Amsterdam's Hofjes—The Historic Almshouses

Throughout Amsterdam, but most notably along the main ring of canals and in the Jordaan neighborhood, are numerous hofjes, or small courtyards surrounded by almshouses, within which are some of the city's most charming residences. Most of these hofjes date back to the 18th century when the city's flourishing merchants established hospices for the elderly. Today's hofje residents like their peace and quiet, though, and often lock their entrances to keep out visitors, but some are open to the public.

The Begijnhof is the oldest and by far the most famous hofje, but there are a few others to search out as well.

The Sint Andrieshofje, at Egelantiersgracht 105–141, was founded in 1614. It is the oldest courtyard almshouse in the Jordaan and famous for its Delftware entry. The Claes Claeszhofje, at Egelantiersdwarsstraat 1–5, is actually two combined: the Zwaardvegershofje (Sword Makers' Hofje) and a three-house hofje, founded in 1616 by the Anabaptist draper Claes Claesz Anslo (note his coat of arms atop one entry). Today's tenants include artists and music students. Don't miss the Huis met de Schrijvende Hand (House with the Writing Hand), at Egelantiersstraat 52, topped by a six-step gable. The Zevenkeurvorstenhofje (Seven Electors Court) was founded around 1645, although the houses standing today are from the 18th century; it's at Tuinstraat 197–223. Also in Jordaan is the Karthuizerhof, at Karthuizersstraat 89–171, which was founded in 1650 and has a courtyard with two 17th-century pumps.

For a moment of peace and quiet, visit the Suykerhoff-hofje, at Lindengracht 149–163 and take in its abundantly green courtyard. These houses opened their doors in 1670 to Protestant "daughters and widows" (as long as they behaved and exhibited "a peace-loving humor") and provided each of them with free rent, 20 tons of turf, 10 pounds of rice, a vat of butter, and some spending money each year.

On the Prinsengracht, in the Western Canal Ring, between the Prinsenstraat and the Brouwersgracht, are two hofjes very close to one another. The Van Brienenhofje (Prinsengracht 85-133 Weekdays 6–6, Sat. 6–2) and the Zon’s Hofje (Prinsengracht 159-171 Weekdays 10–5) both have plaques telling their stories.