Last Updated on: 15th January 2024, 10:19 pm

Amsterdam’s Best Churches & Cathedrals to Visit

Amsterdam is full of churches, Cathedrals, beautiful religious sites, and culture! There are so many things to do in Amsterdam, and churches and cathedrals are some of the best. I was invited this Spring to speak at a conference in Amsterdam, and I knew that seeing Amsterdam’s churches & cathedrals would be a top priority while I was there.

Some of the most beautiful churches in the world are in Amsterdam, and there is a particular wealth of Protestant churches. Some of the most significant attractions in Amsterdam are the churches, and a number of historic churches in Amsterdam are now primarily tourist sites.  The best churches in Amsterdam combine history and beauty, and tell the complex story of Amsterdam’s religious heritage.

Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Amsterdam? We’ve Got You Covered!

🏨 Great Hotels in Amsterdam
✈︎ The Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American (Central luxury eco-certified hotel) $$-$$$
✈︎ citizenM Amstel Amsterdam (Near Rijksmuseum, Modern and Upscale) $$
✈︎ Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam (Iconic, creative hotel near a shopping center) $-$$

🛵Best Activities and Tours in Amsterdam
✈︎ Van Gogh Museum Ticket (Don’t miss the Van Gogh museum even if you don’t consider yourself an art enthusiast!)
✈︎ Guided Bike Tour of Central Amsterdam (Learn to ride a bike like the Dutch!)
✈︎ Canal Tour Through Amsterdam (A must-do in Amsterdam, I recommend a relaxing evening tour after a day of walking to all these churches in Amsterdam!)

💶 Travel Insurance
✈︎ Do not forget to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you leave for Barcelona! I use SafetyWing Travel Insurance and have always been very happy with their service and pricing!

1 Day to See Amsterdam’s Churches! 

I didn’t have a lot of time to explore Amsterdam and knew that Amsterdam had a lot of churches, beautiful cathedrals, and a lot of religious history. There are so many famous Amsterdam churches I wasn’t sure where to start!

It turned out I had 1 day to visit Amsterdam’s churches, Cathedrals, and religious sites! How in the world would I do it all?! Thankfully I felt confident traveling in Amsterdam because I’d read lots of travel tips for first-timers in Amsterdam.

But I did it! With careful planning, of course. [And, to be fair, two significant Amsterdam churches: The English Church within the Begijnhof and Westerkerk near the Anne Frank House Museum were both closed while I was there.]

In order to help you get the most out of your trip to Amsterdam – I’ve put together a self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam’s churches that anyone can follow! You do not have to walk it in order or all in one day! 

But here you’ll find the top 6 churches in Amsterdam I think you need to see and exactly how to get there, and what to do!

This self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam will take you from the southern part of the Canal ring in Spui, into quiet beautiful courtyards (quite near a great place to grab some of Amsterdam’s favorite Frites!). It will take you to Catholic and Protestant churches in Amsterdam, and into the New side and Old side of Amsterdam.

If you want to do this in one day, I would give yourself about 5-6 hours, and start in the morning to make sure that churches aren’t closed when you get there. I did end up in a bit of a rush around 4 pm on a Saturday trying to get to a few more before they closed….and actually missed one as it closed just as I arrived. (Read to the bottom though: that story has a super happy surprise ending!!!)

There are also a lot of Amsterdam church photos in this post – so if you can’t make it to Amsterdam soon you can still experience the beauty and history of Amsterdam’s best churches

Where to start: Tour of Amsterdam’s Best Places of Worship

Begin your walking tour in the Spui neighborhood at the south of the Canal ring. This is nearest the Rokin metro station and the Spui light rail station. Tram numbers 9 and 1 stop there.

I highly recommend the tram in Amsterdam! It’s relaxing, always on time, and a great way to see the city. If you have the I amsterdam city card your public transportation is included. Just don’t forget to put the card up against the little readers to check in and out! One some of the bigger trams, such as Tramline 1, there’s usually a ticket counter in the back if you want to buy an Amsterdam Tram ticket upon getting on!

#1 – Visiting De Krijtberg Catholic Church, Amsterdam Church

Address:  Singel 446 in Amsterdam

Hours: 

Monday:          12 noon – 1.15pm  &  5pm – 6.15pm

Tuesday:          12 noon – 6.15pm

Wednesday:    12 noon – 6.15pm

Thursday:        12 noon – 6.15pm

Friday:             12 noon – 1.15pm  &  5pm – 6.15pm

Saturday:        12 noon – 6.30pm

Sunday:           9am -6.30pm

The first stop on your self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam churches is the De Krijtberg Catholic Church. Backtrack a little bit from the Spui tram station back towards the canal. You’ll cross an adorable courtyard with some great bookstores for browsing and make your way back to the Canal. Along the way you should pass the famous Cookie shop (Van Stapele Koekmakerij) that makes chocolate cookies with a warm, white chocolate center. You will likely recognize it by the line out front!!! I didn’t try one of these because of that line, but clearly they are popular!

Hint: Right a few doors down the small street is also Lanskroom Bakery Stroopwafels. Absolutely stop here for your morning cappuccino and stroopwafel! These were the best stroopwafels I had in Amsterdam! You can take them outside if it’s warm enough and sit right along the canal: magical! 

From here – you should be able to look across the canal and see the De Krijtberg Catholic Church.

My first thought upon walking into this church was simply: I’ve just found my new favorite church. My favorite style of architecture, what I so frequently seek out while in Europe, is Romanesque architecture – known for being heavier and austere than later Gothic architecture.

But let’s get one thing straight: De Krijtberg Church is the opposite of heavy Romanesque architectures. It is light, colorful, and resplendent!

The outside of the church looks somewhat dark and austere, with its twin steeples rising above the canal. The inside is anything but. The interior is painted with golds, greens, and red. Like many buildings in Amsterdam, there wasn’t much space to build wide and so the church was built up. It’s tall ceilings and high stained glass windows give a sense of being lifted!

The De Krijtberg Church is truly a must-visit in Amsterdam. And it is free! (You may choose to make a donation, however, as I always try and do.)

De Krijtberg Catholic Church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis Xavier was a Roman Catholic missionary and a co-founder of the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits have had a presence in the Netherlands since 1654. During the period of time when Catholics could not worship openly in the Netherlands, it was a hidden church (and you wouldn’t know by looking…but there’s actually still a large, hidden Anabaptist church in the building right next door to De Krijtberg!). In 1881, when Catholics were allowed to worship freely, the neo-gothic church that stands today was built.

On the day that I visited there was bright sunlight outside streaming through the colored glass windows. I toured the church using a very helpful card with information about different important works of art and features of the church provided at the entrance. A few minutes into my visit, the church organist arrived and began to practice – the music was magnificent! I felt as though I had walked into a private concert! I realized after I went outside that he was practicing for a wedding that was to shortly take place there! (I have a serious issue with accidentally wedding-crashing when trying to tour churches! This was a narrow miss!)

When you are finished touring De Krijtberg Catholic Church, head back outside, back across the canal, and back to the square with the bookstores off of it!

#2: Amsterdam’s Begijnhof

Address: 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Open to visitors daily from 9:00-17:00. 

Leaving De Krijtberg, headed towards Amsterdam’s Begijnhof (pronounced: Beg-eye-n-hoff).

If you’re anything like me, right about now you are asking: What in the world is a Begijnhof? 

Amsterdam’s Begijnhof is a beautiful enclosed courtyard away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was built as a home for a group of Catholic women, the Beguines, who lives like nuns but weren’t nuns for various reasons – many of them were widowed and thus could not take vows as nuns. The women lived there and worshipped in Community.

A very short walk from De Krijtberg church, the entrance to the Begijnhof is through an archway that otherwise seems pretty nondescript. You will see quite a few people coming in and out of it, however. That’s your biggest clue! If unsure: go ahead and ask! I found that many or most of the folks in the area were also tourists and happy to help point the way.

Walk through the arched doorway and you will emerge into the Begijnhof! Do please be respectful and quiet inside – as this is still a home for religious single women. 

The church that stands in the middle of the Begijnhof is the Engelse Kerk or English Church of Amsterdam. This is not a Catholic church – though it dates from the 15th century. During the period of time when Catholicism was not allowed to be practiced openly in the Netherlands, a Protestant congregation took over the church in the Begijnhof. The women that lives there built a new chapel, the Begijnhof chapel, in No. 29 and 30 of the complex. 

The Begijnhof chapel is a beautiful “hidden church” in Amsterdam! I loved looking up into the balcony and the beautiful paintings all around it. The Begijnhof chapel paintings tell the story of the “miracle of Amsterdam.” To be fair – it’s a bit of a gross if holy story – skip to the next paragraph if you are a queasy person! In the Miracle of Amsterdam, still commemorated to this day, a dying man in the 1300’s took communion and then, unfortunately, vomited up the host – considered in Roman Catholic theology to be the body of Christ. Protocol meant that this puked-up host must be burned but upon throwing it into the fire….it wouldn’t burn! The host from the Miracle of Amsterdam apparently used to be held in this very chapel! People today still commemorate this miracle with a procession each year.

The Begijnhof is a lovely, quiet break from the bustle of Amsterdam. I enjoyed resting there for a while on such a full day! When I was there the first flowers were coming up and blooming in Amsterdam and beautiful white snowdrops filled the courtyard lawns.

There was something about the Begijnhof that reminded me of my time at Grandchamp: a monastery in Switzerland I love very much. The woman who was gently running the gift shop could have been transplanted directly from Grandchamp. Quite a few of the Sisters at Grandchamp happen to be Dutch, so perhaps it was a combination of the peaceful atmosphere and the Dutch accents. I ended up buying most of the souvenirs I purchased in the Netherlands at the Begijnhof. I appreciated supporting their mission and they have beautiful religious art, necklaces, and books.

#3: Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk, or Amsterdam’s New Church

Address: De Dam, 1012 NL Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Daily

From the Begijnhof, the next church is in one of the busiest parts of Amsterdam and requires about a 15 minute walk. I found the walk pleasant, passed many shops, and ultimately got some great Indonesian takeaway!

Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk is only relatively new! Originally built in the 15th Century, it was rebuilt after a fire 200 years later. In the 16h Century it became a Dutch Reformed church. Sadly, due to needing some costly renovations in the 1980’s, the Nieuwe Church was transformed into an art gallery and concert house and is not longer a working church. 

The church functions as a museum and a gallery space, complete with a guided audio tour that comes with your admission fee. The audio tour covers both the history and architecture of the church itself, as well as provides information on the current exhibition.

The Nieuwe Kerk is also well-known as the home for major royal ceremonies in the Netherlands – including the inauguration and wedding of King Willem-Alexander.

There are some beautiful and interesting features in the church: A soaring stained glass window, a beautiful organ box, an historic pulpit, and some places where the original frescoes can be viewed.

I’m going to be completely honest here: Without the free admission through the I amsterdam city card, skip this church. If you are an absolute church travel fanatic – then definitely it’s one you want to see. While I enjoyed visiting New Church Amsterdam, it was the church I connected with the least largely due to how radically it has been shifted to serve as an art gallery. The audio tour was definitely helpful in seeing how it once was when it was a church! I’m glad I went, but wouldn’t have wanted to pay full admission.

#4: Amsterdam’s Oude Kerke, or Amsterdam’s Old Church

Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Daily 10am – 6 pm, except Sundays 1-5:30 pm.

The next church is even more historic than the Nieuwe Kerk, and also no longer a working church but a gallery space. 

Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk is about a 15 minute walk, maximum, from the Nieuwe Kerk. Still contained within the canal ring, it is important to know that the Oude Kerk is directly on the edge of the famed “Red Light District” in Amsterdam. In fact there are “shop windows” just on either side of the church.  I encourage you not to miss out on the Oude Kerk just because of this! If you stick to walking along the canals, and perhaps go a little further south or north before walking across to the Oude Kerk (a slightly indirect route) you won’t see as much of this district if you prefer not to. I’ve made those adjustment in the map at the top of the post.

Amsterdam’s Old Church was built in in the 13 and 14th Centuries! It’s an absolutely massive structure – and of course has seen many renovations over the years. It was a marvelous place to stand and consider the centuries upon centuries of worship that took place there! 

Part of why the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam is not to be missed is that it has an incredible wooden roof, the oldest as such in Europe, and stunning acoustics! 

I was lucky enough to be there during an art installation allowing guests to use a keyboard to create new music from various sounds – it was absolutely beautiful as it resonated through the massive church!

The Oude Kerk, like the Nieuwe Kerk, is home to an art gallery and a permanent installation about the history of Amsterdam. There are also many graves within the Oude Kerk, and I always find it interesting to read the names and imagine the lives the people there lead. The Old Church also is home to four organs, and there are concerts that happen regularly.

Remember the “Miracle of Amsterdam” above? The Oude Kerk Amsterdam is now where Catholics gather each year to commemorate the miracle.

I do recommend visiting the Oude Kerk. I found it very magical, beautiful, and spiritual – complete with spiral staircases! 

#5: “Our Lord in the Attic” or Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder, Hidden Church in Amsterdam

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, 1012 GD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 10 am till 6 pm, Sunday from 1 pm till 6 pm.

The next church to visit is a quick walk from the Oude Kerk along the Canal towards the train station! “Our Lord In The Attic” is an incredible museum of a hidden church in Amsterdam – one of the many churches, like the Chapel at the Begijnhof, that had to be hidden during the many religious changes in Amsterdam’s history.

What makes Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder unique is that it has been preserved as a museum, that is both informative and moving!

Originally built in 1663, this house-church in an attic became a museum in 1888! Much of the original furnishing are there, giving amazing insight into life in Amsterdam during this era, as well as religious history and worship in Amsterdam! This house, preserved from the Dutch Golden Age, During the time the church was built, even though Catholic worship was prohibited, for the most parts authorities turned a blind eye so long as people worshiped in secret.

The church itself I found absolutely stunning! I particularly liked the “Chaplain’s Bedroom.” As a chaplain in a large hospital I know what it’s like to sleep in a little bed, on- call for whomever may need spiritual services! It was amazing to see such a similar set up from such a different time period! It was very moving to sit in the church and imagine all of the people who gave money to build it, preserve it, and worshiped there as their home church in their lives.

In my opinion, “Out Lord in The Attic” is one of the must-see churches in Amsterdam! 

#6: Basilica of St. Nicholas, Amsterdam or Nicholaasbasiliek, Catholic Church

Address: Prins Hendrikkade 73, 1012 AD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hours: 

Monday 12:00–15:00
Tuesday–Friday 11:00–16:00
Saturday 12:00–15:00 and 16:30–17:45
Sunday: access only for participation in the services; no sightseeing

The Basilica of St. Nicholas is one of the grandest churches in Amsterdam and Amsterdam’s only Basilica. Built 125 years ago, it is a real showpiece near Amsterdam’s Central Train Station. Its dome towers above the Amsterdam skyline and is truly gorgeous.

When I tried to go to the Basilica of St. Nicholas on my crazy 1-day tour to see tons of churches in Amsterdam – it was just closing. I was disappointed! But – I’ve learned through lots of travel experiences to focus on what you do get to see – not on what you miss or don’t get to see. So, I simply started to stroll away with the thought of finding some dinner in my mind!

But! Just as I was walking away, someone came out through the main doors with a big sign. They set the sign down out front St. Nicholas Church: Evensong Service, Tonight at 5 pm. 

Evensong services are my favorite type of church service. And I am not alone! Researchers at Oxford have actually been looking into the surge of popularity at Evensong services in the UK. These are mostly sung services, without a “sermon” or “homily” – but interspersed readings of Psalms and other passages with beautiful choral music.

After finding something to eat, I returned to St. Nicholas Church Amsterdam and enjoyed one of the best Evensong services I’ve experienced in my life. 

Especially after visiting so many churches in Amsterdam that are now largely museums, it was a really special ending to my day to get to hear a service sung in a church! The music filled the huge central dome of St. Nicolaasbasiliek. 

The Saint Nicholas Church is built in a cross-style with three naves and two large towers out front – not dissimilar to De Krijtberg, but the central dome is much larger. There is a beautiful rose window and a fabulous 19th century Sauer Organ that I got to hear during the Evensong service! 

Saint Nicholas Church is the last church on this tour! Though there are many more beautiful Churches in Amsterdam: Westerkerk (which was closed to repairs when I was visiting – but is located right next to the Anne Frank House Museum), Mozes & Aaronkerk – another Catholic church, and do not miss Amsterdam’s beautiful Synogogues – particularly the Portuguese Synagogue which has a wonderful guided tour.

When you’ve finished this tour of Amsterdam’s Churches and Cathedrals, you will be right near Amsterdam’s main Train Station. This is also very near the launch point for many Canal Tours in Amsterdam. If you have the I amsterdam city card – it comes with a free Canal Tour! Evening canal tours in Amsterdam are beautiful, and would be a perfect way to end your day!

A Bonus Amsterdam Church

There’s one more absolutely gorgeous hidden church in Amsterdam. Like “Our Lord in the Attic” – this church was also banned from gathering and worshipping in public during the period where Amsterdam only allowed Reformed Churches to worship openly. In my opinion, this church is even more beautiful than “Our Lord in the Attic”. The Mennonite Church of Amsterdam is built between three houses and is three stories tall. It has one of the most beautiful organs I’ve ever seen. Unlike “Our Lord in the Attic” this church isn’t richly decorated, in line with the Mennonite values of simplicity.

You can visit the Mennonite Hidden Church in Amsterdam right next to De Krijtberg Church at Singel 452, 1017 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9-5 pm. You are also welcome to visit for Sunday Service at 10:30 am (in Dutch). 

Amsterdam’s Religious Heritage

The Netherlands is a country with a rich and diverse religious history.

Sadly, Amsterdam is well known as a site of the deportation of many Jewish people during the Nazi Occupation, Anne Frank among them. Visiting the Anne Frank house was a very meaningful part of my trip there, along with the Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish History museum. I wanted to visit places that represented the religious diversity of Amsterdam — Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish. Sadly, I didn’t have time to visit one of Amsterdam’s Mosques while I was there, but I was so lucky to get to visit five of Amsterdam’s historic churches!

Catholicism was the dominant Dutch religion until the 16^th century, when the Protestant Reformation happened and arrived in the Netherlands. Lutheranism never really caught on – but Calvinism did! Particularly in the North, the Netherlands become primarily Protestant, and there began a persecution of Catholic individuals. Later on, in the 19^th century, there were more conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. Various groups were outlawed – but eventually, a tenuous peace was reached. This is one of the reasons there are some amazing “hidden” churches in Amsterdam, so well preserved! People had to worship in secret before tolerance became the norm and people can now worship freely.

Today the Netherlands is considered a secular and tolerant country, along with many countries in Europe. A survey by the VU University in Amsterdam recently concluded that there are now more atheists in the Netherlands than “Theists”- or those who believe in God. There are still many practicing Catholics, Protestants, Jewish individuals, and Muslims in Amsterdam, however.

Mennonite History in Amsterdam

I would be remiss not to mention that my own faith group has significant roots in the Netherlands: Mennonites! While the broader Anabaptist movement began in Switzerland as a reaction to Protestantism becoming a state religion just like Catholicism had been,  Menno Simons – whom we Mennonites are named after – was from the Netherlands and the Mennonite faith flourished there before eventually facing persecution and dwindling significantly with secularization.

Using the I Amsterdam Card to Visit Amsterdam’s Churches

When I found out I would be visiting Amsterdam, finding and experiencing Amsterdam’s historic churches and places of worship was my #1 priority. I was so happy to realize that the I amsterdam city card actually included admission to 3 of the churches I most wanted to visit while I was in Amsterdam: The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), the Old Church (Oude Kerk) and “Our Lord in the Attic”- one of the preserved hidden churches (Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder).

If you are someone who loves popping into churches in Europe but might think twice because of the admission fee at each one – the I Amsterdam card is a great choice! Read to the bottom of the post for a few more ways I used the I Amsterdam card and why I truly believe it’s an amazing choice for tourists on a tight budget and a tight timeframe.

Follow Sacred Wanderings on Social Media!

Flights and Trains – I know everyone recommends SkyScanner…but I’ve never loved it. I simply use Google Flights for most of my searches and set alerts for routes I’m interested in to nab cheap flights.

Travel Insurance – It’s so important to have peace of mind that you are covered for any health needs, accidents, or even travel delays when you are on a trip. I recommend:
– Safety Wing insurance.
It’s great for short trips and for digital nomads traveling for months or years at a time. Their rates are seriously affordable. I simply wont leave home these days without a Safety Wing Travel Insurance policy.

Credit Cards – I am a big fan of the American Expresss Platinum Card and have used them for over 6 years now. It offers 5x points on all flights (any airline!) and hotels booked through Amex Travel, built-in travel insurance, access to the biggest network of airport lounges – it’s a no-brainer despite the annual fee!
Apply for the American Express Platinum Card here and for a limitied time get 80,000 bonus points (that’s easily enough for a round-trip flight to Europe from the USA!) on signup.

Language Learning – Want to brush up on your French, Spanish or another language before traveling? I’ve made huge progress (and had a lot of fun) using private tutors through italki. With rates as low as $8 per hour (seriously!) and friendly, highly experienced tutors you can make quick progress and have fun while doing it. Sign up for italki here to check out their teachers.