Photos: Job Adriaenszoon Berckheyde, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Massimo Catarinella, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 Ludwig Borutta (Fotograaf/photographer)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo credits
Photos: Job Adriaenszoon Berckheyde, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain Massimo Catarinella, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 Ludwig Borutta (Fotograaf/photographer)., Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The old De Wallen quarter's history, a live call
Your local guide
Thomas Dekker
View profile
Highlights
- A street layout dating from the fourteenth century
- Older streets than almost anywhere else in the city
- A centuries-long connection to sailors and trade
- History explained properly, not picked up second-hand
- Best booked before a daylight walk of your own
About this tour
This is a planning call rather than a night walk, going through the history of the city's oldest quarter without filming an area better explained than shown after dark. I cover the medieval street pattern that still survives today and how the quarter's long connection to sailors and trade shaped its reputation over centuries. You can ask about anything specific you have read or seen.
We start with the street layout itself, since it explains so much of what the area looks like today, then move to the social history behind it. I leave the last part of the call open for questions.
It suits anyone who wants the area's real history explained properly rather than picked up second-hand. It works well booked before walking through the quarter in daylight yourself.
Included
- A 45-minute call with a local guide
- Honest tips on where to eat, stay and what to skip
- A short follow-up note with every place mentioned
Not included
- Bookings made on your behalf
- Phone or data charges from your provider
Itinerary
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Hello, and what you want to know 5 min
The guide calls you and asks what you are after: planning Amsterdam, recommendations, or just questions.
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The medieval street pattern 15 min
I explain how the quarter's narrow, curving streets and canals still follow a layout set down in the fourteenth century, older than almost anywhere else in the city.
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A working quarter, then and now 15 min
We talk through how the area's connection to sailors and trade shaped its reputation over centuries, and how that history still shows up in the buildings themselves.
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Your questions 7 min
Ask anything that is still on your mind, there is no fixed script.
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A written note after the call 3 min
You get a short follow-up message with everything mentioned, so you do not have to remember it all.
Good to know
- A stable phone or internet connection, whichever the guide uses to reach you.
- No app to install. You answer when the guide calls, or join a video call if you would rather.
- Times are shown in Amsterdam time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The call is not recorded. Keep your own note of anything you want to remember, or wait for the follow-up message.
- Have your questions ready, though there is time to think of more as you go.
Questions about this tour
What will the call cover?
The guide talks you through Amsterdam: where to go, what to eat, and answers to whatever you ask.
What happens if the call drops?
The guide will try you again straight away.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- Your guide calls the number you give at booking.
- We meet on Zoom for a live call; no filming, just the quarter's history explained plainly.
Times shown in Amsterdam time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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From 20,00 €
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