A hushed medieval courtyard of almshouses hidden a step off busy Spui, once home to a lay Catholic sisterhood. Free, open daily 10:00-18:00, no tickets. It holds Amsterdam's oldest wooden house and a clandestine chapel. A residential oasis, so keep quiet and respectful.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10:00-18:00 (closed to visitors on King's Day, 27 April) |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Tram 2, 11, or 12 to Spui; 3-min walk. Also short walk from Dam Square |
| Time needed | 20-40 minutes |
| Best time to go | Early morning or late afternoon on a weekday to avoid tour groups |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.7/10- Value8.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility8.5
Frequently asked questions
- Is it wheelchair accessible?
- The courtyard is flat and cobbled, reachable step-free through the main gate, so it's manageable, though cobblestones can be bumpy. The churches have small thresholds. Overall one of the easier central sights for limited mobility.
- Is the Begijnhof really free to enter?
- Yes, completely free, every day, no ticket or reservation needed. It's maintained by a foundation and remains a residential courtyard, so the only 'cost' is behaving respectfully toward the people who live there.
- What is the 'hidden church' about?
- During the Reformation, Catholic worship was outlawed, so the Beguines built a concealed chapel disguised from the street. It still functions and you can step inside quietly. It's a moving little slice of Amsterdam's history of religious tolerance and workarounds.
- Why is everyone so quiet in there?
- Because people actually live in these houses, mostly single women, continuing a centuries-old tradition. Loud voices, eating, drinking, bikes, dogs, and rolling suitcases are all not allowed. Treat it like walking through someone's private garden, because you are.
- What's the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam?
- It's Het Houten Huis at Begijnhof 34, dating to around 1420. Almost all wooden houses were banned after great fires, making this a rare survivor. You can see the facade from the courtyard but it's a private residence.
- Can I take photos?
- Yes, in the courtyard, but avoid photographing residents' windows or peering inside. No flash in the chapels. Keep it discreet, this isn't a photo studio, it's people's front gardens.
- How do I find the entrance?
- The discreet main gate is on Gedempte Begijnensloot, just off the Spui square near the Amsterdam Museum. It's genuinely easy to walk past, look for a low archway between buildings. There's a second entrance closer to Spui.
- How long should I spend here?
- Half an hour is plenty to walk the courtyard, peek into both churches, and soak up the calm. It pairs perfectly with the nearby Amsterdam Museum or a wander through the Spui bookmarket (Fridays).
Nearby in Ask Amsterdam
- Café de DokterBar0.07 km · 1 min walk
- Vleminckx SausmeestersRestaurant0.16 km · 2 min walk
- Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)Neighborhood0.33 km · 4 min walk
- Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)Attraction0.37 km · 5 min walk
- Royal Palace AmsterdamAttraction0.48 km · 6 min walk
Where to stay near Begijnhof
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