Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam: 17th-Century Sephardic Architecture and Jewish Cultural Heritage
4.5
31 Ratings
Amsterdam
Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's Jewish history and culture with a visit to the Portuguese Synagogue. Explore the stunning 17th-century Sephardic architecture and discover the rich heritage of the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Jewish Museum - The Jewish Museum is a beautiful, high-profile museum that occupies four monumental synagogue buildings in the middle of the Jewish Cultural Quarter. It provides a unique picture of past and present Dutch Jewish life in all its facets. The museum has an extensive collection of items ranging from paintings to films, and from utensils to 3D presentations. At any one time there are also two temporary exhibitions on display.
What's Included
- Self-guided audio tour
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Guided tour
Additional Information
Discover the rich Jewish culture and history of Amsterdam with entrance to the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue, a preserved Sephardic place of worship boasting impressive architecture and historic artifacts. Marvel at the impeccably kept interior, consisting of magnificent stone columns, plaster walls, and a set of 72 windows.
Your pass also grants access to the most significant sites of the Jewish Cultural Quarter. Explore the Jewish Museum and its interactive counterpart, the Jewish Museum junior. Both institutions provide a deep insight into Jewish customs, history, and practices. A single ticket permits access to all the above attractions and remains valid for 30 days.
- The Portuguese Synagogue is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays, please check https://jck.nl/en/page/opening-hours
Location
Jewish Museum
Nieuwe Amstelstraat
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(31 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Subeem
Aug 29, 2023
Beautiful old Synagogue - Beautiful synagogue with exquisite Aron haKodesh.
Still lit with candles, no electricity.
Worth a visit !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jsjny
Aug 16, 2023
History comes alive - This synagogue is a piece of Jewish history. The main sanctuary is most impressive, but the winter synagogue is used most of the time. Must bring photo ID to be admitted for services--contact them in advance.
The attached museum had many treasures and was very well organized.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ericgoldman
Jul 10, 2023
Worth Seeing - I had previously visited the Jewish Museum, which I also recommend, but this time I had a personal tour guide through the Portuguese Synagogue. It was at one point the largest synagogue in the world, and it influenced several other Portuguese Jewish communities throughout the globe. The synagogue itself wasn’t particularly ostentatiously, but it remains an impressive sight nonetheless, and the treasure room further demonstrates the community’s wealth and power. 2 hours was a perfect amount of time to appreciate the synagogue, the historic Portuguese Jewish community in Amsterdam, and the tiny community of Jews still using the facilities.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susan_m
Jul 4, 2023
The videos in the 1900 to... - The videos in the 1900 to now. Very informative and brought the stories to life.
Im Jewish? Display.
Can relate to their feelings.
Review provided by Viator
Carolyn_k
Jun 14, 2023
Don't miss this tour - It was very informative. I would highly recommend a visit. An hour is enough time. Go early enough so you have time to go to the Jewish museum.
Review provided by Viator
Fellowtraveler609476
Jun 10, 2023
Beautiful experience at the Portuguese Synagogue - Amazing trip
Beautiful city
Great site seeing
Synagogue is beautiful
Museum was very informative and interesting
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liltrave
Apr 9, 2024
Amsterdam Jewish Life - We bought tickets to the synagogue & museum across the street. Worth going to both to learn about Jewish life here in Amsterdam. Both had some construction going on but luckily not major. It's good to see that they are doing upkeep but you can still enough going to see. I feel it's important to go & support Jewish culture. I like to buy items from the gift shops too while at any European Synagogue or museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Donpedro93
Mar 2, 2024
Interesting, especially for the atmosphere - The price is a little high, but there is a free audio guide which will greatly help with the visit.
3 areas:
around the Synagogue, where there is little to see, at the bottom, you can go up to see the Women's gallery.
In the basement, immediately on the right upon entering, there is the treasure room, where above all you can follow a short documentary which explains the whole history of this very interesting place. Do it first to better understand the rest.
Finally, in the center, the main one, the Synagogue itself, where there is a particular pleasant smell.
The ticket also allows you to visit the Jewish museum, right next door, in the following month.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fabianos628
Oct 14, 2023
Regular - The tour consists of a visit to the historic Synagogue and the museum that contains the history of the Semitic religion. Plenty of information for those who like audio guides.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jcook92
Sep 17, 2023
Quick look - included with Jewish Museum - We walked across the street after the Jewish Museum. The synagogue was under construction so we could only walk in the back and leave. It looked beautiful and they are doing a lot of work.
The most interesting part was the basement where you see the tapestries, silver, and torah for the Synagogue. There is also a very informative video about the Synagogue, it's history, and role in daily life.
You have to wear a yarmulke
I didn't see a bathroom
no food
no gift shop
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
