Hidden Gems in Amsterdam: How To Get off the Beaten Path

A short hop across the River IJ from Amsterdam Central Station, Amsterdam-Noord was once an industrial and shipping hub. After falling into disrepair in the ‘80s, however, NDSM Wharf has recently gained a new lease on life as a buzzing cultural hub filled with street art—including a dedicated street art museum, STRAAT—along with restaurants, cafes, a monthly flea market, IJ Hallen, and even Pllek, a bar with its own beach. One of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam, street art tours offer a fascinating insider look at this side of the city.

Despite being slap-bang in the center of the city, Amsterdam’s Chinatown is often overlooked—especially due to its proximity to the Red Light District. However, that doesn’t detract from its charm, especially that of the Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple. The temple was built in the traditional Chinese palace style and is dedicated to the merging of Dutch and Chinese culture, making it one of the best Amsterdam cultural experiences.

Other neighborhood highlights include Peking duck and char siu, Chinese roasted pork, from one of the local Chinese restaurants, Toko Dun Yong department store, Zeedijk, and New Market Square, which is known for its weekly farmers markets.

Up there with the more unusual attractions in Amsterdam, the Butterfly House at Hortus Botanicus is just one of many magical sights in the 17th-century botanical gardens. Originally a medicinal garden, this natural treasure trove is now an oasis of calm in the middle of the city.

While you’re in the neighborhood, you may also want to check out the nearby ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, the Portuguese Synagogue (another 17th-century wonder filled with candle-covered chandeliers), or even take a stroll to De Gooyer Windmill—a popular spot on Amsterdam cycling tours.

Insider tip: Time your trip right and you might even get the chance to visit the gardens after hours—during the summer, they keep the doors open to nighttime visitors until 9pm.

Given the sheer size and scale of Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, most visitors skip Cuypers Library, but it’s their loss—it looks like something straight out of a storybook. Featuring a spiral staircase, arched windows, bookshelf ladders, and a massive skylight, travelers can either view it from the balcony or pre-book an appointment to go inside. To visit, you’ll need a ticket and, if you really want to make the most of the museum, you'll want to join a tour.

Insider tip: A free alternative, the Amsterdam Public Library, OBA Oosterdok may not have the same character, but it does offer some of the best views in Amsterdam from its 7th-floor cafe, Babel.

From stroopwafels to herring (haring in Dutch) and poffertjes (pancakes) to bitterballen (fried meatballs), Amsterdam is definitely known for its food scene. Certain places, like the now-legendary Tony Chocoloney and Cafe t’Papeneiland, have become Amsterdam food tour staples, but Amsterdam’s best food markets—including the daily Albert Cuyp Market in De Pijp, and Ten Katemarkt and Foodhallen in the Oud-West—are great one-stop spots, too.

While not as well-known for their food, the Westergasfabriek markets in Westerpark also have some great options on offer, as does the Noodermarkt in Jordaan.

Amsterdam may be renowned for its spectacular houses—but most travelers (and tours) tend to admire them from afar. While there are a few opportunities to take a closer look, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in Dam Square is one of the best—and it's open to visitors when members of the Royal Family aren’t around.

Other options include Museum Willet-Holthuysen and the Museum Van Loon, a 17th-century canalhouse filled with Golden Age glory. For something a little more down to earth (or water, as the case may be), the Amsterdam Houseboat Museum also offers a fascinating insight into life in the canal city.

Did you know?: This 17th-century Dutch Baroque marvel was originally built as the City Hall, before becoming the palace of King Louis Bonaparte’s (Napoleon’s brother) in 1808.

Amsterdam likely isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of going for a dip—and you’ll still want to avoid the canals at all costs—but there are a few local spots in Amsterdam for swimming in the summer months. Some of the best are at Oosterdok (Marineterrein) behind Het Scheepvaartmuseum, as well as Java Island and Amsterdamse Bos. If swimming isn't your thing, you could also join a kayak tour, rent a stand-up paddleboard, embark on a luxury canal cruise, or even take a day trip to the beaches at Bloemendaal and Zandvoort.

Insider tip: Water quality can vary, so you may want to check the official website for any warnings and updates before taking the plunge. Swimming is always undertaken at your own risk.

One of the best Amsterdam neighborhoods to explore, the historic workers’ area of Jordaan is known for its houses and hidden gems, including Hofjes (once-secret courtyards). While these have become more popular in recent years, there are still ways to skip the crowds such as joining a late-night ghost tour.

Two of the best Hofjes in Amsterdam are Begijnhof—which is technically in the city center—and Karthuizerhof. Begijnhof is also home to one of the oldest wooden houses in Amsterdam, along with two churches and a collection of brightly colored gable stones featuring local saints and legends.

Amsterdam may be known for its world-class museums—and for good reason—but there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path Amsterdam museums that you won’t want to miss. Options range from the Museum Our Lord in the Attic—a pink church in the attic of an otherwise unassuming canal house—to the Amsterdam Pipe Museum, KattenKabinet art museum, and Huis Marseille photography museum.

If you fancy something even more out there, look no further. There’s also Museum Vrolik—your one-stop shop for all things anatomy, the Pianola Museum, and even the Olympic Experience Amsterdam at the old Olympic Stadium.

Related: 9 Under-the-Radar Museums in Amsterdam