Amsterdam: Treasure Hunt Walking Tour “A Secret Sender”

Starting at Mystery City Games on Waterlooplein, this self-guided treasure hunt takes you through the heart of Amsterdam for about two hours, visiting five key locations, including the Oude Kerk and Westerkerk, with a little mystery sprinkled in. For $28 per person, you get a backpack packed with a treasure map, a locked treasure box, a book of puzzles, and magical tools—all designed to turn sightseeing into a fun, interactive adventure. What makes this experience stand out is its perfect blend of history, discovery, and play, allowing you to explore Amsterdam’s Golden Age while solving challenges that lead to uncovering a secret.

Two aspects we particularly like are how the puzzles encourage close attention to details at each site, and how the pace is entirely flexible—you can take your time, stop for a snack, or snap photos without feeling pushed along. On the flip side, a consideration is that part of the tour passes through the Red Light District, which might not be suitable for very young children or more conservative travelers. This experience suits adults and older children (7+) who enjoy puzzles and storytelling, especially those interested in a more interactive, relaxed way of exploring the city rather than just walking from monument to monument.

Key Points

• Interactive and educational: Combines fun puzzles with stories about Amsterdam’s historic sites.
• Flexible pace: Take your time to enjoy, stop for refreshments, or snap photos.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children 7+ when accompanied by adults.
• Private groups: Perfect for families, friends, or couples wanting a personalized experience.
• Through the Red Light District: Be aware of this part of the route.
• Cost-effective: At $28, offers great value considering the interactive elements and private setup.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic and Fun Way to See Amsterdam

If you’re looking for a way to see Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist spots, this treasure hunt offers a fantastic alternative. It’s more than just sightseeing; it’s about discovering stories, solving puzzles, and engaging with the city like a detective. We loved how the treasure map and challenges guided us through some of the most interesting parts of the city, including Nieuwmarkt Square, the Oude Kerk, and the Westerkerk. Each stop was not just a photo op but a chance to learn something new and intriguing.

The experience begins at Mystery City Games, where you’re handed a backpack with your tools. From there, you’ll follow clues in an ancient book to unlock a treasure box—a fun narrative that pulls you into a story about a secret society and a famous member. We appreciated how the game allowed us to set our own pace, making it a perfect choice whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or as a couple. As Ida mentioned in a review, the puzzles are educational and engaging, and the walk felt quite substantial, giving us a real sense of exploring Amsterdam’s diverse neighborhoods.

One of the many highlights for us was the opportunity to notice secret details and hidden places that might be overlooked on a regular tour. The challenges at each location encouraged us to pay closer attention—a good reminder that sometimes the best parts of a city lie in its little stories and unnoticed corners.

A Tour That Balances Fun, Education, and Flexibility

The price point of $28 offers exceptional value considering the personalized, private experience. Instead of a large group tour with rigid timings, you get a tailored adventure that respects your preferred pace. The two-hour duration is a good length; however, many reviewers note they took longer—some up to three hours—because they stopped for refreshments or took extra photos. This flexibility is a huge plus for anyone wanting to avoid feeling rushed.

The route itself is thoughtfully designed to showcase some of Amsterdam’s most iconic sites, but it also dips into more intimate neighborhoods. The inclusion of stories about the city’s Golden Age makes history accessible and engaging, especially when paired with the visual clues and puzzles. The Red Light District, part of the route, might be a point to consider for travelers with young children or those sensitive to this area’s nature—though it’s a famous and integral part of Amsterdam’s story.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Mystery City Games, you receive your treasure kit, then set off towards Nieuwmarkt Square. Here, you can expect a lively atmosphere with historic buildings and a vibrant market scene. The puzzles at this point might involve spotting particular details or learning about the square’s role as a hub during the Golden Age.

Next, you move towards the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, dating back to the 13th century. This site is a feast for history lovers, with its stunning medieval architecture. The challenge may involve unlocking a clue buried within its stained glass or stonework, encouraging you to notice the intricate details.

Your third stop is the Torensluis Bridge, one of the oldest and most famous bridges in the city. Here, the challenge could involve counting or identifying features of the bridge’s design, tying into stories of Amsterdam’s historic infrastructure.

Then, on to Sint Luciënsteeg, a charming alley lined with shops and cafes. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and enjoy some local specialties. The puzzles could involve locating hidden symbols or deciphering secret messages embedded in the architecture.

Finally, you visit Westerkerk, with its iconic tower visible from many parts of the city. It also has historical significance as the church where Rembrandt is buried. The challenge here might involve noticing the church’s unique features or learning about its role in Dutch history.

Completing the route, you return to Mystery City Games with your unlocked treasure, having experienced a personalized, story-driven tour of Amsterdam from a different perspective.

Authentic Stories and Review Highlights

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and friendly staff. Megan noted, “It was a brilliant way to see the city,” emphasizing how the storyline and puzzles added excitement. Sadie appreciated that “you can go at your own pace and stop for drinks or a snack,” which enhances the casual, relaxed vibe of this experience.

The interactive puzzles are also a hit: “The puzzle book provides in-depth information and makes it educational,” shared Ida. This aspect ensures that the tour isn’t just fun but also informative, giving you insights into Amsterdam’s history that you might not get on a traditional walk.

Most reviews highlight the stunning views and interesting routes. Oliver’s comment that “the route was really interesting with a good variety of puzzles” shows how the balance of fun and exploration keeps the experience fresh and engaging.

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Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around for about two hours.
• Bring rain gear if the weather forecast predicts rain; the streets are narrow, and you’ll want to stay dry.
• If you’re travelling with children, kids aged 7+ will find the puzzles fun, especially when accompanied by adults.
• The activity is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always best to check in advance if you have specific mobility concerns.
• You’ll meet at Mystery City Games, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.

This treasure hunt walking tour is ideal for adventurous couples, families with children, or small groups looking for an interactive, relaxed way to explore Amsterdam. If you enjoy puzzles, stories, and discovering lesser-known facts about historic sites, you’ll find this experience genuinely rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who like to set their own pace and appreciate stories behind the sights. Do note that part of the route passes through the Red Light District, which might not be suitable for very young children or those sensitive to this area.

This self-guided treasure hunt offers a fun, educational, and flexible way to see Amsterdam’s key sights. Its carefully curated route, combined with storytelling and puzzles, makes it a memorable experience that goes beyond the typical sightseeing tour. Priced at just $28, it provides great value for those who want an interactive exploration without a large group or rigid schedule. Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a small group of friends, this adventure will spark curiosity and bring the city’s stories to life.

If you love storytelling, history, and puzzles, and want to see Amsterdam from a fresh perspective, this tour is worth considering. It offers a blend of fun, learning, and local flavor that’s hard to find in standard walking tours.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 7 and above can participate when accompanied by adults. The puzzles are designed to be engaging for kids as well as adults.

How long does the tour take?
The activity typically lasts about 2 hours, but many groups find themselves exploring for longer—up to 3 hours—if they stop for breaks or photos.

Where do I meet to start the tour?
You meet at Mystery City Games on Waterlooplein, Zwanenburgwal 178. Look for the Mystery City Games sign.

Is this a group tour?
No, it’s a private experience for your group only. If there are other participants, they will be playing separately.

What if it rains?
It’s wise to come prepared with rain gear, as the tour takes place outdoors regardless of weather.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the route include the Red Light District?
Yes, part of the route goes through the Red Light District, which might be a consideration for more conservative travelers.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is designed to be wheelchair accessible.

This treasure hunt is a smart choice for those wanting a relaxed, engaging, and storytelling-driven way to explore Amsterdam’s historic streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: