Amsterdam John Adams American Heritage Walking Tour

Start at The American Book Center
and uncover the hidden ties between the Netherlands and the US

The tour begins at The American Book Center, a hub of American literature and culture in the heart of the city. Among shelves full of stories from across the Atlantic, your guide lays the groundwork for the connections you'll explore.

Discover the roots of freedom and tolerance at the Begijnhof and the Mennonite Church

Walk through the Begijnhof, a hidden courtyard reflecting the Netherlands' long tradition of religious tolerance, and hear how this spirit of freedom later inspired the ideals of liberty and conscience in the American colonies. Then move on to the Doopsgezinde Singelkerk (Mennonite Church), where you'll learn how the philosophy of religious dissenters influenced key American thinkers, and about John Adams, who walked these very streets to build alliances vital to the American Revolution.

End the tour at the West India House

As you walk through the city, discover stories of early trade agreements, diplomatic missions, and shared cultural icons that cross the Atlantic. The tour ends at the West India House, the former headquarters of the Dutch West India Company, which played a role in founding New York City, where you can enjoy a drink at Cafe Nieuw Amsterdam while hearing its history.

※ The itinerary may change depending on local conditions.