jewish amsterdam through your guide’s family story
This tour personalizes the Jewish history of Amsterdam from the 17th century till today. We take you along 10 generations (more than 350 years!) of the Sousa family. As this is your guide Eva’s very own family, she knows all the ins and outs and shares the most personal stories.
The Amsterdam Jewish history tour starts in the historical Jewish district, where the first Jews arrived in the 17th century. You will learn everything about Jewish life in Amsterdam throughout the centuries: the living conditions, professions, position in society, and more. Your guide illustrates the general history with stories and documents from her own ancestors.
The route through the historical Jewish district includes, among others, the famous Waterlooplein flea market and Portuguese synagogue. You will also see several Holocaust memorials in the area.
Your guide’s family tree
To develop this tour, your guide Eva dove into Amsterdam’s city archives as well as family attics. She discovered many amazing stories that she loves to share with you! The tour offers a proper balance between long-term history and World War II stories. Both the broader Jewish history and the World War II period include many different aspects, stories and locations. In case you have an even broader or deeper interest, please let us know – we can extend the tour to 4 or even more hours.
Jewish historical quarter
The Jewish Cultural Quarter is the best-known area for Amsterdam’s Jewish history. Beyond this area, several other neighborhoods are well worth a visit. Until World War II, Jews made up 10% of Amsterdam’s population. Most of them lived in the east and south of the city. As you walk through these districts, you will still find reminders of their former inhabitants.
Anne Frank
There is, for example, the neighborhood where Anne Frank and her family lived before they went into hiding. They were one of the many German Jewish families who settled in the south of Amsterdam in the 1930’s. Your guide will show you and explain everything about their life in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Oost train station
Another neighborhood of interest lies in the east of the city. This area had one of the highest concentrations of Jews, mainly working-class people involved in the social democratic developments of the early 1900’s. You will see several monuments related to the Jewish population before and during World War II. Perhaps the most impressive is the train station from which the Nazi’s deported arrested people to the concentration camps.
Amsterdam is a small city; the ‘south’ and ‘east’ districts lie close to each other. Nevertheless, each neighbourhood has its own distinct history, places to see and stories to share. If you are interested in an extended Jewish history tour, please contact us. Together we can decide which neighborhoods and itinerary suit you best.
FAQ
I have particular interests in one or more parts of the Jewish history of Amsterdam. Can this tour be customized?
Yes! There are more neighbourhoods in the east and south of Amsterdam with interesting stories about its Jewish history. In our opinion, these neighbourhoods deserve attention too so it’s our pleasure to take you there as well.
Does this tour include a visit to the Anne Frank house?
No. The Anne Frank house is in a different area. In case you wish to visit the house, please be aware that tickets have to be booked ahead online. There are no tour guides allowed to join you inside the house, but this isn’t necessary: all the information is very clear. In case you wish to combine the Jewish history tour with your Anne Frank house visit, please let us know. We can adjust the itinerary to your time slot.
Is this tour suitable for young children?
This tour is suitable from the age of 16.
Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?
The tour is appropriate for guests with good mobility. We can adjust the walking pace and include short breaks if necessary.
Can this tour be done by car?
No. As the streets are too narrow, the historical center of Amsterdam is best covered by foot.
The weather is bad, what happens now?
Amsterdam Odyssey tours will take place under any weather conditions, unless a formal warning regarding the weather has been issued by the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack and dress accordingly!
