A good food tour is one of the most efficient ways to understand a city, and this one covers a lot of ground in about three and a half hours. It is run by a small operator called Ollantay, with a live guide in English or French and groups limited to sixteen, so you can talk to the guide rather than trailing a flag. The ticket page rates it 5 out of 5 from twelve reviews, and the same tour appears with a very large number of reviews on another booking platform, which suggests a well-established route. The operator's description of the tour lists ten Dutch specialty tastings, both indoors and outdoors, with stops that include the Bloemenmarkt (the floating flower market), the Begijnhof, the Torensluis bridge and the Jordaan. Along the way the guide covers history and culture, from the Golden Age trading wealth that built the canals to the habits of modern Amsterdammers, and shows you places that are easy to miss on your own. The walk is about two and a half kilometres, with seating at the start and end, and the operator advises a moderate level of fitness. The tour is aimed at people who want to eat well, but it is also a gentle city orientation, so it works well early in your stay.
Is it worth it
A food tour costs more than a self-guided snack crawl, so the case rests on the guide, the access and the structure. The operator's reviews consistently say the portions are large, so come hungry and do not plan a big meal beforehand. Some reviewers found the cheese samples small and the tastings sweet-heavy, so if you prefer savoury food, ask the guide about the balance. The tour is not vegan or gluten-free; vegetarian options are available, and you should tell the operator about any dietary needs well in advance.
Practical advice
The operator's own listing gives a meeting point near Rokin metro station and Rembrandtplein tram stop and an end point in the Noordermarkt area of the Jordaan, but check your voucher for the exact details of your booking. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and cobblestones, heat and limited toilet stops are mentioned by reviewers, so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection in summer. Free cancellation is available up to twenty-four hours before the start. Reviewers suggest it may not suit very young children. Book ahead, as popular dates fill up.
Making the most of it
Use the tour as a map for the rest of your stay, noting the places you liked and returning for a longer visit. The Jordaan and the Begijnhof both have their own pages on this site, and the flower market is worth another look after the tour. If you prefer a food experience in a different neighbourhood, the market and stroopwafel tour in De Pijp is a good alternative with a very different feel, and the cheese tasting on the Warmoesstraat adds a quick extra.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group walking tour of about three and a half hours with ten Dutch specialty tastings and stops at the flower market, the Begijnhof, the Torensluis and the Jordaan.
Best time
A morning or lunchtime start, so the tastings replace a meal; weekdays are calmer than weekends.
How long
Three and a half hours, with about two and a half kilometres of walking.
Tips
Come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, tell the operator about dietary needs when you book and check your voucher for the meeting point.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to eat local food and get oriented with a guide.
- Families
- Possible with older children who enjoy trying new food; reviewers suggest it may not suit very young children.
- Couples
- A relaxed, tasty way to see the Jordaan and the old centre together.
- Pair with
- A canal cruise in the afternoon or a visit to the Anne Frank House nearby.
- Time needed
- Three and a half hours, plus a little spare time.
Good questions
How long is the Ollantay food tour?+
About three and a half hours, with a live guide in English or French and a maximum group size of sixteen.
What do you eat?+
The operator lists ten Dutch specialty tastings indoors and outdoors, with stops including the flower market, the Begijnhof, the Torensluis and the Jordaan.
Is it suitable for vegetarians?+
Vegetarian options are available, but the operator says the tour is not vegan or gluten-free. Tell them about dietary needs when booking.
Is it wheelchair accessible?+
No. The operator lists the tour as not wheelchair accessible and moderate in fitness level.
Are drinks included?+
The operator lists a bottle of water; reviewers say beer and wine are not part of the tour.
