Everybody knows Amsterdam has a lot of canals, museums, and picture-perfect streets, but there is another less bling-bling-bling part of Amsterdam, the settled and less touristy part. To see Amsterdam in a new light and be more local, you can go to less popular areas, hidden courtyards, and artistic quarters and make your visit a lot more memorable. This Amsterdam sightseeing travel guide will not only take you to the usual places but also to the core of the places that most of the visitors would not consider taking time to read about.
You will find some rare places that reflect the culture, history, and daily life of the Dutch capital below which will suit those tourists who do not want to visit those attractions that everybody includes in their checklist.
1. Begijnhof Courtyard – A Hidden Sanctuary
Begijnhof is a quiet courtyard right or so close to Kalverstraat, the commercial street, that you get the impression of returning to the past. This is one of the oldest areas of the city enclosed with houses that were built in the 14th century, forming a former religious community.
Majority of tourists pass by the little entrance not knowing what is in the building. As soon as you walk in you are met with silence, gardens and beautiful buildings. It is a perfect spot to have a rest and enjoy the medieval background of Amsterdam.
2. NDSM Wharf – Street Art and Creative Energy
On the other side of the river IJ, NDSM Wharf has a totally different ambience. This old shipyard has now become a cultural playground with street art, eccentric cafes, art studios as well as vintage markets.
This is where you can get huge murals, art classes and outdoor areas where people can socialize. It is a wonderful place to visit when one is a photography enthusiast and a tourist who wishes to visit the modern artistic face of Amsterdam. It takes only some minutes to take a free ferry at Central Station and arrive there.
3. De Pijp – Local Life and Food Markets
De Pijp is the place to see in case you want to use your life as it is. It has a multicultural character and fashionable cafes, and certainly, this place is home to the notorious Albert Cuyp Market, which can be considered one of the largest street markets in Europe.
Taste fresh stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, herring, or other foreign street food and shop in clothes and souvenirs. A stroll in De Pijp will provide an insight into how residents of the area shop, eat, and interact outside the busy city center.
4. Hortus Botanicus – A Quiet Green Escape
Amsterdam is not canals and bikes only but also beautiful green areas. Hortus Botanicus can be described as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world that is usually neglected by visitors.
There are tropical greenhouses, rare plants and peaceful gardens inside, to spend a lazy afternoon. It is a perfect place to visit in case you desire to avoid the crowd and have a breath of nature without having to leave the city.
It is among such Hidden Gems in Amsterdam which surprises tourists with the peaceful mood and the historical appeal.
5. Jordaan’s Secret Streets
Jordaan area is crowded, and the major streets are the destinations of the majority. Explore more further into the smaller streets and canals to find out about independent galleries, small brown cafes and small boutiques.
Take some time just to walk around with no scheduled plan. You will be bumping into picturesque bridges, peaceful canals and backyards that feel like a universe apart to the busy Dam Square. It is ideal to take time and unexpected things.
6. Electric Ladyland – The Fluorescent Art Museum
Something really bizarre is Electric Ladyland, which is the first museum of the fluorescent art in the world. It is a small interactive and quirky museum that provides an enjoyable distraction to standard galleries.
It is a popular destination among tourists who are fond of exotic, marginal experiences. Such locations characterize the actual Hidden Gems in Amsterdam where creativity and individuality is a shining light.
7. Amsterdamse Bos – Outdoor Adventures
Amsterdamse bos is situated immediately outside the city centre, and three times the size of the Central Park in New York. However, not all the tourists get to know about it.
You can bike, kayak, picnic or just walk the forest trails. It has even got a goat farm and canoe rentals. It is suitable to the family or any person seeking air and room.
8. Houseboat Museum – Life on the Canals
Most people would look at a houseboat and peep inside it, but not many people enter it. The houseboat Museum would make you see what life was like in a canal boat.
It is very tiny yet interesting and it makes you have an idea of lifestyle that is so Amsterdam. You will have a better insight on how the city relates to water.
Experience the City Differently
Traveling outside the attractions would enable you to feel Amsterdam at a personal level. Rather than being in a hurry and going between landmarks, slow down, go through neighborhoods, and interact with locals. These are the experiences that can even be fondest of your trip.
It can be finding quiet courtyards, trying food at the local markets or walking around the river to see street art, finding Hidden Gems in Amsterdam will make you view the city in a new light.
In case you need professional assistance in the planning of special routes and local experiences, Go Kite Tours may assist you to create a unique hidden gems Amsterdam tour that will take you way beyond the mainstream and present the city as a local.
