What Not to Miss In Amsterdam. Your Not so Obvious Amsterdam's Bucket List

How do you prepare for a trip? Do you read guidebooks and blogs? Watch YouTube videos or search for information on Instagram? Whatever the method, we all have the same goal—to find the most interesting things and discover what not to miss in Amsterdam. But let’s be honest, beyond the top attractions and standard routes, we hope to discover some special, hidden, authentic places, tucked away from the usual tourist trails. After all, the standard, albeit beautiful, routes are the city's showcase, the way it wants to present itself to visitors, but not how it really is. Such routes don't allow us to truly understand the country, immerse ourselves in a new culture, or feel like a local.

The problem is that the same lists of "Amsterdam hidden gems,” "must see things in Amsterdam,” and "Amsterdam must do" are passed around from article to article, blog to blog. As a result, you end up having to wait in a long line to get into a 'secret' courtyard or a 'local bar known only to residents.' So, I decided to create a special wishlist of places in Amsterdam that we truly love and where we spend time with family and friends, away from prying eyes. Of course, in a couple of years, there might be long queues there too. But I promise, by then, I’ll have written a new list for this blog. :)

Of course, this doesn't mean you should skip the Rijksmuseum, avoid the Anne Frank House, or deny yourself an evening stroll through the legendary Red Light District—my list is only meant to enhance your experience and, for a while, let you feel like you live in this amazing city with us.

In the Netherlands, flaunting one's financial well-being is not common, and you can see this in how locals dress. If someone compliments your jacket and you mention that you bought it at a second-hand shop around the corner for 15 euros instead of a brand-name boutique, you’ll immediately notice a look of respect. We highly value the ability to find good things at minimal cost. Take a stroll through Waterlooplein, among the stalls filled with vintage clothing and souvenirs. You might discover real treasures. And it’s a favorite spot for Amsterdam’s fashion enthusiasts.

Amsterdam is incredibly popular with travelers, and this is evident in the city center, which is now largely filled with hotels, coffeeshops, and souvenir shops. However, there are still neighborhoods in Amsterdam where residents continue to defend their identity and where you can still feel the spirit of independent Amsterdam. One such area is Jordaan. Visit the local Saturday market, chat with the residents, and stop by the old fish shops and sandwich bars. Wander through the countless art galleries and relax in the quiet and charming 'hofjes,' or courtyards.

And if you want to see how old Amsterdam lives without tourists, take a walk around the Westelijke Eilanden islands and their surroundings. Fortunately, there are no tourist attractions or popular cafes here—just canals, old houses, moored boats, bridges, and charming gardens. These areas are what not to miss in Amsterdam, especially if you enjoy snapping photos.

Cycling is undoubtedly the main mode of transport in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. We use bikes to transport kids, dogs, potted palm trees, and even sofas when needed. If you're comfortable on a bike don't miss the chance to ride around the city. Sometimes, your hotel might offer bikes. I definitely recommend renting from MacBike, where I always get bikes when my friends visit from abroad. They have both regular and electric bikes, which are handy for trips outside the city. Importantly, all MacBike bikes are painted in a bright color, so locals who ride fast will notice you're a tourist and will be more careful around you. This is really important. Remember, biking in Amsterdam can be risky, so stay alert on the road.

Even if you're used to dining in fancy restaurants, you shouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy a beer with bitterballen and maybe even a shot of Dutch jenever in a traditional brown pub. It’s an important part of Dutch culture, like a city living room. Check out In ‘t Aepjen known for its fascinating history of a successful marketing company that’s been running for half a millennium. Or if you prefer an old bar with no frills, wooden floors, and the smell of hops, then Hoppe is your place. Sluyswacht is in a lockkeeper’s house right by the water, and Brouwerij 't IJ is in a real windmill. At De Prael, the staff includes individuals with various physical and cognitive abilities. Any old Amsterdammer will tell you it’s the best spot for authentic Dutch snacks in town. Brown pubs come in all styles, each with its own character, stories, and drink options.

Every country has its own special genre of music that has become a part of its cultural identity. In Portugal, it's fado; in France, chanson; and in the Netherlands, it's Levenslied or 'Songs of Life.' Despite the uplifting name, these songs often reflect themes of hardship and suffering, as well as joy, friendship, and love. They don’t sugarcoat life but rather express the real thoughts and feelings of many people. Born in one of Amsterdam’s neighborhoods (which you can explore on a special tour), these songs quickly became popular throughout the Netherlands and resonated with people from all walks of life. Stop by the famous Café Nol in the evening to listen to these songs and feel like a true Amsterdammer. And yes, one glass of beer won’t be enough for that evening.

Of course, we don’t only shed tears over sad songs. Amsterdam is full of bars with excellent Jazz, Blues, and Rock music, as well as clubs with great electronic music. Since I’m a big Jazz fan, let me share a couple of my favorite spots. Jazz Café Alto is a tiny bar, legendary among Jazz lovers, with an interior that deserves special attention. For a more relaxed vibe, check out Café de Engelbewaarder, which hosts the best Sunday Jazz concerts in Amsterdam.

One of the best things not to miss in Amsterdam is leaving the city... to explore the rest of the Netherlands. It’s a beautiful country with a rich history, but it’s also quite compact. Fortunately, public transport is well-developed, and you can reach almost any part of the country in just a couple of hours from Amsterdam. While you’ll read about De Zaanse Schans Windmill Park and other tourist hotspots in any guidebook or blog, let me instead recommend a few lesser-known but wonderful places that I love for day trips.

The rides are on par with those at Disneyland, but the sense of magic in this Dutch park is far greater. It’s definitely a Netherlands must-see, must-do, and must-experience.

Home to a vast collection of Van Gogh, as well as works of Monet, Picasso, Mondrian, and other artists, the museum is surrounded by the largest sculpture park in continental Europe, featuring art pieces ranging from Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth to contemporary artists. All of this is set in a nature reserve filled with pine trees, deer, and blooming heather fields in August.

Spend a summer day cycling between sheep farms, fishing villages, breweries, and vineyards of the Texel island. Catch the sunset by the lighthouse or on the beach where scenes from the movie "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" were filmed—an experience like no other. You can also get up close to seals at the Ecomare center, go shrimp fishing at sea, or even walk to a neighboring island during low tide with an experienced local guide. But whatever you do, don’t attempt this on your own.

In just one day, you can visit any of the Hanseatic cities that have preserved their medieval centers with winding streets and tiny houses. Or take a trip to a nature reserve to watch deer. You can even go oyster picking on the North Sea coast. The Netherlands may be a small country, but there’s never a dull moment here.

I really enjoy getting letters. If you decide to drop me a line after your trip and let me know which of my tips were useful, I’d be thrilled. Or maybe you’ve discovered some hidden spots in Amsterdam that I don’t know about? I’d love to hear about them. Have a fantastic trip!
Best,
Sergey R.