The Dutch Renaissance church beside the Anne Frank House, with the tallest tower in Amsterdam (the 'Westertoren') and Rembrandt's burial place. The church is free, open weekdays roughly 11:00-15:00. The tower climb (about EUR 10, guided, small groups) runs April-October only; closed weekends.
Key facts
| Hours | Church: Mon-Fri approx 11:00-15:00 (closed Sat-Sun) Tower: guided climbs April-October only, closed in winter |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt; short walk from the Nine Streets and Anne Frank House |
| Time needed | 20-30 min for the church; +45 min for the tower climb |
| Best time to go | Weekday late morning; book the tower on arrival as spots are limited to small groups |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.5/10- Value7.5
- iconic7.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility7.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can I climb the tower right now?
- Only if it's between April and October, the guided tower climbs are seasonal and don't run in winter. Climbs are also weekdays only, in small groups, and can pause for maintenance, so check on the day.
- How hard is the tower climb?
- It's a steep, narrow, winding staircase of around 185+ steps with tight turns, so it's not for those with serious mobility issues or claustrophobia. The reward is a superb view over the canal ring and the Jordaan.
- Is Rembrandt really buried here?
- Yes, Rembrandt was buried in the Westerkerk in 1669, though as a poor man in a rented grave, so the exact spot is unknown and unmarked. There's a memorial plaque inside. His son Titus is also buried here.
- Is the Westerkerk free to enter?
- Yes, entering the church itself is free, though donations are welcome and appreciated. Only the guided tower climb costs money (around EUR 10). The interior is a bright, austere Protestant space, quite different from ornate Catholic churches.
- Can I attend a concert or service?
- Yes, the Westerkerk holds regular organ recitals and concerts thanks to its historic organ and fine acoustics, plus Protestant services on Sundays. Check the church's event calendar; concerts are a lovely, atmospheric way to experience the space.
- What's the connection to Anne Frank?
- The Westerkerk stands right next to the Anne Frank House, and Anne mentioned the Westertoren's carillon bells in her diary, finding comfort in their chiming. The two sights are a natural, moving pairing.
- When is the church open?
- Roughly weekdays 11:00 to 15:00, and it's closed to sightseers on weekends and during services, concerts, weddings, and events. Hours shift seasonally, so confirm on the official site before making a special trip.
- Is it worth visiting if I've seen other Amsterdam churches?
- The interior is relatively plain, so the real draws are the history (Rembrandt, the tower, the Anne Frank link) and the view from the top. If you're already at the Anne Frank House or the Nine Streets, it's an easy, worthwhile add.
Nearby in Ask Amsterdam
- Anne Frank HouseAttraction0.06 km · 1 min walk
- JordaanNeighborhood0.09 km · 1 min walk
- Café de ReigerRestaurant0.14 km · 2 min walk
- Café 't SmalleBar0.18 km · 2 min walk
- Winkel 43Café0.49 km · 6 min walk
Where to stay near Westerkerk
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