Best Food Tours in Amsterdam

An interesting way to experience Amsterdam's cultural diversity and cosmopolitan character is through its cuisine. Here 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 centre for modern, 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 won't miss out on the highlights.

Amsterdam is home to some of the world's most famous beer brands, and to discover them, 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 beer 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 pubs you can find in Amsterdam.

The tour of the Heineken Experience lasts on average 1 hour, but 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 Vijzelgracht station, which is a 5-minute walk from the venue.
• 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 at a traditional cheese dairy, where you can sample some of the most celebrated cheeses of the region. These tours are ideal for learning about the history and production of one of the Netherlands' iconic products and tasting a wide variety of cheeses in local shops and farms.

On this experience, which is among the best tours in Amsterdam, you can visit specialised shops such as Henri Willig or Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Room, and try everything 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.

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 experience an essential part of the city's culture in a short period of time.

Interesting details

• Price: from €48 per person including cheese tasting.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Means of transport: if the tour is through the old town, it is usually 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 shops.
• 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 across the city. And among the many variations of boat tours you can take, many include gastronomic experiences to delight the palate, 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 food, 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. As well as being an interesting gastronomic experience, they are also a cultural option, as during the tour the captain will often tell you stories and legends of the city to 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.
• The advantage of this option is that you can cruise the canals of Amsterdam while sampling selected cheeses, snacks and 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 neighbourhood offers a combination of traditional Dutch cuisine and international options, all in a setting that is both historic and modern.

Food tours of this neighbourhood last about two hours and combine a tour of its most iconic sites with tastings of Dutch specialities such as stroopwafel, kroket and various cheeses. You are accompanied by an expert guide who gives you information about each place you visit and the food you try. They are a great night time option, ideal to go after exploring the Anne Frank Museum nearby.

Some of the sites you'll see on this tour include Chinatown, the Oude Kerk, the city's oldest church, the medieval centre, Amsterdam's canals and numerous erotic shops. You'll also get a deeper insight into Amsterdam's café culture or coffee shops, such as The Bulldog, where they offer a selection of cannabis, which is legal in the 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 book a private guided tour of the Red Light District if you are interested in learning about its culture and history in a more personalised way.

Interesting details

• Price: from 100 € per person.
• Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: a gastronomic tour of 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 Amsterdam's most touristy areas, it can be very crowded, especially during peak hours.

If you have a sweet tooth and are planning 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 not only offer a gastronomic experience, but also a cultural one.

These tours usually take place in the city centre, especially in the Jordaan and De Pijp neighbourhoods. Here you will find some of Amsterdam's historic patisseries, such as Patisserie Holtkamp, and many artisan chocolatiers, such as Puccini Bomboni.

These tours usually last 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.

A must-try is the poffertjes, small fluffy pancakes that are a classic at markets and fairs. Although they are enjoyed all year round, they are most popular in December, January and February in Amsterdam, i.e. in the colder months, when they are served warm with a dollop of butter and icing sugar.

Interesting details

• Price: around €39 per person.
• Duration: approximately 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 cater for all dietary restrictions.

An interesting way to experience the city's traditional cuisine is to explore the local markets such as the Albert Cuyp, where you can sample local produce such as raw herring or the classic rookworst. There you'll also find a wide variety of stalls offering everything from clothes and accessories to handicrafts and fresh produce. It's ideal if you're visiting Amsterdam at Christmas time, as you'll find plenty of options for gifts.

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

Without a doubt, visiting these markets is one of the most original things you can do in Amsterdam, as you will not only taste delicious 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 length of a food tour varies according to the number and variety of experiences on offer. In general, short tours last between 2 and 3 hours. Longer tours can take 4-6 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 can 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 flavours, such as Dutch cheeses, stroopwafels and other typical delicacies. These tours often include visits to markets, restaurants and speciality shops, highlighting fresh and traditional produce.

These tours are usually conducted with guides who provide you with a wealth of information about the history and culinary techniques of the city and region. But if you prefer to discover Dutch gastronomy on your own, a convenient way to get from one place to another is to take the Amsterdam sightseeing buses, which have stops at the main tourist sites in 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 your dietary choices are catered for. It is also important to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear as these tours often 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 taking a guided food tour is that the guides provide you with expert knowledge and historical background on 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 get the most out of your culinary experience and experience it more intensely.

Guided tours often include introductions to restaurants, shops 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.

Guided tours also save you time, as you don't have to plan and organise the tour on your own. This allows you to focus your energy on enjoying every single flavour these food tours have to offer and not worry about anything.