🌿🏡 Begijnhof | Amsterdam Audio Walking Tour

Audio Guide Amsterdam | Walking Tour of Amsterdam in a Day

Begijnhof in Amsterdam 🌿🏡

The Begijnhof is one of the city’s most serene and beautiful hidden courtyards, offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of bustling Amsterdam. This charming enclosed space has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, originally serving as a residence for the Beguines, a Catholic sisterhood. Here’s your guide to exploring this tranquil gem.

1. Google Maps Link:
   Find Begijnhof on Google Maps

2. Next Subway Station Nearby:
   🚇 The nearest metro station is Rokin (Line 52), just a 5-minute walk away. You can also get to the Begijnhof easily by taking Trams 2, 11, or 12 to the Spui stop, which is right around the corner.
3. Good Places to Eat, Drink, and Grab a Coffee:
   • For lunch: Café Het Paleis 🍽️ offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious Dutch dishes, located nearby.
   • For coffee: The Coffee Company ☕ at Spui is perfect for grabbing a quick coffee before or after your stroll through the Begijnhof.
   • For dinner: Head to Restaurant Haesje Claes for traditional Dutch cuisine in a historic setting, just a short walk from the Begijnhof.
4. Best Photo Spots 📸:
   • The entrance gate of the Begijnhof, with its old wooden door, is a picturesque spot to capture the sense of stepping back in time.
   • Inside the courtyard, the Chapel of Begijnhof and the English Reformed Church offer beautiful photo opportunities, with their charming architecture set against the lush green courtyard.
5. Opening Times:
   • Begijnhof is open daily, but keep in mind that this is a private residential area, so visitors are expected to maintain quiet and respect the peaceful atmosphere. The English Reformed Church within the Begijnhof is open to visitors at specific times for services and tours.
6. Insider Tips 🔍:
   • Silence is golden: As this is a private area where residents still live, keep noise to a minimum and avoid loud conversations to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.
   • The oldest wooden house in Amsterdam: Don’t miss the chance to see one of the oldest houses in the city, dating back to 1528, located within the Begijnhof!
7. Hidden Gem 🌟:
   • The Begijnhof Chapel, a Catholic chapel that remained hidden for many years due to the Protestant Reformation, is tucked away in one of the corners of the courtyard. It’s an intimate, peaceful place for reflection, often overlooked by visitors.
8. Public Bathrooms 🚻:
   • There are no public restrooms within the Begijnhof itself, but you can find facilities at nearby cafés like Café Luxembourg or The Coffee Company.