In a nutshell
- We’ll show you 11 real hidden gems in Amsterdam — alternative, exciting, and refreshingly crowd-free.
- Beyond the classic sights, we recommend the best under-the-radar spots for food, coffee, and shopping that most visitors never find.
- Our personal favorites are the Openbare Bibliotheek with its free city panorama, the Antiekcentrum curiosity market, and the seriously cool NDSM Wharf.
Openbare Bibliotheek: Free View
What do you need to know? The Openbare Bibliotheek near Amsterdam Centraal station is the largest public library in Europe. But even though that alone is pretty cool, it’s not why it ranks among our favorite Amsterdam hidden gems. What makes the library special is the seriously stunning view!
Is it worth it? Absolutely! From the 7th-floor terrace, you look straight out over the heart of Amsterdam — and the incredible panorama is completely free. If you feel like staying a while, you can grab something to eat and drink at Restaurant Babel on the same floor.
Antiekcentrum Amsterdam: Cool Curiosities
What do you need to know? The Antiekcentrum is a huge, winding market hall filled with all kinds of antiques and curiosities, located near the 9 Straatjes — a fantastic Amsterdam attraction. From paintings to décor to the most peculiar little knick-knacks, you can find just about anything here.
Is it worth it? We come here every time we’re in Amsterdam and are always blown away by all the stuff. We’ve even bought things here before. But even without buying anything, it’s just fascinating to wander through the aisles.
NDSM Wharf: 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, it wasn’t torn down — instead, it was transformed into a cool, trendy neighborhood.
Is it worth it? This is where you see what Amsterdam has to offer beyond canals and tulips. On the wharf grounds you’ll find cool street art, flea markets, great Amsterdam photo spots, and even the quirky Faralda Crane Hotel.
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 takes you to the other side of the IJ (that’s the name of the river at the main station) for free.
Really cool: Part of the former NDSM Wharf is home to the Straat street art museum. We’ve already checked it out and loved it. Read our full Straat review for the details.
Amsterdam West: Alternative Hotspot
What do you need to know? From the city center, it’s about a 30-minute walk to Amsterdam West. Alternatively, bus line 21 will get you there. Check out our article on public transit in Amsterdam for more details. Hardly any tourists make their way to this area west of the canal belt — yet it’s at least as lovely as the center.
Is it worth it? Totally! Amsterdam West has beautiful canals, charming houses, and cool houseboats — including a fully inhabited yellow submarine. You’ll also find the Foodhallen with delicious street food and the Westergasfabriek, a former gas plant that now hosts concerts.
Calf & Bloom: Restaurant Hidden Gem
What do you need to know? Calf & Bloom is a modern bistro in the city center near the floating flower market. It serves fresh, creative food with a great vegetarian and vegan selection, tasty drinks, and really good coffee.
Is it worth it? Definitely! The bistro is perfect for a sightseeing break. We always love coming here because we can simply count on everything being delicious — no matter what we order. 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 right in the city center. “Hidden” means that the entrance — even though it’s totally impressive and beautifully decorated — is easy to walk right past among all the shops. But you’d really be missing out if you did!
Is it worth it? Absolutely. You walk through a door in the middle of a shopping street and suddenly find yourself inside a stunning church. How wild 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, dating back to 1683. The garden sits on the edge of the city center and features a butterfly house, a tropical greenhouse, a palm house, and a café in a converted orangery.
Is it worth it? The garden is truly special — a great option when you want a break from the city and a dose of greenery. If you’re into plants and gardening, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Just be aware that the entry fee of 10 euros isn’t exactly cheap.
Alternatively, you can book the I amsterdam City Card. The Hortus Botanicus is included.
We’ve got more info on the city passes right here:
Café de Ceuvel: Café Hidden Gem
What do you need to know? Café de Ceuvel is one of the best hidden gems in Amsterdam-Noord, tucked away on a small side street. The entire menu is vegan and super sustainable.
Is it worth it? Not just the food, but the location itself is amazing. The café sits right on a canal, and in summer you can dangle your feet in the water — as authentically Amsterdam as it gets!
Flevopark: Wild Nature in the City
What do you need to know? Flevopark is located in the eastern part of the city, near the University of Amsterdam. It features large green spaces with walking and cycling paths and picnic tables right by the water. With a little luck, you can spot herons and parakeets that live here.
Is it worth it? Flevopark has a somewhat wilder feel than the better-known and very manicured Vondelpark — and that’s exactly what we love about it. It’s also a great pick for anyone visiting Amsterdam with kids, thanks to a pretty cool playground. And dog owners will be happy to know that dogs are allowed off-leash here!
Red Python Bridge: Hidden Sightseeing Gem
What do you need to know? The red Python Bridge winds its way across the canal in Amsterdam’s eastern Docklands, connecting Sporenburg and the island of Borneo. Because the bridge is made up of stair steps, it’s only accessible on foot.
Is it worth it? The bridge makes for a really great photo subject and a cool, modern alternative to the old bridges in the center. Just be aware that the steps are angled, so you’ll want to be comfortable with heights.
Episode Thrift Shop: Shopping Hidden Gem
What do you need to know? Episode is a secondhand store and our absolute top shopping secret in Amsterdam. There are three Episode shops in the city, but our favorite is the location on Berenstraat, right in the heart of the 9 Straatjes.
Is it worth it? 100%! Here you’ll find the most unique vintage items and a wide selection of different brands. We never leave empty-handed — whether it’s a vintage sweater, a retro handbag, or a cap. For us, these are the coolest souvenirs Amsterdam has to offer.
