Walking tours: about philosophers from the 17th Century
In the 17th century, the city of Amsterdam had a more progressive stance on freedom of speech and religion than most European cities at the time. This drew the attention of philosophers such as Descartes and Spinoza, who made the city their home. During their time here, they wrote and published books that would go on to change the world. You can now explore their ideas and those of other freethinkers by taking one of our free walking audio tours, or by joining one of our organized guided tours. You are also welcome to attend one of our classes or workshops on philosophy and freedom.
Free walking tours of Amsterdam
Take a walk with one of our free audio tours and follow in the footsteps of philosophers such as Descartes, Spinoza, Locke and Hobbes. Along the routes, you’ll see ten special philosophical paving stones describing the ideals of these progressive philosophers.
Guided tours of Amsterdam
Join a philosopher for a city walk through Amsterdam. Along the route, you’ll see ten several special paving stones that tell the heroic and gripping stories of how Descartes, Spinoza, Comenius, Koerbagh and others changed the world from their homes here in Amsterdam. Email us at info@vrijheidvanamsterdam.nl to ask about the possibility for an English guided tour.
Philosophical tiles about the freedom of Amsterdam
Along the route, you will come across special tiles marking philosophically relevant places in the city. Some tiles are placed near the past homes of famous philosophers, or near the publishing houses of influential books. Each tile features a different philosopher and includes a quote that is representative of his views.
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