Amsterdam’s prosperity in the Golden Age would have been unimaginable without the contribution made by the Jewish community. The Portuguese Synagogue was erected in the heart of Amsterdam in 1675 and was the largest synagogue in the world at the time.
The building is still used as a house of worship but it is also open to the public and concerts are held there regularly. The beautifully authentic interior is guaranteed to amaze, and you will relish seeing the most exceptional collections of Jewish heritage with your own eyes. Be awed by the synagogue’s stunning interior, with its large stone pillars, white plastered walls, and dark furniture, bathed in the abundant light that shines through its 72 windows. Since its consecration in 1675, it has had no electric light or heating; the only artificial light comes from the 1000 candles in the many brass chandeliers. The sand on the wood floor protects it from dirt.
The other buildings in the complex include treasure chambers where visitors can admire a unique collection of ceremonial objects made of silver, gold, silk and brocade. The complex also includes the oldest functioning Jewish library in the world, Ets Haim Livraria Montezinos, which is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
The Portuguese Synagogue is part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter, which also includes the Jewish Historical Museum with the engaging Children's Museum, the moving National Holocaust Memorial and the National Holocaust Museum. Here visitors can find out all about Jewish culture, history, and traditions. You can visit all five locations with one ticket, which is valid for one month.


Attractions & monuments
Amsterdam in the Golden Age: the Portuguese Synagogue
Free cancellation
Do this because
- Visit a unique building with a 17th-century interior that's still fully intact
- Experience the Golden Age of Amsterdam
- See the Portuguese Synagogue illuminated by hundreds of candles
What to expect
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What's included
Admission to the Portuguese Synagogue
Audio tour
Admission to all 5 locations of the Jewish Cultural Quarter and exhibitions
What's not included
Guided tours
Reduced price
- Children (6-12 years old), youth (13-17 years old): reduced
- Infants 0-5 years old: free
Where
Portuguese Synagogue: Mr. Visserplein 3, 1011 RD Amsterdam, Netherlands
Meeting point:
Jewish Cultural Quarter: Use your time slot entry ticket to access the Jewish Cultural Quarter beginning at the Portuguese Synagogue (Mr. Visserplein 3) Then continue to the Jewish Historical Museum & Children's Museum (Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1) and the National Holocaust Memorial (Plantage Middenlaan 24)
What to remember
- Please note: The National Holocaust Museum and the National Holocaust Memorial Hollandsche Schouwburg are currently closed for renovations until 2022
- An audio guide is available in English, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, German and French
- Bring your own headphones or earphones so you can listen to the audio tours and other audio
- The ticket includes admission to the Portuguese synagogue, Children's Museum, the National Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Historical Museum
- Didn't see it all in one day? Your ticket is valid for 1 month after its first use
- Make sure you visit the first location at the time stated on the time-slot entry ticket then it is free to visit the other locations within one month
- The Hollandsche Schouwburg can be visited without a reservation
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When
- Daily except for Saturdays, Jewish holidays and King's Day
- Please see calendar for exact available time slots
- Opens at 10.00am, closing times vary
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Provider
Jewish Cultural Quarter
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 hour before the activity begins.