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Right behind the bustle of Amsterdam’s busiest shopping street lies something few tourists ever expect to find: silence. The Begijnhof, a medieval courtyard tucked away off Spui, feels like a portal to a different century. Step through its discreet wooden door and you’re instantly transported from urban clamour to convent calm.
It’s one of the city’s oldest and most meaningful places - and it’s included in the StoryHunt Discover Amsterdam audio walk, which brings its walls, women, and whispers back to life through immersive narration.
If you're the kind of traveller who loves stumbling onto places with rich stories, this quiet garden in the middle of Amsterdam will feel like striking gold.
What is the story behind Begijnhof?
The Begijnhof dates back to at least 1346, making it one of the oldest inner courtyards in Amsterdam. It was originally a Beguinage, a type of semi-monastic community for Beguines - devout women who lived religious lives without taking official vows. This gave them a rare kind of independence for the time.
These women weren’t nuns, but they weren’t your typical citizens either. They devoted their lives to prayer, charity, and communal living, but they retained the right to own property and even leave the community if they wished.
What makes the Begijnhof unique - then and now - is its preservation of that early history. Inside the courtyard, you’ll find:
- Two churches, including the clandestine English Reformed Church (originally Catholic)
- The oldest wooden house in Amsterdam, dating back to around 1528
- Quiet gardens, statues, and medieval architecture
This peaceful square was walled off for centuries, only accessible by a single gated entrance and invisible from the main streets. Today, while the gates are open during visiting hours, the sense of seclusion remains. Want to hear about how women shaped this space for centuries? The StoryHunt audio tour covers this spot in a way no guidebook ever could.
Do you need tickets for Begijnhof?
No - visiting the Begijnhof is free, though donations are welcome at the small chapel or church.
Entry is allowed during the daytime (typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM), and you’ll be asked to remain quiet and respectful while inside. Keep in mind that this isn’t just a tourist attraction - it’s still a private residential area, with signs requesting silence to preserve the atmosphere for those who live there.
That said, you don't need to book or reserve anything. You can simply walk in - if you know where to find the entrance, that is. (Hint: it's through an inconspicuous wooden door off Spui Square.)
Who lives in the Begijnhof?
Today, the Begijnhof is no longer inhabited by Beguines - the last of whom passed away in 1971. But it is still a private and peaceful enclave where around 100 women live, continuing a tradition of female-only residency.
These are not nuns, nor is it a religious community anymore, but the residence policy reflects the area’s origins and helps preserve the tranquil spirit of the courtyard.
While you can walk the central path and admire the houses, the doorsteps, windows, and inner gardens are off-limits - this is their home, not a museum. Residents maintain the area’s calm character, so please avoid loud conversations, group tours with megaphones, or photography aimed directly at houses.
How to enter Begijnhof?
Many visitors walk right past it without knowing it’s there.
To find the entrance:
- Go to Spui Square, near the Kalverstraat shopping district.
- Look for a modest wooden door set into the wall next to Bookstore Athenaeum and Spui 14 café.
- Step through... and into another world.
There’s also a back entrance via the Gedempte Begijnensloot alley, but it’s often closed to the public. The main entrance is your best bet.
For those walking the StoryHunt Discover Amsterdam tour, this entrance is easy to spot - especially since the interactive map leads you right there.
Is it worth seeing Begijnhof?
Yes - especially if you're looking for a moment of stillness and soul in a very busy city.
The Begijnhof isn't flashy. There are no big signs, selfie spots, or gift shops. But that’s the beauty of it. It’s one of Amsterdam’s last surviving spaces that lets you feel the slow rhythm of history.
Come here to:
- Admire the timber-framed medieval architecture
- Reflect on the lives of women who carved out autonomy centuries ago
- Step back in time - no distractions, no crowds, just cobblestones and calm
What else is nearby Begijnhof?
You’re in an absolute goldmine of cultural and historical stops. Within a 5-minute walk, you’ll find:
- Centraal Station – The city’s grand transportation gateway
- Oude Kerk – Amsterdam’s oldest church and a contemporary art venue
- Red Light District – Full of contrast and history
- Nes & the Canals – Hidden art spaces and photogenic walks
- Bloemenmarkt – The floating flower market with a colorful past.
Many of these are woven into the StoryHunt tour, which turns your stroll into a curated journey.
