Amsterdam is a city that offers more than just scenery—that’s especially true when it comes to its food scene. From cheese markets to multicultural street eats, exploring Amsterdam through its cuisine provides a taste of its diverse neighborhoods and rich traditions. We love the food tours that take you beyond the clichés, like the Amsterdam: Food Tour with Drinks by Spui, Canals and Jordaan which combines local eats with a scenic canal backdrop, or the Private Food Tour in Amsterdam that offers a personalized experience tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a full culture, these tours promise an authentic slice of Amsterdam’s culinary life.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find a variety of food tours ranging from short, budget-friendly walks to comprehensive gourmet experiences. Highlights include private customized tours, canal cruises combined with tastings, vegan explorations, and neighborhood-specific walks. Each offers a unique window into local life, traditional foods, and multicultural influences, giving you plenty of options to suit your interests and schedule.
1. Amsterdam: Food Tour with Drinks by Spui, Canals and Jordaan
At number 1, this 3-hour guided walking tour takes you through three cozy neighborhoods—Spui, the UNESCO-listed Canals, and Jordaan. It includes 10 tastings in five local eateries, with enough food to serve as breakfast, lunch, or an indulgent dinner. The tour features local cheese, regional wine, and street foods, with drinks included to refresh and enhance your experience. The itinerary flows smoothly through lively squares and quiet alleys, giving you a true taste of local life. Guests consistently rate this tour highly (4.8/5 from 123 reviews), highlighting the balance of food, drink, and storytelling.
This tour is perfect for those who want a well-rounded introduction to Amsterdam’s neighborhoods with plenty of variety in both food and scenery. The guide’s local knowledge helps uncover hidden spots, making it a good value at $117. Expect a lively, friendly atmosphere and enough food to satisfy even hearty appetites.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice if you want a comprehensive, social experience that combines history, scenery, and authentic Dutch bites.
2. Amsterdam Private Food Tour with Local Including 6 or 10 Tastings
Number 2 on our list is a personalized, private experience led by a local foodie, lasting around 3 hours. This tour can be customized to include either six or ten tastings, depending on your appetite. It begins near Albert Cuyp Market, where you’ll sample famous bitterballen—a must-try Dutch snack—and explore stalls with local vendors. The tour then takes you to Museumplein for stroopwafels and the De Pijp neighborhood, home to beloved local treats and international flavors.
Guests rave about the flexibility and attention to personal preferences, with reviews praising guides like Christa and Elsie for their knowledge and friendliness. The tour offers skip-the-group convenience, ideal for travelers who want a more intimate, in-depth experience. At $142.50, it provides excellent value with a focus on local flavors and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a tailored, private food adventure with a focus on authentic, local bites.
3. Amsterdam: Guided Food Tour with Tastings
This 3.5-hour guided tour offers a curated selection of Amsterdam’s most iconic foods, like rich sandwiches and gooey stroopwafels. Covering several neighborhoods, this tour emphasizes Dutch specialties, including traditional haringhappen and appeltaart. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to sample a broad spectrum of local dishes while walking through the city’s most photogenic spots.
The guide’s storytelling is a highlight, making it more than just a tasting; it’s an engaging cultural journey. With reviews like “Ahmad made it a great experience,” and the promise of delicious bites and friendly company, this tour is especially good for first-time visitors or those short on time.
Value-wise, it’s a solid choice at an affordable price, offering enough food and insight to satisfy both your stomach and curiosity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, lively introduction to Amsterdam’s foodie scene in just a few hours.
4. Private Walking Food Tour in Amsterdam
Number 4 offers a fully customizable, private experience that’s perfect if you want to shape your culinary journey. Starting at Old Amsterdam Cheese Store, you’ll visit local cheese and fish shops, tasting staples like herring and cheese. The tour can be tailored to focus on savory or sweet foods, depending on your interests.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility—it’s ideal for travelers with specific dietary needs or those who want to explore less touristy spots in their own pace. At around $285, it’s more of an investment, but the exclusivity and personalized attention deliver a high-quality, memorable experience.
Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the variety of local foods sampled, making this a top pick for culinary connoisseurs.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a private, tailor-made tour that skips the crowds and dives deep into local flavors.
5. Amsterdam-West Food Tour with local guide
Coming in at number 5, this 3.5-hour tour explores the Oud-West and Jordaan neighborhoods, focusing on vegan and non-vegan bites. The tour emphasizes scenic canal views, with stops at Margo’s vegan bakery and the Vegan Sushi Bar, showcasing Amsterdam’s thriving plant-based scene. It’s a rare opportunity to explore ethical eating options while learning about local stories behind the establishments.
Rated perfect (5/5 from 15 reviews), this tour appeals especially to vegans, vegetarians, or anyone interested in sustainable food. The small group size (up to 12) encourages personal interaction, and the tour’s focus on charming neighborhoods makes it more than just a tasting walk. The price, $100.88, offers great value for a well-rounded, eco-conscious experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a vegan-friendly tour with a neighborhood focus and a local guide.
6. Ben’s Local Food Tour – 8 Tastings
Number 6 is a highly-rated, value-packed tour led by a Dutch-born local. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll explore an authentic neighborhood, sampling 8 traditional Dutch bites like cheese, herring, and street snacks. The tour emphasizes local culture and gives you a real taste of Amsterdam’s daily life.
Guests mention the personalized attention from guide Chris and the opportunity to try local favorites not often found in tourist areas. For just over $100, it’s an excellent value for a comprehensive, small-group experience. The tour is especially recommended for travelers who want insider knowledge without the crowds.
Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who want authentic local cuisine and personal insight.
7. Amsterdam: Food and Canal Tour
This 3.5-hour experience combines a private canal cruise with food tastings in six locations, making it a delightful blend of scenery and flavor. Starting with a one-hour cruise through UNESCO-listed canals, you’ll then taste cheese, apple pie, and bitterballen—classic Dutch treats—at family-run spots.
The boat ride provides a relaxing backdrop for food discovery, and guides share insights into Dutch food traditions and local stories. Rated 4.6/5, guests enjoy the comfortable pace and the chance to see the city from the water while sampling authentic bites. This tour suits those who want a luxurious, leisurely experience while indulging in local cuisine.
Bottom Line: Recommended for travelers seeking a combination of sightseeing and tasting, especially if they appreciate a scenic boat ride.
8. Amsterdam: Food Walking Tour
Number 8 is a quick 2-hour tour focusing on Dutch cheeses and street foods in a central location. Starting at Amsterdam Centraal, it includes visits to a cheese shop and street vendors, with tastings of 20 cheese varieties and local herring.
This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want a quick hit of Dutch flavors. The small group size and straightforward format make it an easy, relaxed way to get an authentic taste of Amsterdam’s food culture. The reviews highlight its value and simplicity.
Bottom Line: Ideal for a short, focused experience of Dutch cheeses and street foods.
9. Amsterdam: Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour
Rounding out the list, this 3.5-hour tour explores three historic neighborhoods, sampling must-try Dutch foods like stroopwafels at the oldest bakery, plus a mix of savory dishes. It also includes visits to mom-and-pop eateries, providing an in-depth look at local culinary traditions alongside stories connecting food and history.
Guests are impressed by the variety and depth of the experience, and reviews mention the friendly guide and plentiful tastings. The tour is suitable for those who want a comprehensive, immersive food experience in Amsterdam’s most historic areas.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a full, in-depth culinary walk through the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour for You
When selecting a food tour in Amsterdam, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want a private, customizable experience, the Private Food Tour offers tailored insights. Budget travelers may prefer the Food Walking Tour, which packs a lot into just two hours for a reasonable price.
Vegan or sustainable eaters will find the Amsterdam-West Food Tour appealing, while those seeking scenic views might enjoy the Food and Canal Tour. For a deep dive into Dutch favorites, the Ultimate Amsterdam Food Tour covers multiple neighborhoods and iconic treats.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons like spring and summer. Think about what you most want to experience—whether it’s local cheeses, multicultural bites, or a private, tailored adventure—and pick the tour that best matches your style.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam offers a diverse array of food tours that cater to different tastes and interests. Whether you’re after a quick bite with a cultural twist, a private customized experience, or a scenic combination of boat and bites, this list has something for you. For first-timers, a tour like the Food Tour with Drinks provides a well-rounded introduction. If you’re seeking a more personal journey, the Private Food Tour is a great choice.
Remember, food tours are best booked in advance, especially during peak visiting months. So pick your style, set your taste buds to ready, and enjoy discovering Amsterdam through its flavors. Happy eating!