Amsterdam

For many who have never visited Amsterdam, the Dutch city might be best known for its permissive laws related to sex and drugs. Yet regulated prostitution and marijuana-distributing "coffeeshops" are only a small part of the canal city of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam also has a strong religious heritage, particularly with respect to Calvinism and Judaism. Though religion is on the decline in Amsterdam, like much of Europe, the city's rich religious heritage is reflected in the many churches and synagogues that are well worth a visit. Amsterdam also boasts an abundance of excellent religious art and an entire museum dedicated to the Bible.

Today, this vibrant Dutch city is a fascinating melting pot of Old World traditions, modern prosperity and youthfulness, and remnants of its hippie heyday. Only in Amsterdam can you visit a Bible Museum, a Jewish Museum, an Erotic Museum, and a Marijuana Museum in the same day!

	Amsterdam Map Our interactive satellite map of Amsterdam, plus more of the best online Amsterdam maps.
	Amsterdam Photos Five photo galleries of religious sights in Amsterdam.
	Fast Facts on Amsterdam Facts and figures on the city and its inhabitants.
	History of Amsterdam A brief overview of Amsterdam's history.
	Amsterdam Tours & Excursions Book a sightseeing tour in Amsterdam or a day trip to nearby sights.
	Amsterdam Hotel Bookings Find and book your hotel in Amsterdam.
	Amsterdam Hotel Reviews Read unbiased reviews and compare prices on hotels in Amsterdam.
	Amsterdam Travel Forum Get travel advice and insider tips on Amsterdam from fellow travelers.

	Anne Frank House During WW II, eight people from three families lived together in this house in near total silence for more than two years. Visiting the rooms where Anne Frank hid is a moving experience that brings her familiar words to life.
	Begijnhof (Beguine Court) Dating from the early 14th century, this picturesque enclosed courtyard contains a Reformed Church and hidden Catholic chapel and provides an serene oasis in the center of the city.
	Bible Museum In Amsterdam's Bible Museum, visitors can explore biblical history and geography in a variety of objects, images, and installations. It also provides a rare opportunity to tour a 17th-century canal house.
	Chinese Buddhist Temple Amsterdam's China Town is home to a Chinese Buddhist temple that was built in 2000 in the traditional Chinese style and dedicated in person by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
	Jewish Museum Housed in the 17th-century Great Synagogue of Amsterdam, the Jewish Historical Museum displays Jewish religious objects, Jewish art, historical artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
	Nieuwe Kerk The New Church is a 14th century Late Gothic church located next to the royal palace. It functions as the national church of the Netherlands, hosting inaugurations and special exhibitions.
	Oude Kerk Located alongside a canal in the Red Light District, the Oude Kerk is the oldest monument in Amsterdam, dating from 1250. Inside it features painted wooden ceilings, box pews and choir stalls with misericords.
	Our Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring) This Catholic church inside a canal house in the Red Light District is the only surviving schuilkerken (clandestine church) that dates from the Reformation, when open Catholic worship was outlawed.
	Portuguese Synagogue This grand Ionic-style synagogue was built in 1665 by Sephardic Jews who had fled Spain and Portugal for tolerant Amsterdam. Still in active use, it is lit by large, low-hanging brass chandeliers with 1,000 candles.
	Westerkerk The Renaissance-style Westerkerk (West Church) in Amsterdam shelters the remains of Rembrandt and his son, Titus, and is where in 1966 Princess (now Queen) Beatrix and Prince Claus said their marriage vows.
	Zuiderkerk Gorgeous enough to have inspired both Sir Christopher Wren and Monet, the 17th-century Zuiderkerk (South Church) was Amsterdam's first Protestant church.