Begijnhof Tours

Choose one or more items to build your trip:
Spend a romantic moment or relax with a picnic lunch in the medieval courtyard of the former Béguinage of Amsterdam.

See one of the original parts of medieval Amsterdam at the Begijnhof. This square is the inner courtyard of the former Béguinage, where Catholic women lived and performed charity work together from the 14th century. The surrounding buildings are now houses, but the courtyard still retains an atmosphere of quiet tranquility. Only single women are allowed to live here.

Enter through the 16th-century Begijnesloot gate and sit on the green lawns to enjoy views of the townhouses, which have facades from the 17th- and 18th-century. The courtyard is lower than street level, because the rest of the city has been built up since medieval times. In the Begijnhof you’ll see an unusual wooden house, which dates from the 15th century. The large areas of lawn were originally bleaching greens, where the Beguines whitened clothing and linens in the sun.

The Beguines’ chapel, originally built in 1397, burned down in two great fires and was rebuilt in the 15th century. In the 16th century Protestants took over Amsterdam and the church and the Beguines were driven to worship secretly. The chapel became an English Reformed Church, but the pious Catholic Beguines built a secret chapel inside two of the private buildings and continued to hold services. The chapel exhibits a modern nine-panel depiction of the Miracle of Amsterdam. Residents tell the story of a sick man who vomited the Host into a fire that did not burn either the Host or the hand of the woman who plucked it out.

The last Beguine, Sister Antonia, passed away in 1971. Residents still live in the courtyard buildings, so it’s best to be discreet and quiet when photographing the scenery.

The Begijnhof is located near the Amsterdam Museum in the city center. Once you’ve been to the inner courtyard, learn about the religious history of the city at the museum. There is also a small shop where you can purchase histories and postcards of the Begijnhof. Entry is free but donations are appreciated. You can explore both the Béguinage and the chapel daily.

Plan a trip to see Begijnhof

Pestana Amsterdam Riverside
SUPPER Hotel
Hotel Fita
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Begijnhof

Reviews of Begijnhof

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
35
" "5 - Excellent 38.888888888888886%
4 - Good
43
" "4 - Good 47.77777777777778%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 2.2222222222222223%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.1111111111111112%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Jul 20, 2019

Beautiful grounds, but an extremely rude staff worker.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 11, 2018

Lovely peaceful spot

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Begijnhof

Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
4 out of 5
Prinsengracht 444, Amsterdam
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
ibis Amsterdam Centre
ibis Amsterdam Centre
3 out of 5
Stationsplein 49, Amsterdam
ibis Amsterdam Centre
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Damrak 1-5, Amsterdam
Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, Amsterdam
Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, an IHG Hotel
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
5 out of 5
Dam 9, Amsterdam
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam
Hotel Estheréa
Hotel Estheréa
4 out of 5
Singel 303-309, Amsterdam
Hotel Estheréa
Swissôtel Amsterdam
Swissôtel Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Damrak 96, Amsterdam
Swissôtel Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.