- Address: Oudekerksplein 23, Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Hours: Open daily 11am - 5pm (open at 1pm on Sundays)
- Admission: Adults: € 5
Oude Kerk (Old Church)
The Oude Kerk (or Old Church) is the city's oldest surviving building, consecrated in 1306. Yet the location of this triple-nave, late-Gothic church embodies a huge moral contradiction: it's in full view of the Red Light District, with passers-by getting chatted up a stones throw from the church walls.
Still, this Gothic-style church rewards visitors with one of the finest carillons in the country, the city's oldest church bell (1450), and a stunning Christian Müller organ that’s still used for recitals. Check out the lively 15th century carvings on the choir stalls, some of which are downright rude.
The floor of the church consists entirely of gravestones, as the church itself was built on a cemetery. There are 2,500 graves in the Oude Kerk, under which are buried 10,000 Amsterdam citizens, including Rembrandt's first wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Rembrandt himself visited the Oude Kerk often, and his children were all christened here. Be sure to climb up the church tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam.
Practical Info
The Oude Kerk is located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal, easily accessible via tram to Nieuwmarkt. Nearby attractions include Museum Amstelkring and the infamous Red Light District. A Dutch Reformed service is held at 11am Sunday (doors close at 11am sharp).
Tours & Tickets
Small-Group Amsterdam Historical Bike Tour
Join a 3-hour bike tour with an experienced multilingual guide through the old historic center of the city of Amsterdam. The tour goes along the well known ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Amsterdam Combo: Half-Day Zaanse Schans Tour with Amsterdam Old Town and Red Light District Walking Tour
Come and see all that is typical Dutch in just a few hours. During the day, go to Zaanse Schans to see windmills, wooden shoes and cheese. In the evening ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Small-Group Tour: Amsterdam City Center Historical Walking Tour
Join a small group of no more than 10 fellow travelers to discover the history of Amsterdam on this 2.5 hour tour. Orient yourself to the city or get a ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Amsterdam Super Saver: Zaanse Schans Windmills plus Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Day Trip
Immerse yourself in the charm of the Netherlands with this combination of two best-selling tours at a discounted price. Take a morning tour from Amsterdam to ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 11 hours (approx.)
I amsterdam Card - City Pass for Amsterdam
Simplify your trip to Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card, a pass that gives you free admission to museums and public transport throughout the city. Gain ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours
Delft, The Hague and Madurodam Half-Day Trip from Amsterdam
Go beyond Amsterdam with a half-day tour of two important Dutch cities: Delft and The Hague. Admire the Netherlands’ famous Delft blue-and-white pottery on a ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Amsterdam Super Saver: City Sightseeing Tour plus Half-Day Trip to Delft, The Hague and Madurodam
This Amsterdam Super Saver combines two half-day tours into one memorable day, giving you a great value for your money. Start the morning with a fully guided ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Amsterdam City Bike Tour
See Amsterdam’s quirkiest quarters and wonderful waterways on an exciting 3-hour guided city bike tour. Be introduced to an eclectic selection of sights ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Private Tour: Amsterdam Old Town and Red Light District Walking Tour
Take a private 2-hour walking tour around the tree-shrouded canals and cobbled streets of Amsterdam’s historical center. Let your private guide lead the way to ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Amsterdam Old Town and Red Light District Walking Tour with Optional Dutch Dinner
Experience the diversity of Amsterdam on a 2-hour evening walking tour around the historical city center. Accompanied by an expert guide, take an enlightening ... Read more
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: Varies
