Amsterdam; famed for its cheese, clogs, tulips, windmills and can… you think what else I am thinking of? Canals of course! Tree-lined canals, iconic museums, the Red Light District and vibrant nightlife are all well-trodden paths for tourists, but if you’re looking to discover some lesser-known secrets of Amsterdam – Amsterdam’s hidden gems, if you will – keep reading!
1. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum
You’re probably thinking, “Oh, another tulip thing. How thrilling.” But wait! The Amsterdam Tulip Museum isn’t just a touristy display of flowers – it dives into the fascinating history of tulip mania, the 17th-century economic bubble when tulips were worth more than houses (and people think inflation today is bad…)
You’ll be sprouting with more tulip knowledge than you ever thought necessary, a great conversation starter for getting to know the locals too! Did you know that in 1637, a single tulip bulb could buy you an entire townhouse? *Cue jaw drops*
2. Het Kleinste Huis
Speaking of houses… you may have seen the houses of Amsterdam are slim, tall and slightly crooked (or as the locals joke ‘built like Dutch men’). On the Oude Hoogstraat nestled between two larger houses is Amsterdam’s smallest house – Het Kleinste Huis!
Built in 1738, this 2-metre-wide house somehow fits a café on the ground floor – talk about cosy! The owners serve up some of the city’s best tea, and you’ll feel like a Gulliver sipping from dainty cups in a Lilliputian dream.
Fun fact: many of the houses in Amsterdam were built narrowly because in the 16th century the city was booming with commercial trade and naturally, there was competition for space. What better way to take advantage of this than to tax locals based on the width of their properties on the canal frontage… and that is just what they did!
With narrow houses comes narrow spiralling staircases, and challenges to get your furniture to the top floors. When you visit next be sure to look up for the hooks that are still used today as a pulley system to lug large, heavy items to the upper floors!
3. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)
What is cooler than a secret church hidden in an attic? Not much! Way back in the 17th century, Catholicism was technically ‘banned’ in Amsterdam, so instead of making a fuss, locals just built their own little clandestine churches. Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is one of the best-preserved ‘hidden attic churches’, with an entire chapel squeezed into the top floors of a typical canal house.
Stepping inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the Batcave of Christianity. Just don’t try to kneel in the confession booth after a stroopwafel binge – space is tight!
4. Trompettersteeg
Good things come in small packages, so on this theme… you must visit Trompettersteeg, Amsterdam’s narrowest Street! It is so narrow, you could high-five yourself by stretching your arms from one side to the other. Trompettersteeg, in the heart of the Red Light District, is one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
While it may not be the best place to practice your social distancing, it’s a fun spot for a quirky photo op. Just be warned, this tiny street is so easy to miss that even Google Maps sometimes gives up and points you to a nearby bakery instead.
5. The Cat Cabinet
Are you a feline enthusiast? KattenKabinet is the place for you! A quirky little museum, dedicated entirely to cats! Located in a 17th century house along the canals, here you can find an eclectic collection of cat-themed art and memorabilia. This is a must for animal lovers!
6. De Poezenboot
Looking for another paw-some place in Amsterdam? If you love cats (and boats), this place will be heaven! De Poezenboot is exactly what it sounds like: a floating sanctuary for Amsterdam’s stray and abandoned cats. It’s a houseboat converted into a feline-friendly rescue centre, that bobs gently on the canal.
Many of the houseboats in Amsterdam are actually more expensive than the average canal apart, so these cats are basically living in luxury! It is basically like Noah’s Ark, but for cat lovers with an Instagram obsession! Visit the kitties to give them some love, or even adopt one if you’re feeling particularly impulsive (and don’t mind international pet paperwork).
7. Noorderlicht Café
Imagine having a drink in a giant, glowing greenhouse with panoramic views of the city. Noorderlicht Café is located in the industrial-hip neighbourhood of NDSM, on the northern side of the river IJ. You’ll need to take a free ferry from Central Station to get there, which already feels like a mini adventure.
The café is known for its laid-back vibe, outdoor seating, and eclectic live music. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset, drink a craft beer, and reflect on your ability to find the coolest hidden spots in Amsterdam.
8. The House of Bols
Netherlands is the home to Heineken Beer, so traditional Dutch Gin (Jenever), is often overlooked. If you are looking for an alcohol museum-slash-cocktail experience, add The House of Bols to your list! Centred around Lucas Bols, one of the world’s oldest distilled spirit brands, this museum guides visitors through a journey of interactive exhibits (think Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but with gin).
You’ll be treated to a personalised cocktail in the futuristic Mirror Bar, taste a ‘mystery shot’ in an enclosed room in a multisensory experience and learn history all at the same time. Plus, you’ll finally learn how to pronounce “Jenever” without sounding like you’re sneezing!
9. Red Light Secrets Museum
So, you’re in Amsterdam, cruising the canals, soaking in the culture, and dodging cyclists like you’re in the Tour de France. You’ve probably seen the infamous Red Light District and thought, “What’s really going on behind those red-lit windows?” Enter the Red Light Secrets Museum!
This one is not-so-secret, in fact, it is very popular, as it is the only museum in the world that gives you a cheeky peek into the world’s oldest profession! The museum strikes a perfect balance between being informative and fun, with just the right amount of cheekiness (pun intended).
Spoiler alert: it’s a lot less glamorous than you may think! Let’s be real – you’re probably curious but don’t want to ask the wrong questions. The museum takes care of that for you. It offers fascinating insights into the history of sex work in Amsterdam, debunking myths and sharing stories in a respectful, but engaging way (all presented through an audio guide of a former worker).
By the end, you’ll know more about the trade than your wildest Google searches ever could – no incognito mode necessary. It’s the best way to experience the Red Light District without looking like a wide-eyed tourist who accidentally wandered into the wrong part of town!
10. The Museum of Fluorescent Art
After learning about Amsterdam’s most illuminating industry, end your trip with a bang (or a glow) at Electric Ladyland. This place is a psychedelic playground where everything glows under UV lights! In a tiny basement museum in the Jordaan district, Electric Ladyland is the world’s only museum devoted entirely to fluorescent art. It is trippy, colourful, and the best place to visit if you want to feel like you’re walking through an alternate dimension.
Amsterdam’s hidden gems are kind of like an onion – you peel back one layer and find another, equally weird, wonderful, and occasionally bizarre layer beneath it. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s quirky art, secret churches, or enjoy a drink surrounded by cats, these spots will make your trip infinitely more memorable (and brag-worthy). So, throw away your guidebook, get lost in the best way possible, and remember: in Amsterdam, the best things are often the ones you stumble upon when you’re not looking!
