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
Famous painters Amsterdam private walking tour
Discover the main historical attractions of the Dutch city. Get to know about the famous artists in the Golden Age and more from a local.
en, ru
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
Famous painters Amsterdam private walking tour
Discover the main historical attractions of the Dutch city. Get to know about the famous artists in the Golden Age and more from a local.
en, ru
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
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.
en
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
Amsterdam walking tour with Dutch Pancake Lunch
Discover the secrets of Amsterdam with a professional guide and complete your visit with aDutch Pancake Lunch on this combination tour.
en, es
Amsterdam small group walking tour
Get an unique vision of the city, combining history with entertainment on a 2.5-hour walking tour that covers the main sights of the inner city.
en, es
How to get there
Begijnhof
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Reviews Begijnhof
“I would recommend it 100%. Getting around was easy, individuals were willing to help, and transportation was efficient. Not speaking the language was not difficult as everyone understands English. Looking forward to my next visit, to explore more.”
“Buongiorno, in riferimento alla parte museale tutto OK, mentre per la parte che riguarda i mezzi pubblici , ovvero AUTOBUS, stiamo pagando il biglietto in quanto gli autisti ci rispondono che la card che abbiamo non e' valida.”
