
Duration
30 minutes
Best Time
Morning
Price
€
Walking
Minimal walking
A tranquil courtyard dating from the 14th century, originally home to the Beguines, a Catholic sisterhood. The last Beguine died in 1971, but the houses are still occupied by single women. Het Houten Huys, Amsterdam's oldest preserved wooden house from 1528, stands at number 34. Entry is free but silence is required.
Enter through the inconspicuous wooden door on Gedempte Begijnensloot, not from Spui—most tourists miss this oasis entirely.
Address
Begijnhof 1, 1012 WS Amsterdam, Netherlands
Neighborhood
Canal RingNearest Metro
Plan for about 30 minutes. Morning visits are typically less crowded.
Begijnhof is in the Canal Ring neighborhood of Amsterdam. The address is Begijnhof 1, 1012 WS Amsterdam, Netherlands. The area is well-served by metro.
Morning visits, especially early, mean fewer crowds and better light for photos. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.
Comfortable shoes are recommended. Parts are outdoors, so bring a light layer.

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