Begijnhof, Amsterdam - 15th Century Church inside of  the famous women community: Begijnhof
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Begijnhof Amsterdam

4.5
·10k reviews·Amsterdam, Netherlands

A tranquil medieval courtyard, Amsterdam's oldest inner sanctuary, offering a peaceful escape and historical charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Begijnhof, Amsterdam - 15th Century Church inside of  the famous women community: Begijnhof

Begijnhof Amsterdam

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil medieval courtyard, Amsterdam's oldest inner sanctuary, offering a peaceful escape and historical charm.

4.5
(10k reviews)

"A truly serene and beautiful hidden gem, perfect for a quiet escape from the city buzz."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Be Respectful

It's a residential area! Keep voices low and avoid loud photography.

🚶‍♀️ Wander & Explore

Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden corners.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Courtyard & Gardens

The Courtyard & Gardens

Begijnhof

A serene medieval courtyard surrounded by historic houses, offering a peaceful escape from the city's energy.

Oldest Wooden House

Oldest Wooden House

Begijnhof

Marvel at Amsterdam's oldest wooden house, a unique architectural gem dating back to the 16th century.

Begijnhof Chapel

Begijnhof Chapel

Begijnhof

A historically significant chapel within the courtyard, offering a quiet space for reflection and admiration.

English Reformed Church

English Reformed Church

Begijnhof

Discover the English Church, a distinct religious building within the Begijnhof complex, separate from the chapel.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Escape the city bustle in this tranquil medieval courtyard. Remember it's a residential area, so keep noise to a minimum and respect the quiet atmosphere. Many visitors find it a peaceful respite from the busy streets. Instagram

Free & Hidden Gem

Discover one of Amsterdam's oldest inner courtyards, often overlooked by tourists. It's a fantastic free attraction, offering a glimpse into the city's history and a peaceful escape. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Truly a hidden gem👀. Did you know? #amsterdamtips #amsterdamlocal #thingstodoamsterdam #amsterdamguide #free
@welikeamsterdam
161.9K likes • 2.8M views

🤫 Be Respectful

It's a residential area! Keep voices low and avoid loud photography. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Wander & Explore

Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden corners. Reddit

In this 400 year old passage you will find a very cute book market. I love to wander around here! And of course the books itself are not free😜 #amsterdamguide #amsterdamtips #amsterdamlocal #thingstod...
@welikeamsterdam
103.5K likes • 1.1M views
📍- Begijnhof and the oldest wooden building in #amsterdam.
olgavlist
0 likes • 1.2K views

📚 Book Market Charm

Find a charming book market in the courtyard, perfect for unique finds. TikTok

🌳 Green Oasis

Enjoy the surprisingly lush gardens and greenery within this urban sanctuary. TikTok

Ontsnap aan de levendigheid van de straat en ontdek een van Amsterdam’s verborgen schatten: het Begijnhof. Dit is een middeleeuws hofje waar de vrouwen van het katholieke zusterschap woonden. Een beto...
kalverstraat
29 likes • 697 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Be Respectful

It's a residential area! Keep voices low and avoid loud photography. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Wander & Explore

Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and discover hidden corners. Reddit

📚 Book Market Charm

Find a charming book market in the courtyard, perfect for unique finds. TikTok

🌳 Green Oasis

Enjoy the surprisingly lush gardens and greenery within this urban sanctuary. TikTok

🆓 Free Attraction

One of Amsterdam's best free hidden gems, perfect for budget travelers. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Begijnhof as a beautiful and peaceful hidden gem, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Its historical significance and free entry are major draws, though some note the need for quiet respect due to it being a residential area.

"This is an enclosed space, very well kept, very pretty and very tranquil and peaceful. There is a church inside that will have masses in French at designated days and times. It is a bit hidden and off the main shopping street, but well worth the visit!"

Hugo Pedro-Martins

"A hidden enclosed place with a beautiful garden and silence. It’s amazing to see a quiet place in the centre of the city with a lot of traditional values."

Yadun MR

"The staffs were super nice. You have to keep absolute silence in the garden, no sitting on random spots, and no cameras. Cool backstory."

Bao Anh

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Historic architecture
Free entry

What People Dislike

Need for quiet
Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Begijnhof is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from Dam Square or Spui. Simply look for the unassuming entrance between buildings on the Spui side. Reddit

Yes, it's very close to the Spui tram stop and within walking distance of Rokin metro station, making it easy to reach via public transport. Instagram

Driving directly to the Begijnhof is not recommended due to its pedestrian nature and limited parking in the city center. Public transport or walking is best. Reddit

Look for a discreet archway on the Spui square, often between shops. It's a true hidden gem, so keep an eye out! TikTokInstagram

The courtyard is generally flat, but some of the older buildings and pathways might present challenges. It's best to proceed with caution. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Begijnhof courtyard and gardens is free. It's a public space, though it's important to be respectful as it's also a residential area. Instagram

The Begijnhof is typically open daily from around 9 AM to 5 PM. However, hours can vary, and it's always best to check for any specific closures. Reddit

While entry to the courtyard is free, there might be a small donation requested for entry into the Begijnhof Chapel itself. Reddit

The Begijnhof is generally closed to the public after 5 PM to respect the residents. It's best to visit during daylight hours. Reddit

Yes, as it's a residential area, visitors are asked to be quiet, not to disturb residents, and to refrain from taking photos inside private homes. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The serene courtyard, the oldest wooden house, and the charming facades of the almshouses are all picturesque. The gardens offer lovely shots too. Instagram+1

Photography is generally allowed in the public areas of the courtyard, but please be mindful of residents and avoid intrusive shots. Instagram

Photography rules inside the chapel may vary. It's best to check for signage or ask permission before taking pictures. Reddit

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. TikTok

Avoid photographing residents or their private homes. Focus on the architecture and the general ambiance of the courtyard. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Explore the historic houses, the serene courtyard and gardens, the oldest wooden house, the Begijnhof Chapel, and the English Church. It's a peaceful historical site. Instagram+1

Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes exploring the Begijnhof, depending on how much time they dedicate to quiet contemplation or photography. Reddit

Restroom facilities are generally limited within the Begijnhof itself. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit. Reddit

It was established in the 14th century as a home for Beguines, lay religious women. It's one of the oldest surviving inner courtyards in Amsterdam. Instagram

While there isn't a dedicated souvenir shop, you might find small items or books at the book market within the courtyard. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Begijnhof offers a peaceful escape for families, though it's important to manage expectations. While it's a historical site, it's also a quiet residential area, so keeping children calm and quiet is essential. Instagram The oldest wooden house can be a point of interest for curious young minds, and the serene courtyard provides a calm space to rest. Instagram It's a good spot for a brief, quiet interlude during a busy day of sightseeing, but not an attraction with dedicated children's activities. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Begijnhof is a fantastic free attraction in Amsterdam, making it a must-visit for budget-conscious travelers. Instagram You can experience a significant piece of Amsterdam's history and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere without spending a euro. TikTok It's a perfect addition to any itinerary looking for value and unique experiences. Reddit

❤️ Couples

For couples seeking a romantic and peaceful experience, the Begijnhof offers a charming escape. Wander hand-in-hand through the serene courtyard, admire the historic architecture, and enjoy the quiet ambiance. Instagram It's a perfect spot for a moment of shared tranquility away from the city's crowds, perhaps followed by a coffee at a nearby cafe. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Beguines

The Begijnhof is a unique historical site in Amsterdam, dating back to the 14th century. It was originally established as a sanctuary for Beguines, a group of lay religious women who lived in community without taking formal vows of poverty, chastity, or obedience. These women dedicated their lives to prayer and charitable works, and the Begijnhof provided them with a safe and pious environment. The architecture of the houses surrounding the courtyard reflects centuries of history, with some dating back to the medieval period. Instagram

Walking through the Begijnhof feels like stepping back in time. You'll encounter the oldest wooden house in Amsterdam, a remarkable survivor of fires and urban development, which adds to the site's historical significance. The Begijnhof Chapel and the English Reformed Church within the complex offer further insights into the spiritual lives of its former inhabitants. It's a place where history is not just read about, but felt. InstagramReddit

Today, the Begijnhof continues to be a place of residence, albeit for a more diverse group of people. This means visitors are asked to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor, treating it as a living community rather than just a tourist attraction. This respect is key to preserving the tranquil atmosphere that makes the Begijnhof so special. Instagram

Navigating the Begijnhof: Practicalities and Etiquette

Visiting the Begijnhof is a straightforward experience, but understanding a few key points will enhance your visit. The entrance is discreet, often described as an unassuming archway, which adds to its 'hidden gem' status. TikTokInstagram Once inside, the primary rule is respect for the residents. This means keeping noise levels down, refraining from loud conversations, and being mindful of where you point your camera. Instagram

The courtyard itself is a beautiful, serene space, perfect for a quiet stroll. You'll find the oldest wooden house, the Begijnhof Chapel, and the English Church. While exploring the public areas is free and encouraged, remember that the houses surrounding the courtyard are private residences. InstagramReddit Some visitors mention a small book market within the courtyard, offering a chance to find unique souvenirs. TikTok

Given its central location, the Begijnhof is easily accessible by foot or public transport. It's a wonderful spot to escape the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam for an hour or so, offering a peaceful interlude and a tangible connection to the city's rich past. Reddit

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