Business tours
Looking for an original company outing that goes beyond paintball or an escape room? I would love to take you and your colleagues on a (historical) tour of my Amsterdam. Together, we will explore traces of history still visible in the city today. I’ll share stories about the city’s development and how its inhabitants shaped it over time. You can choose from my standard selection of tours with varying lengths and themes, or I can design a custom tour tailored to your company’s interests. In consultation, I’ll craft a tour on a topic of your choice and create a unique and memorable experience.
OFFERINGS
+ Themes: 750 Years of Amsterdam / Jewish Amsterdam / The Plantage / Amsterdam in WWII / Biodiversity in the City
+ Tour lengths: minimum of 2 hours
+ Includes: stop(s) with a drink and a short presentation.
+ Extras: introductory lecture, boat tour, additional stops, post-tour program, dinner.
+ Permit: I am licensed to lead tours of up to 15 people in Amsterdam’s city center. If your group is larger, we can organize a boat tour or split into multiple groups.
REVIEWS
Onno is a highly passionate guide with extensive knowledge of Amsterdam’s history, particularly its Jewish history. We thoroughly enjoyed his tour on a saloon boat during a team event. He guided us past beautiful historic buildings while sharing fascinating stories and facts. His personal approach gave his storytelling a unique and memorable dimension.
Thank you! – Netflix EMEA
What an amazing boat tour we had thanks to you! Not only did we enjoy the stunning views of our beloved city, but your unique mix of humor, charm, and improvisation made it an unforgettable experience.
Your enthusiastic stories brought Amsterdam’s history to life as we sailed through it. From funny anecdotes to moving moments that left us quiet in reflection – it was clear your love for the city resonated with every wave.
Your knowledge, combined with your storytelling flair, captivated even the most seasoned Amsterdam municipal staff, leaving them curious for more.
Thank you for an educational and inspiring journey through the past, where we not only learned a great deal but also truly enjoyed ourselves. You didn’t just help us understand the city better, you helped us feel why we’re so proud to work here. – Taco Temminck Tuinstra, City of Amsterdam
[translated from Dutch]
DETAILS
Jewish Quarter
During my tour of the Jewish Quarter, I will take you on a journey through time, starting with the arrival of the first Portuguese and Spanish Jews in the neighbourhoods around today’s Waterlooplein. We will walk from the stately synagogues at Mr. Visserplein, through Uilenburg and Rapenburg, and into the 20th century. I will tell you about the history of Jewish Amsterdam, the city’s growth and prosperity, as well as my own family’s story.
+ Jewish Quarter – Standard – 2 hours
Highlights: The Ashkenazi and Portuguese Synagogues / Waterlooplein / Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat / “Stolpersteine” (stumbling stones) / Wertheimpark & Auschwitz Monument / National Holocaust Museum & Hollandsche Schouwburg / Holocaust Names Monument.
+ Jewish Quarter – Extended – 3 hours
Highlights: The Ashkenazi and Portuguese Synagogues / Waterlooplein / Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat & urban renewal / “Stolpersteine” / Uilenburgersjoel / Peperburg with views of the Lastage / a hidden city oasis / Wertheimpark & Park Theater / Auschwitz Monument / Henri Polaklaan & Berlage’s Trade Union Building / Artis / National Holocaust Museum & Hollandsche Schouwburg / Holocaust Names Monument.
+ Jewish Quarter – Extra Long – 3 ½+ hours
Highlights: The Ashkenazi and Portuguese Synagogues / Waterlooplein / Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat & urban renewal / “Stolpersteine” / Uilenburgersjoel / Peperburg with views of the Lastage / a hidden city oasis / Wertheimpark & Park Theater / Auschwitz Monument / Henri Polaklaan & Berlage’s Trade Union Building / Artis / Plantage Middenlaan & Panorama Building / Plantage Badlaan / Roeterseiland & CREA / Kriterion / National Holocaust Museum & Hollandsche Schouwburg / Holocaust Names Monument.
750 Years of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is preparing for its 750th anniversary in 2025. On October 27, 1275, the settlement on the Amstel was mentioned for the first time by the Count of Holland. Count Floris V granted its residents freedom to travel through his territory without paying tolls. This privilege is considered the foundation of Amsterdam’s rise as a trade power in the 17th century. Between 1300 and 1700, the city developed an extensive and at times notorious trade network, growing from 1,000 to 200,000 residents while embracing the customs of its newcomers. Walking through Amsterdam’s historic center, this history is always close at hand.
On this tour, I’ll take you on a journey through time. Starting at Dam Square – the original dam in the Amstel River where the first inhabitants settled – we’ll follow the traces of urban development. We’ll pass buildings once seen by the likes of Sweelinck, Spinoza, and Rembrandt, cross canals dug by generations of city builders, and uncover remnants of both high and low culture, wealth and poverty, slavery and freedom.
+ Amsterdam 750 – Standard – 2 ½ hours
Highlights: Dam Square / The Old Church / Central Station & Damrak / Nieuwmarkt & the old city walls / Waterlooplein & the Jewish Quarter / The Golden Bend & colonial history.
+ Amsterdam 750 – Extended – 3 ½ hours
Highlights: Dam Square / Beursplein and the Beurs van Berlage / Amsterdam’s oldest house / The Old Church / Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder & religious tolerance / Central Station & Damrak / Zeedijk / Nieuwmarkt & the old city walls / Waterlooplein & the Jewish Quarter / The Golden Bend & colonial history / Rokin.