Oude Kerk Amsterdam (Old Church): The Complete Visitor Guide
Tickets, history, the art inside Amsterdam's oldest building and practical tips for visiting the Oude Kerk.
Address
Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 10–18, Sun 13–17:30
Audio guide
Available with ticket
Best for
History, architecture, art
Duration
About 1 hour
Book Oude Kerk Tickets
Standard admission, combinations and a city pass. Each card shows what is included, and dates only open when you ask for them.
Old Church Amsterdam: Entry Ticket + Audio Guide
Standard admission with an audio guide to Amsterdam's oldest building.
View details on Tiqets →
Royal Palace Amsterdam + Old Church Amsterdam
Two of the oldest and grandest buildings in the centre on one booking.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →
Moco Museum Amsterdam + Old Church Amsterdam
A medieval church and modern art by Banksy and Warhol, a good contrast.
Check dates and availabilityView details on Tiqets →
I amsterdam City Card: 100+ Museums, Sightseeing + Public Transport
A city pass for those planning several museums and public transport. Check the listing for what is included.
View details on Tiqets →Booking is handled by Tiqets. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Book in Advance
The church is not usually crowded all day, but weekends and school holidays bring more visitors, and the Sunday opening is shorter. Booking lets you plan your route through the old centre and pair the church with other sights. The audio guide is part of the listing.
What is the Oude Kerk, and why visit?
The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building, standing in the old centre since the early 13th century. Visit to see a medieval church with a historic organ, stained glass, thousands of gravestones in the floor and a changing programme of contemporary art.
Why Visit the Oude Kerk?
The Oude Kerk is a calm place in one of the busiest parts of Amsterdam. Step through the door and the noise of the old centre fades. It is a good place to feel how old the city is.
It is also a working art space. The church hosts contemporary art installations and exhibitions, so what you see can differ from visit to visit.
A Short History of the Church
The church began as a small wooden chapel in the early 13th century and grew over the following centuries into a large Gothic building. After the Reformation in 1578 it became Protestant, and the interior was stripped of most Catholic decoration.
The floor holds thousands of gravestones, and Rembrandt's wife Saskia is among those buried here. The church later became part of the red-light area, which grew up around it over time.
Top Highlights
The Gravestones
The floor is made of around 2,500 gravestones. Walking over them is a tangible link with the city's past.
The Organ
The historic organ is a centrepiece and is used for concerts.
Stained Glass and Roof
The medieval wooden vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows are among the oldest in the city.
Contemporary Art
Installations and exhibitions change through the year. Check the church's programme before you go.
What to Expect Inside
You walk through the nave and side aisles at your own pace, with the audio guide giving context. The atmosphere is quiet, and the building is large enough to feel spacious.
How Much Time Do You Need?
About an hour. Add time if you want to read the exhibition texts or sit for a while.
Tower Visits
At times the church offers tower tours with a view over the old centre. Check the church's website for the current schedule.
Visitor Information
- Address: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam.
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday 13:00–17:30. Check for changes on holidays.
- Ticket price: Adults have recently paid around €13.50, with lower prices for youths and children. Confirm the price on the booking page.
- Audio guide: Included in the Tiqets listing.
- Accessibility: Check the church's accessibility information before you travel.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings are usually quietest. The Sunday opening starts at 13:00, which is later than other days. Winter and rainy days are good times to visit, and the church is cool in summer.
How to Get to the Oude Kerk
The church is in the old centre, about 10 minutes on foot from Amsterdam Centraal or Dam Square. It stands on Oudekerksplein in the Red Light District, which is busy in the evening, so a daytime visit is more relaxed.
Local Insider Tips
- Visit in the morning for the quietest experience.
- Look down to see the gravestones, and look up at the wooden ceiling.
- Check the programme for concerts and exhibitions.
- Combine with the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk for a historic-centre day.
- Be respectful in the surrounding streets: no photos of people in the windows.
Choosing the Right Ticket
The standard ticket with audio guide suits most visitors. The Royal Palace combination is a good historic pairing. The Moco combination mixes old and new, and the city card suits those planning several museums and transport.
Who It Suits
History and Architecture Fans
One of the best places to see medieval Amsterdam.
Art Lovers
The contemporary programme gives the church a second life.
Families
Older children usually enjoy the stories and the tower tours when available.
Nearby Attractions
- Royal Palace Amsterdam: a 10-minute walk, on Dam Square.
- Our Lord in the Attic: a hidden church in a canal house, just around the corner.
- Red Light Secrets Museum: a museum on the same canal.
- Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum: a short walk along the Oudezijds Achterburgwal.
- Canal cruise: see the old centre from the water.
For more options, browse our Amsterdam museums guide or compare the best museums in Amsterdam.
Suggested Itineraries
Half Day
Oude Kerk in the morning, Our Lord in the Attic next, and lunch near Dam Square.
Historic Centre Day
Oude Kerk, Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk and a canal cruise in the afternoon.
Rainy-Day Plan
Oude Kerk, then the Moco Museum with a café stop between them.
Oude Kerk Amsterdam FAQ
How old is the Oude Kerk?
It is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building, dating from the early 13th century.
How long do you need at the Oude Kerk?
About an hour.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday 10:00–18:00 and Sunday 13:00–17:30. Check for changes on the booking page.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes, the ticket on this page includes an audio guide.
Is the Oude Kerk a working church?
It is used as a cultural venue, with concerts, exhibitions and contemporary art.
Where is the Oude Kerk?
At Oudekerksplein 23, in the old centre, about 10 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal.
Can I climb the tower?
Tower tours run at certain times. Check the church's website for the current schedule.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, particularly older children interested in history.
Can I combine it with other attractions?
Yes. Combinations with the Royal Palace and the Moco Museum are listed on this page.
Do I need to book in advance?
Not essential on quiet days, but booking helps you plan.
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Final Verdict
The Oude Kerk is a quiet, atmospheric stop in the busiest part of Amsterdam. It rewards a slow visit, and the changing art programme means there is often something new. Pair it with the Royal Palace or Our Lord in the Attic for a historic-centre day.
Who should visit: history and architecture fans, art lovers and anyone who wants a calm break in the old centre.
Who may skip: visitors with only one museum day who prefer major art collections.
Overall rating: 8.3 / 10