Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder)

The Basics

Explore the house’s ornately furnished rooms and its rich collection of religious paintings and artifacts before climbing the stairs to the museum's literal highpoint in the attic:xa0 a whole Catholic church dating from 1663 during a time when Catholic masses were officially forbidden, though Protestant governors in the city turned a blind eye, as long as churches were unrecognizable from the outside.

Travelers have many options to explore the museum as part of half- or full-day sightseeing tours that travel by hop-on hop-off double-decker bus, by bike, on foot, or via hop-on hop-off canal cruise. Specialized tours may incorporate a beer cruise, a meal, or a drink at a local bar. Trace eight centuries of Dutch history and cultural traditions on tours that include the Damrak can include other top attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Rembrandt House Museum, Anne Frank House, Dam Square, and the Red Light District.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families with children.
• A variety of amenities may be included on tours, such as round-trip hotel transport, some meals and drinks, and admission fees. Check specific tours for details.
• Double-decker buses are able to accommodate wheelchairs, however the museum is not.
• Admission for adults is about US$11; children over 5, about US$5, and children under 4 are free.
• Guided tours are available in Dutch, English, German, and French.

How to Get There

The Our Lord in the Attic Museum is located on Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in the heart of Amsterdam. The city’s famous Dam Square is a couple of blocks away; Amsterdam Centraal Station is about a five-minute walk.

When to Get There

The museum (including the church) is open, Monday through Saturday, 10am–5pm and Sundays and public holidays, 1pm–5pm. Every first Sunday from October to April, Catholic mass is held at 10:45pm. For fewer tourists and lovely mild temperatures, visit Amsterdam is between April and May or September and November, right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season.

Explore the City on a Cruise or Bike

For a more in-depth yet relaxed Amsterdam experience, take a one-hour canal cruise. Drift along picturesque canals, past classic houseboats, gabled merchant houses built in the 17th century, and charming stone bridges before reaching the old harbor. Travelers should also explore the small neighborhoods as the locals do, by bike or by local ferry.