St. Nicholas Basilica
St. Nicholas Basilica
4.5
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Monday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centrum
Amsterdam’s buzzing hub, with its sprawling network of tram rails and a seemingly constant flow of tourists and commuters, yields convenient access to some of the best sightseeing, shopping, and street life in Europe. Closest at hand are the Royal Palace, the quaint shops of Haalremmerdijk, the pedestrianized zones Kalverstraat and Dam Square with popular neighborhoods such as the Red Light District, and the Canal Ring hardly more than a moment’s stroll away. With the well-connected Centraal Station as Centrum’s base, it's easy to travel farther afield via one of the city’s iconic trams.
How to get there
- Centraal Station • 2 min walk
- Amsterdam Centraal • 4 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
5,168 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,084 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
522 reviews
Excellent
240
Very good
225
Average
55
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Ian S
Wigan147 contributions
Aug 2023
On Friday 11th August, 2023, we visited Amsterdam at the end of our Rhine Cruise.
Walking around the city we came across St. Nicholas Basilica near Centraal Station. The church seemed quite dark inside however there was lovely stained glass, many pieces of art and ornaments to admire. It is of Baroque and Renaissance Revival style. Outside was a majestic dome and towers. Admission was free. It was well worth a visit.
Walking around the city we came across St. Nicholas Basilica near Centraal Station. The church seemed quite dark inside however there was lovely stained glass, many pieces of art and ornaments to admire. It is of Baroque and Renaissance Revival style. Outside was a majestic dome and towers. Admission was free. It was well worth a visit.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephani K
Lombardy, Italy12 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
The church, situated near the canal and also the central railway station is beautiful. the surroundings is good as there is a nearby hotel and also a street leading to many restaurants. When I spotted the church, I came to know that the opening time is past 12 and closing around 15:30.
The next day, I walked back to the church to find out the the church opens at 12:30. I sat by the near benches. When the church opened, bunch of tourist groups entered with me. Then, there was the twist. I am not claiming that the Basilica was not nice, it was truly a testament of years of architecture and history. The inside of the church is very calming but there is a twist as I mentioned above.
The Church has many restrictions such as No food or drinks... But the striking part is tat no pictures are allowed, not even without the flash.
Overall, the time I waited outside was all worth it, this review is not meant to offend the beauty and the elaborate design of the interior of the church but to inform any reader, visitor to Amsterdam that the church opens in an unusual time.
Enjoy your stay in the Netherlands!
The next day, I walked back to the church to find out the the church opens at 12:30. I sat by the near benches. When the church opened, bunch of tourist groups entered with me. Then, there was the twist. I am not claiming that the Basilica was not nice, it was truly a testament of years of architecture and history. The inside of the church is very calming but there is a twist as I mentioned above.
The Church has many restrictions such as No food or drinks... But the striking part is tat no pictures are allowed, not even without the flash.
Overall, the time I waited outside was all worth it, this review is not meant to offend the beauty and the elaborate design of the interior of the church but to inform any reader, visitor to Amsterdam that the church opens in an unusual time.
Enjoy your stay in the Netherlands!
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elias Saad
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates2,003 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
located in the Old Centre district of Amsterdam, Netherlands, very close to Amsterdam's main railway station.
St, Nicholas is the patron saint of both the church and the city of Amsterdam.
The basilica is the city's primary Roman Catholic church.
A popular spot in Amsterdam , It was built between 1884 and 1887 and is known for its beautiful neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque style architecture.
It is one of the most famous buildings of the Amsterdam skyline.
Highly recommended and a must visit while in Amsterdam
St, Nicholas is the patron saint of both the church and the city of Amsterdam.
The basilica is the city's primary Roman Catholic church.
A popular spot in Amsterdam , It was built between 1884 and 1887 and is known for its beautiful neo-Renaissance and neo-Baroque style architecture.
It is one of the most famous buildings of the Amsterdam skyline.
Highly recommended and a must visit while in Amsterdam
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne
Lake Mary, FL2,112 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Its a beautiful place and right next to the central train station. Its easy to walk right past without realizing what it is, I only stopped because the doors were open and a lot of people were coming out. It is small inside, but beautiful. Best is that it is free to enter. Worth a visit if you want to sit down in a serene place that is really surrounded by hectic tourist places.
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joemY3087XB
99 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This was across the water from our hotel and after seeing lit up at night, we had to visit. Inside was beautiful, high ceilings, tile work was fantastic and the decor was amazing. They do not make them like this anymore. Definitely worth the time to stop in and a take a quick look.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisajlb
Westhoughton, UK1,473 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This is a lovely Basilica. Not that old really due to the reformation. Very nice inside, and once you know the story of the old church and visit the hidden church, this brings you full circle. Get the a4 card to find our key things to look for once inside
Written May 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parrotthead1
Fort Worth, TX151 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Beautiful paintings and statues. Very quiet and I crowded when I was there. Go in the morning for the best sunlight coming through the stained glass windows.
Very small gift shop - could benefit from a larger selection.
Lit candles for my family and friends.
Right across from the central train station.
Very small gift shop - could benefit from a larger selection.
Lit candles for my family and friends.
Right across from the central train station.
Written March 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen W
Murfreesboro, TN2,065 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Spectacular church that we were so happy to see! The architecture and stained glass was just stunning. This was definitely a quiet spot for a weary soul.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,625 contributions
Sep 2018 • Friends
This is Amsterdam’s leading Roman Catholic church. I especially liked the very impressive altar area and the domed area above it. It is not an overpowering beauty. The overall colour scheme is excellent. The murals are magnificent.
Written September 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denizov
Ruse, Bulgaria50 contributions
Jul 2012 • Friends
Situated very close to the Central Railway Station and the Passenger Ships terminal, this beautiful church is a haven of peace and quiet in hustle and bustle of central Amsterdam where one can relax. Stained glass windows and wall paintings are worth looking at. Interestingly, there is no entrance fee. Because of this, I supposed that it is a Roman Catholic church, which turned out to be true. In nearby Oude Kirk ( Old Church) which is a Protestant one, there is an entrance fee.
Although I am a Protestant Christian myself, I can never understand why Protestant churches require an entrance fee unlike Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox ones. This can only turn people against Protestanism in general. After all, these countries are among the richest in the world and I suppose that there would be no problem to open them to all, as indeed it should be the case with all churches worldwide!
Although I am a Protestant Christian myself, I can never understand why Protestant churches require an entrance fee unlike Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox ones. This can only turn people against Protestanism in general. After all, these countries are among the richest in the world and I suppose that there would be no problem to open them to all, as indeed it should be the case with all churches worldwide!
Written August 7, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what time is christmas mass in the basilica of saint nicholas church this December?
Written July 25, 2024
It was completed in 1887, so less than 150 years old. It was built on the footprint of an earlier church. Still worth a visit!
Written October 3, 2023
Hi, do I need to buy tickets to visit the Basilica of San Nicola di Bari please? Also what time can one visit? What time are holy mass times for Saturday evening and Sunday evening. Thank you
Written May 31, 2022
Schedule of Mass in this church
Written February 4, 2020
Hello, have a look on the link below for mass schedules:
nicolaas-parochie.nl/nicolaas/vieringen/
Written February 5, 2020
What is your Christmas Eve and Day mass schedule? We will be in Amsterdam at that time. Thanks, Ed Adlum
Written October 17, 2019
Its always best to go to the source. With the Internet nowadays nearly everything has a website and all pertinent info should be there. Have a great time.
Written October 18, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 20
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingScroll back to St. Nicholas Basilica information