Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
1
Westerkerk
CHURCH
This blue-crowned Protestant church, built in 1631, has become a symbol of the Jordaan.
To be a true local, it's said, you must be born within earshot of the Westerkerk's carillon
bells. Rembrandt supposedly lies here, in an unmarked pauper's grave. Climbing the 85m-
high tower (by tour only) reveals striking canal views, but it's steep and claustrophobic -
not for the faint-hearted.
(Western Church;
624 77 66;
www.westerkerk.nl
; Prinsengracht 281; church admis-
sion free, tower €7;
church 11am-3pm Mon-Fri Apr-Sep, also Sat Jul & Aug, tower 10am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, to
7.30pm Sat Apr-Sep;
13/14/17 Westermarkt)
2
Het Grachtenhuis
MUSEUM
If you're intrigued by the Canal Ring and what a feat of engineering it is, don't miss the
Canal House, which explains how the waterways and the houses that line them became an
integral part of Amsterdam city planning. A 40-minute audio tour guides you through.
Entry is via timed tickets; reserve online in advance (which also provides a discount).
(Canal
House;
www.hetgrachtenhuis.nl
;
Herengracht 386; adult/child €12/6;
10am-5pm Tue-Sun;
1/2/5 Spui)
