All About Me:
Hi, I’m Michael. I’m from the UK and have been living in the Netherlands for over ten years. Guiding began for me quite naturally. When I first moved here I spent a lot of time in cafés and around the city, and visitors would often start conversations and ask me about local life. Before long I found myself showing people around, sharing stories, and helping them discover places they might never have found on their own. I realised how much I enjoyed this connection with people and decided to turn guiding into my profession.
My background has always been centred on working closely with people and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. I am also an artist and a musician, with experience in acting and coaching, and all of this shapes the way I guide. I like to absorb a lot of information and present it in a way that feels engaging, personal, and memorable. My tours are not only about facts. I want guests to feel cared for, to gain real insight into the city, and to leave with ideas and inspiration to explore further.
Some of my most rewarding work takes place in the museums, especially the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. I enjoy helping guests look at art through the lens of creativity and emotion, noticing the mood of the artist and the stories hidden within the details. It is particularly satisfying when people who never saw themselves as “museum people” leave feeling inspired and newly curious.
Outside work I love being outdoors, cycling into the countryside, and spending time by water, which always makes me feel calm and grounded. When I guide, I try to treat my guests as I would visiting friends or relatives. I aim to create an experience that feels friendly, thoughtful, and personal. Guiding allows me to combine curiosity, creativity, and care for people, and I feel fortunate to share the Netherlands in this way. If my guests leave feeling both enriched and at home, then I know the tour has been a success.
Ask Michael why Van Gogh’s yellows look the way they do.
You can take the following tours with me:
Amsterdam City Highlights – walking & by bike
The Ultimate Amsterdam in a Day Tour
Cheese Walk with Tavern, Wine Shop or Cruise
Amsterdam’s Ghostly Experiences Tour
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My favourite place in Amsterdam is Amstelpark. I love going there to unwind, to sit near the flowing water, and sometimes to play the outdoor piano that stands in the park. It feels peaceful, open, and alive at the same time, and it is the spot I choose when I need a little nature and quiet inside the city.
