How long does it take to walk through the De Wallen district?

A thorough walking route through De Wallen typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. This allows time to appreciate the architecture of the Zeedijk and the historic Weigh House at Nieuwmarkt without rushing.

Is it worth visiting the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam?

Yes, as the city's oldest building dating back to 1306, it is a cornerstone of Dutch history. It contains the grave of Rembrandt's wife, Saskia, and offers a unique perspective on the city's medieval origins.

Where can I see a hidden church in Amsterdam?

The most famous hidden church is Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38. It was built in the attic of a canal house in the 1660s when Catholic services were prohibited in public.

Can I walk through the Red Light District during the day?

Absolutely, walking through De Wallen during the day is safe and actually recommended for history enthusiasts. It is much quieter, allowing you to clearly see the historic gables and monuments like the Waag.

What is the oldest building in Amsterdam?

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is widely recognized as the oldest building in Amsterdam. It was founded around 1213 and consecrated in 1306, serving as the heart of the city for over 700 years.

What was the Waag building used for?

Originally a 15th-century city gate called Sint Anthoniespoort, it became a weighing house (Waag) in the 17th century. It also housed several guilds and an anatomical theater where public dissections took place.

Are there wooden houses in Amsterdam?

Yes, though they are rare due to fire regulations passed in the 15th century. You can see one of the two remaining wooden-fronted houses, In't Aepjen, on the Zeedijk near the start of this walk.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the oldest layers of Amsterdam with this self-guided walk through De Wallen. While many visitors are drawn to this neighborhood by the modern glow of neon lights, this historic district hides stories that date back to the 14th century. This neighborhood stroll invites you to look beyond the surface to find a secret 17th-century church hidden in an attic and the oldest building in the city standing amidst the bustle of the Red Light District. Exploring independently allows you to notice the architectural details of the Zeedijk, once a medieval sea wall, and now a vibrant corridor of culture. Along this walking route, you will discover how Amsterdam transformed from a small fishing village into a global maritime powerhouse. You will encounter the Oude Kerk, where the city's golden age history is etched into the floorboards, and the Waag, a former city gate that has served as a weighing house and an anatomical theater. This self-guided adventure provides a deeper perspective on how religious tolerance, trade, and social reform shaped the Dutch capital. Whether you are interested in the maritime heritage of the old harbor or the quirky modern history of the world’s first specialty condom shop, this walking tour Amsterdam experience offers a comprehensive look at the city's evolution. By following this route at your own pace, you can escape the typical crowds and find the quiet corners where the spirit of old Amsterdam still lingers. This travel experience is perfect for those who want to understand the complex identity of De Wallen beyond its contemporary reputation.

Highlights

Visit Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, a secret 17th-century church hidden in an attic.

See the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest building and the final resting place of Saskia van Uylenburgh.

Explore the Zeedijk, the city's original sea wall and current home to Chinatown.

Admire In de Waag, a medieval city gate turned anatomical theater.

Stop by the world's first specialty condom shop, the Condomerie.

View Olof's, one of the city's oldest and most resilient chapels.

Tour Stops (6)

Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)

Begin your exploration at one of Amsterdam's most remarkable survivors. During the 17th century, after the Alteration of 1578, Catholic worship was banned in public. In response, wealthy merchant Jan Hartman converted the top floors of his canal house into a 'schuilkerk' or clandestine church. While the exterior looks like a standard residence, the interior reveals a stunning, fully-equipped Baroque church capable of holding 150 worshippers. This site serves as a powerful symbol of the Dutch 'gedogen'—the pragmatic policy of tolerance that allowed different faiths to coexist behind closed doors, a philosophy that remains central to Amsterdam's identity today.

Zeedijk

Walk along the Zeedijk, one of the oldest streets in Amsterdam. Originally constructed in the 13th century as a sea wall to protect the city from the IJ water, it later became a hub for sailors arriving from around the world. Look for the 'In't Aepjen' at number 1; it is one of only two remaining wooden-fronted houses in the city. The street’s name literally means 'Sea Dyke,' and its curved path follows the original line of the medieval fortifications. Today, it serves as the heart of Amsterdam's Chinatown, blending Dutch maritime history with diverse international flavors.

Oude Kerk Amsterdam

Standing before you is the Oude Kerk, or Old Church, consecrated in 1306. As the city's oldest building, it has survived fires, iconoclasm, and centuries of urban change. The church is famous for its massive wooden vault, which provides incredible acoustics. Inside, the floor consists entirely of gravestones; over 10,000 people are buried here, including Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh. Note the unusual location: the church is literally surrounded by the windows of the Red Light District, a juxtaposition that illustrates Amsterdam's unique relationship between the sacred and the profane.

Condomerie

Located on the Warmoesstraat, the Condomerie opened its doors in 1987 as the world's first specialty condom shop. While it might seem like a modern novelty, it actually represents a significant chapter in Amsterdam's history of social activism and public health. Founded during the height of the AIDS crisis, the shop aimed to remove the stigma surrounding protection and promote safe sex through education and humor. The shop features hand-painted and creatively shaped items, reflecting the neighborhood's long-standing tradition of openness and its role in pioneering progressive social policies.

Restaurant-Café In de Waag

This imposing brick structure on Nieuwmarkt square was originally the Sint Anthoniespoort, a 15th-century gate in the city walls. When the city expanded and the walls were demolished, the gate was repurposed as a 'Waag' or weighing house. Different guilds, such as the blacksmiths and surgeons, occupied the various towers. It was here, in the upper rooms, that the Surgeons' Guild conducted anatomical lessons, one of which was immortalized by Rembrandt in 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.' Notice the many masonry marks on the exterior, which identify the different builders who worked on the fortress centuries ago.

Olof's Amsterdam

Conclude your walk at Saint Olof's Chapel, or Sint Olofskapel. Built in the mid-15th century, it is named after Saint Olaf, the patron saint of Norway, reflecting the city's early trade links with Scandinavia. The building has lived many lives: it served as a chapel for the merchant guilds, a stock exchange, and even a cheese warehouse. After a devastating fire in the 1960s, it sat in ruins for decades before a meticulous restoration brought it back to life. It remains a testament to the resilience of Amsterdam's architectural heritage, standing firm at the entrance to the historic city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk focusing on the 14th to 17th-century heritage is ideal. This route covers key historic sites like the Oude Kerk and the hidden attic church, Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, which are often overlooked by visitors focusing only on the modern nightlife.