Amsterdam scavenger hunt
Two routes full of riddles and codes at real places: the family route around the Grachtengordel, or the De Wallen route for adults through the oldest quarter in the city. Prefer no puzzles? Then explore the same route as a self-guided walking tour.
A day out in Amsterdam, turned into a puzzle
Amsterdam has one of the finest historic centres in Europe: a web of canals lined with narrow merchant houses, churches and squares, all within walking distance. Which is exactly what makes it a perfect playground for a scavenger hunt. Instead of walking past the famous places, you start really looking at them — because every stop comes with a puzzle about what is right in front of you.
The Secret Code of the Grachtengordel is the family route: sixteen stops, from Amsterdam Centraal via the Waag (the old weigh house) on the Nieuwmarkt, the Munttoren (the Mint Tower), the tucked-away Begijnhof and the Westerkerk to the finale on the Dam. Along the way you count towers, decipher dates and search your way around the Grachtengordel — Amsterdam's canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site — with bonus stops such as NEMO, Het Scheepvaartmuseum (the National Maritime Museum) and the Magere Brug for anyone who wants more.
The Code of De Wallen is the one for grown-ups: eight stops through the oldest quarter in the city, from the Oude Kerk via the Zeedijk, the Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt's own house) and the Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski (a famous Amsterdam cinema) to the finale at the Albert Cuypmarkt — about ships and sailors, tolerance, and the stories that make this neighbourhood unlike anywhere else.
Good to know: you play straight in your browser, at your own pace, with no guide and no fixed start time — ideal for a day out, a date, or when you have visitors in town.
Prefer to just look around? Both routes can also be walked in explore mode — no questions, with the story, the background and the sources at every stop. That makes it a free self-guided walking tour through Amsterdam.
- 2 routesfamily & adults
- 1.5–2 hours3 to 4 km, your own pace
- Freeduring the launch
- In the browsernothing to download
What you'll see along the way
The Dam
The best-known square in the country, with the Koninklijk Paleis (the Royal Palace, originally built as a city hall) and the Nationaal Monument: the finale of the family route.
The Begijnhof
A hidden courtyard behind an unremarkable gate, home to one of the oldest wooden houses in the city.
The Westerkerk
The tower on the Prinsengracht with the blue imperial crown on top — the highest point of the Grachtengordel.
The Oude Kerk & De Wallen
On the adults' route: the oldest building in Amsterdam, the Zeedijk and the Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski.
Frequently asked questions about the Amsterdam hunt
Can I walk the Amsterdam route without the puzzles?
Yes. Alongside the scavenger hunt with puzzles you can explore the Amsterdam route freely: you walk the same route without questions and read the story, the background and the sources at every stop. That makes it a free self-guided walking tour through Amsterdam, at your own pace and with no account.
Which scavenger hunts are there in Amsterdam?
There are two routes. The Secret Code of the Grachtengordel is the family route: 16 stops from Amsterdam Centraal via the Waag, the Begijnhof and the Westerkerk to the finale on the Dam, with three bonus stops. The Code of De Wallen is a route for adults through the oldest quarter in the city, from the Oude Kerk via the Rembrandthuis and the Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski to the Albert Cuypmarkt.
Where does the Amsterdam scavenger hunt start?
You pick your route in the app, and the starting point is right there. The family route begins at Amsterdam Centraal, the De Wallen route at the Oude Kerk. There is no fixed start time: you set off whenever it suits you.
How long does the Amsterdam scavenger hunt take?
Allow around one and a half to two hours of walking per route, three to four kilometres, at your own pace. You can always pause along a canal or at a café terrace.
Is the Amsterdam scavenger hunt suitable for children?
The Grachtengordel route is made for families: child-friendly questions along the Dam, the Begijnhof and the Westerkerk, with bonus stops such as NEMO. The De Wallen route covers the history of the oldest quarter in the city and is intended for adults.
What does the Amsterdam scavenger hunt cost?
Both hunts are free during the launch. Afterwards you can leave a small voluntary donation if you enjoyed it.
Ready to crack Amsterdam?
Pick your route, head out and open the treasure chest. Today, completely free.
Start in Amsterdam →