Secret Amsterdam ~ 13 X Hidden Gems And Secret Places You'll Love!

Amsterdam the capital of the Netherlands attracts over 20 million tourists each year from around the world, this beautiful city also known as Venice of the North has so much to offer visitors; most tourists coming to Amsterdam will take the 'Highlights Route' for example; take a canal cruise, visit the flower market, the royal palace, the Rijksmuseum, and Anne Franks House to name a few attractions.

These are of course great choices and must-visit spots, however, Amsterdam has another side to her that offers unique, interesting fun activities, and hidden spots to discover. These will shed a different light on the city making your total experience complete.

I have put together for you this awesome guide of hidden gems in Amsterdam because I would love for you to see my city from a different angle. Experience some of the things we as locals like to see and do.

See Amsterdam beyond the famous well-known path get off the beaten track, after all, that is where the real fun begins!

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Are you ready to explore and uncover a different Amsterdam? Let’s GO!

Visit NAP showing the measurement of the region’s water level

The Netherlands has an unusual relationship with water, it is both a friend as well as an enemy. The Dutch are famous for their technology and innovative ways invented to deal with the fact a third of the country is below sea level! It is world-famous for windmills, polders, and dikes. 

In the city hall building located in Waterlooplein, you will find the NAP exhibition; here you will see the oldest measuring tool of water levels made of huge water-filled tubes together with photos and other visuals. It is remarkable seeing just how far the Dutch have come dealing with this ongoing water threat.

Visit Lord in the Attic Museum

This is probably one of the best-hidden places in Amsterdam! This unique museum stretches over a total of three canal houses dating back to the 17th-century which were secretly connected at a time when Catholics could not freely practice their religion.

The museum showcases what life was like centuries ago while the cherry on top is the beautiful Catholic church in the attic, it is not visible from the outside. The decor, furniture, and architecture are in Golden Age style.

Go on the Pancake boat

This activity I have to admit is still one of my favorites and I take all my visitors on this tour. This cruise hits one bird with two stones so to speak, you can see the incredible beauty of Amsterdam from the water and enjoy traditional Dutch pancakes, what's not to like, right?

The cruise leaves from Amsterdam-Noord and takes around 2.5 hours to complete, enjoy the views and skyline of Amsterdam AND eat as many delicious pancakes as you like. There are lovely sweet and savory toppings you can add to your pancakes.

Eat street food and drinks in the indoor market ~ De Hallen

This cozy and dynamic indoor market very popular among the locals was founded in 2014 and is home to a delicious selection of high-quality food mini restaurants showcasing flavors from around the world.

Have a picnic with an artistic twist in the Vondel Park

This park is Amsterdam's version of NYC's Central Park and it's where we the locals like to unwind, walk or jog in and take in the sun with friends. There is art to found throughout the park but the highlight is a sculpture named 'The Bird' located at the southern end made by Picasso! Picasso made this outdoor sculpture in 1965 to commemorate the park’s 100th birthday.

Explore Westerkerk

Next to Anne Frank's House, you will see the Westerkerk, a large church, and a tower which was mentioned several times in Anne's diary while the family was in hiding from the Nazis. Apart from the history and beautiful architecture if you climb to the top of the tower you are guaranteed spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Accommodation Tips Amsterdam!

Amsterdam has a wide selection of hotels visitors can choose from to match different styles and budgets.
These are some of my favorite hotels! They all offer an amazing city experience.

DoubleTree by Hilton

Andaz Amsterdam

INK Hotel Amsterdam

The Hoxton

Go on a Tiny House search!

A secret spot you will love and admire can be found on Westerstraat at the heart of the Jordaan neighborhood. Look closely at home no.54 and you will find no less than seven miniature houses in the wall! There once was a passageway next to house no. 54 leading into a courtyard where seven houses once stood, when the courtyard was closed off and some houses were merged the seven numbers disappear. What started as a joke when a local advertising agency created colorful tiny home models and installed them in the gap turned into a beautiful attraction.

Another option for spotting tiny houses is at the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel. When the building work for the hotel started two tiny houses dating back to the 17-century stood in the middle of the site, the owner refused to sell and move and so the hotel was built around those homes.

Visit the Buddhist temple in the historical neighborhood of Nieuwmarkt

This area is also known as China town and is worth a stroll through regardless, this temple is beautiful it stands out from the traditional architecture. The golden roof tiles and traditional ornamentation for the temple were flown specially from China. The Buddhist temple now serves as a meditation center.

Visit Waterlooplein flea market

Most tourists visiting Amsterdam head over to the popular Albert Cuyp market, personally however I prefer other markets that are more authentic and have a typical Amsterdam personality and atmosphere. If you visit the Albert Cuyp market for example you will see that the market is consisting mostly of actual stores with an outdoor unit.

The Waterlooplein flea market is one of the oldest in the country! It has so much charm and character, going on a treasure hunt here is a real treat. The market is open six days a week and you can find anything here; from books to music to food to vintage clothing to antiques and even bikes.

Find more activity tips for Amsterdam

Taste Bitterballen!

Bitterballen are a classic and yummy Dutch snack you simply have to try! Traditionally it has a meat filling however these days new modern options are available including a vegetarian one. At Bar Bitterbal you have a wide selection of over 25 different flavors to sample in a cozy atmosphere and great vibes and my favs? Smoked salmon, goat cheese, ricotta combined with mozzarella, and humus.

Click for the trendy list of awesome restaurants in Amsterdam

Visit the Begijnhof

This is a beautiful and peaceful inner courtyard dating back to the 14-century located just off the main shopping street though you would never guess it's there.

This is one of the oldest courtyards in Amsterdam, in these historic houses, single women used to live who were very religious and vowed chastity, together they formed a small and tight community. There is also a chapel and a small English Reformed church here.

Enjoy a meal on REM Eiland

The REM Eiland is a quirky restaurant located in a former broadcast platform of an illegal television station. Here you can enjoy a fun culinary experience and wonderful views of the city from above.

Visit de Amsteltuin vineyard

This stunning location can be found on the edge of nearby Amstelveen. The vineyard forms the heart of the Amstel Garden and it where more than 3,500 vines of five grape varieties are grown.

Before you go, don’t forget to follow me on social media for more travel content and inspiration! ~ @mytrendytrail

Yours,

Diti