Things to do in Begijnhof
Tucked away deep in Amsterdam’s city centre lies the Begijnhof, a serene, 14th-century courtyard surrounded by tall townhouses with traditional Dutch facades. At the Begijnhof, you can find some respite from the fast pace and noises of the Netherlands’ capital.
The Begijnhof is a former beguinage where certain religious women — known as beguines — would modestly reside. Unlike nuns, beguines did not have to take any monastic vows and were free to come and go as they pleased. While the beguines no longer live at the Begijnhof, as the last one passed away in 1971, the Begijnhof’s legacy still lives on and it is still exclusively occupied by women.
Once in the Begijnhof, you’ll come across an enclosed courtyard and garden which operate as a sort of sanctuary in the centre of Amsterdam. At the centre, there are two churches — the English Reformed Church and the Begijnhof Chapel — which are steeped in history. Another main attraction is The Wooden House (Houten Huys), found at house number 34, which is one of the only wooden houses still standing in Amsterdam’s core.
Our recommendations in Begijnhof
I amsterdam City Card for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours
Explore Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card! Get free entry to museums, take a canal cruise, enjoy unlimited public transport and save money.
Amsterdam self-guided audio tour
Explore Amsterdam at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
History of Amsterdam city center private walking tour
Start your visit to Amsterdam on a 2.5 hour guided walking tour crisscrossing iconic canals and bridges while learning its rich history.
en, it, pt
Amsterdam walking tour with canal cruise
Explore Amsterdam on this perfect combination tour, with a 2.5-hour walking tour through the city center and a 1-hour canal cruise.
en, es
I amsterdam City Card for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours
Explore Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card! Get free entry to museums, take a canal cruise, enjoy unlimited public transport and save money.
Amsterdam self-guided audio tour
Explore Amsterdam at your own pace! Enjoy an app containing over 130 points of interest, famous transport routes, sightseeing itineraries and walking tours.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 zh
History of Amsterdam city center private walking tour
Start your visit to Amsterdam on a 2.5 hour guided walking tour crisscrossing iconic canals and bridges while learning its rich history.
en, it, pt
Amsterdam walking tour with canal cruise
Explore Amsterdam on this perfect combination tour, with a 2.5-hour walking tour through the city center and a 1-hour canal cruise.
en, es
Self-guided Discovery Walk in Amsterdam's center through the eyes of a local
Explore Amsterdam's center during this Discovery Game. Solve riddles that lead you through the city while learning about its history.
en
Private Amsterdam walking tour
Get to know Amsterdam's hotspots on this 2-hour private guided tour. See the city's highlights while learning about its history.
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Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam History city center private tour
Explore Amsterdams rich history on this 5.5 hour combo tour discovering the streets and sights of Amsterdam and entrance tickets to the Rijksmuseum.
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Secrets of historical Amsterdam walking tour
Step back in time and let your local guide take you on a journey through Amsterdam's historical center. Admire the architecture, discover hidden treasures and hear the legends of this charismatic city.
en, it, fr, es, de, +1 pt
Audio guided tour "My Lovely Amsterdam"
Book your audio-guided tour of My Lovely Amsterdam. Walk through the streets of the city and learn all the secrets of architecture!
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Audio guided tour "All Amsterdam: from medieval miracles to gastronomic heights"
Book your audio-guided tour from medieval miracles to gastronomic highlights in Amsterdam and enjoy historical facts and beautiful places during the tour!
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How to get there
Begijnhof
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Reviews Begijnhof
“Thanks very much appreciated”
“Spent 4 & a half days in Amsterdam and used the IAmsterdam card a lot. Definitely worth buying 120 hrs as entry in most of the museums we wanted to see, trams, local buses and a canal tour were all covered. Sometimes when app was slow to appear on phone, discovered it worked in Flight Mode better!”
