Cheese Tastings in Amsterdam

The Netherlands is the world's largest producer of cheese, manufacturing over 650 million kilos per year. Expertly crafted by farmers and artisans across the country, the cheese-making process has been refined since it began in the Netherlands in the 1st century B.C.

As the beating heart of the country, Amsterdam is the obvious place to sample these fresh dairy treats. Cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam enable visitors to try different local varieties, from nutty Edam to creamy Gouda, while learning about this historic craft.

Here's all you need to know about cheese tasting, one of the most captivating culinary experiences in Amsterdam.

What are the best cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam?

Cheese and wine tasting experience in Amsterdam

Discover the cheese-making process at one of the most esteemed workshops in Amsterdam.

Itinerary

On this cheese tasting tour in Amsterdam, you’ll begin by watching a film all about the process of crafting the dairy delight and how it is churned from cow’s milk.

You’ll be surrounded by different varieties as you learn all about this specific process that artisans have been using for centuries.

Snack on a cheese board, which showcases the best that the Netherlands has to offer, and wash it down with a crisp glass of wine or a frosty beer.

After you’ve discovered how the cheeses are skillfully created, you’ll have the opportunity to shop for your favorites to take home and share with your loved ones.

Cheese and wine canal cruise in Amsterdam

One of the most popular cheese tasting experiences in Amsterdam takes place as you leisurely meander along its many canals.

Itinerary

Hop aboard your vessel and sail lazily along the historic canals that shape the city on this Amsterdam boat tour. As you move gently along these waterways, you’ll see many of Amsterdam’s highlights.

These include the spectacular Magere Brug — often referred to as “Skinny Bridge” because of its limited width.

Admire the architecture that lines the canal banks as you feast on a selection of Dutch cheeses, wines and beers. This tour takes place in the evening so you can watch the city as it comes alive with the twinkling of millions of lights.

Cheese market tour from Amsterdam

On this cheese tour, you’ll step outside of the city to discover a market overflowing with different varieties.

Itinerary

Meeting your guide in the heart of Amsterdam, you’ll journey to Alkmaar, just 40 kilometers north of the city.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the town’s most celebrated attraction — its historic cheese market, which was founded at the end of the 16th century. Here, you’ll find vendors dressed in traditional clothing trading their produce.

Watch the strong carriers transporting carts of cheese that can weigh up to 160 kilograms and witness the weighing of cheese wheels as they are prepared for sale.

This cheese market runs as a well-oiled machine with experts in place for each part of the trading process, including the “throwers” who toss the wheels onto wagons ready for transportation.

With your knowledgeable guide at your side, you’ll learn all about the different varieties of cheeses sold here. You can also opt to participate in an hour-long cruise of Amsterdam’s famous canals upon your return to the city.

Cheese-making workshop in Amsterdam

If you want to try being more sustainable or simply expand your culinary skills, opt for this cheese-making workshop in Amsterdam.

Itinerary

With a guide on hand showing you the secrets of cheese making, you’ll discover the different ways of creating this decadent treat.

These methods are simple enough to be recreated at home, and you’ll learn life-long skills as your cheeses begin taking shape. Once you have the basics in place, you can personalize your cheeses to suit your palette with herbs and spices.

After creating your own culinary masterpieces, you’ll put your feet up and enjoy a selection of homemade cheeses, created by your guide. You’ll leave this cheese tasting tour in Amsterdam with your two expertly-crafted rounds of cheese, to enjoy at your leisure.

Which places are visited?

While most cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam take place at a facility in the center of the city or on a boat along its waterways, some travel further afield to explore other destinations.

Alkmaar Cheese Market

The Netherlands has just five cheese markets operating around the country, one of which is in Alkmaar. This market has been running since at least 1622, although evidence suggests that a cheese market existed in this spot as far back as 1593.

Many tourists flock to this part of the town in order to watch the synchronized dance of carriers, throwers, weighers, traders and farmers as they buy, and sell substantial rounds of cheese.

Gouda

The distinctive Gouda cheese that lines grocery store shelves today originated in the town of Gouda in the 12th century. This variety of cheese is known to be sweet and creamy, and was originally created by Dutch farmers' wives.

Alongside its cheese, the town of Gouda is known for its stroopwafels — a type of caramel-filled waffle cookie. Gouda's Weighing House is one of the most visited landmarks, designed in the 17th century.

Although many items were once weighed here, today only cheese is placed on the scales.

How much do cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam cost?

A basic cheese tasting tour in Amsterdam costs approximately €20 per person, while cheese and wine canal cruises cost between €30, and €40 each.

A day trip to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam that includes cheese tasting also sits in this price range.

If you select an Amsterdam cheese tasting tour that includes sightseeing, you’ll pay roughly €40 per person.

Tours that travel out to Alkmaar’s cheese market cost around €50 per person. You can expect to pay €120 per person for a cheese making workshop in the city.

Cheese tasting tours that journey to Gouda and Oudewater are private, and cost approximately €250 per person.

What is included?

Most cheese tours in Amsterdam include a delicious cheeseboard, washed down with two glasses of wine or beer.

If you select a cheese and wine tasting experience in the city, you’ll also receive a 10% discount on any purchases you make.

Cheese-making workshops provide all the equipment you need and you’ll leave the class with the two kinds of cheese that you’ve made yourself.

Tours that combine cheese tasting with a trip to the Zaanse Schans windmills include a professional guide. If you wish to step inside the museum or windmills here, you can do so at your own expense.

Where does it start?

Most cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam have a dedicated meeting point in the center of the city. These vary from tour to tour, depending on the locations you’ll be visiting or activities you’ll be participating in.

These starting destinations are pre-determined and you can discover them for yourself before booking so as to ensure you can arrange appropriate transportation.

Alternatively, some excursions offer a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off service. This is the most convenient option as you’ll simply select your accommodation from a drop-down list upon booking.

On the day of your tour, you’ll wait in your hotel lobby at your allotted time to be collected by your friendly guide.

How long does it last?

Typically, cheese tastings in Amsterdam last between 45 minutes and 3 hours. If you’re short on time, you should book a cheese and wine tasting experience that takes place at one of the city’s most reputable workshops.

Alternatively, if you have more room in your itinerary, you can opt for a longer tour that lasts 9 hours and travels to the cheese market of Alkmaar.

When is the best time for a cheese tasting tour in Amsterdam?

Anytime is a great time to participate in a cheese tasting experience in Amsterdam. These tours are a lighthearted and fun way to explore the city, and take place at various times throughout the day.

If you’d like to add a little romance to your vacation, you should consider opting for a cheese and wine canal cruise. These take place at night and enable you to see Amsterdam’s many attractions from the water, alongside your loved one.

Cheese making is an important part of Dutch history, which you can discover for yourself. Plan your tour for a few days into your trip, once you’ve explored the city on foot.

Are there any combos available with cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam?

Cheese tasting tour plus clog factory and Zaanse Schans

Traveling out of the city on a day trip from Amsterdam, you’ll make your way to the village of Zaanse Schans, famed for its array of working windmills that date back to the 17th century.

Head to the clog museum for a live demonstration, showcasing the skill necessary to create these iconic wooden shoes.

Step foot onto a dairy farm and enjoy tasting a decadent array of cheeses before wandering the streets of the village at your own leisure.

Amsterdam sightseeing tour plus cheese tasting

If you have little time to spare, consider combining your cheese tasting tour in Amsterdam with a spot of sightseeing. You’ll navigate the city’s streets, stopping at more than 15 of its major attractions.

These include its Royal Palace — one of three official residences used by the Dutch monarchy — as well as Bloemenmarkt, which is a colorful floating market filled with sweet-scented flowers.

Viewing Amsterdam through the eyes of a local, you’ll discover secret spots that most tourists aren’t privy to and sample several varieties of Dutch cheese, as well as local herring.

History of witches tour plus cheese tasting

On this private tour, you’ll make the short jaunt to the town of Gouda, known for its namesake cheese.

Here, you’ll participate in a guided walk through the town’s cobblestone streets, stopping to learn about Gouda’s most historic landmarks, including its 17th-century Weighing House.

Try a selection of local goodies, from cheeses to stroopwafels before seeing how cheese is made at a traditional farm.

Journey past windmills and canals to reach the final destination on your tour — Oudewater — which is known for witch-hunting.

Travel tips

• Some cheese tasting tours in Amsterdam require all participants to be aged 18 or over. Check the requirements of each excursion to ensure the one you select will be appropriate for your group, and take a form of identification with you if needed.
• If you opt for a tour that includes a cruise along one of Amsterdam’s canals, take a spare layer of clothing as the weather can become chilly on the water.
• Purchase your favorite cheese to share with your friends and family at home if you’re given the opportunity to do so, and be reminded of your Dutch vacation.
• Some excursions require a fair amount of walking, so be prepared by wearing comfortable footwear.