All About Me:
Hi, I’m Chris. I’m originally from England but have lived in Amsterdam for twenty-five years. Before guiding, I had an eclectic career: silversmithing, nearly seven years in the military, a short stint in advertising, bus driving, lifeguarding, and even making rubber clothing when my wife Stella and I first moved here. But photography was the constant. I spent years wandering the city with my camera, getting to know Amsterdam street by street, which eventually led me into guiding, first through photo tours and then full city tours.
I’m fascinated by the idea that we’re still living in a seventeenth-century city. I never cared much for history back in England, but Amsterdam completely changed that. Now I’m always reading and watching documentaries, especially about the Dutch Golden Age and the city’s earlier role as a pilgrimage centre. I love uncovering the “why” behind everything, from the coffee shops to the Red Light District to Amsterdam’s culture of tolerance.
When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me exploring neighbourhoods like the Pijp or relaxing at the Marineterrein. I also enjoy organising unique experiences, from music recording sessions to self-drive boat tours and sunset cruises. Curiosity, passion, and genuine connection shape every tour I give.
You can take the following tours with me:
Amsterdam City Highlights – walking & by bike
My favourite place in Amsterdam is Spui Street. When you walk down this street and step into the quiet courtyard of the Begijnhof, it feels like travelling back to the Amsterdam that existed before the Golden Age, when the city was a religious pilgrimage destination. I love starting my tours there because these streets hold the answers to so many questions about how Amsterdam became the city it is today.
