Cursed Houses of Jordaan: Self-Guided Mystery Walk in Amsterdam

If you’re on the hunt for something a little different during your trip to Amsterdam, the Cursed Houses of Jordaan offers a fun and interactive way to see the neighborhood. Based on reviews and available details, this experience is a self-guided mystery walk that guides you through the charming streets of Jordaan, combining storytelling, puzzle-solving, and sightseeing—all accessible via your phone.

What we particularly like about this tour is its affordable price point of just under $9, making it a budget-friendly option for curious travelers. Plus, it offers a flexible pace, letting you explore at your own speed without a guide, which is great for those who like to set their own rhythm. On the flip side, some users have found the challenges too easy and the app somewhat unreliable, so it might not satisfy those looking for a high-stakes puzzle experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor exploration, light storytelling, and casual sightseeing without the need for a guided group. If you’re visiting with friends or a partner and love uncovering hidden corners of a city on your own terms, this might be a perfect fit. However, if you’re after a deeply challenging or professionally guided adventure, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Self-guided experience offers flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Affordable price makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Storytelling and puzzles are designed to be engaging but may be straightforward.
• Includes iconic sights like Anne Frank House and lesser-known spots.
• Requires a smartphone and some familiarity with app-based navigation.
• Some reviews mention app glitches, so patience may be needed.

What Is the Cursed Houses of Jordaan Tour?

This is a self-guided mystery walk that takes you through the charming Jordaan neighborhood, famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively markets. Instead of a traditional tour with a guide, you receive a mobile game on your phone that leads you to different spots, challenging you to solve clues and uncover stories along the way. It’s a creative mix of outdoor adventure, storytelling, and puzzle-solving, all wrapped into an easy-to-access format on the Questo app.

The experience is designed to be roughly 1.5 to 2 hours long, making it a manageable activity for an afternoon or a leisurely stroll. You get to explore both popular sights and hidden gems, like the Anne Frank House and Noordermarkt, alongside lesser-known locations like Het Raepenhofje and Westerstraat.

How it Works

Once you’ve booked, you’ll get an email with instructions to download the game. You don’t need a guide or tickets to attractions—everything is built into the app. Each stop provides a challenge or puzzle that, once solved, unlocks the next part of the story and direction. The game is played on your phone, so sharing with friends or family is easy—just one ticket per person is recommended for the best experience, though multiple people can share a device.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Start at Westerkerk

Your journey begins at the Westertoren—a recognizable landmark—where your first clue sets the tone. The start is straightforward, with a brief challenge to get you thinking and orientated.

Anne Frank Monument

Next, you’ll visit the well-known Anne Frank House area, where your first puzzle is designed to make you stop and appreciate the history. Keep in mind, you won’t go inside the museum itself, but the area is rich with stories and notable sights.

Prinsengracht 70 & Noordermarkt

Moving along, you’ll encounter Prinsengracht 70, where a clue awaits your discovery, and then the lively Noordermarkt. Here, you might enjoy some street life or browse local stalls, depending on timing and your pace.

Brouwersgracht and Het Raepenhofje

Further exploring the Brouwersgracht canal area, you’ll get a peek at more picturesque views and quiet corners. Het Raepenhofje, a quaint courtyard, offers a peaceful spot and another challenge to solve.

Lindengracht and Karthuizersstraat 61

As you head toward Lindengracht, you’ll continue uncovering the story, eventually reaching the view at Karthuizersstraat 61. These stops allow for spontaneous exploration—pause, take photos, or just enjoy the ambiance.

Ending at Bloemgracht

Your final stop is Bloemgracht, where the story wraps up. This peaceful canal area is a fitting spot to reflect on the walk and the sights you’ve seen.

What Travelers Say

This experience has received mixed reviews, rated 3.5 out of 5 based on four reviews. Some users appreciated the cheap price and interesting sights, noting that it’s a relaxed way to see Jordaan. As one reviewer said, “Challenges are okay and gets you out and about in the area, but not challenging enough,” implying that it’s more about casual exploration than solving complex puzzles.

However, not everyone was happy. One reviewer shared a frustrating experience: “App liep steeds vast en moest dan opnieuw opstarten,” meaning the app crashed repeatedly, and the support was less than helpful. That highlights a key risk—technical glitches might be an issue, especially if you’re relying solely on the app without backups.

Another critique was the challenge level—some found it “too easy,” which may disappoint those craving a more mentally stimulating experience. On the bright side, many appreciated the stunning views and the opportunity to explore lesser-known parts of Jordaan.

Practical Considerations

• Price: At just $8.70 per person, this is definitely a budget-friendly activity. You’re paying mainly for the experience and the exploration, not for guided commentary or entry fees.
• Duration: Expect about 1.5 to 2 hours, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. You can pause at any point, take photos, or enjoy a coffee.
• Accessibility: Since it’s app-based, it’s accessible to most travelers with a smartphone, but app reliability is something to keep in mind.
• Group size: Best enjoyed solo or with friends, but sharing a device is possible. Each person is recommended to have a ticket for an optimal experience.
• Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor walking, with no inside visits included.

Who Would Love This?

This tour is ideal for travellers who enjoy light storytelling, outdoor wandering, and solving small puzzles. If you’re visiting Amsterdam but don’t want a guided tour with a large group, this lets you explore at your own pace while still having a bit of a narrative to keep things interesting. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy discovering local neighborhoods and hidden corners without a rigid schedule.

It’s less ideal for travelers looking for a challenging puzzle experience or those who prefer guided insights and inside access to attractions. If app glitches bother you or if you’re craving more in-depth history, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The Cursed Houses of Jordaan offers a creative, budget-friendly way to see one of Amsterdam’s most picturesque neighborhoods. It’s a casual, accessible experience that combines storytelling and sightseeing, perfect for those who want to wander freely without strict schedules or large crowds. The price is right, and the stops cover some of the most iconic and charming parts of Jordaan.

While the challenges are light and the app may sometimes falter, many will find the relaxed pace, scenic views, and the novelty of a mystery walk to be worth a try. It’s especially good if you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends who enjoy casual exploration without the need for a guided tour.

If you’re after a fun, uncomplicated way to uncover some lesser-known corners of Jordaan and enjoy a little storytelling along the way, this might be a charming addition to your Amsterdam itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Since it’s a self-guided outdoor walk with simple puzzles, older children or teenagers might enjoy it. However, there’s no specific mention of family-friendly features, so younger kids might find it less engaging.

Do I need to buy tickets for attractions along the route?
No, the tour doesn’t include entry tickets to attractions. It’s designed as a walk and puzzle game, so you just follow the clues and enjoy the sights.

How long does the tour take?
Most people spend about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, but you can go at your own pace and stop whenever you like.

Is the app reliable?
Reviews indicate some challenges with app crashes and difficulties unlocking clues, so patience is advised. Support is available but may not always be prompt.

What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with the Questo app installed, and a ticket purchased in advance. Sharing a device with friends is possible, but each should ideally have their own ticket.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time to get a full refund.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a flexible way to explore alone, with the added benefit of a story guiding your route.

What about group discounts?
The tour offers group discounts, making it a good option if you’re traveling with a small group or family.

Are there any hidden costs?
No, the price covers the game and route. No additional fees for attractions or guides are required.

Can I do this tour in the evening?
Yes, the tour is available from noon until late at night, so you can enjoy it at your preferred time.

To sum it up, if you’re after a light, budget-friendly way to explore Jordaan and enjoy some storytelling, the Cursed Houses mystery walk is worth considering. Just be prepared for the occasional technical hiccup and keep your expectations in check—it’s more about casual fun than a challenging puzzle or guided tour.