Visit the Smallest, Cutest House in Amsterdam

The Experience at the House

Squeezed tightly between two other canal houses, the smallest house in Amsterdam's most defining feature is its typical Amsterdam bell-gable. The street too is so narrow and unusual that it is quite possible you could miss the house while strolling along Oude Hoogstraat. Once inside the house, which is barely wider than the front door, you will find yourself wondering where the furniture and more importantly the occupants would fit. How did they go about their daily affairs in the space of few metres? The house does give much food for thought. It has just one small room on each floor, which throws a lot of light on how high the value of land must have been at the time of its construction. What is more, it enjoys a water facing location, which must have come at a premium.

The house's quirky proportions can be explained by a building tax which correlated with the width of the house's facade. The clever owner circumvented these prohibitive taxes by constructing an entire house across several floors, yet with a tiny facade and narrow width. A crafty lesson indeed for students of architecture and urban design.
The owners today are kind and friendly people who enjoy recounting the history of the house to anyone who is genuinely interested. Look out for the old paintings, photographs and etchings that all trace the heritage of the house, which is first mentioned in official documents in the year 1738.
Amsterdam's canal side is known for its tightly-packed, narrow structures but this particular house pushes the limit. While here, do not forget to take a look at the plaque of the house, with picture. Since the house was built at a time when most people could not read, it was the plaque with picture that helped identify the house owner and his family's profession.

Shopping at the Smallest House

Once a privately inhabited house that was closed to visitors, the Smallest House today is used as a pleasant tea shop and ceramics store, selling refreshing Assam and Darjeeling teas, as well as exotic variants such as nettle, hibiscus and Marrakesh mint.
Be sure to check out the extensive selection of nougats, liqueurs, fudges, honeys and chocolates on offer - all excellent gifts to take back home.

Getting Around

Within walking distance of the East India Company and the gate to the Walloon Church, the house is also close to the Red Light District. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday, until 6:00 p.m. (Monday on request), so plan accordingly. The house can be easily accessed by subway lines 51, 53 and 54. The stop is Nieuwe Hoogstraat.
While enjoying a cruise along the Amstel River, you may just spot the house, but due to its compact proportions, you will need to ask your guide or boatman in advance to point it out to you if it is not already mentioned in the audio guide. Alternatively, you could take a walking tour with a local guide who likely have funny and interesting anecdotes about the history of the house.
Be sure to visit the Smallest House in Amsterdam, which awaits at Oude Hoogstraat 22 - certainly one of the more curious things to see in Amsterdam.

Planning your trip to Amsterdam? Check out our best city center hotels in Amsterdam.

Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!