Timeline
16:11
Grab a drink at De Jaren. Climb the stairs to the upper floor for a thinner crowd and a great view of where the main canals come together. It is open until 23:00, so you have plenty of time.
16:36
Walk to the Begijnhof. Arrive with ten minutes to spare before the sun dips below the horizon. The courtyard is a late medieval enclosed space surrounded by historic private dwellings. It feels like a serene oasis amidst the city noise. Keep an eye on House number 34, the oldest home in Amsterdam.
16:56
Watch the sunset. The sun sets toward the SW at 16:56. The golden light starts at 15:57, so the courtyard will be bathed in warm, low-angle light just before the sun disappears. The Reformed Church and the hidden Catholic chapel are framed by the historic buildings.
17:26
Stay a while longer as the light fades. The courtyard closes at 18:00, so you have until then to enjoy the quiet. Use the final minutes to reflect on the contrast between the chaotic streets outside and this enclosed peace.
Local tip
The Begijnhof is open from 10:00 to 18:00. Make sure you are inside before closing time.
Check before you go
- The Begijnhof closes at 18:00. Plan to leave the courtyard by then.
- De Jaren is open until 23:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Amsterdam (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).