Dennis Gerrits on an Amsterdam canal bridge

    Storyteller, Host & Travel Companion

    HELLO,I'M DENNIS.

    A friend who knows the city.

    We slow down, follow curiosity, and discover places together, one story at a time. The best moments are rarely planned.

    About me

    A True Amsterdammer

    The Person

    I have always been drawn to stories, people and places that move you in some way.

    Amsterdam became that place for me. I’ve called this city home for more than twenty years now, and over time it became an integral part of who I am.

    This city gave me freedom. It connected me to the world and shaped me into the person I am today. Curious, creative and fascinated by culture, art, architecture, nature, and the rhythm of life.

    Dennis Gerrits sitting on his bicycle on an Amsterdam bridge

    Helping you find your own way

    The Guide

    For me, discovering places should feel personal, relaxed and natural. More like spending time with a local friend.

    I always listen first. Every person experiences a place differently, which is why I take the time to understand who you are and what inspires you.

    I carefully shape each day around you, creating experiences that feel meaningful. More than anything, I’m simply somebody who walks beside you during your trip.

    Dennis Gerrits sharing a story while guiding in Amsterdam

    How I Work

    Every journey starts with a conversation. Every experience is shaped around you.

    From the first message to the last goodbye, you’ll always have someone local by your side.

    01

    Let’s Connect

    You reach out, and we plan a personal video call to get to know each other and your travel plans.

    02

    Getting to Know You

    I take the time to listen. Your interests, travel style and wishes help shape the experience.

    03

    Creating Your Journey

    Together, we shape an experience that feels personal and completely tailored to you.

    04

    I Take Care of the Details

    From reservations and transportation to personal recommendations and museum tickets, everything is thoughtfully taken care of.

    What I take care of

    More than a guide. Personal support, thoughtful guidance and local knowledge throughout your stay.

    • Museum Reservations

      Helping arrange tickets and timed-entry reservations for museums and cultural experiences.

    • Dining Reservations

      Thoughtfully selected restaurants, from local favorites to memorable dining experiences.

    • Transportation Coordination

      Help arranging transportation, including airport transfers, train tickets and local travel.

    • Private Cars & Boats

      Arranging private cars and boats for comfortable and seamless travel.

    • Hotel & B&B Recommendations

      Recommendations for hotels and B&Bs in locations that suit your travel style and plans.

    • On-the-Ground Support

      Personal support, practical help and local advice whenever you need it during your stay.

    Let's Explore Together

    A Day in My Amsterdam

    Every day unfolds differently. Shaped by curiosity, conversation and the rhythm of the city. Tap a number on the map to peek into a moment of the day.

    Hand-drawn illustrated map of central Amsterdam showing the canal belt, Centraal Station, Westerkerk, Vondelpark, Rijksmuseum and the Amstel river.01NEIGHBORHOOD02030405

    Beginning of the day

    Meeting

    I’ll meet you at your hotel and together we slowly step into the rhythm of the city. Just an easy walk through one of Amsterdam’s beautiful neighborhoods as the day begins.

    Dennis Gerrits with travel writer Rick Steves on an Amsterdam canal, holding the Rick Steves Amsterdam & The Netherlands guidebook

    Sharing stories with Rick Steves along the canals of Amsterdam.

    Featured By

    Rick Steves

    Dennis is the kind of local guide every traveler dreams of finding. He doesn't just show you Amsterdam. He makes you feel like you belong there.

    Since 2018, Dennis has been featured in Rick Steves’ Amsterdam & the Netherlands guidebook and invited back for three podcast conversations, where Rick turned to Dennis for his trusted perspective on Amsterdam, its culture, and the people who call it home.

    In conversation with Rick Steves

    Podcast

    Two Stories, One City
    Amsterdam

    A podcast by Louke and Dennis. Two locals in conversation with their city, inviting you to listen.

    Stories about Amsterdam, identity, culture, city life and personal experiences, told through the people who shape the city.

    The Podcast · Start with Episode 0

    Two Stories, One City • AMSTERDAM

    0:000:00
    In the Media

    Radio Interview about Amsterdam

    I was invited to speak on Dutch radio about Amsterdam, its culture, the people who shape its neighborhoods and what it means to share the city with visitors. The interview is in Dutch. I'm honored to have been featured as a local voice.

    Listen on SoundCloud
    Dennis Gerrits being interviewed live at Studio Zeedijk, Amsterdam
    Live at Studio Zeedijk, Amsterdam.

    Threads to follow

    What draws you in?

    Some ideas to inspire your journey

    Stories from my guests

    Real Words From Real People

    These are words shared by travelers after their time with me. Click any card to read the full review on Tripadvisor.

    Tripadvisor · August 2026

    "We spent two full days with Dennis during our time in Amsterdam, and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip. From the very beginning, it felt less like a tour and more like spending time with a friend who genuinely wanted to share the places he loves. We explored Amsterdam, the Jordaan neighborhood, the countryside, and ended one evening with a private canal cruise with wine and cheese. Along the way, Dennis shared stories about the city's history, its architecture, and even the rich history of our hotel, the Ambassade, and its incredible collection of signed books. Those details brought Amsterdam to life in a way we never could have experienced on our own. He also introduced us to places we probably never would have found ourselves, from a traditional brown café to a wonderful countryside lunch at Wapen van Munster, dinner at Hemelse Modder, and a visit to Beemster and the Schermerhorn Museum Mill. Every recommendation was spot on and felt thoughtfully chosen for us, not pulled from a standard itinerary. What made the experience unforgettable, though, was Dennis himself. He has a gift for sharing history and culture in a way that feels like a conversation, and by the end of our two days together, it genuinely felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend rather than a guide. If you're visiting Amsterdam and considering a private guide, don't hesitate to connect with Dennis. We left with wonderful memories, a much deeper appreciation for the city, and the hope that our paths will cross again someday."

    Lisa A.

    Tripadvisor review

    Read on Tripadvisor →

    Shared Moments

    Memories made together

    Moments of connection created with people from all around the world.

    Guests with Dennis on a canal boat in Amsterdam
    Guests walking with Dennis along an Amsterdam canal
    A small group with Dennis in front of a historic Amsterdam house
    Guests cycling with Dennis through Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a market in Amsterdam
    A family with Dennis on a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
    Guests with Dennis in a museum in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a brown café in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in a quiet Amsterdam courtyard
    Guests with Dennis by the water in Amsterdam Noord
    Guests with Dennis among the tulip fields outside Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis on a canal boat in Amsterdam
    Guests walking with Dennis along an Amsterdam canal
    A small group with Dennis in front of a historic Amsterdam house
    Guests cycling with Dennis through Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a market in Amsterdam
    A family with Dennis on a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
    Guests with Dennis in a museum in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a brown café in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in a quiet Amsterdam courtyard
    Guests with Dennis by the water in Amsterdam Noord
    Guests with Dennis among the tulip fields outside Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis on a canal boat in Amsterdam
    Guests walking with Dennis along an Amsterdam canal
    A small group with Dennis in front of a historic Amsterdam house
    Guests cycling with Dennis through Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a market in Amsterdam
    A family with Dennis on a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
    Guests with Dennis in a museum in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a brown café in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in a quiet Amsterdam courtyard
    Guests with Dennis by the water in Amsterdam Noord
    Guests with Dennis among the tulip fields outside Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis on a canal boat in Amsterdam
    Guests walking with Dennis along an Amsterdam canal
    A small group with Dennis in front of a historic Amsterdam house
    Guests cycling with Dennis through Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a market in Amsterdam
    A family with Dennis on a bridge over an Amsterdam canal
    Guests with Dennis in a museum in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis at a brown café in Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis in a quiet Amsterdam courtyard
    Guests with Dennis by the water in Amsterdam Noord
    Guests with Dennis among the tulip fields outside Amsterdam
    Guests with Dennis on a canal boat in Amsterdam
    Guests walking with Dennis along an Amsterdam canal

    Get in Touch

    Let's See if We're a Good Match

    Send me a message through the contact form or WhatsApp, and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. If it feels right, we can take the next step with a video call. No pressure, no obligations, just a chance to get to know each other.

    Dennis smiling on a canal bridge

    Let’s Connect

    Leave your contact details and tell me a little about yourself and the experience you're hoping for.

    Co-Founder Projects

    AroundFriends

    In addition to my work as a travel advisor and local guide in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, I am the co-founder and Guide Community Director of AroundFriends.

    AroundFriends is a guide-matching platform that connects travelers with carefully selected local guides. Travelers complete a short questionnaire and are then matched with guides who fit their travel style and interests. They can explore detailed guide profiles, watch personal introduction videos, and connect directly with guides before booking, creating a more personal and transparent way to plan meaningful travel experiences.

    The platform was born from a shared belief that travel becomes more meaningful when it is built on genuine human connection and local insight.

    “The brainchild of recommended guide Dennis Gerrits.”

    Rick Steves Amsterdam & the Netherlands Guidebook, 2025 edition
    Visit aroundfriends.com

    Notes From the City

    From my notebook

    Short reflections about Amsterdam. The kind of things I'd tell you over a coffee.