Our Story
Amsterdam Guide started as a personal project in 2024. What began as a collection of notes from weekend walks along the canals gradually grew into something more — a resource for travelers and history enthusiasts who want to understand Amsterdam beyond the surface level. We believe that the best travel writing is educational, honest, and free from commercial pressure. Our articles are written by real people with a genuine passion for Dutch history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
We are not a tour company, a travel agency, or a government body. We are simply a small group of writers based in the Netherlands who enjoy sharing what we know. Every article on this site is researched independently and written with care. We focus on the canal district and its neighborhoods because we believe this area represents the very best of what Amsterdam has to offer — not just for tourists, but for anyone curious about European urban history.
Meet the Team
Mark van der Berg
Founder & Lead Writer
Mark studied history at the University of Amsterdam and has been writing about Dutch cultural heritage for over ten years. He leads the editorial direction of Amsterdam Guide and contributes most of the historical content. When not writing, he can be found cycling along the Prinsengracht or browsing secondhand book stalls in the Jordaan.
Lisa de Vries
Culture & Food Writer
Lisa is a freelance journalist covering food, design, and local culture in the Netherlands. She writes our cafe guides and neighborhood profiles, drawing on her experience as a lifelong Amsterdam resident. Her goal is to help visitors discover the places that locals actually enjoy — away from the tourist traps.
Tom Bakker
Practical Info & Transport
Tom handles the practical side of the guide — transport, logistics, and visitor tips. A former urban planning student, he has a particular interest in how Amsterdam's infrastructure supports sustainable mobility. His articles break down the city's public transport system in a way that's clear and useful for first-time visitors.
Our Values
- Accuracy: We fact-check our historical content and update articles regularly.
- Independence: We are not sponsored by or affiliated with any tourism company.
- Respect: We encourage responsible tourism and respect for local communities.
- Accessibility: Our guides are free to read, with no paywalls or hidden content.
If you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to say hello, please visit our contact page. We always appreciate hearing from readers.