Discover Amsterdam Jerusalem of the West

2 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Discover Amsterdam Jerusalem of the West, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Walk through Amsterdam's historic Jewish Quarter, passing landmarks such as the Portuguese Synagogue, the Holocaust Memorial, and other significant sites while discovering the remarkable story behind them. Rather than focusing only on the Holocaust, this tour explores more than 400 years of Jewish history, from the arrival of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews to the vibrant Jewish community of today.

Your expert local guide brings Amsterdam's Jewish heritage to life with stories about the people who shaped the city's trade, culture, medicine, publishing, and diamond industry. Ideal for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, families with older children, and first-time visitors, this walking tour offers meaningful local insight and a fresh perspective on one of Amsterdam's most fascinating neighborhoods.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, French
Operated by: 360 Amsterdam Tours

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: All taxes, fees and handling charges
Included: Private walking tour

Not included

Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Mozes en Aaronkerk

5 min

Meet your guide with the 360 orange umbrella in front of the Mozes en Aaronkerk (church).
Waterlooplein Market

10 min

The history of the island’s (Vlooienburg) creation and its role as one of the first places where Jews settled in Amsterdam.
Dutch National Opera & Ballet

10 min

Stopera: The archaeological excavations led by city archaeologist Jerzy Gawronski, which uncovered important evidence of Amsterdam’s early Jewish community.
Spinoza Monument

5 min

A brief overview of the life of Baruch Spinoza and his enduring philosophical legacy.
Stop 5

5 min

A street that was once home to several Jewish-owned businesses.
Huis De Pinto

10 min

A short history of the De Pinto family and the looting of their house during the Aansprekersoproer (Undertakers' Riot) of 1696.
Nieuwmarkt

10 min

The Waag as the first Jewish Museum, and the barbed-wire fence erected during the German occupation that separated the Jewish Quarter from the rest of the city.
Stop 8

5 min

A street with many Jewish-owned shops, illustrating the importance of the Jewish middle class and local businesses.
Stop 9

15 min

A brief history of the island of Uilenburg and its Ashkenazi Jewish residents.

Followed by ''De Herschepping'' (The renewal):

The first Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam, where the excommunication (cherem) of Baruch Spinoza was pronounced.
Portugese Synagoge

10 min

The second Sephardic synagogue in Amsterdam after De Herschepping, and for many years the largest synagogue in Europe.
Joods Museum

10 min

The story of the four former Ashkenazi synagogues that today house the Jewish Museum.
Stop 12

5 min

Several buildings connected to Amsterdam’s Jewish community, including the Netherlands Israelite Girls’ Orphanage and the Nursery School for Underprivileged Netherlands Israelite Children.
De Burcht

5 min

The Burcht, headquarters of the General Dutch Diamond Workers’ Union, and the former Portuguese Israelite Hospital.
De Plantage

5 min

The history of the Hollandsche Schouwburg and its role as a deportation center during the Holocaust.
National Holocaust Museum

10 min

The history of the crèche (day nursery) and the Teachers’ Training College (Kweekschool), and the role of the Dutch Resistance in rescuing Jewish children.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We start the tour in front of the Mozes en Aäronkerk (church). Look for the orange 360 umbrella.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure of the tour and buy your tickets online in advance.

End point

Outside the museum. No entrance included.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Entrance ticket to Anne Frank House is NOT included. This tour does not grant you access or allow you to enter the Anne Frank House.
Wheelchair accessible.