Amsterdam is probably one of the most popular cities in Europe. Many young travellers want to visit Amsterdam to enjoy legal marijuana or perhaps see the red light district. Some older travellers trek to Amsterdam in the springtime to take photographs of the beautiful tulips while they’re in season.
What if neither of those appeal to you? What if you were looking for other things to do in Amsterdam besides the most popular spots.
A couple of years ago during our first, and so far only visit Amsterdam, we definitely wanted to see the more popular spots. Going to things like the Anne Frank museum, or enjoying a beer at the Heineken factory were at the top of our list. Even doing things like wandering along the canals.
If we were to go back to Amsterdam though I’d love to do things that are a little different. I’d want to do things that make Amsterdam a little more unique then being known for sex, drugs and alcohol. So what are the things we’d want to do? Check it out:
The Torture Museum
I mean really, is there anything crazier than going to a torture museum? I’m usually a pretty skittish person but I feel like this would be really interesting. The museum shows all sorts of devices and methods used from hundreds of years ago to torture people.
De Poezenboot
For those of you that know me, you know that I’m a cat lover. The De Poezenboot is probably one of the best places for people that love cats to go and visit. It’s a floating cat sanctuary on the canals of Amsterdam! Can you imagine? It’s the only known animal sanctuary that floats as well which is really cool. They’ve also been open since 1968 which means this year they celebrate their 50th anniversary!
REM Eiland
This is for sure one of the most unique restaurants I’ve ever seen. Standing far above water, the building houses a bar, a restaurant, a studio and another second bar on the rooftop. The crazy thing is, the building used to live 9km off-shore and was actually home to pirate radio broadcasters before being shut down!
Going to a show
No, I don’t mean the ‘nudity’ kind of show that many people visit Amsterdam for, I’m talking about more PG-rated shows. There are tons of musicals and shows to see, some on rotation and some that live shorter lives. You could See MonteDam Swing or even go to see your favourite artist in concert. Whatever it is, Amsterdam has some really cool venues for you to experience.
Visit Amsterdamse Bos
Located a little outside the city centre, this giant park is an expansive preserved natural area. You can do any sort of outdoor activity here like; jogging, cycling, and hiking. You can also rent boats or paddleboats to make your way around the park as well.
Cuypers Library
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you love books as much as I do, I feel like this spot is a must. The enormous reading room is home to the oldest and the largest collection of art history in the Netherlands. There are books lined from floor to ceiling. From what I’ve read, there are lots of tourists that visit the library but not many that actually venture into the reading room. If you’re going to add this to your list of alternative things to see in Amsterdam definitely make not to wander into the reading room!
Oude Kerk
While this isn’t really that obscure on your list of alternative things to do in Amsterdam but it looks like a must. Oude Kerk is actually translated to Old Church. It was built in the early 1300s. The creepy thing I read is that the church’s floor is actually made of old gravestones. Right outside the church doors, you’ll also find “Belle”. She was constructed outside of the church as a representation of prostitutes around the world.
Which places will you add on your list of things to do in Amsterdam?
