As one of the most cherished tourist destinations on earth, Amsterdam isn’t exactly an “off the beaten path” location. Yet despite having been heavily trafficked and well defined in guidebooks over the years, there is still a wide array of hidden gems to be found within the city.
The unusual things to do in Amsterdam leads to a unique and special vacation. The activities range from unique art to surprising architecture to unexpected shops with one-of-a-kind offerings, and are sure to give you a whole new perspective on the city. These are the top six local secrets of the Venice of the North:
Unusual Things to Do in Amsterdam
1. Art Plein Spui
Near the Begijnhof in a little square at the heart of the city, there is a weekly outdoor art market called ‘Art Plein Spui.’ For anyone looking to find unique souvenirs or interesting local artworks, this is undeniably the place to go. Open each Sunday from 10am to 6pm, visitors will have the opportunity to buy work directly from the artists who make it, and play an important role in supporting Amsterdam’s artistic communities.
2. The Little Woodcutter Statue
This charming little 50-centimeter statue has been discretely perched on the branch he’s cutting since 1989, and is often overlooked even by those who pass him every day. You can find him hidden up in the foliage across from the Leidseplein bridge. Though the actual artist is unknown, rumor has it Queen Beatrix is responsible for this unexpected artistic treat.
3. Museum of Bags and Purses
As the planet’s largest collection of bags, this impressive museum shows off the items that Hendrikje Ivo carefully and obsessively collected throughout his life. It now stands as an insightful historic record of purses since the 16th century up until the modern day, and showcases some 4000 items. Amongst them are handbags once owned by the likes of Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and even Bette Midler.
4. The Movies Art House
For any lover of art deco, this quaint old cinema was built back in 1912, and is the oldest active theatre in Amsterdam today. You can find it in the Haarlemmerdijk at number 161, and are sure to be awed by the geometric lamps, the warm yellow décor, antique movie posters, and mahogany furniture. Be sure to arrive early for a drink and a bite to eat before the show at the theatre’s unique restaurant.
5. Lairesse Apotheek
For architecture lovers, this unusual pharmacy is a can’t miss stop on your next visit. With floor to ceiling glass cases modeled after the periodic table, a convex wall lined with green drawers, and the ginkgo leaves imprinted in the floor; you’ll be immersed in a unique pharmaceutical experience designed to educate, promote serenity, and serve all the practical needs of medicine shop. Open Monday through Saturday, you’ll find it at De Lairessestraat 40.
6. Woonbootmuseum
One of the few in the world, Amsterdam’s houseboat museum is a great way to experience the quirky history of the city. The tradition of houseboats on the canals dates back to the early 20th century, and it is estimated that about 2,400 of these waterborne residences exist in the city today. But the Hendrika Maria (which was built back in 1914) is one of a kind, and from its mooring on Prinsengracht, gives visitors a charming glimpse of life on the Dutch waterways.
If you enjoy the water, you may want to take a trip out to Amsterdam Beach (Zandvoort and Ijmuiden), which is only about 40 minutes away by car.
Amsterdam is a city rich in living culture, unexpected surprises, and out-of-the-way delights. If one knows where to look, there is something to impress and entertain around nearly every corner. From the quirky to the high brow, the city is densely packed with hidden gems, unusual things to do in Amsterdam. So the next time you happen to be in Amsterdam, be sure to immerse yourself in a unique slice of something out of the ordinary.
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