Escape the crowded places and discover a different side of the city with these alternative things to do in Amsterdam. Whether you’re into vintage clothing, street art, or a nice boat tour, this guide helps you connect with Amsterdam in a meaningful way. From hidden gems and local art galleries to sustainable tours and mindful markets — this is how you experience the city like a local.
The blog in short
Explore Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist tips and find calm in unexpected corners. Discover flea markets, ethical design shops, and alternative museums in Amsterdam that surprise and inspire. I highly recommend using this guide as your personal route through the hidden side of the city.
What makes these alternative things to do in Amsterdam unique
Amsterdam is full of small streets, bold art, and local stories that never make it into a typical guided tour. These alternative experiences offer more creativity, connection, and community. They show you a version of the city that still feels alive and personal.
Where to relax and feel the city’s rhythm
Even in the city center, you’ll find quiet places where locals gather to pause, create, or just be. From peaceful courtyards to sunny terraces in De Pijp, you’ll feel the difference immediately. These spots are ideal for slowing down after a busy day or starting your morning with intention:
- Hortus Botanicus is a historic botanical garden where nature and calm meet in the middle of the city
- Hidden courtyards with benches, flowers, and old buildings — quiet and open to respectful visitors
- In Amsterdam Noord, you’ll find wide views, water access, and little coffee spots along the IJ
- In De Pijp, start your morning with a slow coffee or market walk away from tourist traffic
Co-working and creative community spaces
For those working remotely or simply seeking a more meaningful connection with the city, Amsterdam has a growing number of hybrid spaces. These work-café combinations often serve as hubs for creative locals and conscious travelers. Some host events or mini markets on the weekends. Look at the following places to explore:
- Rooftop workspaces in the city center give you a view, a desk, and great coffee all in one
- Former warehouses in Amsterdam Noord are transformed into shared studios and event venues
- De Pijp features cozy spots where you can journal, connect, or join a mindful lunch
Discover museums in Amsterdam with a twist
Amsterdam’s cultural scene doesn’t end at the big names. Scattered across the city are small museums dedicated to niche art, science, and social history. These spaces tell the lesser-known stories and offer a deeper connection to the past and present.
- The STRAAT Museum is home to large-scale murals and street art from global artists
- Electric Ladyland is the world’s only fluorescent art museum, which is unusual and memorable
- Small art galleries near Spiegelstraat highlight contemporary and local creatives
- Hidden church museums like Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder show the quiet resistance of past centuries
A different kind of guided tour
Not every tour has to follow the same route. Amsterdam is full of locals offering unique perspectives — from street art guides to historians and activists. These tours are a great way to explore the city’s past, present, and possible futures.
- Take a canal tour with a plastic-fishing crew and help clean the city’s waters
- Follow a street art guide through alleyways and abandoned spaces now covered in murals
- Walk a 17th-century route that skips the crowds and focuses on local voices from the golden age
- Explore Amsterdam through the lens of Anne Frank’s neighborhood and lesser-known locations
- Take a combi canal tour and see also the Keukenhof near Amsterdam
Travel sustainably without missing out
You don’t have to choose between fun and impact. Amsterdam makes it easy to combine enjoyment with low-waste, local-first, and regenerative choices. These sustainable ideas give your trip a positive footprint:
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Visit Schoonschip | A floating neighborhood powered by solar energy and smart water systems. |
| Discover De Ceuvel | A self-made green village built from recycled boats and local ambition. |
| Walk a food route through De Pijp | Includes zero-waste cafés, refill stations, and local groceries. |
| Take part in urban gardening events | Or pop-up activities on the rooftops of old department stores. |
Vintage clothing, flea markets and local makers
Shopping in Amsterdam can be so much more than souvenirs. From vintage finds to ethical artisan goods, the city is full of shops and markets with real stories behind them. These places offer creativity, sustainability, and connection with the local community.
- Noordermarkt is one of the city’s oldest flea markets and a Saturday must for vintage and antiques
- De Pijp offers boutiques with curated secondhand fashion and unique accessories
- The Maker Store showcases Amsterdam-made products — from jewelry to home decor
- Spiegelstraat hosts small design shops and independent galleries with limited-edition items
History beyond the red-light district
Amsterdam’s history runs deeper than the stories on museum plaques. In quiet churches, hidden houses, and old merchant streets, you’ll find traces of lives lived with resilience and beauty. These historical alternatives help you understand the city from the inside out.
- Begijnhof is a courtyard from the Middle Ages that feels like a step back in time
- Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder is a full church in an attic, hidden during a time of religious bans
- Many 17th-century canal houses are open as small museums, showing how people lived
- Memorial plaques and small art pieces throughout the city tell stories of those often forgotten
What’s happening when you’re in town
Amsterdam changes with the seasons, and part of the magic is seeing what only exists for a weekend. These rotating events are beloved by locals and curious visitors alike. They’re also perfect for those who want their experience to feel fresh and unplanned.
- In summer, outdoor cinemas and street festivals take over the squares of Amsterdam Noord
- In autumn, the eco-market at De Hallen offers local food, warm drinks, and conscious crafts
- In winter, find candle-lit flea markets full of handmade goods and zero-waste gifts
- In spring, join canal clean-ups or bike to blooming rooftops in the greenest parts of town
Why alternative things to do in Amsterdam are worth it
These experiences don’t just offer a different view — they offer a different feeling. You’ll leave the city with stories, insight, and a sense of connection to something bigger. At HopOnHopOff we offer multiple canal cruises. Also, there is a combi ideal, where you will visit the Keukenhof after the cruise. Experience more than just Amsterdam and explore.
Do you have any questions about our tours or cruises? Feel free to contact us. Our team is happy to help you with booking the right cruise or tour.
