Best Food Tours in Amsterdam

An interesting way to experience the cultural diversity and cosmopolitan character of Amsterdam is through its gastronomy. In this city you will find a wide range of restaurants offering everything from Indonesian, Moroccan, Indian and Turkish cuisine, to innovative culinary fusions that combine ingredients and techniques from different parts of the world.

In addition to international influences, Amsterdam has become a center for modern and sustainable cuisine, and street food is also an essential part of the culinary experience. Enjoying gastronomy is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam, so here is a list of different food tours, so you don't miss out on the highlights.

Amsterdam is the birthplace of some of the most famous beer brands in the world and, to discover them, taking a gastronomic beer tour is a good choice. One of the most recommended is a visit to the Heineken Experience, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tasting.

During the visit, you can learn about the history of this legendary brand, which dates back from the 18th century to the present day, and discover interesting facts about beer production. As is well known, beer is a fundamental part of local life, and its rich tradition is reflected in the wide range of historic beers and bars that you can find in Amsterdam.

The tour of the Heineken Experience lasts on average 1 hour, but it could take up to 3 hours, as you can explore the facilities at your own pace. The entrance fee usually includes an audio guide, so you don't miss the highlights of the place, and beer drinks. The tour can be done all year round without any problem, both in winter and summer in Amsterdam, as it is indoors.

Interesting details

• Price: from 27 € per person.
• Duration: between 1 and 3 hours.
• How to get there: Heineken Experience is located in the central district of De Pijp. You can get there by bus (15 minutes) or take the metro to the Vijzelgracht station, which is a 5-minute walk from the premises.
• Advantages of this option: you will tour the Heineken Experience at your own pace and learn about the brewing process.
• Disadvantages of this option: a minimum age is required for this activity.

One of the most interesting culinary experiences you can enjoy in this city is a cheese tasting in a traditional cheese factory, where you can try some of the most celebrated cheeses of the region. These tours are ideal to learn about the history and production of one of the emblematic products of the Netherlands and taste a wide variety of cheeses in stores and farms in the area.

In this experience, which is among the best tours in Amsterdam, you can visit specialty stores such as Henri Willig or Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room, and try from the classic Gouda cheese to lesser-known options such as Leiden. These tastings are usually conducted with a professional guide who will guide you through the differences in taste, texture and ripening processes of the cheese.

If you are planning a short, one-day or two-day stay in Amsterdam, these tours are highly recommended, as they last only a few hours and allow you to get to know an essential part of the city's culture in a short period of time.

Interesting details

• Price: from 48 € per person with cheese tasting included.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: if the tour is through the historic center, it is usually done on foot. If it includes a visit to one of the cheese farms, a bus or minibus is added.
• Advantages of this option: some tours offer access to places that are not available to the general public, such as private visits to farms or special tastings in renowned stores.
• Disadvantages of this option: it takes place on certain days of the week, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Amsterdam is famous for its network of canals that stretch throughout the city. And among the many variations of boat tours you can take, many include gastronomic experiences that delight palates, such as aperitif cruises for small groups.

These tours often include cruising the historic canals, such as the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. In terms of gastronomy, the tours may offer a selection of wines, local beers and cocktails, as well as snacks and cheeses.

These cruises usually last about two hours and allow you to see Amsterdam's iconic sites from the outside, such as Anne Frank's house, the Red Light District and the National Maritime Museum. Besides being an interesting gastronomic experience, they are also a cultural option, since during the tour the captain usually tells you stories and legends of the city that will liven up the ride.

Interesting details

• Price: from 58 € per person.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours approximately.
• Means of transport: boats with panoramic views.
• Advantages of this option: you will sail through the canals of Amsterdam while tasting cheeses, snacks and selected drinks.

Amsterdam' s Red Light District is known for its history and vibrant nightlife, but few know that it is also a great place for a gastronomic tour. This neighborhood offers a combination of traditional Dutch cuisine and international options, all in a setting that is both historic and modern.

Gastronomic tours of this neighborhood last about two hours and combine a tour of its most emblematic sites with tasting Dutch specialties such as stroopwafel, kroket and different cheeses. You are accompanied by an expert guide who gives you information about each site you visit and the food you taste. They are a very good option at night, ideal to go after exploring the Anne Frank museum nearby.

Some of the sites you will see on this tour are Chinatown, Oude Kerk, the oldest church in the city, the medieval center, the canals of Amsterdam and numerous stores dedicated to eroticism. You can also learn more about Amsterdam's coffee culture or coffee shops, such as The Bulldog, where they offer a selection of cannabis, which is legal in this city.

The best time to take this tour is during the warmer months, from May to September, when the weather is more pleasant for walking and enjoying the outdoor terraces. You can also hire a private guided tour of the Red Light District, if you are interested in getting to know only its culture and history in a more personalized way.

Interesting details

• Price: from 100 € per person.
• Duration: 2 hours and a half approximately.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: a gastronomic tour in the Red Light District can be complemented with visits to other nearby attractions and is ideal for people who are in the city for the first time.
• Disadvantages of this option: being one of the most touristy areas of Amsterdam, it can be very crowded, especially during peak hours.

If you have a sweet tooth and plan to visit Amsterdam in the winter months, a tour dedicated to traditional desserts and pastries is an experience not to be missed. Sweets in the Netherlands are linked to Dutch traditions and festivities, so the tastings, in addition to offering a gastronomic experience, give you a cultural experience.

These tours usually take place in the city center, especially in the neighborhoods of Jordaan and De Pijp. There you will find some of Amsterdam's historic pastry shops, such as Patisserie Holtkamp, and numerous artisan chocolate shops, such as Puccini Bomboni.

The duration of these tours is usually 2 to 3 hours, allowing you to discover the most special sweets while exploring the city in a relaxed way. In addition, they are conducted with a local guide who gives you valuable information about the history and elaboration of each dessert, which makes the experience much more interesting.

Something you can't miss are the poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes that are a classic of markets and fairs. Although they are enjoyed all year round, they are very popular in December, January and February in Amsterdam, that is, in the colder months, when they are served hot with a dollop of butter and powdered sugar.

Details of interest

• Price: about 39 € per person.
• Duration: about 2 to 3 hours.
• Means of transport: the tours are usually done on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to taste the most special Dutch desserts and sweets recommended by expert guides.
• Disadvantages of this option: the sweet options do not usually take into account all dietary restrictions.

An interesting way to get to know the traditional gastronomy of the city is to explore the local markets such as the Albert Cuyp, where you can taste typical products such as raw herring or the classic rookworst. There you will also find a variety of stalls offering everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and fresh produce. It is ideal if you visit Amsterdam at Christmas, as you can find many options for gifts.

These tours usually last between 2 and 3 hours and usually take place at noon. You are accompanied by an expert guide who can recommend the best gastronomic options in street food, which you can enjoy throughout your stay. They also usually include beer tastings.

Without a doubt, touring these markets is one of the most original things you can do in Amsterdam, as you will not only taste exquisite food, but you will also learn about the origin of the food and its cultural importance in this city.

Interesting details

• Price: from 59 € per person.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours approximately.
• Advantages of this option: local guides can provide you with valuable information about the dishes you taste. All tastings are usually included.
• Disadvantages of this option: transport to the market is not usually included.

The duration of the gastronomic tours varies according to the amount and variety of experiences offered. In general, short tours usually last between 2 and 3 hours. In contrast, longer tours can take 4 to 6 hours, allowing you to explore a wider variety of dining venues and enjoy more complete meals.

If you are looking for an even more complete experience, Amsterdam sightseeing passes may be a good option. These often include discounts on many of the major attractions and tours, including food tours.

Amsterdam food tours are designed to allow you to explore the wide variety of local flavors, such as Dutch cheeses, stroopwafels and other typical delicacies. These tours usually include visits to markets, restaurants and specialty stores, where fresh and traditional products are highlighted.

They are usually conducted with guides who provide you with a lot of information about the history and culinary techniques of the city and the region. But if you prefer to discover the Dutch gastronomy on your own, a comfortable option to move from one place to another are the Amsterdam tourist buses, as they have stops at the main tourist sites of the city.

One tip to keep in mind for your trip to Amsterdam to make the most of the food tours is to choose a tour that aligns with your culinary interests, whether you want to sample cheeses, pastries or street food. Ideally, you should research the available options in advance to ensure that the tour includes visits to authentic and highly rated sites.

It is also advisable that if you follow a particular diet, you contact the tour companies to ensure that they cater to your dietary choices. On the other hand, it is important that you wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear, as these tours usually involve walking in different areas of the city, although the walking tours are not usually too long or challenging.

One of the main advantages of hiring a guided food tour is that the guides provide you with expert knowledge and historical background about the different dishes and establishments you visit, which is often overlooked when exploring on your own. You can learn about the preparation of the dishes and the history behind the ingredients, so you can take full advantage of your culinary experience and experience it more intensely.

Guided tours usually include introductions to restaurants, stores and products that you might not find on your own. Local guides know the authentic restaurants and markets, ensuring you visit the best places and have the best experiences in Amsterdam.

In addition, guided tours save you time, as you don't have to plan and organize the tour on your own. This allows you to focus your energy on enjoying each and every flavor that these food tours have to offer and not worry about anything.