Openbare Bibliotheek: Free View
What do you need to know? The Openbare Bibliotheek at Amsterdam Central Station is the largest public library in Europe. But even though that alone is pretty cool, that’s not why it’s a great hidden gem. The special thing about the library is the fantastic view!
Is it worth it? Yes! From the terrace on the 7th floor, you have a direct view of the center of Amsterdam. And the great view is completely free. If you feel like staying longer, you can also eat and drink in the Babel restaurant on the same floor.
Antiekcentrum Amsterdam: Cool Rarities
What do you need to know? The Antiekcentrum is a huge, winding market hall with various antiques and rarities near the 9 Straatjes – one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam.You can find everything here, from pictures and decorations to the strangest little things.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. We come here every time we’re in Amsterdam and are always blown away by all the things. We’ve also bought things here. But even without buying anything, it’s just interesting to stroll through the aisles.
NDSM Shipyard: Photo Spot and Flea Market
What do you need to know? The NDSM wharf is located in Amsterdam-Noord and was the largest shipyard in Europe until the 1980s. After it went bankrupt, however, it was not demolished but converted into a cool trendy district.
Is it worth it? Yes. Here you can see what else Amsterdam has to offer besides canals and tulips. On the site of the shipyard, you’ll find cool street art, flea markets, great Amsterdam photo spots and, for example, the crazy crane hotel Faralda.
Our tip: You can reach the wharf by ferry from Amsterdam Centraal station. The ferry docks are right on the river. Every 15 minutes, a ferry will take you to the other side of the Ij – the name of the river at Central Station – free of charge.
Totally cool: Part of the former NDSM shipyard is the Straat Street Art Museum. We have already visited it and loved it.
Amsterdam West: Alternative Hotspot
What do you need to know? It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the city center to Amsterdam West. Alternatively, bus line 21 will take you there. Read our article on public transport in Amsterdam. Hardly any tourists stray into this area west of the canal belt, and it really is off the beaten path. Yet, it is at least as beautiful as in the city center.
Is it worth it? For sure! Amsterdam West offers beautiful canals, pretty houses and cool houseboats – including an inhabited yellow submarine. There are also food halls with delicious street food and the Westergasfabriek – an old gasworks that now hosts concerts.
What do you need to know? Calf & Bloom is a modern bistro in the city center near the floating flower market and one of our favorite secret spots in Amsterdam. It serves fresh and unusual food with a great vegetarian and vegan selection, delicious drinks and really good coffee.
Is it worth it? The bistro is great for a sightseeing break. We always like coming here because we can simply rely on it being delicious – no matter what we order. But our absolute favorites are the homemade salads and the pumpkin soup.
De Papegaai: Hidden Church
What do you need to know? De Papegaai is a hidden church in the city center. Hidden means that you can easily miss the entrance to the church – even if it is totally imposing and beautifully decorated – between all the stores as you walk past. But then you’d really be missing out!
Is it worth it? De Papegaai is super fascinating. You walk through a door in the middle of the shopping street and suddenly, you’re standing in a beautiful church. How crazy is that? Admission is free and the church is open daily from 10 am.
Hortus Botanicus: Botanical Garden
What do you need to know? Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. The garden dates back to 1683 and is located on the edge of the city center. There is a butterfly house, a tropical house, a palm house and a café in a converted orangery.
Is it worth it? The garden is a real special feature and great if you want to get out of the city and into the countryside. As an amateur gardener, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Unfortunately, admission is not too cheap at 10 euros. Alternatively, you can book the I amsterdam City Card. The Hortus Botanicus is included here.
Café de Ceuvel: Secret Café Spot
What do you need to know? Café Ceuvel is a secret spot in Amsterdam-Noord. It is somewhat hidden away in a small side street. The entire menu is vegan and super sustainable.
Is it worth it? Not only the food, but also the location is amazing. The café is right next to a canal and in summer, you can dangle your feet in the water – really authentic Amsterdam!
Flevopark: Wild Nature in the City
What do you need to know? Flevopark is located in the east of the city, close to the University of Amsterdam. There are large green spaces with walking and cycling paths and picnic tables right by the water. If you’re lucky, you might spot the herons and parrots that live here.
Is it worth it? Yes, Flevopark is visually a little wilder than the better-known and very well-kept Vondelpark. But that’s what we really like about it. The park is also a great tip for anyone visiting Amsterdam with children. There’s a pretty cool playground there. The park is also a great Amsterdam hidden gem with a dog! Dogs are allowed to run around off the lead.
What do you need to know? The red Python Bridge winds its way across the canal in the eastern docklands of Amsterdam. It connects Sporenburg and the island of Borneo. Because the bridge consists of steps, you can only cross it as a pedestrian.
Is it worth it? The bridge is a really great photo spot and a cool, modern alternative to the old bridges in the city center – if that’s what you’re looking for. However, you should be free from giddiness. The steps of the bridge are inclined.
Episode Thrift Shop: Shopping Off The Beaten Path
What do you need to know? Episode is a second-hand store and our absolute shopping insider tip in Amsterdam. Amsterdam has 3 Episode stores, but our favorite is the branch on the Berenstraat, which is one of the 9 Straatjes.
Is it worth it? Here you’ll find the most unusual vintage items and a large selection of different brands. We never leave empty-handed. Whether it’s a vintage sweater, a retro handbag or a cap. The coolest souvenirs for us.
These were our 11 Amsterdam hiddem gem!
Do you know another cool, secret spot in Amsterdam? Leave us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!
