A day in Amsterdam

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[{"address":"St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":52.374036620601686,"longitude":4.8966460499999975,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJZX7XhLgJxkcRatingmb6tAA","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2FBreakfast%20-%201.jpg?alt=media&token=1a73347b-420a-4871-8d48-c9651f810b77","type":"img"},{"content":"Before heading out, I always recommend grabbing breakfast at the hostel. It’s the easiest way to start the day, and you’ll want some energy for the walking ahead.\n\nAmsterdam is a city best explored on foot, so take your time, have a good breakfast, maybe a coffee, and then we’ll start the walk from Dam Square.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_0.mp3?alt=media&token=4a60e5c3-7aee-470d-9d5c-91df3c00fd40"},{"address":"Dam Square","location":{"longitude":4.893101242819009,"latitude":52.37309503064655,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJ7xRLO8cJxkcRctLO4sffhn4","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/5156931/pexels-photo-5156931.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Alright, first stop: Dam Square. If Amsterdam had a living room, this would be it. Busy, a little chaotic, always full of people, and something strange is usually happening.\n\nThe name “Dam” actually comes from the original dam that was built here on the Amstel River in the 13th century. That dam is what allowed the city to grow into a trading hub, and eventually into the Amsterdam we know today. So technically, you’re standing on the very reason the city exists.\n\nThe big building in front of you is the Royal Palace. It was originally built in the 1600s as the city hall, right during the Dutch Golden Age when Amsterdam was one of the richest cities in the world. The building sits on more than 13,000 wooden piles because, well… Amsterdam is basically built on mud.\n\nIn the middle of the square you’ll see the tall white monument. That’s the National Monument, built after World War II to remember the victims of the war. Every year on May 4th, the whole country stops for two minutes of silence here.\n\nBut most of the time, the square has a much lighter vibe. You’ll probably see street performers, musicians, tourists feeding pigeons, and at least one guy doing something questionable with a giant soap bubble machine.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_1.mp3?alt=media&token=56a6b16d-252d-485b-9bbc-a76d3e31990a"},{"address":"Kalverstraat 59","location":{"latitude":52.37086536341174,"longitude":4.8917494137542805,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757},"placeId":"ChIJ4dEQIMEJxkcROMamNkXat8U","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/35853869/pexels-photo-35853869.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"From Dam Square, head into Kalverstraat. This is Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street, and depending on the time of day it can feel a bit like human Tetris.\n\nThe name actually comes from the Dutch word kalveren, meaning calves. In the Middle Ages, this street was used to drive cattle to the market at Dam Square. Hard to imagine now while walking past Zara, H&M, and a hundred people trying to find the same sneaker store.\n\nEven if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth walking through because it’s one of the oldest streets in the city. Beneath all the modern storefronts are buildings that have stood here for centuries.\n\nOne thing I always tell people: keep an eye on the small side streets. Some of them suddenly open into beautiful canals or hidden courtyards, and that’s where Amsterdam really starts to feel magical again after the shopping chaos.\n\nFollow the street all the way down. It will eventually lead us toward one of my favorite quieter spots in the city.","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_2.mp3?alt=media&token=d4b091f2-36ec-41fe-b92e-a3316dfb9fbf"},{"address":"Begijnhof","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":52.369479195413845,"longitude":4.890047255851573,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757},"placeId":"ChIJb5v1n8EJxkcRcThO0RdRVq8","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/17959943/pexels-photo-17959943.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Alright, after the chaos of Kalverstraat, this place always feels a bit like stepping into a secret garden.\n\nBegijnhof is one of the oldest courtyards in Amsterdam, dating back to the 14th century. It was home to the Begijnen, a group of religious women who lived a bit like nuns but without officially taking vows. Basically: they lived together, prayed, helped the poor, and stayed independent. Not a bad setup, honestly.\n\nThe houses around the courtyard are beautiful and surprisingly peaceful considering we’re right in the middle of the city. Please keep your voice down here though — people still live in these houses today, and they didn’t sign up for a daily crowd of loud tourists.\n\nOne of the houses here is actually the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam, dating from around 1528. Most of the city used to be wooden, but after a series of fires the city banned wooden façades. That’s why almost everything you see today is brick.\n\nYou’ll also find an English church here, which has been used by English-speaking communities in Amsterdam since the 1600s. The city has always been very international, even back then.\n\nTake a minute here, sit on one of the benches if it’s free, and enjoy the quiet. It’s one of those rare spots where Amsterdam slows down a little.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_3.mp3?alt=media&token=37c047ab-c5ef-488b-94bd-c07ce589fabb"},{"address":"Flower Market","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":52.36690472059636,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":4.8928446000000125},"placeId":"ChIJ_RcIoOoJxkcRu8vfdsqujjA","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/34863567/pexels-photo-34863567.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"From the quiet of Begijnhof, we head back into the lively part of the city. A short walk brings you to the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s famous floating flower market.\n\nYes, it really is floating. The market sits on a row of old houseboats along the Singel canal. The idea dates back to the 19th century, when flower growers would bring their plants into the city by boat and sell them directly from the water.\n\nToday it’s a mix of flower stalls, bulbs, plants, and… a fair amount of souvenirs. But it’s still a fun stop, especially if you want to see the incredible variety of Dutch tulip bulbs.\n\nThe Netherlands is world famous for tulips, but here’s a funny historical twist: tulips actually originally came from the Ottoman Empire. In the 1600s they became so fashionable in the Netherlands that people started trading tulip bulbs like stocks. At one point, a single bulb could cost more than a house. That whole period is now known as Tulip Mania, one of the first economic bubbles in history.\n\nPrices have thankfully calmed down since then.\n\nEven if you’re not buying flowers, it’s a colorful place to wander for a few minutes and enjoy the canal views. Then we’ll keep walking deeper into the old city.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_4.mp3?alt=media&token=fe5ad91e-cf32-4690-b405-774048467d58"},{"address":"Leidsestraat","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":52.36554912059534,"longitude":4.885540149999996,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757},"placeId":"EilMZWlkc2VzdHJhYXQsIDEwMTcgQW1zdGVyZGFtLCBOZXRoZXJsYW5kcyIuKiwKFAoSCU21k7npCcZHEW3owdKXddP3EhQKEglVd5qUtT_GRxGNr8C3TP0AZg","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/5215178/pexels-photo-5215178.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"From the Flower Market, we continue toward Leidsestraat, one of the main streets connecting the historic center to Leidseplein.\n\nThis street has been busy for centuries. Back in the 1600s it was already a major route leading out of the city toward Leiden, which is where the name comes from. Merchants, travelers, and traders would pass through here long before the tram lines and shopping crowds appeared.\n\nToday it’s a lively mix of shops, cafés, and people rushing in every direction. You’ll probably also notice the trams constantly passing through, which adds a bit of controlled chaos to the street. A small Amsterdam survival tip: always check both ways before stepping onto the tracks. The trams are very polite… but they definitely won’t stop for you.\n\nIf you look up while walking, you’ll still see the classic narrow Amsterdam buildings leaning slightly toward the street. Many of them were built this way on purpose so furniture could be lifted up with the hooks you see at the top.\n\nFollow Leidsestraat all the way down. At the end of the street, we’ll arrive at one of Amsterdam’s most lively squares.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_5.mp3?alt=media&token=dfcaad24-e99d-4c55-898d-221e0953f261"},{"address":"Leidseplein","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitude":4.882404850000013,"latitude":52.36375537059402,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757},"placeId":"EihMZWlkc2VwbGVpbiwgMTAxNyBBbXN0ZXJkYW0sIE5ldGhlcmxhbmRzIi4qLAoUChIJW7lP7egJxkcR1XyllSjcOpwSFAoSCVV3mpS1P8ZHEY2vwLdM_QBm","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/5065544/pexels-photo-5065544.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Welcome to Leidseplein, one of Amsterdam’s main nightlife squares. During the day it’s busy, but at night this place really comes alive.\n\nThe square developed in the 17th century when this was still the edge of the city. Farmers coming from Leiden would arrive here before entering Amsterdam, which is where the name comes from. Today, instead of farmers and carts, you’ll mostly see trams, cyclists, street performers, and a lot of people heading out for the night.\n\nAround the square you’ll find several famous music venues and theaters. The Melkweg and Paradiso, two of the city’s most legendary concert venues, are just around the corner. Huge international artists play there, but you’ll also find smaller shows, club nights, and festivals.\n\nBefore we continue, this is actually a great moment to grab a few things for a picnic in the park. There’s an Albert Heijn supermarket nearby where you can easily pick up snacks, sandwiches, drinks, or whatever you feel like.\n\nTrust me, sitting in the park with some food and a drink is one of the best ways to enjoy Amsterdam.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_6.mp3?alt=media&token=154fb6e9-0a7a-4794-b429-ee5263d6ae30"},{"address":"Vondelpark","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":52.35848539960801,"longitude":4.868410399999981,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757},"placeId":"ChIJz3y0xeIJxkcRNcogBVV41Gw","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/18635871/pexels-photo-18635871.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Welcome to Vondelpark, the most famous park in Amsterdam and one of my favorite places in the city.\n\nThe park opened in 1865 and today it’s the green backyard for locals. On a sunny day you’ll see people everywhere: cycling through, jogging, playing music, having picnics, drinking beers, or just lying in the grass doing absolutely nothing. Which, honestly, is a very respectable activity.\n\nIf you followed my advice at Leidseplein and grabbed some snacks from Albert Heijn, this is the perfect moment to sit down and enjoy them. Find a nice spot on the grass, relax for a bit, and do some quality people-watching.\n\nOne fun thing about Amsterdam: drinking alcohol in parks is allowed, so having a beer or a glass of wine here is completely normal. Just keep things respectful and clean up after yourself.\n\nThe park is named after Joost van den Vondel, a famous Dutch writer and playwright from the 17th century. You’ll actually find his statue inside the park if you wander around a bit.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_7.mp3?alt=media&token=6c82bd6f-f6ab-4de7-80f6-becc4ccddea7"},{"address":"Museumplein","location":{"latitude":52.357627522634886,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":4.882101400000005,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"EihNdXNldW1wbGVpbiwgMTA3MSBBbXN0ZXJkYW0sIE5ldGhlcmxhbmRzIi4qLAoUChIJ5wrcx-8JxkcRv_MjXLT7pFYSFAoSCVV3mpS1P8ZHEY2vwLdM_QBm","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/31251412/pexels-photo-31251412.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"From Vondelpark we head toward Museumplein, the cultural heart of Amsterdam. If you look around, you’ll notice that some of the country’s most famous museums are all gathered here in one big open square.\n\nOn one side you have the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch. Just next door is the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings in the world. And nearby you’ll also find the Stedelijk Museum, focused on modern and contemporary art.\n\nEven if museums aren’t really your thing, the square itself is worth visiting. It’s a huge open space where locals hang out, kids play around the fountains in summer, and in winter the area often turns into an ice-skating rink.\n\nYou might also remember this place from photos of the giant “I Amsterdam” letters, which used to stand here for years. They were removed in 2018 because the city felt they attracted a little too much tourism — which, to be fair, they definitely did.\n\nTake a moment to walk around the square and admire the architecture. From here we’ll slowly make our way back toward the canals and the historic center.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_8.mp3?alt=media&token=d0ef630c-d83a-4193-a808-14c640869798"},{"address":"Nieuwe Spiegelstraat","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":4.889279050000002,"latitude":52.36409682059427},"placeId":"EjFOaWV1d2UgU3BpZWdlbHN0cmFhdCwgMTAxNyBBbXN0ZXJkYW0sIE5ldGhlcmxhbmRzIi4qLAoUChIJg4CVtesJxkcRq1c-FCkQRZMSFAoSCVV3mpS1P8ZHEY2vwLdM_QBm","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/13878069/pexels-photo-13878069.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"From Museumplein we start heading back toward the canals, and one of my favorite streets to walk through is Nieuwe Spiegelstraat.\n\nThis street is known for its antique shops and art galleries. If you like old maps, vintage furniture, paintings, or random historical objects you didn’t know you needed, this is the place. Some of the pieces in these shop windows are actually museum-quality.\n\nWhat I love about this street is that it feels very Amsterdam. The narrow brick buildings, the slightly leaning façades, the canals just around the corner… it’s the kind of place where you suddenly remember that this city has been a trading hub for centuries.\n\nEven if you’re not planning to buy a 17th-century cabinet or a maritime painting, it’s fun to walk slowly here and look at the shop windows.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_9.mp3?alt=media&token=55863fa2-3381-4441-864a-627f8bc63dd6"},{"address":"Rembrandtplein","location":{"latitude":52.36602307059572,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":4.896722099999975,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"EitSZW1icmFuZHRwbGVpbiwgMTAxNyBBbXN0ZXJkYW0sIE5ldGhlcmxhbmRzIi4qLAoUChIJa0KdZZUJxkcRgwm6RHoRfjkSFAoSCVV3mpS1P8ZHEY2vwLdM_QBm","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/242007/pexels-photo-242007.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Next up is Rembrandtplein, one of Amsterdam’s liveliest squares.\n\nRight in the middle you’ll see the statue of Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the most famous Dutch painters of the 17th century. Around the statue there are also bronze figures recreating characters from his famous painting The Night Watch, which is a fun little detail to walk around and look at.\n\nToday the square is surrounded by bars, clubs, and terraces, so it’s a place that gets especially busy in the evenings. During the day it’s a bit calmer, but you’ll still see street performers, people sitting on the benches, and cyclists constantly passing through.\n\nHistorically this area used to be part of the city’s butter market. Hard to imagine now while standing between cocktail bars and nightclubs.\n\nIt’s a good spot to pause for a minute, enjoy the atmosphere, and maybe start thinking about where you might come back later tonight. From here we’ll continue walking toward the canals and back toward the old center.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_10.mp3?alt=media&token=2d446ff0-90e7-4609-8e18-abd289c4eb43"},{"address":"Waterlooplein","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":52.36768997059697,"longitude":4.902479450000001},"placeId":"EipXYXRlcmxvb3BsZWluLCAxMDExIEFtc3RlcmRhbSwgTmV0aGVybGFuZHMiLiosChQKEgkXMN7pvQnGRxF7akUIZKifrRIUChIJVXealLU_xkcRja_At0z9AGY","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/32935542/pexels-photo-32935542.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Next we arrive at Waterlooplein, one of the most famous market squares in Amsterdam.\n\nThe flea market here has existed in some form since the late 19th century. Originally it was a Jewish market where traders sold clothes, fabrics, and everyday goods. Over time it evolved into the large flea market you see today.\n\nNowadays you’ll find stalls selling everything from vintage clothes and old vinyl records to random antiques, bikes, and things nobody can quite explain. It’s the kind of place where you might come looking for a jacket and leave with a strange lamp and a story.\n\nThe square itself also has a lot of history. Before World War II this area was part of Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter. Many of the communities here were deeply affected during the war, and nearby you’ll find several important historical sites and memorials.\n\nIf the market is open while you’re here, it’s definitely worth wandering around for a few minutes. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a fun place to explore.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_11.mp3?alt=media&token=105c16b7-09fe-45e8-8216-a01a2fd61c64"},{"address":"Nieuwmarkt","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitude":4.900250999999991,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":52.37255237060056},"placeId":"EiJOaWV1d21hcmt0LCBBbXN0ZXJkYW0sIE5ldGhlcmxhbmRzIi4qLAoUChIJ-WfAObkJxkcRoZ7VxKNobDYSFAoSCVV3mpS1P8ZHEY2vwLdM_QBm","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/6589289/pexels-photo-6589289.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Our next stop is Nieuwmarkt, one of my favorite squares in Amsterdam.\n\nThe big medieval-looking building in the middle is called De Waag. It dates back to the 15th century and was originally part of the city walls. At that time this was actually one of the gates into Amsterdam. Hard to imagine now when you’re surrounded by cafés and restaurants.\n\nLater the building was used as a weighing house where goods were officially measured before being sold in the market. Different guilds also used the rooms inside — surgeons, blacksmiths, painters… basically a little headquarters for all kinds of trades.\n\nToday the square is a relaxed place to hang out, especially when the terraces are full and people are enjoying the sun. There’s often a small market here as well, depending on the day.\n\nTake a moment to walk around the Waag and look at the towers — it’s one of the oldest buildings still standing in the city.\n\nFrom here we’re getting close to where we started, back toward the canals and the historic center.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_12.mp3?alt=media&token=60a02244-b49f-4ab4-b08b-9057a2ad6a2c"},{"address":"Chinatown","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":52.37378177060152,"longitude":4.900189950000016,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJxUq68XIJxkcRYlRyY3dQv2A","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/17960020/pexels-photo-17960020.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"A few meters from Nieuwmarkt you’ll arrive at Zeedijk, the heart of Amsterdam’s Chinatown.\n\nThis street has a pretty wild history. In the 1970s and 80s it had a reputation as one of the roughest streets in the city, full of crime and abandoned buildings. Today it’s one of the most vibrant areas in Amsterdam.\n\nNow Zeedijk is known for its Asian restaurants, bakeries, and small supermarkets. You’ll see Chinese, Thai, and other Asian influences everywhere, which reflects the long history of international communities living in the city.\n\nIt’s also one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam, originally built as a dike protecting the city from the sea. Hard to imagine now while walking past dumpling shops and bubble tea.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_13.mp3?alt=media&token=6caf39f6-9ec2-483b-9698-80e64700792d"},{"address":"De Wallen","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"latitude":52.372431244909805,"longitude":4.897515529047958,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":"ChIJZ1NXhLgJxkcRaJzTqGf0CTU","media":[{"content":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/16461522/pexels-photo-16461522.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940","type":"img"},{"content":"Welcome to De Wallen, Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District and one of the oldest parts of the city.\n\nThe area gets its name from the old city walls that once stood here in medieval times. Back then this neighborhood was right next to the harbor, which meant sailors arriving in Amsterdam were usually the first customers. And well… certain services quickly appeared to welcome them.\n\nToday the district is known for its red-lit windows where sex workers operate legally. Prostitution has been regulated in the Netherlands for many years, and the idea is to keep the work safer and more transparent.\n\nA quick rule while you’re walking here: no photos of the windows. The workers take that very seriously, and security will not hesitate to ask you to delete pictures.\n\nBeyond the famous windows, this area is actually full of history. The narrow streets, old canals, and leaning houses are some of the oldest parts of Amsterdam. You’ll also find historic churches like the Oude Kerk, which is a funny contrast sitting right in the middle of the district.\n\n","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_14.mp3?alt=media&token=6b06c91a-4a86-479c-9120-6dadb7c56084"},{"address":"St Christopher's Inn Amsterdam - The Winston","location":{"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitudeDelta":0.1641157563245757,"longitude":4.8966460499999975,"latitude":52.374036620601686},"placeId":"ChIJZX7XhLgJxkcRatingmb6tAA","media":[{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2FGARDEN%203.jpg?alt=media&token=0b72af0f-f5a5-4c98-8da2-878beb221b70","type":"img"},{"content":"And just like that, we’re back where we started.\n\nBy now you’ve walked through a big part of Amsterdam: from the historic center and the canals to parks, markets, and some of the city’s liveliest squares. Hopefully you’ve seen that the best way to understand Amsterdam is simply by walking around and letting the city surprise you a little.\n\nIf your legs are tired, this is the perfect moment to relax for a bit. Grab a drink at Belushi’s, try the famous Dutch bitterballen and share stories with other travellers!\n\n","type":"text"},{"content":"Amsterdam always has something going on…","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FbbGCZcCcBc9eStDBrpwu%2Ftts_15.mp3?alt=media&token=7ea47454-d386-4dca-8c0d-cecd42d60d2d"}]