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Photo: Massimo Catarinella, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The most prominent synagogue of the city centre, the Esnoga dates back from 1675 and is built in an austere Classicist style. In 1492, Spain expelled its Jewish population as part of the Inquisition, and many fled to Portugal. One hundred years later, their descendants migrated to Amsterdam for its religious freedom. This happened at a time when the Dutch provinces were fighting for independence against Spain. As to avoid being related to the enemy, these Jewish refugees originally from Spain began to refer to themselves as "Portuguese Jews". In the early 16th century, the three Jewish communities that existed at the time merged to form the Portuguese Jewish Community of Amsterdam, which still exists today. They were joined by Ashkenazi Jews that arrived from Central and Eastern Europe in the 17th century, together forming the largest Jewish community in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Shabbat services are held regularly.
The Portuguese Synagogue, also known as the Esnoga, or Snoge, is an Orthodox Jewish congregation and synagogue, located at Mr. Visserplein 3 in Central Amsterdam, Amsterdam, in the North Holland region of The Netherlands. The synagogue was completed in 1675. Esnoga is the word for synagogue in the traditional Judaeo-Spanish language of Sephardi Jews.
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Joods Historisch Museum
Jewish Historical Museum. History of the Jewish people, culture and religion.
A guided tour is given that's all about the diamond production process and the history of diamond trade in Amsterdam. Diamonds have been traded in Amsterdam for longer than 425 years, and the city used to be known as the "City of Diamonds". Tours are given in 27 languages. Of course you can also buy Gassan diamonds here, but you don't have to.
Het Muziektheater
Opera, dance, ballet and other performances. Holds a free lunch concert on Tuesdays.
This is where the artist Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn and his wife, Saskia, lived between 1639 and 1658. The house is a reconstruction of the painter’s life at that time and provides interesting insight. You will be able to see 260 of his 290 etchings, find out about how they were created, see where he worked and explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating building.
Built in 1603-1611. Located on Zuiderkerkhof ("Southern Graveyard"). Now an information centre on housing and planning. You can visit the tower from April to September Monday to Saturday (with guide only) every half-hour, cost €6. Also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 15 people) cost €70 per hr. E-mail for more information.
Opened for over twenty years, the Hash Museum is dedicated to debunking the lies and demonization about one of our most useful plants, the hemp plant. Although small, busy and seriously overpriced, it is a well-done museum where people go to get informed.