40 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Amsterdam from a Local

Amsterdam is a city rich in history and culture, and there are plenty of things to see and do that don’t involve tourist traps. If you want to explore Amsterdam beyond the usual attractions, here are my favorite non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam that will give you a more authentic city experience.

I recently moved to Amsterdam because I love the culture, oddities, and all the experiences that the capital of Holland offers. Below, you’ll see my personal collection of memories and moments from this continually updated list of lesser-known, hidden gems that, sadly, I’d bet 90% of tourists or first-time visitors don’t actually know that they exist.

In my opinion, Amsterdam is one of those cities that everyone needs to explore at some point in their lifetime. If you plan your time wisely, you can see an incredible variety of things, and one thing is certain: there will be plenty of surprises along the way while you tour this eclectic city.

That isn’t all, though. This city’s mystique will always keep you asking for more. I visited so much that I moved to Amsterdam to live here full-time. I spent plenty of time in the city documenting my moments, and I continue to update this article to reflect some of my favorite gems throughout the city.

Don’t believe it? Here’s what that looks like. When visiting Amsterdam, you may even run into me with my camera.

I’ll highlight a few locations and underrated things that the locals like to experience. There are several things that you can do that are relatively secret and unknown, including:

• Hidden restaurants
• Underrated experiences
• Hidden gem day trips
• Local activities and attractions

Rather than using a site to book tours, you can use this list of hidden gems to create your mini-tour of experiences. Find the experiences in Amsterdam that will complete your experiences and open your mind to Dutch culture and history.

Best Off-the-Beaten-Path & Hidden Gems in Amsterdam

Here are some of my favorite underrated, unknown experiences to consider during your stay in Amsterdam.

1. Go “Antiek-ing” in Amsterdam

Holland has some of the best antiques in the world. Its old history, dating back to the 1600s, is a gem for any person looking to bring back precious jewelry, art, Dutch tiles, and more. Antiques and fine art collections date back to the Dutch’s early economic boom from shipping and trade worldwide.

Additionally, Delft-style Dutch tiles are prized collections for Dutch homes. In Amsterdam, I’m always amazed by the citizens’ overall interior design, passion for art, and style. You can buy Delft-style Dutch tiling from pre-1700.

Buying anything like that in America is tough to come by. I’m amazed by this level of history. Check out the Antiek district just north of the Rijksmuseum on Nieuw Spigelstraat. I picked up this Dutch tile from 1650. I’m in love with it. Simple things like owning a piece of tiling from the pre-17th century are definitely lesser-known treasures.

See Related: Top Hotels in the Netherlands

2. Visit the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam, Netherlands

You may think that all botanical gardens are created equal. That’s not true. The Hortus Botanicus of Amsterdam is a true gem and one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands. It’s a bit off the beaten path but a worthy stopover if you go to the De Gooyer windmill.

The Hortus Botanicus costs less than 15 euros to explore and see. A canal alongside the garden makes for a great walk on a calm morning, and it is also a great option for extremely rainy days.

See Related: Travel Tips for Amsterdam (+ Top Do’s & Dont’s)

3. Spend a Day in Naarden

Address: Naarden, Netherlands

Naarden is a city in North Holland that offers a very interesting landscape for aerial photography. It is a star-shaped town filled with history. It used to be a stopover for British bomber brigades heading toward Germany.

Naarden is a bit harder to get to by train than a car. If you want to take the train, it’s about a 35-minute ride from Centraal Station, and you’ll likely need to transfer.

When you get there, there isn’t much of a bus system, so you will have to walk quite a bit to get into the central town. A better alternative might be renting a car, only a 25-minute drive from Amsterdam’s city center.

Go out and spend a day exploring this amazing star-shaped city. For other ideas on road trips, see our list of weekend trips from Amsterdam.

See Related: Best Beers in Amsterdam

4. Go Market Hopping Around the City

I never knew how many markets Amsterdam offered until my most recent visit. I was amazed. Like antiques, you can find some amazing modern and old art as well as great produce and cheese.

This is a great way to avoid entering tourist traps and getting goods. Market hopping will always be one of my favorite hidden gems of Amsterdam.

It’s a great way to meet the locals while bringing back some unique, prized possessions with a story. Some of the best markets in Amsterdam are Albert Cuyp Market, Nieuwmarkt, Waterlooplein Market, and Westerstraat Market.

See Related: Most Beautiful Villages in the Netherlands

5. Unwind at the Beach – Take a Trip to Bloemendaal or Zandvoort aan Zee

This is weather contingent. The Netherlands has some of the most unpredictable weather, so you will likely need to make a judgment call during your trip there. If you are certain that the weather will be sunny and pleasant, then Bloemendaal can be a nice getaway to see a new perspective on Holland.

If you like to unwind during the day and experience nightlife at night, Bloemendaal has both. A handful of restaurants and bars offer live concerts or sunset sessions, which can provide picturesque views while you dance the night away.

See Related: Best Travel Totes

6. Dine at Historic, Charming Dutch Restaurants

Dutch dining is a hidden gem in itself. Who doesn’t love cheese, fries, or traditional comfort food? While the food is good (it doesn’t photograph well), there are plenty of locations to enjoy Dutch cuisine in an old, historic building to improve the experience.

Here are a few charming, historic restaurants that offer great dining options for traditional Dutch fare (read the full list of our favorite restaurants in Amsterdam if you want more ideas):

1. Restaurant d’Vijff Vlieghen: Restaurant d’Vijff Vlieghen is called “The Five Flies’ in English. The restaurant is set in an old canal house and features several Rembrandt paintings on the walls. To get the full experience, you will want to tour the entire house.
2. de Silveren Spiegel: This fine dining restaurant is renowned for its authentic Dutch cuisine and historic 17th-century building.
3. Haesje Claes Restaurant: This spot is known for offering traditional Dutch cuisine in a cozy, historical setting spread across six interconnected historic buildings, making it a great option for families.
4. Restaurant Moeders: This gem, which means “Mothers” in English, features homestyle Dutch cooking, some of the best in the city.

Any of these restaurants makes for an excellent opportunity for a date night and is one of the more romantic things to do in Amsterdam.

See Related: Best Travel Backpacks

7. Find These Secret Speakeasy Bars and Distilleries

I love finding a good cocktail speakeasy. Nothing is more comfortable than having a cocktail in an awesome setting, particularly after a long day of exploring and adventuring. Here are several secret bars to consider in Amsterdam:

1. Wynand Fockink: This is a genuine jenever bar and distillery near the red light district. Jenever is a Dutch gin and is considered the Netherlands’ national liquor. Tying some jenever should be on everyone’s list while visiting Holland, not just Amsterdam.
2. Bar Oldenhof: This cozy, upscale cocktail bar is known for its classic interior, extensive selection of fine spirits, and personalized service, creating an intimate experience.
3. The Butcher: The Butcher Amsterdam is a well-known burger joint with a modern secret bar to get into. They have multiple locations, so you should be able to find one nearby your hotel. Grab one of these amazing Amsterdam beers while you are there.

See Related: How to Find Cheap Vacations to Amsterdam

8. Explore The Many Boutique, Unique Hotel Experiences

Amsterdam has some of the most unique hotels in the world. It offers many different landscapes and perspectives. Most hotels offer outstanding eating and drinking options with a great view, architecture, and design. Here are a few hotels that have some awesome designs, food, and drinks:

• Pulitzer Hotel Amsterdam (read about our stay in our Hotel Pulitzer review)
• Soho House
• Canal House
• The Hoxton (read about our stay in our The Hoxton review)
• The Dylan
• Conservatorium (read about our stay in our Conservatorium Hotel review)

The list goes on. You can get lost in these hotels just by walking and exploring the design.

See Related: Where Should You Travel for Your Birthday?

9. Climb the Top of Westerkerk

Address: Prinsengracht 279, 1016 GW Amsterdam, Netherlands

Westerkerk is the tall church located right next to Anne Frank’s house. She wrote about the church in her diary, and there is a lot of history associated with this church. It’s also a piece of beautiful architecture.

The church has one of the tallest towers in all of Amsterdam. Many people suggest you go to the SkyLounge or the A’Dam Lookout. That’s too easy to take an elevator.

Why not climb the inside of a church through history? The cost is only 9 euros and will give you some of the city’s best views in the center of the iconic Prinsengracht. This is one of the best-kept secrets to seeing a panoramic shot of Amsterdam.

See Related: Best Travel Apps for Europe

10. Ice Skate on a Canal

Ice skating on a canal is a true experience filled with photographic moments. Cold winter nights don’t seem pleasing to everyone, but there is something about ice skating that keeps you warm and alive. This is an experience you won’t want to miss while traveling to Amsterdam in winter.

See Related: Things Amsterdam is Famous For

11. Drink a Beer at ‘t Blauw Theehuis in Vondelpark

Address: Vondelpark 5, 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

I ended up twice at ‘t Blauw Theehuis in Vondelpark because I liked it so much. It’s a nice terrace in the direct center of Amsterdam’s Vondelpark. The ‘t Blauw Theehuis is similar to a tea house, but they don’t serve tea. Brouwerij ‘t Ij, a phenomenal local Dutch brewery, now runs it.

I’m a bit of a beer snob and was very impressed by the beer. I’d recommend the Session IPA. It’s light enough that you won’t feel too “surly” from having a couple in the afternoon.

Because it is lighter, you won’t lose any of the flavor that a typical IPA offers. Enjoy this experience on a nice summer afternoon.

See Related: Best Amsterdam Tours

12. Snap a Photo with Van Gogh Street Art on the Prinsengracht

There is a pre-made Van Gogh on the street of Prinsengracht. Go shake hands with Van Gogh himself and immerse yourself.

This painting is a street art self-portrait of Vincent Van Gogh. In the Jordaan district, you’ll certainly see a variety of other street art murals, including a large mural by The London Police.

13. Drink a Beer at Cafe Hoppe

Address: Spui 18-20, 1012 XA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cafe Hoppe is a staple and pretty well-known. I loved the architecture so much that it stood out to me as an iconic memory of Amsterdam. I’d never actually gone in there. It was always too busy on the outside, with people sprawling into the street enjoying the weather and some Dutch beer.

I finally leaped and went into Cafe Hoppe. The inside is just as beautiful as the facade. The place is rich in history and uniqueness. After looking around, I realized I was one of the only non-locals in the bar.

Cafe Hoppe is located in the somewhat touristy area of Spui, but it seems that it scares off tourists with the vast amount of locals overtaking the bar. Soak in a beer with the locals at this secret gem.

See Related: Best Amsterdam Tours

14. Visit the Embassy of the Free Mind

Address: Keizersgracht 123, 1015 CJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Embassy of the Free Mind isn’t for everyone. It’s more of a library than a museum. I love the concept, however. The museum was founded in 2017 by the Worldheart Foundation.

Dan Brown performed at the museum’s opening. Yes, the famous Dan Brown, writer of The Da Vinci Code, Inferno, and many others. The concept is amazing. It touches on the history of the Amsterdam and Dutch mindset of free-thinking and includes over 2,000 years of accumulated wisdom.

Beyond this, they explore the text of various books to find out the following questions:

• Who am I?
• Where am I from?
• Where am I going?

Be prepared to spend an extended period here as there is a lot of dense reading.

16. VOC / Dutch East India Company Headquarters

Address: Oude Hoogstraat 24, 1012 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands

The VOC (Dutch East India Company) headquarters is one of the most important buildings in Amsterdam. Here, you can see where this major Dutch trading company was headquartered.

The VOC was founded in 1602 and is considered the world’s oldest stock exchange. If you’re interested in history or want to see some amazing architecture, check out this national monument, which is open to the public!

The headquarters was built between 1618 and 1619, but it wasn’t until 1637 that they moved into their new headquarters on Dam Square (which makes sense because it took five years after construction started).

This building has been used for many things over its lifetime, including housing government offices and serving as an art gallery for several years during World War II before becoming a museum dedicated specifically to explaining what happened inside these walls during those tumultuous times under occupation by German forces during WWII.

See Related: Best Travel Gifts for Backpackers

17. Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic)

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 GD Amsterdam, Netherlands

Ons Lieve Heer op Solder is a hidden gem in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. This secret Catholic church, built in the 13th century, is worth a visit for its rich history and interesting architecture. A Catholic businessman originally built the church during a period when Catholics were not allowed to practice their religion publicly.

However, the Ons Lieve Heer op Solder remained secret for many years, only to be discovered in the 19th century. Today, the church is open to the public as a museum. Beyond the two-level church, the furniture and artwork reflect the Dutch Golden Age.

As a result, visiting Ons Lieve Heer op Solder is an opportunity to learn about the Dutch capital and Amsterdam’s religious, architectural, and historical traditions.

18. Visit Wallon Church

Address: Walenpleintje 159, 1012 JZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

This Amsterdam hidden gem is located on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam’s red light district; this church is named after Bishop Charles-Maurice de Wallon. It was built in the 17th century and was consecrated by Bishop Pierre Bourgoing on December 10, 1667.

The church has a lot of history and incredible architecture, making it worth visiting, even if you’re not religious. It is known for its beautiful stained glass windows, which were designed by Willem Thibaut. The church also has a bell tower that reaches high into the sky and can be seen anywhere in Amsterdam. 

19. Cross over to Amsterdam-Noord.

Address: Amsterdam-Noord, Amsterdam, Netherlands

While the city is full of tourist attractions and museums, there’s much more to Amsterdam than that. A great way to explore another side of the city is by going outside its center, where you can find a vibrant community with plenty of hidden gems.

Traveling across town from Amsterdam Centraal Station (the main train station), you’ll discover Amsterdam-Noord. This neighborhood has quickly become popular with locals and tourists looking for something new and exciting in the city.

The best part about traveling here is that it’s easy to do on foot or by bike. Whether you’re exploring during the summer or winter, there are plenty of ways for everyone to enjoy themselves. I’ve fallen in love with this neighborhood after visiting several times. Learn more about this neighborhood’s history with a walking tour of Noord.

20. Walk around Oosterpark.

Address: Oosterpark, 1012 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Oosterpark is one of the few parks in Amsterdam that is located outside the city center. It’s a great place to run, people-watch, or picnic. The park has many bike paths, making it a great place to bring your bike or relax and read a book.

Oosterpark is also close to several museums and cultural institutions, including the Dutch Resistance Museum, Royal Artis Zoo, and the Tropenmuseum. If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Oosterpark is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

21. Visit Begijnhof, a medieval courtyard in the city center.

Address: Begijnhof 1, 1012 WS Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Begijnhof is a beautiful medieval courtyard in the city center. The area was originally built to accommodate beguines—female members of religious communities who did not take vows of celibacy—and later became home to women who couldn’t afford to live elsewhere. Today, it’s a great place to relax and learn about the history of the Middle Ages.

22. Be amazed by the Muizenhuis (Mouse Mansion).

Address: Muntplein 8, 1012 WR Amsterdam, Netherlands

This small and charming museum is located in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam. The Muizenhuis is a former warehouse converted into a museum with all sorts of great activities for kids – and adults!

It’s free to visit, so it’s an easy way to spend an hour or two exploring Dutch history while learning about this unique culture. The kids will love playing with the interactive exhibits, which include old-fashioned toys like wooden tops and marbles and games like chess.

See Related: Top Views in Amsterdam

23. Make an Appointment for the Secret Library in the Rijksmuseum (Cuypers Library)

Address: Museumpromenade 1, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you love beautiful architecture, this is the perfect tour. Not only is Cuypers Library one of the most beautiful libraries in Amsterdam but it’s also located inside the Rijksmuseum!

The library was designed by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and completed in 1883. It’s named after him because he donated all his books to be housed there for everyone else to enjoy. The library has over 130,000 titles from different genres, such as literature, history, philosophy, and art.

The best part about Cuypers Library? It’s open to the public from 10 am-4 pm on Tuesdays. Otherwise, it remains closed to visitors unless arrangements have been made beforehand with staff members at the Rijksmuseum.

24. Indulge in some sweet treats at Café de Jaren.

Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20-20, 1012 CP Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you want somewhere to rest your feet and indulge in sweet treats, Café de Jaren is just the place. It’s located in a renovated building once used as a warehouse.

The canal views are stunning, and the environment is sure to be relaxing no matter the time of year. If you go during the summer, try the apple pie with ice cream—it’ll make you feel like you’re floating on air.

25. Check out Westergasfabriek and its surroundings.

Address: Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Westergasfabriek is a former gasworks factory that has been converted into a cultural center. It’s located in the eastern part of Amsterdam, on the banks of the river IJ.

It’s home to several alternative and underground music, theatre, and dance events, as well as film screenings and art exhibitions. The venue was recently voted “Best Event Venue” by readers of the Dutch newspaper Het Parool.

This place is perfect for a low-key evening and is better than dancing at a superclub or clubbing till dawn. You might even get lost among the labyrinthine hallways surrounding this venue as you try to find your way out after an event, but don’t worry: follow people who look like they know where they’re going.

26. Go shopping on Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical Amsterdam shopping experience, head to Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerstraat. These two streets are packed full of shops and boutiques, mostly run by local designers.

You’ll also find plenty of places to get authentic Dutch snacks, like stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and cheese! A lot of stores sell products that have been made in-house at the store itself.

27. Shop at De Hallen, an indoor market in an old tram depot.

Address: Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47, 1053 RT Amsterdam, Netherlands

De Hallen is a great place to shop for food, gifts, and art. It’s also a great place to enjoy a coffee or a drink. Better yet, you can eat at De Hallen.

Check out the Foodhallen, where you can find everything from vegan shawarma to Italian gelato and some excellent craft beers and cocktails. It’s great if you’re visiting Amsterdam with friends or family as that picky eater in your group will surely find something that suits their taste buds.

28. Explore Java Island

Address: 1019 RX Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you are looking for a true off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Amsterdam, you’ll want to visit Java Island. Java Island is a former industrial area in Amsterdam that has been converted into a residential area with restaurants, bars, and cafes.

The island offers beautiful views of the surrounding areas, including Amsterdam Centraal Station (Amsterdam Central Station) and the IJ River. You can walk along Java Island to see these sights or visit one of several small shops or flea markets held there every week.

Java Island’s tallest building is the Jaffa Theater (formerly known as Dynamo). It’s an Art Deco structure built in 1928 by architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage. It also houses offices, apartments, and shops on its first-floor area from when it was first constructed, but now houses offices only while providing space for events on its second floor.

29. Visit a Dutch canal house mansion at Museum Willet-Holthuysen or Museum Van Loon

Address: Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Address: Keizersgracht 672, 1017 ET Amsterdam, Netherlands

Museum Willet-Holthuysen is a private museum dedicated to the art of the Dutch Golden Age. It’s a small but beautiful museum located in a 17th-century canal house, and it’s open to visitors on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The museum has been lovingly restored by its owner, who has done an excellent job of giving visitors an authentic experience of what it would have been like to live in Amsterdam during this period.

Meanwhile, Museum van Loon is one of my favorite “secret gardens in Amsterdam.” The museum is a great place to spend an afternoon, especially if you are looking for a quiet place to relax.

The Museum is located in a beautiful old canal house mansion, and the interior is just as impressive as the exterior. If you purchase an I Amsterdam City Card, you can visit this museum at an all-inclusive price.

30. Read a book at one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful libraries, De Liefde van Boeken (Love of Books).

De Liefde van Boeken is a beautiful library in the Jordaan. It is a bookstore, library, and museum all in one. You can read books here or rent them for free if you have time to return them before they close.

The museum has books on display donated by famous writers like Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway, as well as art exhibits. If you are looking for inspiration while reading your book at De Liefde van Boeken, paintings from Vincent Van Gogh will get you thinking about life and love.

31. Get stimulated at AMAZE Amsterdam

Address: Elementenstraat 25, 1014 AR Amsterdam, Netherlands

AMAZE Amsterdam is a new way to experience the city. It’s a sensory experience that uses light and sound installations, art, music, and architecture to create an interactive map of Amsterdam. There are five different routes to explore one or all of them!

You can also download their app for free on your smartphone or tablet. This way, you won’t miss out on anything fun happening in the city. AMAZE is a unique way to get to know Amsterdam better.

They have routes through some of the city’s most beautiful parts, where you will discover hidden gems that would otherwise be missed if not for this tour. You might even find yourself humming with an indie band playing in one of their tunnels at night!

32. Prinseneiland & Realeneiland

Address: 1013 LR Amsterdam, Netherlands

Address: Westelijke Eilanden Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you are looking for secret spots to grab a drink or avoid tourist crowds, you must check out the islands on the IJ River. Prinseneiland is a residential area with many restaurants, cozy cafés, and a nice river view. Realeneiland is a smaller island with several restaurants, a small beach, and a few bars.

Both islands are connected to Amsterdam by a bridge, which makes them ideal for day trips from the city center (or just going there for dinner!)

33. Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt

Address: Spui, 1012 WX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Oudemanhuispoort Book Market is the perfect place if you’re a book lover. This market is in Amsterdam and features vintage books, comics, music, and film. The event occurs every Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm at the Oudemanhuispoort building on the Singel Canal.

The market has been open since 2014 and offers many products. Books are categorized according to their genre: history, literature, non-fiction, and children’s books. Other items like postcards and posters are also available at reasonable prices (ranging from €1–5).

34. Grab a drink at In ‘t Aepjen

Address: Zeedijk 1, 1012 AN Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you’re looking for an interesting bar with a long history, In ‘t Aepjen is a semi-secret place worth visiting. Located in the Red Light District, this bar was once popular with sailors returning from abroad.

They would often trade their exotic animals for drinks and sometimes even sleep here if they didn’t have enough money for a proper room. These days, it’s a popular spot for travelers looking to grab a drink and learn about Amsterdam’s unique history.

35. KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet)

Address: Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you are looking for unusual things to do in Amsterdam, look no further than the first museum dedicated to cat art. KattenKabinet is a wonderful Amsterdam hidden gem that is the perfect place for cat lovers, as it is home to more than 50 paintings and statues of cats. The museum also has a shop where you can purchase cat-themed souvenirs.

This unique gallery filled with cat art was created in memory of that dear friend. The founder currently lives on the higher level of the building and possesses an amazing cat collection in the swanking Baroque style.

36. Visit Electric Ladyland

Address: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Electric Ladyland is a must-see for anyone interested in fluorescent art. Located in Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood, the museum is just a 5-minute walk from the Anne Frank House. Electric Ladyland is owned by Nick Padalino, who offers guided tours of the museum and welcomes guests to share his passion for fluorescents.

The collection includes traditional and contemporary fluorescent artwork, from paintings and sculptures to installations and videos. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious traveler, Electric Ladyland will illuminate your understanding of this unique medium.

37. Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store

Address: Oudebrugsteeg 15, 1012 JN Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tony’s Chocolonely Super Store is a delightful place you’ll want to visit on your trip to Amsterdam. It’s a haven for chocolate lovers, with walls lined with every flavor of Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bars. Tony’s is also known for its ethical chocolate production practices.

The company works hard to ensure that its chocolate products are sourced from cocoa beans that are ethically harvested.

38. Try the Best Cookies of Your Life at Van Stapeles

Address: Heisteeg 4, 1012 WC Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat when you visit Amsterdam, Van Stapeles is the place to go. This little old-school bakery is known for its delicious chocolate cookies, which are freshly baked and irresistible.

Van Stapeles is located on a small cobblestone street off Spui, a lovely neighborhood featuring a weekly book market. Just be warned that the cookies are so popular that they tend to sell out quickly (and the line gets incredibly long), so it’s best to get there early.

Trust us, they’re worth the effort. To give you a sense of the line length when we were there, it extended into the canal bridge twice!

39. Visit Happy Bookieman

Address: Herengracht 267A, 1016 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

This is one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path places to visit, as you won’t even know it exists unless you have flagged it on your map. This hidden bookstore features cheerful interiors and a lively atmosphere, thanks to its owner, the Happy Bookieman.

A visit to Happy Bookieman is a great, fun, and unique experience for travelers in Amsterdam. Although this quirky little shop appears on some lists for finding the best books in Amsterdam, it’s not as common as you’d think.

Happy Bookieman is the owner’s home, so it’s technically a private residence. This makes it open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Steve, aka Happy Bookieman, is happy enough to offer a chance to talk or buy books. The shelves are usually filled with books.

40. Kinderboerderij ‘De Dierencapel’

Address: Overbrakerpad 10, 1014 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

It’s no secret that children love animals, and visiting the Kinderboerderij is a great way to get up close and personal with some of their favorites. This petting zoo is located in Amsterdam’s Westerpark, and it’s home to all sorts of animals, including rabbits, ducks, goats, pigs, and more.

The Dutch are interested in establishing places for children in cities, so many Dutch cities have these farms near their centers.

This non-touristy thing to do in Amsterdam is a great option to add to your bucket list, especially if you are traveling with kids or as a family. It is also available for donations and is conducted by volunteers.

What do the locals do in Amsterdam, Netherlands?

If you’re looking to get a sense of what the locals in Amsterdam are all about, there are a few key places you should check out. First, the city’s many parks are popular hangouts – on a sunny day, you’ll find people picnicking, playing sports, and enjoying some time outdoors.

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite or drink, one of the many historical cafes and bars is always popular with local Amsterdammers.

Finally, Amsterdam is home to many small museums, which are perfect for exploring if you’re interested in the city’s history and culture. There is no shortage of things to do in Amsterdam.

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