25+ Amsterdam Hidden Gems & Alternative Tours for Your Visit

Amsterdam is one of the world’s most popular cities with well over 8 million tourists every year. So, it can be hard to avoid crowds.

Once you’ve seen Damrak, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank’s House, you’re probably wondering what else there is to do in this canal city. 

It’s no surprise that over-tourism is stretching infrastructure to its limits.

So, this list of Amsterdam hidden gems should give you some alternative and off-the-beaten-path things to consider.

It’s a great way to discover something completely new and avoid some of the bigger crowds in the process. 

Here is a list of Amsterdam hidden gems and alternative tours in the capital of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Hidden Gems & Alternative Tours 

1. Hortus Botanicus 

Did you know that one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world is in Amsterdam?

It’s called Hortus Botanicus and was established in 1638 as a physic garden for medical healing. 

These plants were especially useful during the plague, which saw thousands of victims needing treatment. 

Many of the exotic plants that we see here today were shipped to the city during the 17th century by the Dutch East India Company. 

Today, the Hortus Botanicus has over 6,000 different plant species in its garden.

You’ll find desert cacti, Amazonian lily pads, palm tree collections, and all sorts of rare flora and fauna. 

It’s a great place to find some peace and fresh air in the big city.

You can wander around their greenhouses filled with palm trees or their three climate greenhouse filled with sky walkways.

Or, if you’d prefer, you can take a stroll in the peaceful gardens outside. It’s a huge place, so leave enough time to explore.

There’s even a café to have lunch or a coffee break. It’s one of the best Amsterdam hidden gems. 

2. Rijksmuseum Library (Cuypers Library)

Now I know what you’re thinking: the Rijksmuseum should not be on this list of Amsterdam hidden gems.

It receives well over 2.5 million visitors every single year, and it’s home to some of the most famous Dutch paintings.

But there are still hidden gems inside this museum that most people miss whilst visiting the bigger exhibits. 

Although you’re probably eager to see Rembrandt’s Night Watch, don’t leave without visiting the Rijksmuseum Library.

It was designed by Cuypers, and it will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time.

In fact, it’s the largest and oldest art library in the Netherlands.

Petrus Josephus Hubertus “Pierre” Cuypers was a Dutch architect who also designed the Amsterdam Centraal station.

As it’s a research library, you do have to be quiet inside to respect those studying.

It’s honestly one of the prettiest libraries I’ve seen in Europe, and I wish I could climb that spiral staircase and explore all the books. 

3. De Beurspassage

After you’ve snapped some photos of the Insta-famous gingerbread houses of Damrak, visit an Amsterdam hidden gem called De Beurspassage.

It’s a small passage constructed in the 19th century that links the two major streets of Damrak and Nieuwendijk by a shopping centre. 

As it’s in a popular area, you may find that it’s busy most of the day. But if you visit early in the morning, it will be deserted.

Everything in this passage has pretty nautical tiles, from the ship wheels and anchors on the floor to the fish tiling and patterns up above. 

It’s also lit by beautiful chandeliers. It’s a great place to grab some photos, so make sure to have your phone out to capture them. 

Make sure to appreciate the small details like the glass bull skull and fish fountain where you can grab some water to take with you.

4. Hot tubs at the Volkshotel

If you were looking for something unique to do in Amsterdam, then you could soak in a hot tub above the city at the Volkshotel.

They have one sauna hut and three hot tubs in their Badplaats area, which is located on the 8th floor.

It provides spectacular views of Wibautstraat and over the city. You can see most of the main attractions from the top.

The Volkshotel hot tubs are open every day for hotel guests (and I would highly recommend staying there), but they do also open for non-hotel guests on Sundays from 12 pm – 8 pm. 

They usually have music, shows, art installations, and events going on at this hotel on the top floor.

As an aside, the Volkshotel is a great place to stay whilst in Amsterdam. It has rooms for every type of budget, and prices start from €79 per night.

5. Wetlands Safari of Watergang

Although Amsterdam is a big city with tall buildings, you may be surprised to know that you can travel just 10 minutes by bus to an emerald paradise.

The small village of Watergang in Waterland is one of Amsterdam’s hidden gems.

You’ll escape the traffic and be immersed in waterways that have been used since the 17th century.

These waterways used to be a way for milkboats to deliver milk from dairy farms to the big city.

They built a small church at the settlement that is still here today. 

It hasn’t changed much since then, and it inspired painters like Rembrandt and Ruysdael. Artists you’ll most likely see in the Rijksmuseum.

A great way to explore these ancient canals is by canoe on a Wetlands Safari. Majel has been running her tours since 1995 and is an expert in this area.

You’ll pass through the small village, moorland meadows, small windmills, flora, and fauna.

Plus, you’ll see lots of wildlife. It’s a great way to see what the Netherlands would have been like centuries ago. 

6. Amsterdam Tiny Houses

If you’re passing by Westerstraat, don’t forget to check out the Amsterdam Tiny Houses between numbers 54 and 70.

You may think it strange that the numbers jump from 54 to 70, and you’re probably wondering where the missing houses are.

Well, they aren’t missing anymore. You’ll notice a row of seven tiny houses between the crack of the door.

These used to be ceramic but are now stickers due to breakage.

In reality, the reason why there is a gap is due to the fact that there used to be a small courtyard here that had seven houses in it.

This spot is really very cute and such a unique find. Make sure to take a snap if you pass by.

7. The Fault In Our Stars Bench

Did you know that The Fault in Our Stars was filmed in Amsterdam?

Although it was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, you can visit where some of your favourite scenes took place around the city.

The most famous location has to be The Fault In Our Stars Bench, which can be found at the intersection of the Herengracht and Leidsegracht canals.

I won’t give away any spoilers, but quite a big scene takes place here in the movie.

Augustus shares his big news with Hazel. You can visit to recreate the scene or just sit and relax for a while.

Although it is popular with The Fault In Our Stars fans, others may have no idea what this book or movie is and won’t get the excitement.

As it’s in a busy area, you can also expect the bench to be occupied. It’s definitely one of the more niche Amsterdam hidden gems.

8. Sail the canals with Rederij Lampedusa 

It could almost be illegal to travel to Amsterdam and not sail on the canals whilst you’re here. 

But if you were looking for an alternative canal tour of Amsterdam, I would recommend sailing with Rederij Lampedusa. 

It’s a refugee boat trip that gives you a history of refugees in Amsterdam.

From the human slave trade to Jews during the Nazi occupation and refugees today.

Your vessel will be a boat used to carry hundreds of refugees from Africa to Europe, seized by the Italian authorities before coming to Amsterdam.

Your guides will be refugees currently living in the Netherlands who fled terrible conditions in countries like Somalia and Egypt.

They will tell you their stories, plus others about the city, as you sail along the famous canals.

It was a thought-provoking tour that inspires empathy and compassion towards people of the world. I would highly recommend it. 

9. Swing over the A’dam Tower 

The A’dam Tower could be called an Amsterdam hidden gem in plain view.

As it’s such a new building, it’s not really well known yet and not many know you can go to the top floor.

You’ll need to get the free passenger ferry over to Amsterdam Noord over the River Ij to visit.

You can catch it from Amsterdam Central Station. These ferries run every few minutes for 24 hours a day.

You should definitely take the chance to visit their top-floor observation deck, which has unrivalled, spectacular views over the whole city. 

You’ll travel up to the top floor in their elevator with a funky light show at the beginning and the end. 

There’s a sky deck, restaurant, Heineken bar, interactive exhibition, and free audio guide about Amsterdam’s history and culture.

But the one thing you must do is their Swing Over the Edge.

You’ll be lifted over the edge of the building, and you’ll get to swing over the top. It’s a little scary but really, really fun. 

I did this at night and absolutely loved it as the moon and stars were out. You should give it a try as the views are incredible. 

10. Explore Mediamatic 

Mediamatic is an art centre that was established in Amsterdam in 1983.

They are dedicated to the development of the arts, and they regularly hold lectures, workshops, and events.

They are also passionate about how art, design, and science can merge to help the world. It looks at preventing waste and pollution.

For example, they have now installed urinals outside of their buildings to solve the problem of people peeing outside residential buildings.

They collect the urine, water it down, and then use it to water plants so there is zero waste.

They also have pigeon towers of mycelium waste from oyster mushroom farms and fish fertiliser to grow their own herbs here.

They have a science lab to study scents and how our senses can provoke emotions and memories.

As well as art events, they have a restaurant that you can book. You can dine in one of their glass greenhouses on the water’s edge. 

11. Take a walking tour with Tours That Matter  

There are plenty of walking tours that you can take in Amsterdam that will show you the main sites.

But why not take a walking tour that is educational, sustainable, and makes a difference? 

Tours that Matter aims to give a voice to the less heard and uses its walking tours as a tool for change.

Each tour uses stories from the past, present, and future to educate and make a difference in local communities.

We took a Fair Trade walking tour that explored Amsterdam’s dark past with the slave trade, the exploitation of other countries with colonialism, and how we can use these stories to pave the way forward today.

On your walking tour, you’ll get to enter local studios and shops and end your tour at the Cacao Museum.

You’ll learn how this tour gives back to the farmers, workers, and shop owners with fair trade.

There are also other tours on counterculture, fast fashion, racial tolerance, urban agriculture, and diversity. 

Or, if you’d prefer, why not visit a bicycle tour of the countryside where you can harvest your own vegetables and take a swim in freshwater?  

12. De Pijp ‘Wake me up when I’m famous’ bench

There are plenty of photo opportunities around the city, but De Pijp is one of the best.

Amongst the pancake bars, small boutiques, and cute cobbled streets, you’ll find some amazing street art.

One of the most popular photo opportunities found here is the Wake Me Up When I’m Famous bench. 

It was made by the artists Rinus & Jurriaan van Hall. You can act like you’re sleeping to make a cool photo.

13. Eat at Restaurant Freud 

If you were looking for a restaurant that makes a difference, I would recommend Restaurant Freud on Spaarndammerstraat.

The restaurant aims to support those with psychological vulnerabilities and helps over 70 people a week find their way back into work. 

Everyone has the right to protect their emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and Restaurant Freud provides a safe working environment.

You can visit for lunch or dinner and treat yourself to their tasty menu of Mediterranean dishes. Every plate was filled with flavour.

14. Take in the views from NEMO Science Museum

The NEMO Science Museum is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. But have you heard of their FREE rooftop terrace?

You can climb to the very top of the NEMO building via their sky walkway and be greeted with some spectacular views. 

It’s the highest city square in the Netherlands, and you can find an open-air exhibition, terrace, and restaurant here. 

15. Buy artisan sweets at Polaberry

Polaberry is a beautiful Instagrammable bakery in Amsterdam that sells artisan chocolate treats, cake pops, and espresso coffee.

Founded by Polabur on Instagram, this bakery serves up the prettiest treats in the city.

You can indulge in chocolate-covered strawberries, unicorn cake pops, and glittery doughnuts. 

They also make pretty boxes of sweets and bouquets. There’s so much to choose from, and it’s almost too pretty to eat.

If you make your way inside the bakery, you’ll see their pretty flower wall display that’s perfect for taking a snap of you or your cakes.

I remember when this first opened, and I’m so happy I finally got a chance to visit. The cakes were incredibly tasty and well worth the money. 

16. Visit Begijnhof 

One of the true Amsterdam hidden gems has to be Begijnhof, which can be found behind a door on Spuiplein.

It was a courtyard established somewhere in the 14th century and is named after the beguines.

These were a group of Catholic women who lived in a community together. 

Although they dedicated their lives to God and lived frugally, they had a little more freedom than they would in a traditional nunnery. 

When the Catholic faith was banned in the 16th century, this complex was the only Catholic institution allowed to exist.

They did have to give up their Catholic chapel in favour of a Protestant place of worship.

But, that didn’t stop the women from building their own hidden church behind several facades (a place you can still visit today). 

The most famous beguine was Cornelia Arens, and you may see her gravestone in a gutter rather than in the church.

That was her wish to be buried there, as she was being forced to convert to Protestantism.

The last beguine passed away in 1971, and there are no more living here today. But you can still visit this hidden courtyard in Amsterdam.

17. Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt

I am an avid reader, and so I love to find hidden or quirky bookshops wherever I go.

One of the best ones I saw was an Amsterdam hidden gem called Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt, or the “Old Man’s House Gate”.

Hidden in a passageway that was popular with Van Gogh, you’ll find a second-hand book market containing books, prints, music, and maps. 

The building used to be a place for the elderly but is now owned by the University of Amsterdam.

You’ll pass through a beautiful green courtyard to access the stalls.

Oudemanhuispoort sells a wide range of both Dutch and English books. So, make some time to have a look during your visit. 

18. Plantage Neighbourhood

Many people make a beeline to Anne Frank’s House to learn about the Nazi occupation and persecution of the Jewish people in the Netherlands.

But if you want to extend that learning, you could opt to explore the Plantage Neighbourhood in Amsterdam. 

Before the occupation, this was a large Jewish community, and it still has lots of Jewish synagogues, buildings, and culture today. 

You can visit the Amsterdam Holocaust Memorial, where there are over 100,000 bricks for each Jewish person sent to concentration camps.

Also, you can visit the Jewish Memorial to Auschwitz Victims in Wertheimpark.

You’ll also see historic buildings like Entrepotdok, Artis Publishers, the Trade Union Museum, Amsterdam Zoo, Hortus Botanicus, and more.

19. Café de Sluyswacht

If you’re planning to visit Rembrandt’s House Museum in Amsterdam, consider stopping at the pretty Café de Sluyswacht.

It was originally constructed in 1692 for the sluyswacht, aka the man who controlled the neighbouring lock. 

Now, it’s been converted into a charming bar with lots of character on the waterfront. You can opt to sit inside or outside.

Don’t forget to order some bitterballen or Dutch meatballs with your beer on your visit. You have to try some when in the Netherlands. 

20. Pick your own fruit at Fruittuin Van West 

I don’t know about you, but I love visiting strawberry farms, pumpkin patches, and orchards where I get to pick and harvest my own fruit. 

Luckily, there is a convenient place just outside of Amsterdam where you can do this called Fruittuin Van West.

It’s a huge plot with acres of farmland where you can pick your own apples, mushrooms, berries, and vegetables. Plus, they have organic shops.

There is also a Tuin Café on the premises serving pressed juice with an organic lunch. Or you can enjoy a slow coffee with a homemade cake.

Fruit Garden of West can be accessed by bike at Tom Schreursweg 48. Or, you can take the 21 bus from Amsterdam Centraal station.

21. Tony’s Chocolonely Stores

If you want to sample Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate whilst in Amsterdam, then you should definitely make your way to their superstore.

The store is educational and informs you about the abuses happening in the cocoa industry and how your purchase can help make an impact.

You can make your own custom bar, try their new flavours, or take a picture at their mega-monster-super-choco-vending-machine.

They have a Super Store, Home Store, and their very own Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Bar located in Damrak near Dam Square.

Here, you can order popping candy shakes, chocolate cake, and savoury snacks.

22. Restaurant Stork 

If you are looking for a tasty seafood restaurant in Amsterdam, I would book Restaurant Stork on the banks of the River Ij.

They are located by the water, so they use local fishermen to source their fish daily.

You can treat yourself to one of their fruits de mer platters, juicy steaks, the catch of the day, and vegetarian dishes too.

The best part about this restaurant is the spectacular views over the city.

Best paired with sunset, you can sip wine, eat good food and chat with friends on the water’s edge. 

23. Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)

You can still find some Amsterdam hidden gems in the heart of the city centre.

One of those is the Our Lord in the Attic Museum, or Ons Lieve Heer op Solder.

Located in a 17th-century canal house, you can walk through a historic merchant’s house up to the top floor and find an attic church.

In the 1600s, Catholicism was banned, so people had to find alternative places to practice their faith.

These are called “schuilkerk” which translates to clandestine church. 

Ons Lieve Heer op Solder was commissioned by a wealthy merchant called Jan Hartman.

It opened as a museum in 1888, and it’s a great place to learn about religious tolerance.

24. De Waag

The Waag, or ‘weigh house’, almost looks like a medieval castle in Nieumarkt Square. It’s the oldest non-religious building in Amsterdam.

It was originally constructed in the 15th-century and formed part of the Amsterdam City Walls as Sint Antoniespoort (Saint Anthony’s Gate).

In 1617, it was repurposed as a weighhouse for weighing trade goods. 

It has had a colourful history since then and has played many roles over the years.

It was a guildhall for trade, a museum, a fire station, and an anatomical theatre.

Today, the top floors are owned by the Waag Society whilst the bottom is home to the Waag Restaurant. 

Even if you don’t visit the inside, you must visit the building as you can still see all the historical details left behind from centuries ago.

25. Kattenkabinet (Amsterdam Cat Museum)

I am a definite cat lover, and I was so happy to see that Amsterdam has its very own Cat Museum called the Kattenkabinet.

It’s an art museum dedicated to cats and created in memory of an old ginger tomcat called John Pierpont Morgan.

It was founded by his owner Bob Meijer, and you’ll find cat paintings, kitty drawings, feline sculptures, and works of cat art inside.

You can find this wonderful museum on Herengracht 497.

26. 7 Houses Zevenlandenhuizen

If you love architecture, then you must check out the 7 Houses Zevenlandenhuizen.

This set of 7 houses is built in different styles that represent seven European countries.

It’s a commonly known fact that the narrower the house in Amsterdam, the less tax you pay.

Hence why you see so many narrow houses along the canals.

But architects started to get creative with the facades, like Tjeerd Kuipers.

He was commissioned by Sam van Eighen in 1894 to create these Seven Country Houses;

• Number 20 is a German-inspired Romantic-style house

• Number 22 is France based on Loire Castle

• Number 24 is a Spanish house and is based on the Mudéjar style

• Number 26 is Italy-inspired by the Palazzo style

• Number 28 is Russia, inspired by Orthodox cathedrals

• Number 30 is the Netherlands in the Renaissance Style

• Number 32 is England, in a traditional cottage design

They make great photo opportunities as you’re exploring the city, but be respectful of residents.

Consider the I amsterdam City Card

If you’re planning to visit the main attractions and some Amsterdam hidden gems while you’re here, consider buying an I Amsterdam City Card.

It gets you free access to over 70 museums, city-wide public transport, a canal cruise, and bike rental. 

There is even an app that you can download to your phone where you can plan your journey and book time slots for attractions.

You can buy 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour cards depending on your holiday time and preferences. Then, you’re free to explore the city as you wish. 

Some attractions do need you to prebook your visit, so make sure to do that before you arrive. But many allow you to go straight in.

How to visit Amsterdam

We all (hopefully) want to do our part to help the environment these days.

Did you know that you can travel by train to Amsterdam from London in just under four hours?! 

Eurostar runs a regular service from King’s Cross St Pancras International station that stops at Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam.

With all the travel queues and airport stress this year, it’s a great way to travel to Europe, and you’ll know that your suitcase is secure with you. 

Where to stay in Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam, where you stay can make a difference.

Although staying on the canals may seem idyllic, the crowds and noise in those busy areas most definitely are not.

I stayed in the Volkshotel during my visit to the quiet area of Wibautstraat.

It acts as a hotel, co-working space, spa, and club. Although it’s so quiet in the rooms, you’d never know there was a club in the hotel.

The Volkshotel has some great room choices; ours was a mezzanine studio apartment.

It had two floors and a fully functioning kitchen, so you could make your own meals.

The huge continental buffet breakfast was served each day on their 7th floor, which had incredible views over the city.

Read more of my Netherlands guides

25+ things to do in Haarlem that make it worth visiting

A complete guide for fairytale Muiderslot Castle

How to visit the magical Amsterdam City Archive

Save these Amsterdam hidden gems for later