The Westerkerk at a glance
The Westerkerk is a church in the centre of Amsterdam, with its entrance at Prinsengracht 279. The Anne Frank House is at number 263 on the same canal, and the museum entrance is on the Westermarkt, so the church is easy to combine with a visit to the house. Its tower, the Westertoren, is a landmark that you can see from far down the canals.
The tower is closed. At the moment you cannot climb the Westertoren, and there is no reopening date. The church itself is open to visitors and free. This page explains what you can see and hear, when the doors are open and how to get a good view of the tower from outside. If you want a guided walk in the area, see the page on Jewish Amsterdam walking tours.
Our pick: a walk from the Westermarkt
Our take: this walk starts at the monument beside the church.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours and cruises around the Westerkerk
Walking tours and canal cruises in the area around the Westerkerk and the Prinsengracht. None of them includes entry to the Anne Frank House or a tower climb.
The closed tower
What is known and what to do instead.
No climbing for now
The tower is closed for a restoration that is expected to last for the coming years. There is no date for reopening. The City of Amsterdam owns the tower. A climb is not part of any visit at present, and nobody can sell you a valid tower ticket.
No tower tickets
The climb is not available, so no prices or times apply. Plan your visit around the church, the carillon and the view from outside.
Where to see the tower
The tower rises behind the museum wing of the Anne Frank House and shows over the roofs from the canal. In the evening it stands above the Prinsengracht. A canal cruise gives you another view of the area, see the page on Amsterdam canal cruises.
Visiting the church
Entry, hours and access.
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free. Donations are possible. |
| Entrance | Prinsengracht 279. The entrance is wheelchair accessible. |
| Usual hours | Monday to Friday 11:00–15:00. In July and August the church may also open on Saturday at the same hours. |
| Closed days | New Year's Day, King's Day (Koningsdag), Ascension Day, Whit Monday and the second day of Christmas. |
| Other closures | The church can close for services and events. Check the current calendar before you go. |
| Guided visits | By arrangement in advance. Guides without an appointment and permission are not allowed inside. |
Treat the church as a place of worship. Keep your voice low and ask before you take photos during a service. Plan your visit separately from the Anne Frank House. The museum has its own timed tickets, see Anne Frank House tickets.
Rembrandt and the Westerkerk
A memorial, not a grave you can find.
The painter Rembrandt van Rijn was buried at the Westerkerk on 8 October 1669. The exact place of his grave is unknown. A memorial plaque in the north aisle remembers him. Do not expect a marked grave slab. The plaque is the thing to look for.
The carillon
Heard around the tower.
On Tuesdays from 12:00 to 13:00 the regular carillon concert sounds around the tower. You do not need to enter the tower to hear it, so you can listen from the street or the Westermarkt. The organisers can make exceptions, so do not plan a whole day around it.
The Homomonument
At the foot of the church.
The Homomonument stands at the foot of the Westerkerk, on the Westermarkt. It has been there since 1987. It is a quiet memorial and a good place to pause. For more ideas on foot, see things to do near the Anne Frank House.
A short plan around the church
Four stops that fit into one morning or afternoon.
1. The church
Go in on a weekday between 11:00 and 15:00. Look for the memorial plaque for Rembrandt in the north aisle. The entrance at Prinsengracht 279 has step-free access.
2. The Homomonument
Stop outside on the Westermarkt for a short pause. It stands at the foot of the church.
3. The carillon
If you are here on a Tuesday, arrive before 12:00 to hear the concert around the tower. It lasts until 13:00.
4. The museum slot
The Anne Frank House is on the same canal. Keep your timed ticket in mind and leave time for the walk to the entrance on the Westermarkt.
Plan the rest of your visit
Pages that fit around the church.
Westerkerk: frequently asked questions
Can I climb the Westerkerk tower?
No. The Westertoren cannot be climbed at present because of a restoration. There is no reopening date. Do not buy a tower ticket from anyone.
Is it free to visit the Westerkerk?
Yes. The church is free to enter and donations are possible. The entrance is at Prinsengracht 279 and is wheelchair accessible.
What are the opening hours of the Westerkerk?
Usually Monday to Friday from 11:00 to 15:00. In July and August Saturday may be open too. The church closes on some public holidays and for events, so check before you go.
Where is Rembrandt buried?
Rembrandt was buried at the Westerkerk on 8 October 1669. The exact grave is not known. A memorial plaque in the north aisle remembers him.
When can I hear the carillon?
The regular concert is on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 13:00 and can be heard around the tower. Exceptions are possible.
Is this the official site of the Westerkerk?
No. This is an independent guide to the area around the Anne Frank House. For the church's own notices, ask at the church.