Portuguese Synagogue

The Basics

The Portuguese Synagogue is located in a complex that also houses a number of other buildings, including the rabbinate, a mortuary, and the Ets Haim (Tree of Life) library, which is home to a valuable collection of Sephardic Jewish manuscripts. Still in use by the Jewish community in Amsterdam, it also attracts swaths of visitors who come to marvel at its ancient architecture and beguiling interior.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Portuguese Synagogue is a must-visit for those interested in history, architecture, or Judea.

• Remember to dress conservatively, out of respect for religious traditions.

• Hours vary so check with the synagogue, especially if your visit coincides with major Jewish holidays.

How to Get There

The Portuguese Synagogue is located at Mr. Visserplein 3, right across from the Botanical Garden. It can be reached via tram line 9 or 14, or via the 51, 53, or 54 metro line to the Waterlooplein stop. It's about a 20-minute walk or 5-minute metro ride from the Centraal railway station.

When to Get There

Opening times for the Portuguese Synagogue vary throughout the year, and the synagogue is closed on Saturdays for Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and for special events. Services are held on Shabbat evenings and mornings, again on Sunday mornings, and on holidays, but they aren't open to non-Jews, and Jewish visitors need to register ahead of time and bring ID.

The History of Jews in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has had a large Jewish population due to a mass migration that took place from the late 15th century through the 16th century after the Spanish and Portuguese inquisitions, including crypto-Jews, or Marranos, who had been forcibly converted to Catholicism but secretly continued to practice Judaism. Community members fled persecution in Spain and Portugal in search of a more accepting and tolerant society, migrating to far-off places such as Brazil as well as closer destinations, such as Amsterdam.

Ways to explore

You can buy combo tickets that grant you access to the Portuguese Synagogue and the three other attractions that comprise Amsterdam’s Jewish Cultural Quarter (Hollandsche Schouwburg, the National Holocaust Museum, and the Jewish Museum). If you reserve online, you can select a time slot that saves you waiting on the day. It’s also possible to book a tour of the synagogue.

The Portuguese Synagogue is featured on a number of Amsterdam tours that focus on Jewish history, and is often combined with a stop outside the Anne Frank House. (To see the interior of the house, tickets must be purchased through the museum.)

Accessibility

Step-free entrances and elevators in every building ensure the Portuguese Synagogue is fully accessible; wheelchairs are also available to borrow.

Age limits

Tickets combine the Jewish Museum and Portuguese Synagogue, recommended for kids 10 and up.

What to pack

All men entering the synagogue must wear a skullcap; you can bring your own or borrow a kippah at the entrance.

What to wear

The synagogue is an active place of worship, so dress modestly out of respect for local worshippers.

Not allowed

Food and drink inside the synagogue, professional photography equipment

Amenities

Coat check, café, restrooms, guided tours

Address

The Portuguese Synagogue is located at Mr. Visserplein 3, right across from the Botanical Garden. It’s part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter.

Driving

Exit Amsterdam Central Station toward Prins Hendrikkade. Turn right onto Prins Hendrikkade. Continue straight along Prins Hendrikkade for a few minutes, then turn right onto Mr. Visserplein. The Portuguese Synagogue will be on your right.

Public transportation

You can reach the synagogue via tram line 9 or 14, or via the 51, 53, or 54 metro line to the Waterlooplein stop. It's about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute metro ride from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

Best times to visit

Visit in the late afternoon on a sunny day to see the building illuminated by golden light, or go when it’s open after dark to see it lit up by candles.

Best days to visit

The Portuguese Synagogue closes on Saturdays, but is open from Sunday through Friday. Be sure to check the website for holiday closures.

Best months to visit

Check the online schedule during months with lots of Jewish holidays (especially in the fall), as the synagogue might not be open to non-worshippers.

Special events

The synagogue sometimes hosts candlelight concert events to celebrate anniversaries and Jewish holidays; you can buy your tickets on the website.