Candlelit Dinner & Ghost Walk in a Historic City

It perfectly pairs the enchanting, medieval candlelit atmosphere of a 15th-century city gate with the chilling history of Amsterdam's oldest, most haunted streets just steps outside.

Overview

Combine a spine-chilling exploration of Amsterdam’s darkest medieval history with an intimate, romantic dinner. You will begin your evening inside a 15th-century former city gate lit by hundreds of real candles, before stepping out into the shadows of the old city center to trace the steps of restless spirits, ancient executioners, and infamous urban legends.

Step-by-step Plan

18:00 - 20:15 | Dinner at In de Waag: Head to Nieuwmarkt and step inside the historic St. Anthonis gate, built in the 1400s. Enjoy an atmospheric meal under the warm glow of 300 real candles.
20:15 - 20:30 | Walk to the Meeting Point: Take a short walk from Nieuwmarkt to Dam Square or Oude Kerk (depending on your chosen tour guide) as twilight settles over the canals.
20:30 - 22:30 | The Ghost Walk: Join an experienced storyteller for a guided walking tour (or use a self-guided app like Questo) through eerie alleyways, including Spooksteeg (Ghost Alley), Zeedijk, and Bloedstraat (Blood Street). Hear tales of the city's grim past, plague outbreaks, and legendary spirits.

Reservations & Hours

In de Waag: Open daily from 11:00 AM; the kitchen serves an all-day menu from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Dinner reservations are highly recommended, especially for evening tables.
Amsterdam Ghost Walk: Guided tours typically run on weekend evenings or select weekdays starting around 8:30 PM. Booking in advance via local operators is essential. Self-guided apps can be played anytime.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
A warm layer or waterproof jacket (Dutch evenings can get chilly and damp).
A fully charged smartphone (essential if doing a self-guided GPS tour).

Budget

Dinner at In de Waag: €45 – €75 per person (depending on drinks and courses).
Ghost Walk: €20 – €30 per person for a guided tour; ~€10 for a self-guided app experience.
Total estimated budget: €65 – €105 per person.

Tips & Accessibility

Accessibility: The historic streets of Amsterdam's old center feature narrow, uneven cobblestone pavements and steep canal bridges which can be challenging for those with limited mobility. In de Waag has ground-floor accessibility.
Atmosphere: Dress warmly; standing still during tour storytelling stops can get cold quickly.

Backup Plan

If rain pours down, skip the outdoor walking tour and head to the Amsterdam Dungeon instead for an indoor, theatrical journey through the city’s dark history, or grab a cozy drink at a historic brown café nearby to escape the weather.