Amsterdam Light Festival Food Tour

Amsterdam Light Festival Food Tour

A guided walking tour of the Amsterdam Light Festival with traditional food and drink stops at our favourite local haunts along the way.
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Featured on National Geographic, Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Virgin

Duration

4 hours

Departs

Daily 4pm

From late November until the end of January, the Amsterdam Light Festival will once again takeover the city canals for the festive season. Now in its eighth year, this open-air exhibition showcases impressive light installations by artists, designers and architects from across the globe. This year, the festival will showcase 20 light artworks and hold numerous activities along the city waters, all addressing the theme of “Disrupt!”.

We take you on a guided walking food tour of this festival in the late afternoon, so you can admire the installations up-close as the sun sets. You’ll learn about some of the Dutch’s favourite winter traditions and stop for comforting winter food at local haunts along the way. 

This year’s festival promises to be bigger than ever as the artists prepare to shake-up the city in-line with the “Disrupt!” theme. Our tour starts with Rookworst sauerkraut – a traditional spiced sausage enjoyed during the colder season. Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the best spots to admire the work and introduce you to the local’s favourite winter soups and dishes to keep you warm. 

Avoid the crowded canals and enjoy the best views of the festival on this family-friendly festive experience.

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This tour is only offered during the Amsterdam Light Festival. Please review our other great food tours in Amsterdam.

❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via
World Central Kitchen.

Free cancellation

24 hours in advance for a full refund

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Memorable

Memorable

Let's make one of your favourite Amsterdam memories together

Valuable

Valuable

Along with a guide to the stops you visit, your local guide will give you her/his tips and picks to the best spots in town

Accommodating

Accommodating

Our aim is to make all possible accommodations for gluten-free, dairy-free or vegetarian diets

Your Food Tour Schedule

Departure

Departure

We'll meet you in front of The Amstelkerk (Amstelveld 10, 1017 JD Amsterdam)

Cancellations

Cancellations

You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour date. For further details please review our cancellation policy.

Schedule

Schedule

The food tour runs daily. Tours are not held on National Holidays. Please check the booking page for all available dates.

What fun and so delicious! Our guide was knowledgeable and energetic. And did she ever have us full by the end of the tour. I highly recommend this outing.

- Andrea B.

We had a great time and we were fortunate to have Renee all to ourselves. He was very personable and we enjoyed the food, conversation, and canal ride. We highly recommend.

- Jennifer W.

Renee was amazing! He was fun, personable, and super knowledgeable about food and Amsterdam. The group size allowed for us to ask questions and it was not too big where we could not hear him. The shops and restaurants Renee chose were great! I totally recommend this tour.

- Meghan K.

A wonderful way to see a unique part of the city and sample terrific food. I’ve taken food tours with this company in Rome and Florence and now Amsterdam. Each tour has been unique and truly outstanding. Our guide Estephen shared interesting information about the Jordaan area and the foods we sampled. Highly recommend!

- Janice A (Tripadvisor Review)

We were on a 12 day trip through multiple cities in Europe and at the end, we all universally agreed the food on this tour was the best of anything we had on the entire trip! We found the canals and views of the city beautiful. Aileen was an excellent guide – very personable and easy to talk to. Thanks for an awesome tour!

- Michelle (Tripadvisor Review)

Private tours

If you are coming to Amsterdam with your family or entourage and you’d like to take a private tour just for you and your group – we can make that happen! Just visit our private tours page and fill out the form – we’ll help you plan the perfect Amsterdam tour for your needs.

Meet Your Local Amsterdam Tour Guides

Our Amsterdam food tours are led by people who know this city through its markets, its kitchens, and its centuries of trade. They know which stall has the best herring, where to find a bruin café that still pours the way it did decades ago, and which neighborhood spot serves food shaped by every culture that's called this city home. They take you past the canals and into the Amsterdam that locals actually live.

Benardo
Benardo
Born and raised in Amsterdam!
For the best local Dutch cuisine and divine culinary experience visit d'Vijff Vlieghen. With good food, great wine and a dash of history, d'Vijff Vliegen calls itself a culinary museum
Visit the Johan Cruijff Arena, the largest football stadium of The Netherlands and be guided around the stadium of Ajax
Aileen
Aileen
I'm Indonesian and have lived in Amsterdam for 18+ years
Love Dutch peasoup with traditional rye bread+ bacon
Best view of Amsterdam is at the top of NEMO science museum (and its free)!
Gerard
Gerard
I have lived and worked in Amsterdam all my life and still love being in the city centre!
I love exploring all the options Amsterdam has to offer: from Indonesian rice table to cheese fondue at Nieuwmarkt
Take a free ferry across the IJ and explore the NDSM area with its marvellous Straat Museum. Or wander around Albert Cuypmarket!
Maarten
Maarten
I'm from Leiden, I lived in the Jordaan for five years and now live in the beautiful Zaan region.
My favourite spot for Dutch pancakes is restaurant Upstairs on the Grimburgwal. Cheese, bacon and syrup are the holy trinity!
Exploring the historical Jewish quarter to the east of the city center, with the old Portuguese synagogue, Rembrandt's house and the Resistance Museum is a great way to learn about a lesser-known side of Amsterdam's history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a food tour in Amsterdam worth it?

Absolutely! There’s no better way to experience the beautiful city of Amsterdam and its culture than a food tour with a local guide.

What food is Amsterdam famous for?

Amsterdam’s culinary scene is a flavorful mix of Dutch tradition and international influences that reflect the city’s diverse culture. You can’t leave without trying stroopwafels (thin caramel-filled waffles), bitterballen (crispy meat croquettes served with mustard), and haring (raw herring served with onions and pickles). For something heartier, try stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables and sausage) or poffertjes (fluffy mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar). And of course, no visit is complete without sampling some of the Netherlands’ world-famous Dutch cheeses, from Gouda to Edam.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.

How long are the tours?

Our Amsterdam tours range in length from 3 to 3.5 hours.

What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?

Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”. For example, you might explore Jordaan or De Pijp!

What is the group size?

Our tours have maximum capacities of between 11-12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in Amsterdam.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

You will explore Dutch and regional foods, tasting Amsterdam’s culinary culture from hearty local dishes to modern, international influences. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Are drinks included?

Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes. On each of our Amsterdam tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.

Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?

Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.

Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?

We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.

Accessibility & Safety

Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?

We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.

Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.

Are tourists welcome in Amsterdam?

Yes, absolutely. There’s a Dutch word, gezellig, which roughly translates to a feeling of cosiness, conviviality, and warmth. That’s the feeling we believe every visitor should experience in Amsterdam.

You’ll find that spirit of gezelligheid from locals when you connect with the city respectfully. It’s found when you support the small, family-run shops in the Jordaan, help keep the canalside quiet at night, and learn the simple rhythm of the bike lanes. This is the authentic Amsterdam experience.

It’s this connection we create on our Eating Europe tours. We step away from the crowds and take you to the places locals truly love, introducing you to the people behind the food and the stories that make this city one of a kind.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Dutch as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every Amsterdam tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom Amsterdam tour to suit your specific needs.

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