers not only a relaxed boat ride, but it also presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Amsterdam.
4. Authentic Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan
Duration: 3.5 hours
Cost: from 109 euros per person
A little more expensive than the tours mentioned above, however this tour truly is a unique experience. Here you will get the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Jordaan neighborhood.
The Jordaan neighborhood is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam, as it’s very characteristic. It used to be a working-class area and is now one of the most desired places to live in Amsterdam.
If you want to go on a food tour in one of the best areas in Amsterdam, then this is the tour for you. You will get to eat at six different places during this tour, one of which is a charming family-owned cafe.
Along the way, you’ll discover hidden local gems and have the privilege of meeting the families who are dedicated to preserving these Dutch culinary traditions. In this tour you will really go beyond the typical tourist places in Amsterdam. Book the tour here.
5. Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: from 49.95 euros per person
Have you ever wanted to cruise the canals with a pizza and some drinks by your side? Well, this is your chance. This is the ultimate tour to just sit back and relax.
The pizza is from New York pizza and you get to choose two drinks from a selection of wine, beers and soft drinks. This is especially a good tour to enjoy together with some friends or family.
Admire the beauty of the historic buildings, charming bridges, and lively streets that make Amsterdam so captivating. This boat tour creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening. So hop on board for a memorable evening on the Amsterdam canals.
6. Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: from 79 euros per person
For a truly unforgettable dining experience you should choose this tour. You will literally dine on the enchanting canals of Amsterdam.
This canal cruise departs from Centraal Station and treats you to Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks. It’s the perfect tour if you’re looking for a romantic dinner experience.
Admire the houses and former warehouses that line the Canal Belt, and be captivated by the beauty of the Magere Brug, also known as the Skinny Bridge.
This delicious 4-course dinner is served alongside a selection of wines and soft drinks. You get to choose from a variety of menu options. Whether you prefer meat, fish, or a vegetarian meal, each menu promises a culinary journey. You can even view the menu beforehand.
If you’re looking for a magical dinner on the canals, with stunning views of Amsterdam, this is your best choice. You can book the cruise here.
7. 3-Course Meal in Historic 1st Class Waiting Rooms
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cost: from 42.25 euros per person
If you fancy a delicious dinner, yet you prefer to stay on land, then this is the perfect tour for you. In this tour you’ll get to enjoy a 3-course meal for lunch or dinner inside the former first class waiting rooms.
These waiting rooms have been renovated to their elegant and glamorous interior of the late 19th Century. Feel the historic atmosphere inside this hidden gem as you sit down to dine.
Grand Café Museum Restaurant 1e Klas, dating from 1885, is located on platform 2B and occupies the space which formerly housed the first-class passengers’ waiting rooms.
The restaurant space was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, whose work includes the iconic Rijksmuseum as well as the entire Amsterdam Central Station. Admire the beautiful architecture inside the restaurant while you enjoy your food.
8. Guided Craft Beer Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: from 59.50 euros per person
If you’re a lover of craft beers, then this is a great tour for you. Here you will go on an epic beer adventure through Amsterdam’s beer scene. You’ll get to taste a lot of different local craft beers at top breweries in Amsterdam. It takes a full thee hours, so it won’t feel like a rush.
With a total of nine tastings throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to try a wide variety of craft beers, each with its own character. Which breweries you will visit remains a surprise until the day itself.
The tour selects different breweries each day, making sure you’ll have an exciting experience. However, we guarantee that the Heineken Experience is not on the itinerary.
If you’re looking for some hidden gems in Amsterdam’s craft beer scene, then this is the tour to join. Cheers to an unforgettable experience in Amsterdam!
9. Private Food Tour with a Local
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: from 172 euros per person
If you’ve ever wanted to go on a private food tour with a local, then this is your chance. Here you will get a good idea of Dutch food culture. The only downside is that it’s more expensive than other tours, especially non-private tours.
Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a culinary adventure through Amsterdam. You’ll meet your guide around Museumplein and you’ll also visit the picturesque Pijp area, where you’ll get to know one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant districts.
During the tour you will taste around 10 different Dutch snacks, such as stroopwafels and bitterballen. From sweet snacks to salty snacks, you will get a taste of everything.
This is not just a food tour, but more of a cultural experience. At the end of the tour, you will have gained a deeper understanding of Amsterdam’s food culture.
10. Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: from 32.50 euros per person
If you’re a lover of Hard Rock Cafes, then this is the tour for you! Skip-the-line at the Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam and get to enjoy its high quality food. Located in the centre of Amsterdam, Hard Rock Cafe provides amazing dining opportunities in an electrifying atmosphere. Click here to book the tour to Hard Rock Cafe.
11. Walking Tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cost: from 44.90 euros per person
If you want to go on a walking tour with a very knowledgeable guide, then this is the best food tour to choose. The guide will tell you a lot about the rich history of Amsterdam. And afterwards you will get to enjoy a Dutch pancake, also known as ”pannenkoek”.
This tour truly is the perfect introduction to the city. You’ll visit both iconic highlights and more lesser known places. The tour does not take more than 10 participants in total, which makes it a nice intimate experience.
After this tour, you will have a better understanding of Amsterdam and its history and culture. Hence, it’s one of the best food tours in Amsterdam.
12. Private BBQ Cruise with Personal Chef & Drinks
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: from 295 euros per person
If you’re looking for a luxurious private boat cruise on the canals, then this is the ultimate tour for you. This tour includes a BBQ (also vegetarian options) with a personal chef and some drinks.
The tour lasts 2 hours in total, so you’ll have plenty of time to eat and chill while taking in the beautiful canal views. What’s even better, is that there will be unlimited beers, wines and soft drinks on board.
You will cruise along the picturesque Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals. You’ll also pass by the iconic Red Light District.
The departure point of this tour is currently next to the Sea Palace Chinese restaurant. You can recognize the staff by its orange jacket.
This private cruise promises an unforgettable experience along Amsterdam’s hotspots and rich history. It’s a great private tour to join with family or friends.
13. Private Night Tour of Speakeasies and Bars
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: from 131 euros per person
Join a local guide to get an authentic experience of Amsterdam after dark. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience in Amsterdam, then this is it. A local will take you some local hidden gems in the area. This tour also includes a couple of drinks and some bar snacks.
Your guide will meet you/pick you up in the centre of Amsterdam. Receive local tips and recommendations from your guide to get the best out of your stay in the city.
This tour is a very private and personalized tour with a local guide, which makes it a very unique opportunity to discover some hidden gems in Amsterdam.
In conclusion
Amsterdam’s food tours offer a unique and delicious way to experience the city’s culinary scene.
From traditional Dutch snacks and local markets to speakeasy bars and romantic boat tours with multiple course dinners, there is something for everyone on these tours.
Not only do you get to taste some amazing food, but you’ll also learn about the history and culture of Amsterdam through its cuisine.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a more frequent traveler, be sure to add a food tour to your itinerary. You’ll definitely get a better understanding of Amsterdam and its (food) culture.
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