During Open Monumentendag (European Heritage Days) on 12 and 13 September 2026, hundreds of monuments across Amsterdam open their doors free of charge – including dozens of canal houses, hidden courtyards and historic interiors that are closed to the public the other 363 days of the year.

Behind the facades of the canal district

For lovers of the UNESCO canal district, this is the weekend of the year. Monumental canal houses on the Herengracht and Keizersgracht show their grand salons, painted ceilings and secret gardens. Beyond the canals, think windmills, churches, shipyards, courtyards (hofjes) and even normally off-limits industrial heritage.

How to plan your weekend

• The full list of open monuments is published in early September – plan a route, because you won’t manage everything
• Popular canal houses draw queues – go early or pick lesser-known gems
• Many monuments offer guided tours, exhibitions or live music
• Combine with a themed walk: the hofjes of the Jordaan are a classic route

Practical information

• Dates: 12-13 September 2026
• Costs: free
• Programme: via openmonumentendag.nl

See the canal houses from a different angle too: a canal cruise shows you the same facades the way they were meant to be seen – from the water.