The New Church

This was a unique find. We wanted to go in the church so we paid money and found our selves walking up a cool internal part of the church then we found our selves on scaffolding outside the church. There are lots of stairs and you get right up close to all the parts of the church you would never be able to see. The sun dial is way cool but the view on top give you a great view of Amsterdam. We did not pay to see the museum inside the church since it was more modern.

Thank you to the wonderful stuff of Nieuwe Kerk for accommodating my torn ACL and letting me take the workman's elevator to the top of the Church. First time is 750 years they have let peasants like me go to the top! If there is anyway you can make it over to Amsterdam make sure to come here to experience this incredible view. You will be very happy you did!

Amsterdam’s New Church may be newer than the Old one, but it’s still over 600 years old. I haven’t been inside yet, so I can’t say what it’s like - but outside, to mark Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary (and thanks to the restoration of the central tower), they’ve opened access to the roof. The viewing platform, right in the heart of the city, is absolutely worth conquering your fear of heights - and parting with €15. Entry is free with a Museumkaart. You need to book a time slot in advance.

Till 2th of november 2025 you can go on the roof of the church, from there you have a great view on the city, enjoy, you have ro take the stairs, a lift is available but only on request and aheas

We did the roof of Amsterdam tour. If you have not make sure you do. Great view from above. Bags need to be kept in free lockers.

The church is a symbol of Amsterdam’s rising power and spatial expansion in the late Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a national ceremonial site as well as a cultural venue for major exhibitions and concerts. Construction began in 1408, and the church was consecrated in 1409. It suffered from major fires in 1421, 1452, and 1645, after which it was repeatedly rebuilt. The current structure reflects a blend of Late Gothic and Neo-Gothic elements, with a major renovation carried out between 1892 and 1914. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it was converted to Protestant use in 1578. Since the inauguration of King William I in 1814, it has been the site of royal coronations and state weddings, including the 2013 inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. The church is is also the final resting place of several prominent Dutch figures. Among them are the celebrated poet Joost van den Vondel and the famed 17th-century naval admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter. The church also houses the Netherlands’ largest pipe organ, a richly carved pulpit, and a brass choir screen.

I visited Amsterdam’s New Church hoping to soak in some history, but instead got a masterclass in confusion. The World Press Photo 2025 exhibition had taken over most of the space, so the historic interiors were mostly hidden behind partitions—an unfortunate choice, in my opinion, for such a landmark. The entrance added insult to injury. Signs directed us to Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, but the actual entrance is on Mozes en Aäronstraat. To make things more entertaining (if frustrating counts as entertainment), the organizers had a sign saying visitors must pay—yet I was informed at the counter that I Amsterdam City Card holders can visit the main floor for free, and only the rooftop, run by a separate company, requires payment. Clear as mud. All told, I spent 15 minutes here. If you’re coming for the church itself, plan on patience—and maybe a bit of luck. Worth it? Not quite.

The church is nice but at the front desk it seemed I had to buy a combined ticket with the World Press Photo 2025 exhibition which occupied much of the ground floor. This exhibition was so political! I only wanted to see the historic church. The exhibition also spoiled the view of the interior of the church.