15 Unique things to do in Amsterdam
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. The place with the famous Red light district. With lots of big musea and shopping possibilities. Every time I visit Amsterdam I try to discover some new and unknown places in the city. Places without lots of tourists. These are 15 unique things to do in Amsterdam, most of them less known by the big public, some of them you just need to visit once in your life.
Free walking tour
One of the best things to do in a new city is taking a free tour. As a resident of the Netherlands, I took a free tour in Amsterdam. Just to see the most important places and hear everything about Amsterdam. And there is a lot of information during a free tour, even for me it was new. So if you want to visit Amsterdam, just look at data for a free tour in the city.
Rijksmuseum
I think it is one of the most famous museum in the Netherlands and yes it is popular, but for a reason. The Rijksmuseum is one of the biggest musea in the country with lots of Dutch paintings and art. It is the place to see Dutch painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals. The building of the Rijksmuseum is pretty from the outside. It has more than 80 different rooms with art. Check the availability for tickets (the tickets are running fast). And take your time when visiting the museum.
Jordaan
De Jordaan is an area near the centre of Amsterdam. It is a typical working-class neighborhood with beautiful buildings and canals. You will find eleven canals in the area, some with house boats. It is a beautiful area just to stroll around during your city trip. And less tourists than in the centre.
Courtyards in the Jordaan
In the Jordaan you will find some hidden spots. There are nineteen courtyards in the neighborhood. Some of them are open for public. You can make a walk through the ones that are open. Courtyards are most of the times beautiful idyllic places in a city. You don’t have the feeling that you are in the middle of a city.
Rembrandt House
A less common museum in Amsterdam is the Rembrandt House. Between 1639 and 1658 the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn lived here. You can see the house in original state. It feels like if you are walking in a 17th century house in Amsterdam.
A’dam Toren
On the other side of Amsterdam Central, you will find A’dam Toren. Not just Amsterdam Toren, but also Amsterdam Dance and Music. There are lots of events in the tower. You will find a hotel, restaurant, cafe and a look out on the top. For the diehards, you can swing on the top with your legs over the edge.
Anne Frank House
The House of Anne Frank is the formal residence of Anne Frank during the Second World War. During the war, Anne and her family, hide in the house for the Nazi’s. She didn’t survived the war, but her wartime diary was published only a few years after the war. It is one of the best books in the Netherlands. Today you can visit the musea and learn everything about Anne Frank and wartime in Amsterdam.
Tip: buy your tickets in advance, there is a queue most of the times.
NDSM Werf
In Amsterdam Noord you will find a a creative spot. At NDSM-werf there are a lot of places to spot graffiti. During the year there are some great events at NDSM- werf. Don’t forget to visit on of the restaurants in the area.
Tip: You need to take the ferry to NDSM-werf behind Amsterdam Central Station.
Albert Cuyp Market
One of the most popular markets in Amsterdam is the Albert Cuyp Market in the Albert Cuypstraat between Ferdinand Bolstraat and Van Woustraat in the neighborhood De Pijp. The street and the market are named after painter Albert Cuyp. It is a market with vegetables, fruit, fish and clothing. Off course the Dutch stroopwafel you need to try here. In the street you will find a statue of the famous Dutch singer Andre Hazes.
Resistance Museum
Another great museum in Amsterdam is the Resistance Museum. You will find everything about resistance during the Second World War in the Netherlands in the museum. The museum is renewed in december 2023 and the exhibition is really impressive. A lot of information about different periods in the Second World War.
You can buy tickets online or in the museum
Moco Museum
The place to be if you like Bansky. In Moco Museum you will find artworks from Bansky. But als works from Arkham, Warhol, Kusama, Kaws and more. The artworks are a reflection on the contemporary society. Recently, exhibition by Robbie Williams opened in Moco Museum.
Check the tickets for the Moco Museum here.
Negen straatjes – Nine Streets
The 9 Straatjes is a neighborhood in Amsterdam. It is located near the centre. There are nine cute little streets which have been promoting themselves as the 9 straatjes sinds 1990s. There are a lot of small shops and restaurants in the area. More unique places to shop and to eat.
Boat Tour on the canals
Typical for Amsterdam are the boats on the canals. There are a lot of places where you can take a Canal Tour in Amsterdam. Even if it’s not your first visit, you will see the city from a different view an may hear new information about the city. Book tickets in advance for a boat tour in Amsterdam.
Museumplein
A public space in the city with all three popular museums: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Around the museums you see a green public space. During the winter there is a ice rink. Also the concert hall Concertgebouw is around the area. The famous I Amsterdam sign is taken away.
Best hotspots in Amsterdam
- Cafe Nieuw Amsterdam
- Moak Pancakes
- Bar Botanique
- Biertuin
- Westergas Terras
- Breakfast Club
- Umami by Han
