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You are here: Home / Travel / Europe / The Netherlands / Holland / Amsterdam / Begijnhof: A beautiful hidden courtyard in Amsterdam that you must see

Begijnhof: A beautiful hidden courtyard in Amsterdam that you must see

April 2, 2019 by Karen 1 Comment

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One of my favorite quiet spots in Amsterdam Centre to sit and think is the Begijnhof. This beautiful hidden courtyard has recently become a tourist sensation, but it’s a great free place to enjoy while in Amsterdam. I include information about the history of the Begijnhof, where to find the entrance, some great things nearby (e.g. a delicious cookie to enjoy in the hofje!), and some etiquette for visiting the Begijnhof.

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About the Begijnhof

Photo of the Bagijnhof, a hidden courtyard in Amsterdam
If you are looking for more in-depth travel advice about Belgium and the Netherlands, I created a guidebook on behalf of Moon Travel about Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges. You can find this book on Amazon!

The Begijnhof is a historic courtyard hidden within Amsterdam dating back to the 14th century. In Amsterdam, you’ll find numerous historic courtyard originally intended for the less fortunate, single women, elderly people, and others in need. The Begijnhof is a bit different than these other courtyards as it was intended as something closer to a nunnery. Men were not allowed within the courtyard and the women would work together to create a semi self-sufficient community as a group.

These women were Catholic and although the Catholic faith was banned within the Golden Age. (You can find out more about this at the fascinating Our Lord in the Attic museum, a hidden church in Amsterdam.) However, the women who lived here were allowed to continue their services in private within the secret church, which is still open to the public today. (You can find it at number 29.) The church is generally open in the afternoons although it’s open all day on the weekends. Bring a few euros to donate for maintenance!

As soon as you enter, you’ll find the Houten Huys (the Wooden house in old Dutch), which is a timer house dating back to 1528. Although Amsterdam historically had more timber houses, there were a few fires in the medieval ages that meant that the beautiful medieval buildings made from wood that once graced the city center are mostly gone now. This is one of two houses in Amsterdam that still stands!

Etiquette of visiting the Begijnhof

View of the courtyard within the Begijnhof in Amsterdam

Today the Begijnhof is filled with private residences, mostly dating back to the Dutch golden age. The residents allow tourists within the Begijnhof and its courtyard during business hours, however tourists are expected to be silent, avoid littering, not stand on the grass, and avoid going behind the gates. Really focus on being considerate and quiet! People live here.

The entrance of the Begijnhof

The entrance to the Begijnhof along Spui in Amsterdam

You can find one of the entrances close to the American Book Center (Spui 12) via the gorgeous ornate archway with a wooden door. (I highly recommend the American Book Center for books and souvenirs!) The door is generally locked in the evenings, so plan accordingly. I often come here after visiting Van Stapele Bakery for a delicious warm chocolate cookie that I bring with me to the Begijnhof. There are a few trash bins.

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Have you been to the Begijnhof?

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Read about the Begijnhof, a beautiful hidden courtyard in Amsterdam that you can enjoy a bit of quiet! This secret courtyard is perfect for getting off the beaten path in Amsterdam! #amsterdam #holland #netherlands

Filed Under: Amsterdam, Europe, Holland, Local Guides, The Netherlands

About Karen

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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Comments

  1. Agness

    April 8, 2019 at 4:12 am

    Hello, Karen! You just made me fall in love with this hidden courtyard Amsterdam with this post! I didn’t know that this was here. I’ll make sure to check this out! I’m such a fan of the architecture on this side of the world.

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Authors of Wanderlustingk

Karen. American expat and cat lover from New York City who lived in Amsterdam…. Then, Paris. Now, living in The Hague, the Netherlands. Happily married to Jacob.

Guidebook Author to Moon Amsterdam, Brussels, and Bruges, published March 2022.

 

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