local tours amsterdam netherlands

Memorable Private Tours in Amsterdam and the Netherlands

Private tour amsterdam, experience the beauty of our city with a local guide.

How do you make the most of your time in Amsterdam? – have a memorable day with a tailor-made private tour. Explore Amsterdam or the Netherlands with our best local guides. Experienced, flexible and living here for years.

Discover hidden gems and feel the real vibe of our beautiful city. Have a look at our highest rated Private Tours and ideas. We also organise business, incentive and corporate travel tours for your company.

Enjoy the magnificence of this wonderful city and experience both its mainstream and lesser-known beautiful sights by opting for a Private Amsterdam Tour. Or discover the amazing and green countryside in our Private Holland Tour .

With its incredible charm, world-class museums, culturally-rich historical sites and one of the best nightlife cultures, it’s no wonder that Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top travel destinations. If it’s your first time in Amsterdam, it may be a bit overwhelming to create a comprehensive itinerary. Don’t worry, we are here to help you.

Want to do multiple day tours? Or a combination of some of our private tours in Amsterdam and the Netherlands? Are you a travel advisor with clients with a lot of wishes?

Book a call, so we can talk about your ideal days in the Netherlands. or fill in the form for more information.

Our most popular Private Tours

Amsterdams jewish history and anne frank, rijksmuseum tour, rembrandt, frans hals and vermeer, picasso, bruegel, bosch and degas in the rijksmuseum, keukenhof gardens 2024, private flower tour, luxury amsterdam cruise at your private boat, amsterdam highlights and hidden gems, the dutch countryside and windmills, private hidden gems & highlights bicycle tour, your private family tour in the netherlands, what our guests have said about us, why book a private tour with amsterdam experiences.

We believe that when you visit a city, you should experience what it’s like to be included in the life of the locals.

In your fun and personable tour, we guide you through the more quiet and quaint parts of the city. Our guides have all lived in the city for years, are very knowledgable, and friendly. Each tour is unique as our guides run their tours using their own personal style.

Ready for your own Private Tour Amsterdam?

Had and amazing walking tour of the Jewish section of Amsterdam ending at the Anne Frank house. I highly recommend. Learned so much and cried my eyeballs out, but so worth it. I will be forever changed. Thanks, Stephan and Amsterdam Experiences!

Join your local Guide in a nice Private Tour of Amsterdam

uEnjoy our amazing city by treating yourself to one of our Private Tours in Amsterdam with a local private guide. We organise:

• Private tours (Standard or custom made)
• Business travel tours and company outings

All our tours are a balanced mix of our own personal favourite places, and iconic Amsterdam spots. Let us know your wishes, we are more than happy to accommodate your preferences.

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Anne Frank Tour

• Dark Side Tour
• Rotterdam Tour
• The Hague Tour
• Utrecht Tour
• Haarlem Tour
• Maastricht Tour

Private Walking Tours Amsterdam

Let us show your group around Amsterdam. Our Dutch local guides will keep your group entertained and engaged for 2 hours in the open air museum called Amsterdam.

We have different tours so there is something for everyone.

Choose Your Tour:

Historical Tour of Amsterdam

Walk through 800 years of history on our original walking tour

Alternative Tour of Amsterdam

Discover the city's counterculture, street art, squatting scene and strange smoking policy.

Educational Tour of Amsterdam

Perfect for school trips & excursions and suitable for young adults

Capture the city’s greatest sights and surprising imagery on this special photography tour.

Food Tour of Amsterdam

Eat your way through Amsterdam, sampling the surprising flavors of the Netherlands

Explore Amsterdam during WWII through the eyes of a Jewish girl

Dark Side Tour Of Amsterdam

Step into the shadows of historic Amsterdam and its dark past of torture, public execution and witch hunts

Or Book Your Historical Tour Of Amsterdam Directly:

• Date and time

For support with booking, visit our Frequently Asked Questions’ page.

Start of all tours: Dam Square

Languages: english, spanish, german, arabic, dutch, duration: 2 hours, price €190 per guide (max 15 people per guide), historical tour amsterdam.

Amsterdam’s beautiful inner city is basically one big open-air museum and therefore perfect to discover by foot. On this 2-hour tour, we cover the total history of Amsterdam with all its highlights, like the UNESCO Canal Belt, the Red Light District, and the history of the Jewish Quarter!

You feel the history as you walk in the same streets as people did for 800th. We start at the dam square where it all started. From there we take you to a time travel along with the 80-year war, 17 century (golden age) to World War Two, and finally the radical hippies in the 70th and till today.

The Historical Tour Covers:

• The Founding Of The City
• Amsterdam’s Golden Age
• The Story Of WWII
• History Of The Red Light District
• Soft Drugs Policy
• Amsterdam Today & Future

Price: €190 per guide (max 15 people per guide)

Alternative Tour Amsterdam

You may know that Amsterdam is nowadays very tolerant of prostitution and marijuana, but the interesting thing is that it has not always been this way. With this Alternative Tour, we tell you how Amsterdam transformed in the 1960s from a Christian, conservative city into the “Magic Center” of counterculture, a transformation into the openminded city that we know today.

From here, we will explore how the toleration of marijuana and the squatting movement were born. The big question is: are the fifty years-old solutions to these issues still applicable today?

Further, the tour covers the beautiful UNESCO canal belt, street art and lots of funny “did-you-know’s” about Amsterdam. Come and experience for yourself why people live in the houseboats, what the difference is between a coffeeshop and a smartshop, get to know how Amsterdam became a bicycle city and discover the other Red Light District known as “bondage alley”!

The Alternative Tour Covers:

• UNESCO Canal Belt
• Squatting Subculture
• Legislation Of Marijuana & Magic Mushrooms
• Bike Culture

Educational Tour Amsterdam

Visiting on a school excursion or with a group of youngsters? The Educational Tour is the way to walk! In this tour, we focus on Amsterdam’s cultural and historical background, without the guides making their stories too long & boring. Learn about Amsterdam’s spectacular growth in the 17 th century, some hidden places that we will visit and how many bikes are fished out of the water every year!

Amsterdam today is a city full of students and there are some great places to hang out or get an affordable meal. Join our tour and find out why our city is the best place to learn about Dutch history, how to enjoy eat your fries in the Netherlands and how to stay in the biker’s fast lane without serious injury.

The Educational Tour Covers:

• Student Life In The City
• History Of Amsterdam
• A secret, hidden, catholic church that offers the tale of the religious wars in the 16 th  and 17 th  century
• Dutch Culture, Food & Bicycles
• The Museums Of Amsterdam

Food Tour Amsterdam

Yes, it should be admitted that Dutch people are not the most creative people when it comes to dinner food. Smashed potatoes with Brussels’ sprouts and meatballs is perhaps the only meal that can be classified as typically Dutch. However, we have a bunch of sweet candies and salty delicacies that make a perfect food tour! Taste the famous and delicious Gouda cheese and try our traditional Dutch cookie ‘’stroopwafel’’ on this 2-hour walking tour. Don’t be scared when you hear that we eat our herring RAW (!!!). The bones and the organs of this tiny fish are removed and it tastes really, really good.

Yes, we do a lot of tasting on this tour, but it also includes stories about the historical and cultural background of the dishes. Learn about the annual auction of the “first barrel of herring”, what kind of sauce we eat with our fries, and discover how many cookies Dutch people offer you at home (if they offer you some at all). If you want to take a light and fun tour and learn something about the local culture, our Food Tour might be perfect for you!

On The Food Tour, We Sample:

• Poffertjes (Mini-Pancakes)
• Dutch Liquorice
• Bitterballen
• Of Course, Cheese!

Price: €190 per guide (max 15 people per guide) + €10 Food Coverage per attendee

Join this Free Walking Tour on an interactive photo tour, with Amsterdam as a backdrop. Explore the city through the lens of your camera, while we stop at well-known city monuments, as well as more surprising spots that offer a great setting for stunning pictures. After making plenty memorable shots, we show you how to edit your picture into the perfect upload. Learn about framing, filters and how to use your smartphone’s built-in features. Cut, crop and color your images to perfection, making memorable posts to remember your visit to Amsterdam.

The InstAdam Tour Covers:

• Capture Professional Shots With Your Own iPhone Or Android
• Learn The 5 Golden Rules Of Photography
• Photogenic City Landmarks
• Hidden Spots Of Photographic Interest
• Create Your Own Social Media Content

Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam

At popular request, we launched this tour in January 2023 to tell the story behind the pages of the world’s most read diary. Discover how Amsterdam became the Jewish capital of Western Europe and why the Frank family and many other Jews migrated to the city. Walk past the crumbled remains of the darkest period of modern history and behold the monuments that honor its heroes.

This tour focuses on Amsterdam during WWII and how it was affected by German control. We tell you the stories of the rise and fall of the Jewish community and those of the heroes that literature has left unsung. Take a glimpse into the life of Anne, where she would play and went to school and why her memoires have become so historically relevant.

This tour can be a perfect addition or a great alternative to visiting the Anne Frank house, since it is not included in this tour.

On The Anne Frank Tour, We Cover:

• The story of the heroes of WWII
• The rise and fall of the Jewish community in Amsterdam
• Important monuments
• Life of Jews during the war and today

Price: €190 per guide (max 15 people per guide) 

Dark Side Tour Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam’s dark side, where history meets horror and buried urban myths rise from the grave. Not just a ghastly ghost tour, we show you that the actual events of Amsterdam’s ominous past are much more horrific than a cold spot in a dark alley. Visit the places where ghost sightings were reported, to find out the real stories behind the urban myths of Amsterdam. Find out why the gallows were located at the docks, for arriving sailors to see the public execution of criminals and discover how witches were persecuted in medieval Amsterdam. Hear stories about nuns digging up old graves and orphaned children being taken over by an inexplicably demonic force. Book your spot at a Free Dark Side Tour Amsterdam, or the untold truth will haunt you forever!

The Dark Side Tour Covers:

• Urban Myths
• Torturing & Executions During The Middle Ages
• Historic Anatomy Lesson
• Witch Hunts
• The Tale Of The Anabaptists
• The Possessed Orphans

THE 10 BEST Amsterdam Tours & Excursions

Amsterdam tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese

2. All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Captain Jack

3. Van Gogh Museum Exclusive Guided Tour with Reserved Entry

4. Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter

5. Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

6. 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar

7. Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

8. Eating Amsterdam: Jordaan Small-Group Food Tour

9. Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights and Hidden Gems

10. Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

11. Photo Tour in Amsterdam 2 Hours

12. Amsterdam Evening Cruise by Captain Jack Including Drinks

13. Keukenhof Ticket With Roundtrip Shuttle Bus from Amsterdam

14. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Guided Tour

15. 10 Tastes of Amsterdam Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan

16. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam Small Group Guided Tour

17. Zaanse Schans Windmills, Clogs and Dutch Cheese Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam

18. Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: Windmills and Dutch Cheese

19. Eating Amsterdam: Food Tour and Canal Cruise

20. Van Gogh Museum Tour With Reserved Entry - Semi-Private 8ppl Max

21. Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague Small Group Tour from Amsterdam

22. Bruges Day Trip from Amsterdam

23. Small Group Amsterdam Evening Cruise

24. Countryside Electric Bike Tour: Zaanse Schans & Zaandam

25. Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

26. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam and 1-Hour Canal Cruise

27. 75 minutes Canal Cruise Highlights of Amsterdam

28. Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

29. 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks

30. From Amsterdam: Keukenhof Flower Park Ticket and Transfer 2025

What travelers are saying.

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Amsterdam (310) Unique experiences, authentically created, tailored by you

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Half day in Amsterdam with a local Half day

4 hours tailored to what you want to see and do. So whether it's ticking off main sites or discovering hidden gems, it's up to you and your host!

€107.8 per person

Ultimate Amsterdam food experience Food & Drink

From strooppwafels, herring, and Dutch cheese to surprising Indonesian dishes, try some of the best local foods in the bohemian Jordaan district

€131.24 per person

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Latest reviews from our guests

Hired a guide for 8 hours while in Amsterdam to take us around the city. Highly recommend. Jan was great!

Annet was a great guide. She was interesting with good stories of Amsterdam. The pace of the tour was good and she dropped us off at the Van Gogh Museum at the end of the tour.

Amazing personalized food tour we have ever experienced ! Alan was beyond helpful and knowledgeable, accommodating each of our requests and likes. Alan was energetic and engaging the entire tour by asking thoughtful and sincere questions of each of my family members. Not only did Alan go out of his way to give us the best experience, he made sure to give suggestions for the rest of visit in Amsterdam. We were touring with our adult college kids. Alan made sure to share fun ideas, shopping, and food to entertain their interest also. Alan was extremely flexible and immediately adjusted to our likes and dislikes, even introducing my daughter to the best vintage clothing store she ever shopped in. Alan went above and beyond by gifting my son an Amsterdam T-shirt also. Alan was courteous in contacting me the day before in preparing and confirming our meeting point. Alan is a true professional and top notch tour guide!

Great way to explore Amsterdam’s history, architecture, art market and at the same time learn where you can find the best chocolate! It was fun!

Private Tours in Amsterdam

With its quaint gabled buildings and iconic canals, the laid-back “Venice of the North” is creativity at its coolest. Our personalized, private tours of Amsterdam let you experience this artistic city beyond iconic attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and the provocative red-light district. A walking tour won’t make you miss out on the top tourist sights, but you might see them from a different perspective – perhaps from a tiny hidden garden or a hole-in-the-wall bar. Between the city’s seven diverse districts, Amsterdam’s unique culture can only fully be appreciated through authentic snapshots of the local lifestyle. And what better way than a private tour of Amsterdam to experience what makes the city special to the people who call it home? Our wide range of tours in Amsterdam will help you uncover the true spirit and soul of the city – and experience some of the best things to do in Amsterdam in the process. Get ready to blend in with the locals at Amsterdam’s vintage stores, neighborhood markets, and centuries-old cheese shops. On a private tour with City Unscripted, you won’t get caught in a tourist trap – simply tell us what you want to see and do, and we’ll make it happen!

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Netherlands Tours & Trips from Amsterdam

Find your perfect adventure! We have 33 tours of Netherlands that start in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The most popular month is April, and tour lengths range between 4 and 15 days.

33 Netherlands tour packages from Amsterdam with 176 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Best of the Netherlands

Everything was well organized and smooth. Lode was a really good tour guide.

Best of Holland (7 Days)

The tour of Holland was wonderful. Fortunately I brought some headache medicine with me just in case I needed it.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Best Netherlands Tour with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Customized Netherlands Holiday with Daily Departure

Netherlands Biking Adventure

• River Cruise

Dutch Delight (2024) (Amsterdam to Amsterdam, 2024)

Trip to Amsterdam for Four Days

Amsterdam is absolutely beautiful! My trip was only 4 days long but Wise Yatra made the most of it.

Cycling the Highlights of Holland

Classic Holland Cycle

Through authentic Holland (port-to-port cruise)

The itinerary was perfect for our family. The ship's crew were all fantastic: efficient, friendly, welcoming and helpful.

Around Amsterdam in 5 Days

Tulip Time Cruise for Beer Enthusiasts 2025

Tulip Time Cruise 2025

6 Day Amsterdam and Beyond Self-Adventure

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Tulip Serenade - AMADEUS Cara (Amsterdam - Amsterdam)

What people love about netherlands tours from amsterdam.

We enjoyed the nature and flowers and canals. The accommodation was good and the Fletcher hotels very peaceful in the country.

The tour of Holland was wonderful. Our tour director was great. Our driver was great. The weather was not so good. I think the heavy mist and rain made me ill. It was impossible to find any cold medicine in our busy schedule. Fortunately I brought some headache medicine with me just in case I needed it. I did not want to miss any of the scheduled visits but I was anxious to get home to deal with the symptoms.

• This was my first experience using travel agency for vacation and I couldn't be more satisfied. I highly recommend using Wise Yatra, they planned a wonderful trip that catered to all my personal needs. • First let's start with the location– Amsterdam is absolutely beautiful! My trip was only 4 days long but Wise Yatra made the most of it. They set up 3 tours within those days that gave the perfect opportunity to see a few of the key attractions within the Netherlands. One day was offered a walking tour through a popular local tour guide company. The guide was very knowledgeable of history and the downtown area, he was also very friendly. Another day offered the opportunity to see the Tulips, windmills and clogs through another local tour company. The company has coach bus accommodations to and from all attractions and meeting locations. The guide presented herself very professionally and also very knowledgeable of the history and attractions themselves. The last event offered through Wise Yatra was the canal cruise which offered an alternative perspective of the town via canal level. • Secondly, I could not ask for a better travel company to book through. Originally I booked this tour believing I would be joining a group. After realizing that was not the case, naturally I was apprehensive about moving forward with the trip. Associates at Wise Yatra reached out to me on a personal level to fine tune details… After expressing my concerns, the associates at Wise Yatra assured me they would be able to accommodate me as a solo traveler. My itinerary was made based on what I wanted, tours were upgraded from self guided to guided, my hotel was upgraded to a better location and I was able to stay in constant communication before, during and after my trip. They even made sure I made it home safe! Some upgrades came with a slight cost, some upgrades did not, however cost of upgrades were minimal and well worth it. The driver booked for airport transfer was local and very respectful. Also, all my questions about documents and information needed overseas were answered promptly and knowledgeable. All in all, Raj, Rachit, Nishchitha, and the rest of the team did a wonderful job. I look forward to using the Wise Yatra service again in the future.

Tours starting from Amsterdam

• Amsterdam to Amsterdam tours (28)
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• River Cruise from Amsterdam (21)
• Explorer from Amsterdam (8)
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• Self-Guided from Amsterdam (5)
• Best 7 Day Netherlands Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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Local Tours Holland

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Enjoy Holland like a local!

Let yourself be guided along the route of Holland that often remains unknown to tourists (and even to residents) and discover all the little gems that Holland has to offer. Explore the Dutch capital city, Amsterdam, with its splendid canals and famous historical buildings. Or breathe the fresh air of the countryside and visit the charming village of Edam. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Holland!

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Countryside Tour VIP (VIPLTH03)

Workshop decorating wooden shoes (WLTH101)

Workshop wooden shoes making (WLTH102)

Visit the traditional farm Simonehoeve including Dutch pastries (LTH09)

Workshop Making your own farmhouse cheese (WLTH103)

Simonehoeve experience tour (LTH13)

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Workshop Wooden shoe making Duo

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100% Tailor made

Choose from our unique tours designed by our local experts. Or send us an enquiry with your wishes to create the perfect customised trip to the Netherlands.

Hidden Gems

See what others miss. Every tour includes hidden gems where you travel Off-the-Beaten-Path into the local Dutch countryside. Enjoy the country same way the locals do.

Responsible Tourism

Together we reduce tourism’s carbon footprint. Lessen the amount of waste. Support local businesses. Create a better world , while your enjoy your travels.

Local Experts

Our passionate professional local guides , speak multiple languages, are a fountain of information and are thé best part of your Holland Private Tour.

Get inspired by our favorite tours

Custom tour • day tours from rotterdam, utrecht day trip • private tour from amsterdam, van gogh tour • day tour from amsterdam, giethoorn private tour • day trip from amsterdam, day trip keukenhof gardens • private tulip tour from amsterdam, multi day tours in the netherlands • sustainable countryside tours, day trip delft • private tour from amsterdam, tulip fields tour from amsterdam • away from the tourist path, dutch dahlia flower festival • day tour from amsterdam, clogs, cheese & windmill tour • day trip from amsterdam, day tour to haarlem • private tour from amsterdam, dutch wine and cheese tour • day trip from amsterdam.

Ready to create your personal, 100% tailor made Private Tour of the Netherlands? One- or multi-day tours, together we create your fantastic unforgettable experience.

Travel, The Way You Like

Custom Tours

Together with a local expert you create the perfect tour . This can be multi-day tours, group tours, activities, workshops, specific interests, etc. Handcrafted itineraries matching your interests, needs and budget.

Your professional private guide will show you the highlights and hidden secrets on a day trip from Amsterdam . Go off-the-beaten path and discover quaint cities, colorful flowers, taste Dutch delicacies and meet the locals.

Family Tours

The Netherlands offers fun, exciting and fascinating sights for the entire family ! Our expert guides will entertain your kids with great stories and activities, while making sure less mobile members take it slower.

Online Experience

Explore the Netherlands from your own home. Connect with your Local Private Guide for a [LIVE] Online Experience. Learn about Dutch cities, cooking & baking, find your Dutch Roots and ask any question you have!

This is why we love what we do :-)

About Us • Holland Private Tour

Holland Private Tour likes to offer travelers an immersion into the Netherlands with slow travel and ‘ off the beaten path’ private tours .

Unique experiences you wouldn’t find on your own. We provide Private Sightseeing Tours, for one person or a group , in the Netherlands.

Since our start in 2008 we have been a friend in s strange country for over hundreds of travelers, corporate clients and travel agents around the world.

With the local knowledge of all major sights, accommodations and tour destinations, our team will provide you or your group an unforgettable trip in The Netherlands .

Our Private Tours can be 100% Tailor Made , with the knowledge of a local expert.

See what others miss and explore Hidden Gems , off-the-beaten path. On our Slow Travel Tours, you immerse yourself and become one of the locals.

Create a better world, with Responsible Tourism . As a Sustainable Business we take care of the country, nature and culture we love so dear.

Our Passionate and Professional Local Guides love to share anecdotes, which will make your Private Tour an unforgettable 5-star experience.

A bonus, on top of our great tours, is that we travel sustainable, leaving a positive impact on the country, the people and the travelers.

Full CO2 compensation included, and you will support local business .

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• Windmill Countryside Tour
• Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
• Giethoorn Tour
• Wine and Cheese Tour
• Dutch Flower Festival
• Day Trip Delft
• Utrecht Day Trip
• Day trip Haarlem
• Van Gogh Tour
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What you need to know before you go to the Netherlands

May 26, 2024 • 9 min read

Everywhere in the Netherlands is easily accessible, like Rotterdam with its mix of architecture © Victor Maschek / Shutterstock

With its beautiful cities and countryside of polders, dykes, windmills and canals connected by superb, sustainable infrastructure, the Netherlands is one of the easiest places to travel. As a visitor, you won’t find too many potential pitfalls, but there are still a few things to be aware of (starting with getting its name right!). Having written about this charming and fascinating country for almost two decades (and experienced it over a lifetime), these are my key tips for a smooth trip.

1. It’s the Netherlands (not Holland)

You’ll come across plenty of references to “Holland” as a synonym for the entire country (it’s only recently started transitioning out of use by the Dutch tourism authority ) but in fact Holland refers to just two of the country’s 12 provinces: Noord-Holland (North Holland; Haarlem is the provincial capital, while Amsterdam is the largest city and national capital) and Zuid-Holland (South Holland; Den Haag is the provincial capital and seat of government and royalty, with Rotterdam the largest city). The rest of the country is not Holland, and the nation as a whole is the Netherlands.

You might also hear references to the Randstad, the conurbation that takes in the Netherlands’ biggest cities in Noord-Holland, Zuid-Holland and Utrecht, which forms the country’s economic engine and is home to almost half of its population.

2. Remember there’s more to Amsterdam than the city center – and more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam

Amsterdam is where most people arrive, and for many it’s their only destination. With visitor numbers skyrocketing, the Dutch capital is balancing overtourism through measures such as raising tourist taxes; restricting short-stay apartment rental and house swaps; capping the number of annual overnight visitors; halving river cruises; and closing its ocean-liner cruise ship port completely. It is also deterring raucous, hard-partying “nuisance tourists” (by banning organized pub crawls and curbing central bar and club opening hours) while still welcoming respectful visitors.

You don’t have to go far from the center to discover fantastic, often under-the-radar neighborhoods, such as Amsterdam’s West, Oost (East) and Noord (North), where you’ll get a deeper insight into local life. Positive-impact tours run by Tours That Matter are also a great way to get off the tourist track.

Added to that, the Netherlands’ compact size and excellent transport puts the country’s grand cities, classic landscapes and exhilarating things to do (and invariably cheaper prices) right on Amsterdam’s doorstep.

3. Decide how long to spend in the Netherlands

Crossing the country takes just a few hours but there’s a lot to see. A week will give you time to experience Amsterdam and surrounding destinations (such as Haarlem , Utrecht , Leiden , Delft , Den Haag and Rotterdam ). The longer you have, the more you can explore all corners of the country, from the Frisian coast and islands to superbly preserved Hanseatic cities such as Deventer and Zwolle, and the hilly southeast around vibrant Maastricht .

When you’re putting together your itinerary, you can get a good sense of travel times on journey planner 9292.nl , which calculates the most efficient public transport routes throughout the country. Traveling by bike, using the country’s extensive system of short- and long-distance cycleways, is also entirely viable and an enjoyable way to get around. Cycling is part of the Dutch DNA (locals ride literally everywhere: work, dinner, the opera, you name it), so you’ll be in good company.

Discover the best ways to get around the Netherlands

4. Book museum time-slots in advance to avoid missing out

As the home turf of artistic masters from Rembrandt and Vermeer to Van Gogh, Mondrian and MC Escher, the Netherlands brims with incredible art, and hundreds of museums also showcase the country’s rich history, traditions and diversity. Increasingly, museum entry requires you to reserve a time slot online. These can quickly fill up in advance, so book them a few weeks ahead (even earlier for the Anne Frank Huis ), so you have a framework for the rest of your schedule.

5. Lock in accommodation and popular restaurant bookings ahead of time, too

Especially if you’re traveling in the high summer season or during festivals, events and holidays, you should make sure you have your accommodation booked ahead. High-end and/or popular restaurants should also be reserved well in advance.

6. Pack practically and plan for fickle weather

There’s a reason windmills are a fixture across the flat landscape: it can get distinctly breezy here (the uniquely Dutch verb uitwaaien means “to clear one's head by taking a walk outdoors in the windy fresh air”), and the maritime climate also means plenty of rain, so pack waterproofs, no matter the season. You’ll also be glad of comfortable, sturdy footwear for walking on all terrains, a slimline daypack and layers you can quickly put on if things turn chilly. Warm clothes, gloves and a woolen hat are essential in winter.

The Dutch cycling culture means fashion is not only stylish (Dutch design is big here) but practical (such as flat soles and clothing that won’t get caught in bicycle spokes).

Consider traveling to the Netherlands outside the summer peak: here’s the best time to go

 7. Anticipate what to expect at your accommodation

Accommodation in the Netherlands can spring a few surprises on the uninitiated. In older buildings especially, there might not be air conditioning and elevators might be tiny or non-existent (and Dutch staircases can be precipitously steep, often more akin to ships’ ladders). Attitudes tend to be quite liberal and straightforward, and bathrooms can be more open-plan than you might expect and/or have limited screening (yes, often even the toilets). If modesty is important to you, this is something you’ll want to look into when booking; once you check in, alternative rooms might not be available.

To let natural light in, hotels and residential homes and apartments often have large windows without blinds or drapes, but in a small, densely populated country, people respect each other’s privacy.

8. Get to grips with Dutch communication

The Dutch are clear, concise communicators, favoring directness over small talk. To visitors, this might come across as bracingly frank but it’s simply intended to be pragmatic, open and honest. Punctuality is expected in formal and social situations.

Excellent, fluent English is widely spoken, but a few words of Dutch can help grease the wheels of communication, such as goedemorgen/goedendag/goedenavond (good morning/day/evening), tot ziens (goodbye), alstublieft/alsjeblieft (formal/informal for please), and dank u wel/dank je wel (formal/informal for thank you). Toast a frothy beer or jenever (aka genever; Dutch gin) with proost (cheers) while making eye contact with everyone you’re toasting. Dutch drinking culture is social, revolving around food and friends, starting with borrel (“drinks”) before uitgaan (going out).

9. Embrace sustainability

In a country lying mostly below sea level, environmental concerns have long been top of mind, and the Dutch are blazing the way on sustainability. The Netherlands is aiming for a circular economy by 2050 , reusing, repairing and recycling renewable materials to eliminate waste, and rapid progress is being achieved across day-to-day life. Everything you can do as a visitor (using eco-friendly transport, minimizing energy consumption, packaging and food waste, dining on local and organic produce and shopping sustainably) will help.

10. Understand tipping etiquette

In the Netherlands, remuneration in hospitality professions includes service, so staff here aren’t working for tips. That being said, many people do tip moderately (up to around 10%) for excellent service, especially in restaurants and bars where drinks are brought to the table.  

11. Carry both cards and cash

Contactless cards and app-based ”smart wallet” digital payments are becoming increasingly common (such as the public transport system), and many businesses such as cafes, restaurants and shops (even some supermarkets) in larger cities especially are entirely cashless. On the flipside, many traditional establishments don’t take cards and only accept cash. It’s handy to have a mix of cash and cards to cover your bases.

12. Beware of bike lanes

Bike-lane traffic can move much faster, and in much higher volumes, than you might expect. Along with speedy cyclists, beware of motorized electric bikes and larger cargo bikes. As a pedestrian, be vigilant when crossing the road. Wandering into a bike lane without looking in both directions can cause serious accidents. Drivers should be extra mindful.

If you’re joining the locals and cycling yourself, watch out for other cyclists and oblivious pedestrians as well as vehicles, and ring your bicycle bell as a warning as often as necessary. Cross tram tracks at a sharp angle to avoid your wheels getting stuck. Before heading out, familiarize yourself with the rules of participating in Dutch traffic .

Save this guide to the best cycling routes in the Netherlands

13. Take care on and around canals

The Netherlands’ picturesque waterways in its cities, towns and countryside are rarely if ever fenced or protected by barriers. Keep an eye out, especially if you’re traveling with young children. If you’re renting a boat to explore (one of the best things you can do in the Netherlands), ensure life jackets are provided for all passengers, including for kids.

14. Drink the tap water freely

Tap water is high quality and safe to drink throughout the Netherlands (any exceptions will be clearly indicated).

15. Don’t be alarmed by the signal testing of sirens (but do take them seriously in an emergency)

If you’re here at noon on the first Monday of the month (public holidays excepted), you’ll hear the Netherlands’ public warning sirens sound for an uninterrupted one minute and 26 seconds, when they’re simultaneously tested across the country. If you hear them at any other time, you should assume it’s an emergency (such as a fire or flood) and follow local instructions.

16. Stay safe and know how to find help if you need it

The Netherlands is an extremely safe country, but you should take the usual precautions in big cities, and watch out for pickpockets in areas where tourists congregate (such as main railway stations). Protect against bicycle theft by parking in secure bike-parking stations where possible, and always use two locks (one should be attached to a fixed structure like a bike rack).

For a minor illness or injury, an apotheek (pharmacy) can provide advice and sell over-the-counter medication, and advise where to get more specialized help.

It’s important to be aware that cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands, and while small quantities (up to 5g) are generally tolerated by authorities, it’s policed differently by municipalities across the country, and some areas enforce cannabis-smoking bans in public places. (Government policies are also apt to change.) Never buy any drugs on the streets – fatalities can and do occur.

In a serious emergency, contact the police, fire and ambulance services by dialing 112. If things do go wrong during your trip, it will help to have easily accessed back-up copies of your travel insurance policy.

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Watch CBS News

Nicki Minaj briefly arrested, fined at Amsterdam airport after Dutch police say "soft drugs" found in luggage

By Lucia Suarez Sang

Updated on: May 25, 2024 / 5:10 PM EDT / CBS News

Rapper Nicki Minaj was briefly arrested and then fined at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Saturday on allegations that officials found "soft drugs" in her luggage, according to Dutch authorities.

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, which is the Dutch national police agency,  posted to social media Saturday night that a 41-year-old American woman who was arrested on suspicion of exporting soft drugs was fined and released from custody after officials consulted with local prosecutors. The amount of the fine was not provided. 

While Dutch police did not name Minaj as the suspect in question, the rapper posted video to social media of the ordeal. In the video, she explains that police told her that officers had allegedly found marijuana in her bags, and that it would have to be weighed.

Minaj's video shows a man in a suit telling her that police want to "search all her luggage." 

"The police officer told me we have to offload all your luggage, and to search everything of your luggage," the man, who was not immediately identified, says in the video. 

"...He (a police officer) doesn't believe you don't have more with you than you said," the man can also be heard saying.

Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands, but it is tolerated for recreational use.

In the video, police officers could be heard telling Minaj that she was "under arrest" for "carrying drugs," before asking her to get in a van to go to the police station.

Minaj, who was born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, denied the claims and requested a lawyer multiple times before getting into the van.

Prior to Minaj's release, Robert Kapel, a military police spokesman, told AFP that an "interrogation is still ongoing."

A representative for Minaj and the Amsterdam police did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment.

Minaj was in Amsterdam where she played a show at Ziggo's Dome on Thursday. She was on her way to Manchester, England, for another show that was slated to take place Saturday night as part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour when the arrest occurred. The Manchester venue where Minaj was slated to perform, Co-op Live, announced that Saturday's show was postponed as a result. 

"Despite Nikki's best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight's show happen, the events of today have made it impossible," the Co-op wrote in a social media post.

In a series of  posts to X , Minaj claimed that the arrest was an attempt to "sabotage my tour."

"They're being paid big money to try to sabotage my tour b/c soooooo many ppl are mad that it's this successful & they can't eat off me. They got caught stealing money from my travel/jets. Got fired. Got mad. Etc," she said.

• Nicki Minaj
• Netherlands

Lucia Suarez Sang is an associate managing editor at CBSNews.com. Previously, Lucia was the director of digital content at FOX61 News in Connecticut and has previously written for outlets including FoxNews.com, Fox News Latino and the Rutland Herald.

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Nicki Minaj Speaks Out After Arrest in Amsterdam: 'I'll Have the Lawyers & GOD Take It From Here'

Nicki minaj speaks out after being arrested at amsterdam airport while on instagram live, ‘90 day fiancé’: angela loses it after michael doesn’t get his visa, watch kim kardashian and kanye west’s daughter north sing during ‘the lion king’ show, snoop dogg reacts to drake and kendrick lamar's rap feud (exclusive), grayson murray, two-time pga tour winner, dead at 30 by suicide, ayesha and steph curry welcome their fourth child, cher and boyfriend ae can't stop kissing on pda-filled cannes carpet, ‘evil’ cast dishes on the fourth and final season (exclusive), ‘dead poets society’ turns 35: watch on-set interviews with the late robin williams, patti labelle weighs in on a possible music collab with ‘buddy’ cardi b (exclusive), how jennifer love hewitt's kids are helping with her return to scream queen status (exclusive), how snoop dogg is preparing for ‘the voice’ coaching gig (exclusive), kylie jenner’s exes travis scott and tyga connected to brawl at cannes film festival, remembering morgan spurlock: a look back at the filmmaker’s career, lady gaga rocks car bumper as fashion statement at tour film premiere, travis kelce addresses harrison butker's controversial graduation speech, pat sajak stunned by 'wheel of fortune' contestant's nsfw guess, millie bobby brown and jake bongiovi are married, whoopi goldberg shares promising 'sister act 3' update (exclusive), inside 'furiosa's massive set, chris hemsworth's makeup and more behind-the-scenes secrets, nicki minaj was arrested at amsterdam's schiphol airport on saturday, causing her to postpone her show at co-op live in manchester..

Nicki Minaj has shared an update after her Amsterdam arrest  over the weekend. 

Just hours after the 41-year-old "Super Bass" singer was apprehended at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to give her side of the story and apologize to fans in Manchester who had their show postponed due to the situation in the Netherlands. 

In her post, Minaj claimed that she still had hopes of making it to England in time to perform for fans at Co-Op Live arena, even after "sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours." She says those hopes were dashed, however, as her plane was allegedly held for 20 minutes after she boarded, pushing her past the time the Manchester venue was willing to let her perform. 

"That's why they had to do the big song & dance b/c they knew I'd still find a way to perform even if it came down to my last 90 mins in the building which would have been until 1130pm. The building was willing to go past 11pm. So grateful to them for that," she wrote.

Minaj added, "So they succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. I succeeded @ getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time. I have sooooooooo much video evidence. You wouldn't believe it if I told you. I'll have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho."

Minaj shared some of that alleged video evidence to her social media pages on Saturday when she went live on Instagram as she was placed in a van to go to the police station and told by an officer that she was "under arrest." 

She later doubled down on her assertion that the situation was an attempt to "sabotage" her, writing in another message , "Told you, it's to try to make me late so that they can write negative stories. Jealousy is a disease. You know the rest."

According to the rapper, the whole situation stems from drugs found in her bags by security prior to their initial attempt to take off from the Netherlands to England. She claims to have been in possession of marijuana -- classified by the country as a "soft drug" -- which seems to be supported by a tweet sent out by local police. 

"We have just released a 41-year-old American woman who we arrested this afternoon at Schiphol on suspicion of exporting soft drugs,"  police said at the time, not identifying the woman. "After consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect was fined and can continue her journey."

Earlier in the day,  Minaj tweeted , "now they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls. Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him. Oh yea & the pilot wants me to take my ig post down." She had also  previously tweeted , "This is Amsterdam btw, where weed is legal."

In her tweet after the arrest, the "Barbie World" crooner apologized to fans personally impacted by the postponement of her May 25 Manchester show, promising to have a make-up date in the near future. Minaj also wrote that she didn't want to have to share the details of her arrest as she believes her fans "deserve to just get the good stuff."

She added, "I hate involving you in anything that isn't for entertainment purposes only."

"Please please please accept my deepest & most sincere apologies. They sure did know exactly how to hurt me today but this too, shall pass," the 12-time GRAMMY Award nominee wrote. "I'll find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but I'm going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a tkt for this show. Promise."

Next up on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, Minaj has shows scheduled in Birmingham, London and Glasgow, as well a second show in Manchester on May 30. From there, she will return to the Netherlands for another performance on June 2. 

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Nicki Minaj arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on drug charge

Authorities at Schiphol Airport arrested Nicki Minaj, 41, on drug possession charges, sources confirmed to Nu on Saturday. The American singer and rap musician was taken into custody after she was subjected to additional screening.

A spokesperson for the Marechaussee told NL Times that a 41-year-old American woman was taken into custody for possession of soft drugs at the Schiphol-Oost private airfield. She was first screened by passports control officers there, who ordered her luggage to be searched after their interaction with the woman, he said.

After drugs were found, the woman was detained at about 5:30 p.m. She was due to be interrogated later in the evening, and the drugs had not yet been weighed, he added.

The spokesperson would not confirm that Minaj was their suspect, citing privacy reasons. He only identified her by her age and her U.S. citizenship, however Minaj herself confirmed an encounter with authorities at Schiphol. The Marechaussee is a military branch is responsible for policing and securing Dutch borders and airports.

Minaj confirmed on social media that the pilot for her private flight from Amsterdam to Manchester confirmed the extra search of her luggage. In a video she posted online, a man explains to her that Dutch officials saw her shooting video of them, and decided to search her luggage.

Minaj was sitting in a vehicle and had not boarded the private jet. “They took my luggage and when I asked where it is they said it’s on the plane. It couldn’t have been, I just pulled up,” she said on X.

“I never gave them my bags. They’re refusing to let me see my own bags,” she continued. The singer alleged that she fired members of her management and a tour manager for padding her private jet bills by up to 50,000 dollars, which they then pocketed.

Minaj alleged they were conspiring against her to either make her show up late to performances, or miss them entirely. “This is how they plant things in your luggage,” she claimed, saying it was an ongoing issue on Saturday in Amsterdam “where weed is legal.” She was scheduled to perform at 7:30 p.m. local time in Manchester.

“Although cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, there is a ‘tolerance policy’ (gedoogbeleid ), which means the law is not enforced in relation to the retail sale of small quantities for personal use in cannabis cafés known as ‘coffeeshops’,” the city of Amsterdam states on its government website. Personal use quantities are limited to five grams.

“Now they said they found weed and that another group of [people] have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls. Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him,” she stated.

Pre-rolled joints purchased in Amsterdam coffeeshops typically contain between half a gram and a full gram of cannabis.

Minaj performed at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on Thursday, and the she took the stage at 10:45 p.m. The scheduled start time was actually 8 p.m., and she concluded her show around 12:15 a.m.

The 41-year-old was due to return for a second show at the Ziggo Dome on June 2. She was scheduled for five shows in the United Kingdom, and one show in Paris, before her return to Amsterdam.

Nicki Minaj released after arrest in the Netherlands on suspicion of exporting soft drugs

Nicki Minaj was released from custody Saturday hours after she was arrested by police in the Netherlands on suspicion of exporting soft drugs, authorities said.

The rapper was fined and allowed to “continue her journey,” police said in a translated post on X just before 4 p.m. ET.

Minaj, 41, was traveling to Manchester, England, from Amsterdam for a concert on her “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” when she was arrested. Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, was scheduled to perform at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on Saturday night but it was postponed, Live Nation UK said in an update.

“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible,” the company said. “We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”

Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled concert, the company said.

Police have not identified the name of the person arrested, but when asked if it was Minaj, a spokesperson said officers had “arrested a 41-year-old American woman at Schiphol Airport because of possession of soft drugs.”

In a social media post early Sunday local time , Minaj said she arrived at her hotel in Manchester a little more than an hour ago. “After sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my plane still didn’t take off for another 20 mins once I boarded” the 50-minute flight from Amsterdam, she wrote.

“Please please please accept my deepest & most sincere apologies,” Minaj wrote. “They sure did know exactly how to hurt me today but this too, shall pass.”

The rapper said she hopes to be able to share the rescheduled date for Saturday’s show on Sunday, and that she and her team are considering one option in June and another in July.

She confirmed she’d still be performing the second show in Manchester on Thursday, and that she will still go on in Birmingham on Sunday.

“I’ll find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but I’m going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a tkt for this show. Promise,” Minaj said.

Earlier on Saturday, Minaj had shared numerous posts on social media detailing the incident.

In one video she shared on X, the rapper is seen being told that her luggage needs to be searched.

“I’m so sorry to say that,” a man at the airport tells her.

“But isn’t that what you planned on doing from the get-go? Why didn’t you guys search it before it went on the plane,” she responds.

The man says they did a “random quick check” but need to open the luggage.

In subsequent posts, Minaj said she believed people were trying to “stop this tour” and were lying to her.

“They took my luggage & when I asked where it is they said it’s on the plane. It couldn’t have been, I just pulled up,” she said. “I never gave them my bags. They’re refusing to let me see my own bags.”

In another post, she wrote: “They’re being paid big money to try to sabotage my tour b/c soooooo many ppl are mad that it’s this successful & they can’t eat off me. They got caught stealing money from my travel/jets. Got fired. Got mad. Etc.”

“This is how they plant things in your luggage,” another read.

Minaj said in the Sunday social media post she has video evidence of the encounter and she’ll “have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho.”

During an Instagram Live, Minaj filmed police as they told her to get inside a van so she could be taken to the police station. In a post on X, the rapper said she was being told she had to “go 5 mins away to make a statement about my security to the police precinct.”

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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Nicki minaj detained in amsterdam after she was found to be allegedly “carrying drugs” (reports).

The rapper posted on social media about her encounter with officials, who appeared to be trying to take her into custody.

By Hilary Lewis

Hilary Lewis

Deputy Editor, East Coast, THR.com

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Nicki Minaj was detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, according to the BBC , which is citing local media reports.

The Dutch police told NBC News they, “arrested a 41-year-old American woman at Schiphol Airport because of possession of soft drugs,” but the woman wasn’t named.

Later Saturday, the police posted on social media that they had “released” the woman they arrested that afternoon at the airport “on suspicion of exporting soft drugs.”

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Minaj documented her encounters with officials on Saturday on social media, including an Instagram Live captured by a number of outlets and fans , on which an official is heard saying they want to take Minaj into custody for “carrying drugs,” which she denied.

“I’m not going in there. I need a lawyer present,” Minaj said from behind the camera.

She and the official later said she’s “under arrest” as she wondered what for, but the official just asked her to stop filming.

She continued to protest before she stepped into what looks like a police vehicle.

Minaj is currently in Europe on her Pink Friday 2 world tour. She was scheduled to perform in Manchester on Saturday evening and is booked for other dates across the U.K. after she performed in Amsterdam on Friday night. Around 2 p.m. PT on Saturday it was reported and The Hollywood Reporter later confirmed, Minaj’s Manchester show had been postponed with Live Nation saying the performance will be rescheduled and tickets will be honored.

“Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible,” Live Nation said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”

She later shared another video on Instagram , which she posted to the grid on her account, in which she’s talking with another official who said he needs to search her luggage.

“Isn’t that what you planned on doing from the get-go? Why didn’t you search it before it went on the plane?” Minaj asked.

She replied, “No, he asked me do I have any more in those purses and I said, ‘No,’ and I asked, ‘Where are my bags?’ They took my bags and put it on the plane before I could know what bags are on the plane.”

Writing on X (formerly known as Twitter) , Minaj indicated this all unfolded while her flight was delayed in Amsterdam as authorities told her they “found weed” and “another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls.”

“Keep in mind they took my bags without consent,” she added. “My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him. Oh yea & the pilot wants me to take my ig post down.”

In an X post at 7:51 a.m. PT on Saturday, Minaj wrote , “Now they said I have to go 5 mins away to make a statement about my security to the police precinct.”

Minaj also argued on X and Instagram that people were trying to “sabotage” her tour.

In the caption with the above Instagram video , Minaj wrote, “They’ve been trying to stop me from coming to every show. They took my bags before I could see them. Put it on the plane. Now saying they’re waiting on customs. This is what it looks like when ppl are paid big money to try to sabotage a tour after all else failed. Everything they’ve done is illegal.”

Later on Saturday, at 5:17 p.m. PT, Minaj shared on X that she arrived at her Manchester hotel after “sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my plane still didn’t take off for another 20 mins once I boarded. The flight was 50 mins. 50 mins.”

“That’s why they had to do the big song & dance b/c they knew I’d still find a way to perform even if it came down to my last 90 mins in the building which would have been until 1130pm. The building was willing to go past 11pm. So grateful to them for that,” she added in her post regarding her Saturday show in Manchester getting postponed due to her arrest. “So they succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. I succeeded @ getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time. I have sooooooooo much video evidence. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. I’ll have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho.”

Minaj also asked fans to accept her “deepest & most sincere apologies,” and that her team is working to get the show rescheduled for another date.

“I’ll find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but I’m going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a tkt for this show. Promise,” she added.

Less than five grams of marijuana are legal to possess in Amsterdam, according to the Netherlands government website.

May 25, 1:10 p.m. This story has been updated with a police statement that the woman arrested at the airport on Saturday has been fined and released.

May 25, 2:13 p.m. This story has been updated with Minaj’s Saturday show in Manchester postponed.

May 25, 5:50 p.m. This story has been updated with Minaj’s new post on X.

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Nicki Minaj searched and detained at Amsterdam airport, according to reports

• Nicki Minaj was detained at an Amsterdam airport for drug possession, according to Dutch outlets.
• Minaj chronicled the arrest on X, saying the marijuana belonged to her security.
• Minaj is scheduled to perform in Manchester on Saturday, but the venue has delayed admission.

Authorities detained Nicki Minaj at Amsterdam's Schipol airport for "soft" drug possession, according to the rapper's own social media and Dutch news outlets.

The arrest occurred on Saturday, hours before Minaj, 41, is scheduled to perform in Manchester, England, Dutch outlet NRC Handelsblad reported. The American rapper is in Amsterdam as part of her "Pink Friday 2" World Tour.

A spokesperson for local police told the outlet that border guards arrested an American woman. But they did not name Minaj.

Minaj, however, chronicled the event on Instagram Live and in a series of posts on X.

Online entertainment blog Buzzing Pop shared footage that showed a man who appeared to be an officer suggesting that Minaj had drugs in her possession, which she denied.

The officer told Minaj she needed to go to the local police station, at which point she requested a lawyer.

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A video Minaj shared to X showed her talking to a different man, who told her authorities needed to search her luggage.

Minaj said in separate X posts that authorities took her luggage without her consent and claimed to have found marijuana.

"My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him," she wrote.

The City of Amsterdam says on its government website that while cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, there is a "tolerance policy" that means the "law is not enforced in relation to the retail sale of small quantities for personal use in cannabis cafés known as 'coffeeshops.'"

"Although the Dutch Opium Act states that personal possession of small amounts of cannabis ('soft drugs') up to 5 grams is a punishable offence, this law is not enforced," the city says.

The last X post Minaj wrote said authorities requested she make a statement about her security to the local police precinct.

Representatives for Minaj and the Netherlands national police did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Following Minaj's X posts and local reports, the venue for her Manchester tour stop alerted guests that admissions had been delayed.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.

• Main content

Nicki Minaj stopped by police hours before Co-Op Live gig

Nicki Minaj is due to play in Manchester tonight but was stopped by police in Amsterdam today

• 19:13, 25 MAY 2024
• Updated 19:30, 25 MAY 2024

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Tonight's Nicki Minaj concert at the new Co-op Live arena has been thrown into doubt after the singer was stopped by police at an airport in the Netherlands.

The 41-year-old was travelling to Manchester for her next Pink Friday 2 Tour show when she was stopped by officers. In an Instagram live, the American rapper and singer can be seen talking to an Amsterdam officer who accuses her of "carrying drugs".

He can then be seen urging her to go into what appears to be a police van while he tells her she will be going to a "police station".

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She then posted at 4pm that she had to attend a police station to give a 'statement'. She has not posted since, and was originally due on stage in Manchester at 8pm. There are reports she has been arrested in the Netherlands, however this has not been confirmed at this stage.

While Co-op Live has only said in a statement that door opening to tonight's show will be pushed back to 7pm, fans have been left fearing that issues in Amsterdam might mean otherwise, reports the Manchester Evening News .

Before the alleged arrest, Nicki shared a series of posts on social media about her bags being pulled aside to be searched at the airport. She wrote on X: "They've been trying everything they possibly can to TRY to stop this tour."

She then claimed staff were trying to "plant things" in her luggage. The musician also shared a clip on Instagram of a man telling her police needed to take a closer look at her luggage, reports the Mirror .

Alongside the clip, she wrote: "They've been trying to stop me from coming to every show. They took my bags before I could see them. Put it on the plane. Now saying they're waiting on customs."

"This is what it looks like when ppl are paid big money to try to sabotage a tour after all else failed. Everything they've done is illegal." In the clip, an airport crew member was filmed explaining how they needed to "offload all the luggage and to search everything".

Nicki replied: "But wasn't that what you planned on doing from the get-go? Why didn't you guys search it before it went on the plane?" The staff member explained how that had been a "random, quick check" and they now wanted to open it.

Nicki continued to ask why they now wanted to search her luggage, with the man explaining: "First of all, because you filmed him [and] he doesn't believe you that you don't have more with you than you say."

Nicki hit back as she said: "No, he asked me, 'Do I have any more in those purses' and I said, 'No,' and I asked him where are my bags. They took my bags and put them on the plane before I could know what bags are on the plane."

The airport staff member apologised for what had happened. Nicki finished the video by saying: "Okay, of course."

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Netherlands Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Plan a trip to netherlands with local tour guides, and amsterdam, rotterdam, haarlem and more..

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Popular Netherlands Tour Destinations

Popular Netherlands Tour Guides

As the tour guide I work already 25 years. Within last 15 years I am specialized for the groups and /or individual visits and guides within states of Benelux (The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg ) . My clients are mostly for interested for daily city tours in bigger cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg (city) but not only - "smaller cities" such as Rotterdam, Delft, Volendam, Zaanse Schaans, Den Hague, Waterloo, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, natural tourist attractions, architectural attractions, historical places and religious heritage anywhere else within the area could be organized and guided depending on your wishes.                                                                                                                                  

Get ready for a wild ride through the streets of Amsterdam with our amazing team! We all felt in love with Amsterdam, its charm, beautiful architecture and history. We are happy to show you the city in not typical, more alternative, fun, politically incorrect way. You can expect lots of colorful language, humor that may push the envelope, and, yes, a healthy dose of history thrown in for good measure. So, if you're ready to break away from the norm and experience Amsterdam like never before, then this is the tour for you! No holds barred, no snowflakes allowed!                                                                                                                                  

Hi there, my name is Anne and I'm an artist, yoga instructor, social media content creator and tour guide in Amsterdam. I like my life to be filled with different experiences and this is also what I am offering within my tours. I am living in the center of Amsterdam for 37 years and love it! I like the joy and the connection tourists bring to the city. Sharing my enthousiasme and giving you space and opportunity to experience the city and 'her' beauty, are important to me.                                                                                                                                  

Hello to everyone!! My name is Lampros I will be very glad to meet you and show you around the most beautiful city in the world!! With my rickshaw(pedicab), i can show the city of Amsterdam with a unique way!! Βy choosing a pedicab, you ensure a comfortable, safe, fun and fast way to see the city of Amsterdam. I have more than 10 years of experience in the field of pedicab city tour, I I cooperate with many luxury hotels, which trust me to guide their very selective customers. So sit on the comfortable couch of my pedicab and enjoy your ride in the magical city of Amsterdam!!                                                                                                                                  

New netherlands tour guides.

Anastasia A.

My tours were born from my passion for traveling and studying other cultures, from my avid late-night reading, and from meeting amazing, bright, and talented people from around the world. and, of course, it sprouted from my love for storytelling :). now, there are 10 of us - guides in the netherlands, belgium, serbia, hungary, and morocco. we are historians, designers, physicists, journalists, sociologists, and art historians. i am thrilled to share my knowledge and show you these fabulous and hidden places from a tourist's perspective. my team would be delighted to accompany you on this adventure full of unexpected discoveries as we travel through the centuries and immerse ourselves in the local culture                                                                                                                                  .

Hi, my name is Ed. I started Kayak in Amsterdam in 2019 to share my passion for this city with people from all over the world. The Amsterdam canals are unique in their beauty and history, and to explore them from your own kayak is a truly magical and unforgettable experience. With our personalized tours you can discover Amsterdam in freedom and at your own pace. We show you the highlights, but also take you to interesting and beautiful places where the big tour boats can’t go. With small groups of maximum 5 people our friendly and experienced local guides will make sure your tour is safe and fun. We are centrally located so your tour along the canals will start right away. Come join us for a paddle that you will remember! Ed                                                                                                                                  

Welcome, I'm Sebi and together with Olivier we have the best canal tour experience in Amsterdam. We are two true Amsterdammers who love our beautiful city. After years of captaining on the canals, we started our own company with a historic, now-modernized boat (“Giuliana”) to deliver the ultimate cruise experience. Our rebuilt 100% electric vessel provides the passenger with a comfortable (we have a toilet), safe and environmentally friendly experience with great visibility both on beautiful summer days (open) and in the cold, wet winter days (dry and warm). We cruise with a maximum of 12 passengers on our boat, providing a spacious and personal experience with many bespoke options like food and drinks, sailing routes etc.                                                                                                                                  

I am the team leader of a group of professional guides. Each of us arrived to the Netherlands with our suitcases full of dreams, under different circumstances, and with different motivations. After some years working in the Tourism Industry, we decided to use that knowledge to start our own company. Our goal is taking advantage of our experience, and improve the weakness of the “traditional” Tour Operators. In 2017 our company was born willing to provide visitors a unique experience. There is not a better planner than a guide who knows the city and can make the best out of your time in the city. I believe that your memories are the most important part of the trip. We like to have a direct contact with our customers from the start, and tailor making your experience with the highest quality standards. Our team has been showing the best of the country over 10 years. My goal is to show you the heart and soul of the Netherlands. We love to see you smiling and enjoying each part of your trip with us. Always in a friendly and responsible environment, showing you the traditions and the Dutch way of living.                                                                                                                                  

Popular netherlands private tours.

Full day tour Amsterdam with your own art historian

Visit amsterdam with your own private art historian: rijksmuseum, van gogh museum, rembrandt house, city walk and a private canal cruise on an antique salon boat. please note: all my tours are custom made and in your own pace. please feel free to personalize this offer, it's your tour.

All about the Netherlands

If you think of the netherlands you think of its cheeses, or maybe its windmills, or why not its famous wooden shoes or its wonderful and colorful tulips. and why not get to know it all in one day of course, with the help of a certified guide, it is possible. get to know the essence of this beautiful country from the hand of an expert..

Half-Day Private Guided Sightseeing Tour of Zaanse Schans

As if descended from pastoral postcards, it is shrouded in the smells of freshly mowed grass, spices and chocolate! But can you imagine that the mills are still working and making a profit? And have their own language? And that some millers have science degrees? And why do ghosts live in some of the mills? Find out! We'll also take a look at how people live in the Dutch province, taste cheeses, waffles, chocolate beer, turn into anise liqueur fans and enjoy every minute of this amazing day!

Politically incorrect Tour - Amsterdam

Get ready for a wild ride through the streets of Amsterdam! This isn't your typical, boring, politically correct tour. Think of it as the unapologetically bold and hilarious tour of the city. Expect lots of colorful language, humor that may push the envelope, and, yes, a healthy dose of history thrown in for good measure. So, if you're ready to break away from the norm and experience Amsterdam like never before, then this is the tour for you! No holds barred, no snowflakes allowed :)

New Netherlands Private Tours

Van Gogh Museum: secret of the green sun

Delve deeper into the life and works of van gogh during this tour that reveals more about the painter than you’d learn if exploring the museum alone. you will see how van gogh's personality, technique, and palette changed over time. remembering the artist's fascination with japanese prints, we will see through examples how this exotic aesthetic influenced his lines and choice of compositions. and together with you, we will discuss the influence the artist had on the art of the 20th century..

Your Own Holland. Haarlem: A Tour Around Unusual Places

In addition to beauty, high density of attractions per unit area, haarlem has a lot of advantages perhaps, you won't be able to find another city with so many secret yards and little streets that are so dear to your heart, leading to an almshouse or even the red light district. moreover, you can find excellent beer which is brewed inside one of haarlem's cathedrals, or walk through the farmer's market, which is considered to be the best in the province - and those are just little treats..

Your Own Amsterdam: Private Walking Food Tour in Amsterdam

National cuisine is perhaps the most exciting way to get to know a country. and definitely the most honest. why herring has become the most famous national dish why smoked eel has caused riots how can you change the world for the better with chocolate or beer how not to get lost in the abundance of cheeses and choose the best why oysters became a joy for mushroom pickers all this - and much more - we will not only discuss, but we will also taste it.

Magical Amsterdam!

This tour is created in celebration of the intriguing miracles and grand historic events, the old part of amsterdam has to offer you will hear about independency, equality, commerce and the triumph of the common individual. in this tour, stories about famous people and infamous events go along with a stroll through the historical streets, canals, marketplaces and courtyard..

Popular Netherlands Private Cars

Your Own Holland. Keukenhof's Tulip Paradise

Just like any miracle, keukenhof is a wonderful and short-lived fairy tale. but one walk through this blooming edem is enough to evoke images of a madly blooming paradise garden for years to come. we will pick you up from your hotel in amsterdam. along the way, you'll make a few stops at blooming fields, with the opportunity to visit a tulip farm. finally, you'll reach the splendid destination - the keukenhof we'll buy your park tickets in advance, so you don't have to wait in queues., netherlands tour reviews.

“ Beautiful Day at Zaanse Schans ”

We were lucky to have sunshine on the day we visited Zaanse Schans. Our guide Marie's smile is as bright as the sunshine. She is patient and caring, sharing with us stories of the windmills and brought us to the cheese and chocolate places. The drinks at the cafe are lovely. We also enjoyed the special area she showed us at Amsterdam Ctrl Train Station.

“ Awesome Andy ”

We took our two teens on the politically incorrect tour in Amsterdam with Andy and it was a lot of fun. We walked all over the city where she shared fun facts and history with us. We saw so many things, it felt longer than the couple of hours we spent together. Very personable and a lot of fun to hang out with. Thanks for showing us around, Andy!

Thank you again Holly!!

Victoria M.

Amsterdam out of the beaten track tour

“ Last minute booking of a guide ”

I had booked this guided tour on behalf of my husband and son. They were in Europe and I was in Canada. My communication with David was good, I had asked for a profile of the guide and was directed to TripAdvisor (unable to find him). Go with Guide makes it difficult to communicate as they only release information at the last moment. There was a bit of confusion with starting point, they did meet up. I was told that Rob was their best guide who had deep knowledge around politics and the war, my family members said the tour was fine, top line, they were hoping for a bit more depth. I am thankful that David was able to help me out at the very last moment.

Netherlands Private Tour Guide

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