Amsterdam is known for its iconic canals, historic museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, but the city has much more to offer than just the famous tourist attractions. For those looking for unique things to do in Amsterdam and eager to uncover the city's hidden gems, this travel guide provides a refreshing perspective on Amsterdam. Over the course of three days, I'll take you to surprising locations, from quiet neighborhood cafés to lesser-known cultural treasures, and show you how to experience the city like a local. Discover the real Amsterdam and go off the beaten path!
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is easily accessible by train, and upon arrival at Amsterdam Central Station, you're right in the heart of the city.
Public transport is excellent, with various bus, tram, and metro lines that quickly take you to the city center. Want to make the most of your stay? Consider purchasing an I amsterdam City Card, which gives you access to numerous attractions, including a free canal cruise, 24-hour bike rental, and entry to over 70 museums.
Pro Tip: Book your international train journey as early as possible to get the best rates.
After dropping off your luggage at your hotel, your adventure in this beautiful city can begin.
Unique Things to Do: Hidden Gems in Amsterdam
Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)
Amsterdam is full of unique things to do, especially when you venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems like Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder.
This impressive 17th-century canal house houses the best-preserved hidden church in Amsterdam. The museum offers a fascinating insight into life in the 17th century when the Roman Catholic faith was banned in public. The church, which occupies three attic floors, is a beautiful example of these hidden prayer spaces.
Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, 1012 GX Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card.
De Oude Kerk (The Old Church)
The Old Church is the oldest building in Amsterdam, built in the 13th century. This church has always played a central role in the social and cultural life of the city, and even today, concerts and art installations are held here. The combination of Gothic architecture and modern art makes a visit to this church a unique experience.
Location: Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card.
Koffieschenkerij
Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at the Koffieschenkerij, located next to the Old Church. On a sunny day, it's lovely to sit in the quiet old courtyard. Order a piece of cake or apple pie; they are particularly tasty here!
Stay in Style: Sofitel Legend Grand Amsterdam
For your stay in Amsterdam, the Sofitel Legend Grand Amsterdam is an excellent choice. This historic building, which once served as a monastery and later as a town hall, offers a luxurious and comfortable experience. The rooms are stylishly decorated, and you can enjoy amenities such as a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, and hammam. For a gourmet dinner, you don't even have to leave the hotel; the hotel has a high-end restaurant where you can indulge in culinary delights.
Tip: Visit the spa for a relaxing treatment or a refreshing dip.
Dinner: REM Amsterdam
End your first day with dinner at the trendy REM Amsterdam, located in the Nieuwe Houthaven. This restaurant offers both a casual rooftop experience and fine dining with a 5- or 7-course menu. We chose the rooftop and enjoyed delicious finger food accompanied by a glass of champagne. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset with a fantastic view.
Location: Haparandadam 45-2, Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Saturday from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, rooftop Tuesday-Saturday
Reservations: Recommended
Day 2: Famous and Lesser-Known Spots in Amsterdam
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sofitel Legend Grand Amsterdam before further exploring the city.
Step Back in Time at the Houseboat Museum
The Houseboat Museum offers a unique glimpse into life on the Amsterdam canals. The museum, housed in an old freighter, gives you an idea of what it's like to live on a houseboat. The small, cozy spaces provide an authentic insight into this typical Amsterdam way of living.
Location: Prinsengracht 296 K, Amsterdam
Opening Hours: March-October, daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card.
The Rijksmuseum
No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a trip to the Rijksmuseum. Although it can be busy, this museum is a must-see for its world-famous collection. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful gardens, where in the summer you can even try your hand at painting – a unique way to unleash your creativity.
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card
Lunch at Blushing Amsterdam
Near the Rijksmuseum, you'll find Blushing Amsterdam, a trendy spot for a delicious lunch. Try the ‘Gekke Geit’ salad and enjoy the beautiful latte art with your coffee.
Location: Paulus Potterstraat 30A, Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Canal Cruise with Mokumboot
Experience the canals of Amsterdam authentically with a cruise on the Mokumboot. This luxury sloop is fully electric, which is not only environmentally friendly but also offers you a quiet and serene boat trip. The guide shares fascinating stories about the history and architecture of the canal-side buildings.
Duration: 1 hour
Departure: Central Station
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card
Dive into the World of Film at the Eye Filmmuseum
This striking, white museum building is located on the other side of the IJ. You can easily reach it by taking the ferry from Amsterdam Central Station, which departs every few minutes and is free for everyone. At the Eye Museum, you can visit a temporary exhibition as well as the permanent exhibition on film. You can also watch a movie, as the building functions as a cinema, and the Eye Study houses the largest film library and media library in the Netherlands. Admission to the exhibitions is free with your I amsterdam City Card.
Dinner: Breda Amsterdam
This time we chose Breda Amsterdam. This
restaurant exudes the atmosphere of a brown café but in an elegant retro and luxury version. For dinner, you can choose between a 5-7-9 course surprise menu from the chef. You can also opt for paired wines, which they happily let you taste before deciding. Initially, we chose the 5-course menu, but as the portions were on the smaller side and we particularly enjoyed the food, we adjusted to the 7-course option. We had more than enough to eat. The service was also very friendly.
Location: Singel 210, Amsterdam
Day 3: Visiting the Green Spaces in Amsterdam
On the last day of your stay, you can enjoy the quiet, green spaces in Amsterdam. There are indeed many parks to be found, such as Vondelpark, Amstelpark, Westerpark,... We chose to visit the botanical garden.
Hortus Botanicus
Hortus Botanicus is also a lesser-known spot in Amsterdam, and it is wonderfully quiet. We admired the numerous flowers and plants and also visited the beautifully renovated palm house. In the butterfly greenhouse, many beautiful tropical butterflies flutter around. Unfortunately, the popular climate greenhouse was not open during our visit as it is currently being completely renovated. From July 2025, this greenhouse will be open again as a fully sustainable, CO2-neutral greenhouse. Hortus has been around since 1638, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It is a true oasis of green in the heart of Amsterdam. You can also enjoy a snack and a drink at the Hortuscafé, located in the centuries-old Orangery.
Location: Plantage Middenlaan 2A, Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card
Micropia: The Invisible World of Microbes
Did you know that Amsterdam is home to the only museum in the world dedicated to microbes? In this interactive science museum, you can learn all about the smallest organisms that influence our lives and are essential for our survival and life on Earth. You’ll find no less than 40 species of living microbes that you can view under microscopes. These are well cared for in the laboratory in the middle of the museum. The lab technicians walk around the museum, and you can immediately ask any questions about this fascinating world of microorganisms. At various times of the day, a technician also talks about a monthly changing theme from the world of, for example, paramecia and fungi. You can also collect stamps on a microbe stamp card, which you can scan at the end of your visit, after which your own microbe collection comes to life on a large screen.
Location: Artisplein, Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card
Artis: A Historic Zoo
Since we were literally in front of the entrance to Artis, we decided to take a look here as well. We also have free access with our I amsterdam City Card. It’s still relatively quiet, and it’s wonderful to stroll through this beautifully landscaped garden while viewing the animals. In addition to a beautiful collection of animals, you can also admire stunning flowers and plants, and the garden contains numerous heritage & national monuments such as the main entrance, the endurance (where you can now view the tall Vulture Aviary), the wolf house, and much more.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (winter until 5:00 PM)
Admission: Free with the I amsterdam City Card
Lunch on the Rooftop Terrace at Zoku Amsterdam
At Zoku, we were warmly welcomed by Djamé. She told us everything about the Zoku Amsterdam concept. In addition to being a wonderful place to have lunch, this is also a hotel and workspace where you can stay, live, and work. Djamé gave us a tour of the homely communal space where you can enjoy a drink but also meet others. We had lunch in the Living Kitchen, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch buffet, either at the Kitchen table or, in nice weather, on the lovely rooftop terrace. There are several cozy corners and greenhouses where you can enjoy the view over Amsterdam amidst beautiful plants.
You can also stay here, with most rooms consisting of lofts that include not only a sleeping area and bathroom but also a kitchenette and a cozy living room. The hotel is geared towards business customers who often stay for extended periods, but it’s also a co-working space, so you can easily connect with locals who come here to work during the day.
Zoku means family/tribe. Zoku aims to create a real community for all its guests, helping them feel less lonely and making it easier to connect with others. The staff at Zoku are trained to bring people together, and joint dinners are organized for guests staying for at least two weeks. This Dutch concept has been extremely successful, and you can now find a Zoku in Paris, Vienna, and Copenhagen. Welcome to the community!
Location: Weesperstraat 105, Amsterdam
More information about where to stay in Amsterdam, you can find here.
What to Take Away from This Travel Guide?
Amsterdam has much more to offer than the usual tourist spots. With this guide for a three-day stay off the beaten path, you can explore the city like a local without sacrificing luxury or comfort. From hidden cultural treasures to the most beautiful green oases, this is the Amsterdam you probably haven’t discovered yet.
Tips for the Luxury Traveler on a Budget:
Smart Booking Policy: Book accommodations and restaurants well in advance for the best prices.
Flexibility in Travel Days: Visit popular spots outside peak hours to enjoy a more exclusive experience without the price tag of exclusivity.
Mix of Known and Unknown: Combine famous highlights with hidden gems for a well-rounded travel experience.
By traveling smart and going off the beaten path, you can experience the best of Amsterdam without the price tag often associated with luxury. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with surprises, comfort, and the charm of a city that always has something new to offer.
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I love a city pass; it always encourages me to get top value while seeing as much as possible. This blog post has given me so many ideas for unique things to do in Amsterdam that I can't wait to plan a return trip!