Highlights of Jordaan Amsterdam: The Cursed Houses
Learn about the turbulent history of this working-class area, known for generations as Amsterdam's slum. Uncover local music and the neighborhood's dark side by exploring changes wrought from the terrible war. You will even visit the hideouts of those desperate to survive.
Staying a few days in Amsterdam? All 6 Amsterdam quests for €39.99 — pays for itself by quest #5. See the Exploration Pass →
Places you will visit
11
It will take you
91-121 mins
You will walk
3940 steps
Total distance
3 km
Highlights
Visit secret courtyards of the Jordaan
See the Anne Frank House, where Anne and her family hid for over 2 years
Learn about the once filthy canals
Explore the neighborhood's narrow streets and beautiful canals
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Jordaan District
Westerstraat
Noordermarkt
Anne Frank House
The mission: Your story in Amsterdam
The address on each one is Anieliersgracht 56, Amsterdam, and each one is signed, 'MJ.'
Intrigued, you send a postcard to the address asking for more information. Two weeks later, it returns marked, 'RETURN TO SENDER.'
Jordaan neighborhood context
From a working-class district to a protected city landscape
The Jordaan developed during Amsterdam’s 17th-century expansion as a dense district for workers and immigrants. Later clearance, preservation and gentrification changed its population and streets, while courtyards and narrow houses preserve parts of its earlier fabric. The cursed-house narrative is fictional; the neighborhood’s social history is the real layer beneath the route.
Good to know before you play
- Best during the day
- Best for couples
- Recommended activity for families
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
157 ratings
alebovo
Minh Hang Truong
Claire Haslam
Nóra
Marie Necker
Beat the best: Top Amsterdam explorers
Stephan is a real Dutchie, he was born in Delft (the city of Vermeer), grown up in Gouda (the cheese city), studied in Leiden (city of Rembrandt) and lived in Rotterdam (the harbour city) before moving to our capital Amsterdam in 2006. After a career in technology, he decided to leave behind the corporate world to start guiding visitors of Amsterdam and started his own private tour agency, Amsterdam Experiences. As a guide, Stephan loves to show his virtual guests the hidden gems of Amsterdam through the eyes of a local.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Highlights of Jordaan Amsterdam: The Cursed Houses self-guided?
Where does Highlights of Jordaan Amsterdam: The Cursed Houses start and finish?
How many accesses does our group need?
What language is Highlights of Jordaan Amsterdam: The Cursed Houses available in?
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
