Amsterdam’s best hidden gems
Amsterdam’s world-famous museums and monuments will keep culturally-minded sightseers occupied for weeks. But look beyond the best-known attractions, and you’ll find some sparkling hidden gems. From secret cafes and obscure music venues to rooftop bars and a museum in an underground bank vault, here’s our round-up of the best non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam.
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
Positioned on a side street in the middle of De Wallen, this remarkably well-preserved canal house museum built during the 1660s is too often overlooked by visitors. Visitors can explore a warren of historic living areas before following the narrow staircases up to the attic where a complete Roman Catholic church is concealed in the rafters.
NEMO’s Roof
Whilst NEMO Science Museum is one of the city’s most popular family attractions, not many people know that the rooftop boasts some of the most spectacular views of downtown Amsterdam. Architect Renzo Piano envisioned this outdoor space as a sky-high public square, complete with kinetic water sculptures that kids can play in and a cafe.
De Koffieschenkerij
Mezrab
Settle into Mezrab’s cosy floor cushions for a night of tall tales and real-life stories told by professional storytellers. This unique cultural centre in the Oostelijke Eilanden (Eastern Docklands) area has grown into one of the best stages for spoken-word, improv and comedy in the city.
REM Eiland
At this towering sea rig in the harbour of Amsterdam, you can dine 22 metres above the water in a former pirate radio station. Cosy in the winter and glorious in the summer when guests can dine on the roof terrace, the restaurant bar at REM Eiland is open for cocktails and lavish multi-course evening meals.
Nieuwendammerdijk and Cafe ‘t Sluisje
This photogenic street in Noord is rich with Dutch history. Fishermen, shipbuilders and traders built their homes here, designed in the same style as the gabled facades of traditional canal houses. At one end, Cafe ‘t Sluisje is an old brown café overlooking the harbour that dates back more than 100 years.
LAB 111
Housed in one of the city’s most unusual converted spaces: a former pathological anatomy lab, LAB111 is a cinema and cultural space that is about as quirky as it gets. On the agenda, you’ll see a range of special screenings as well as art exhibitions, lectures and concerts. There’s also a great café and restaurant!
Amsterdam City Archives
All stored within the monumental De Bazel building - an Art Deco gem that is well worth a visit in itself - the Amsterdam City Archives is the largest treasure trove of municipal history in the world. Take a guided tour of the period rooms or visit the fascinating (and free) exhibitions downstairs in the underground vault of a former bank.
The Houseboat (Woonboot) Museum
This miniature floating museum gives guests the unique opportunity to experience life onboard a traditional Dutch houseboat. Located on the Hendrika Maria, a former cargo ship from 1914, the boat has now been transformed into a cosy living space where visitors can poke around before enjoying tea and cake in the retro armchairs.
Podium Mozaïek
Located in the former Pniël Church in Bos en Lommer, Podium Mozaïek provides a stage and meeting place for a range of cultural initiatives. The programme offers music, theatre, dance, exhibitions and spoken word whilst the spectacular sun-soaked terrace is the perfect spot to indulge in Mediterranean-inspired food and craft beers.
Orgelpark
Housed in the heritage-listed Parkkerk close to Vondelpark, Orgelpark is an international concert hall that gives the church organ a new face in contemporary music culture. In addition to the varied programme, there's a wonderful Art Deco ambience, an intimate concert hall featuring impressive organs, beautiful and clear acoustics, and a cosy foyer.
Hollandsche Manege
About halfway along the busy Overtoom, you might notice a strange whiff of horses. Follow your nose and you’ll be rewarded by one of the city’s most beautiful and special spaces: an ornate 18th-century riding school with decorative Baroque features. Head up to the café balcony overlooking the arena to watch the finest horses trot around with their trainers.
Brouwerij de 7 Deugden
Entering the ancient village of Sloten feels a bit like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find the Sloten Windmill Museum – one of the few remaining fully functioning polder mills and Brouwerij de 7 Deugden, one of the city’s best microbreweries. On request, you can have a guided tour and explore the flavours during a tasting in the garden, weather permitting.
House of Bird
Try a speciality beer in House of Bird Brewery’s tasting room, surrounded by the spectacular nature of the Diemerbos in Zuidoost. The owners take pride in their sustainable, seasonal menu made of locally sourced products, and the nearby forest is perfect for a decompressing walk.
