Updated: 02/03/20 | February 3rd, 2020
When people think of Amsterdam, they usually think of three things: coffee shops, red lights, and canals.
And for most travelers, that’s all they’ll ever see.
Young travelers tend to frequent the coffee shops or wander the Red Light District, while older travelers take bike tours, canal trips, and frequent the museums. Then, after three or four days, they move on to their next destination.
I fell in love with Amsterdam in 2006 and have been back to the city more than five times since then. Each time I get to explore more of the city and realize just how much it has to offer.
It always saddens me when I hear other travelers talk about what they did because it’s always the same, and yesterday in Berlin, a traveler said he hated the city because it was all coffee shops and red lights. I told him he hadn’t seen the city and gave him a list of things to do next time.
After visiting the city so many times, I find myself always doing something off the beaten track. I keep ticking off the list of things to do and finding ones I never knew existed.
Amsterdam has much to offer travelers. When you’ve grown sick of coffeeshops, stoned backpackers, creepy old guys in the Red Light district, and crowds at the Van Gogh museum, visit some of these quieter and more local places:
1. The Tulip Museum
Located in a room inside a tulip shop, this little place does an interesting job of telling the history of tulips in Holland and the infamous tulip craze. The story goes that tulips were brought to the Netherlands in the 17th-century from the Ottoman Empire, and they became hugely popular all around the country (but especially with the upper class).
To this day, the tulip holds a special place in Dutch culture. You can learn more about the flower’s history in this cozy museum. And best of all: you’ll never find a crowd here!
Prinsengracht 116, +31 20-421-0095, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is 5 EUR for adults, 3 EUR for students, and 10 EUR for families.
2. The Jordaan
I’m always amazed at how few tourists visit Jordaan since it’s right next to the city center. This former working-class district is now a maze of cafes, little shops, and restaurants. During the summertime, it’s a popular spot for people to go to eat.
I absolutely love wandering around here as the narrow streets have all sorts of neat shops and pubs. It’s a great place to window shop or pick up some souvenirs to take home.
3. FOAM
FOAM (Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam) is a photography museum that opened in 2001. The museum houses wonderful pictures and sees very few crowds despite being in the main part of the city. It’s a must for any photography or art lover.
Not only are there exhibitions by world-famous photographers but there are also smaller, temporary exhibits for up and coming artists as well. I really enjoyed all the black-and-white photographs and the outdoor garden.
Keizersgracht 609, +31 20-551-6500, foam.org. Open daily from 10am-6pm (9pm on Thursdays and Fridays). Admission is 15 EUR for adults and 12 EUR for students.
4. The Houseboat Museum
Not much of a museum, but this decorated houseboat gives you an interesting glimpse into what living on the canals is like. Built in 1914, the boat was originally used for hauling sand, coal, and gravel. In the 1960s it was converted into a houseboat and was lived in for around 20 years.
While it was fun to get a sense of life in a houseboat, I walked away with a strong impression of life on the canals: cramped.
Prinsengracht 296K, +31 20-427-0750, houseboatmuseum.nl. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission is 4.50 EUR for adults and 3.50 EUR for kids 15 and under.
5. Oost
The area east of the city (“Oost” means east) has an amazing park, a zoo, and lots of delicious Middle Eastern eateries. Wandering around here, you’d be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of tourists, most of whom are probably lost.
Be sure to visit Dappermark, a street market that has been around for over 100 years! You can find pretty much everything here, making it a good place to browse or people watch.
6. Rembrandt Park
Not to be confused with Rembrandtplein in the city center, this park west of the city is a good place to wander. Dating back to the 1940s, the area around it is pretty working class and a bit more modern—a good contrast to the historic center.
The park is named after the famous 17th-century painter Rembrandt van Rijn. You’ll know you’re there when signs suddenly stop being printed in English!
7. KattenKabinet (The Cat Cabinet)
Located in a townhouse that was built in the 17th century, this quirky museum was the passion project of Bob Meijer, who started the museum in 1990. After losing his pet cat, he started collecting all sorts of cat art and paraphernalia, which expanded over the years to fill his entire house. Not only is there all sorts of weird and wonderful cat art, but there are actual cats that live there too.
While it is a weird museum, it’s presented in a very typical, stuffy museum way — which makes it even more fun and tongue-in-cheek.
497 Herengracht, +31 020-626-9040, www.kattenkabinet.nl. Open Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm and from 12pm-5pm on the weekends. Admission is 7 EUR for adults, 4 EUR for students, and free for kids under 12.
8. Electric Ladyland
The is the world’s first (and probably only) museum dedicated to fluorescent light. There are displays that react and light up when the black light is turned on, as well as a more experiential space where you can just wander and interact with the colors and objects that you see. It’s definitely not your typical art gallery/museum!
Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, +31 020-420-3776, electricladyland.appointy.com. All visits must be booked in advance. Possible visiting hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 2pm-6pm. Admission is 5 EUR for adults and free for anyone under 12.
9. Micropia
This “zoo” is home to all sorts of microbes and bacteria. You can wander the displays, look through microscopes, and learn about all the invisible microbes that we interact with day to day, and you can even scan yourself to see what bacteria and microbes are on you t that very minute!
When it comes to zoos, this is definitely one of the most unique ones you’ll ever visit!
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, +31 20-523-3671, micropia.nl/en. Open daily from 9am-6pm (8pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). Admission is 14 EUR for adults and 12 EUR for kids under 9.
10. The Torture Museum
The name says it all! This museum is dedicated to showcasing the punishments prisoners faced throughout the city’s history. There are all sorts of brutal tools as well as a hanging cage (where the guilty party would be suspended in the air for all to see, as an example) as well as an Inquisition chair victims who needed more…involved punishment. While it’s not exactly a great place to bring the kids, it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re curious how justice was meted out in the past.
449 Singel, +31 020-320-6642, torturemuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-11pm. Admission is 7.50 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for kids under 12 (though you might want to leave the kids at home for this one).
11. De Poezenboot (The Cat Boat)
The Cat Boat is actually an animal sanctuary located on a boat in the canal. It was founded in 1966, and over the years has collected — and found homes for — many of the city’s stray cats. There are up to 50 cats on the boat, 14 of which live there permanently while the rest are available for adoption.
The Cat Boat relies on donations to stay afloat, so be sure to leave a small donation when you stop by to play with some of the feline residents.
Singel 38G, +31, 020-625-8794, depoezenboot.nl/en. Open daily between 1pm-3pm. Admission is free but donations are appreciated!
12. The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
Opened in 1985, this museum highlights the various uses of hemp. From rope and clothing to its more illicit uses, the museum does a great job at showing the importance of hemp, hash, and marihuana throughout history. There’s even an indoor garden with cannabis plants you can check out.
Contrary to what you might expect, this isn’t a stoner museum but rather an informative look at the past, present, and future of one of the world’s most important plants.
Oudezijdsachterburgwal 148, +31 020-624-8926, hashmuseum.com. Open daily from 10am-10pm. Admission is 9 EUR for adults if you book online and it comes with a free audio tour.
13. Museum Vrolik
This museum isn’t for everyone as it is home to one of the largest collections of human (and animal) deformities. The collection was originally privately owned by is now owned by the Univerisity of Amsterdam. It’s is home to over 150 different items, including creepy jars holding fetuses, human and animal skeletons, and even the remains of a pair of conjoined twins. It’s definitely interesting and informative, but it’s also super weird. Definitely not your standard tourist trap!
Meibergdreef 15, +31 020-566-4927, amc.nl/web/museum-vrolik.htm. Open Monday-Friday from 11am-5pm. Admission is 7.50 EUR for adults and 3 EUR for kids under 12.
Amsterdam has so much to offer that pigeonholing it as a place of hookers, marijuana, and a canal tour is a crime against humanity. There’s so much to do, it’s an architectural wonder, and the locals are super friendly. When you visit, get out of the tourist city center, see the hidden gems and local neighborhoods, and find out that Amsterdam is everything you didn’t think it would be.
Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Amsterdam!
Want to plan the perfect trip to Amsterdam? Check out my comprehensive guide to Amsterdam written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries tips budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, and my favorite non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.
Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:
If you’re looking for more place to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on the Amsterdam?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Amsterdam for even more planning tips!
Photo Credits: 5 – Jessica Gardner, 6 – Guilhem Vellut, 7 – Guilhem Vellut, 8 – Jorge Royan, 9 – ilovebutter, 10 – Ciotu Cosmin, 11 – mattmangum, 12 – Antony Stanley, 13 – Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, 14 – Bart van Damme
Dave
I know it’s not a museum, per se, but there is a magic mushroom gallery. 🙂
Leigh
So true!
I most definitely share your love of the city and have been there many times.
My first time, we stayed near Rembrandt park. Loved it there. It’s minutes to city center by bus but you have the conveniences of supermarkets, cash machines without long lines (and they actually have money).
The last time, we stayed in Edam which was perfect. We biked around the area, saw the cheese making, and met a lot of local people too. There’s an easy bike path that goes directly into the city, and it’s a lot more fun finding your way around without a tour.
I will say, though, I have and will always be in love with the Stedelijk and Rijksmuseum. They are fantastic, no matter how on the beaten path they are.
I’ve had a chance to read a few of your Amsterdam articles (saw a couple on Matador too), and it seems like we like it for many of the same reasons.
NomadicMatt
I like the Van Gogh museum better than the Rijksmuseum but that is because I love impressionist works.
Laura Hilton
Great article. I just came back from Amsterdam. I didn’t go to all the places you suggest but I did go to Jordaan. I liked Vondelpark too. What’s with the parrots there? Are they wild or bred especially for the park?
NomadicMatt
I’m not sure. My guess: wild
Stove
The parrots are originally from the Artis Zoo in Oost, but somehow managed to escape years ago. They kept breeding in Vondelpark and made it their new habitat.
NomadicMatt
Thank you for the feature!
NomadicMatt
Why I won’t go back to vietnam is long…shoot me an email about it
Casey
I like all of the different options. I have never been to Amsterdam, but it is at the top of my European destinations list. Quite a few of those places look pretty cool.
John DeWilde
Thanks for these Matt. If you love seeing the world, which I know you do, then you should really check out the Tropen Museum. It is also rarely busy (the two times I’ve been) and has something interesting every time.
NomadicMatt
Where is it and what is it?
Tanya
Hey Matt, I dig the new site look. Headed to Amsterdam in December with my sister. We’ll definitely check out the tulip museum, thanks!
NomadicMatt
Thanks and e-mail for more info- I have a TON!
David
Hi Matt, nice write on Amsterdam. My one and only visit to this beautiful city was back in 2002 on route to Helsinki and Lapland. I really enjoyed the museums, canal tours and the nightlife there. I hope to make it back there one day with my proper camera equipment.
Regards,
David
Erica
Those three things were exactly what I thought of in the past whenever I heard Amsterdam – although not anymore, and especially not after reading this post. Joordan sounds like a cosy neighborhood to visit (wonder why it’s called Joordan though). I’m sure I would love FOAM too.
And yes, life on the canals does seem a bit cramped. That photo of the houseboats reminded me of a blog I came across a few months ago: Pia Jane Bijkerk, the woman behind the blog, is a stylist who lives on a houseboat in Amsterdam – when she’s not in Sydney or Paris. Well worth reading – especially for the beautiful photos.
Nice new theme by the way. Much cleaner design than the last one.
Renny
Great post about a wonderful city Matt – thanks for all the tips and details!
I have been there a few times, but that was long time ago – now I am tempted to go back.
There is tight connections between Amsterdam and Norway, even from the Viking period and we’re both known as shipping nations you know.
Btw: Any chance to see you at the Oslo Blog Gathering 2010 ? It will be a great opportunity to meet bloggers from all over the world and to explore Oslo in a compact three days program!
NomadicMatt
I’m going to be in the US by then! I might be visiting my cousins in Oslo next june though!
Frank
I love museum, often the first thing I visit when at a new place
The ”older traveler” visit museum made me laugh a bit.
Phan
Thanks for the post! I was thinking of going to Amsterdam next summer. This will definitely help me plan for it.
Mark
Thanks for the tips on Amsterdam. I was there once about 6 years ago and saw a few of the museums but loved the city itself, especially the brilliant urban planning and design. Next time I will definitely check out some of the things you mentioned.
hannah
I couldn’t agree more with this! I do go to coffeeshops when I’m in Amsterdam, but I smoke in my everyday life anyway so it’s just an easier way. But the city has so much more to offer than that, and it’s one of my favourite cities I’ve ever been to. It’s a beautiful place and the people are so friendly; when I was first there at the age of 18, I asked a Dutch man for directions to a supermarket, and he just told me to hop on the back of his bike and he would take me there! And you’re so right about the Flying Pig – I’ve only ever stayed in their uptown location, and the staff are brilliant and it’s a really social hostel. It’s nice to see Amsterdam getting a write-up that shows it’s a much more diverse city than people realise.
William Wallace
I have been to Amsterdam numerous times, and I don’t smoke shit and I’m not into paying for sex. I find it an amazing city for wandering around in, eating, drinking and just relaxing.
Each and every time I go to Amsterdam I stay in the Jordaan area, which has an amazing buzz to it, there are so many great bars and places to eat in. I especially like going to Amsterdam in the winter time around December/January when there are less tourists.
Ciara
So right about the flying pig! Def one of the best hostels in Europe! Thanks for all the extra suggestions of places to go, went in Jan and already want to go back!
Johnathan
Three tips, slightly more “off beat”.
1. The Concertgebouw. World famous for its accoustics and home-base for the Royal Concertgebouw Ochestra. They have cheap sunday morning / lunch concerts in the beautiful “small hall”. For the more affluent twenty-something hipsters: they have a regular series “Tracks” which consists of shorter concerts performed by young artists and, more importantly, the Bols-cocktail bar afterwards.
2. When you are riding the bike and weather permits, take a bike tour outside Amsterdam. To the north: take the Durgerdammerdijk, through Durgerdam and Ransdorp. Or to the south: follow the Amstel to Ouderkerk, pass “Rembrandt’s mill” and do the “Ronde Hoep” which winds through the amazing green fields and canals next to Amsterdam. Great picknick opportunities, and you will certainly have breathtaking views.
3. The “Krijtbergkerk”. Dead center of town, always overlooked. One of the few Catholic churches (Jesuist) that was untouched. You will never see more beautiful lightbeams falling through the stained-glass windows. They have free concerts every now and then.
Marie
I absolutely loved the tulip museum – quirky and yet so… Dutch! My favorite activity in Amsterdam, however, remains strolling around and admiring the buildings and architecture. No museum can beat that!
MillValleyGirl
Matt: Great suggestions, and Vanderhelst, I second the Concertgebouw. We’ve been to AMS 3 times. Last time we had public transit cards. If you go to the Centraal Station out on the ferry docks you can hop on any of the ferries free w/the card. It’s a great way to get out on the water in that harbor. There were no tourists, just a lot of regular Dutch folks commuting. We took several different ferries and wandered new cities and neighborhoods. Wonderful. Also, the restaurant up on the second floor of the Centraal station has incredible atmosphere and good food. Our whole family is going back in summer 2013 for a house exchange for several weeks. Can’t wait because the light in the Netherlands is indescribably beautiful.
Ben
Amsterdam is my all time favorite city in Europe. I went there in 2008 during the holidays and found the city to be mind-blowingly clean despite having a reputation of being quite seedy in parts.
One word of caution for those looking to partake in the Cannabis scene. You can really only smoke in designated areas in the red light district. My travel companion and I decided to partake outside of the Van Gogh museum and…lets just say…its highly frowned upon.
dutchgal75
My husband and I visit one a year. I feel so at home over there. My Husband is from the Netherlands, and we have been back 7 times now in 9yrs. Each time we find new and amazing things to see! The albert cuyp market is one of my favorites in de Pijp. Something not to miss!! The food and the wonderful things to see.
We go to Germany for a day or two .. but have to be “back home”(what we call the Netherlands) cause it feels like home to us!
Chanel
Great tips – really useful in my Amsterdam planning 🙂