How to explore Amsterdam like a local with some more unknown things to do in Amsterdam, including weird things to do in Amsterdam, unique Amsterdam experiences and unique places in Amsterdam.
NDSM Werf | A’DAM Lookout | Electric Ladyland | Amsterdamse Bos | De 9 Straatjes | Narrowest house in Amsterdam | Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore | 7 Countries Houses | Our Lord in the Attic Museum | Pathé Tuschinski | Westergasfabriek
NDSM Werf
NDSM Werf is a place that you would’ve not heard of, unless you live in Amsterdam or have a great blog to read… oh wait! ? This is a hip cultural hangout that has been transformed from an industrial shipyard. A trip here is one of the more unique Amsterdam experiences where you can embrace the vibrant social and creative space that has developed over time.
Here you can discover the top 5 things to do at NDSM Werf.
Where: NDSM-Plein 28, 1033 WB
Pllek
Constructed from old shipping containers, this post-industrial spot is one of the most unique places in Amsterdam, found in NDSM Werf. You can truly experience Amsterdam like a local at Pllek. Throughout the year there are many activities for people of all ages to participate in, such as live music, international films, yoga classes, art exhibitions, workshops and more. What makes it one of the more unique places in Amsterdam is that it is only accessible by a (free) ferry across the River Ij.
Where: Tt. Neveritaweg 59, 1033 WB
A’DAM LOOKOUT
As one of the most unique places in Amsterdam, the A’DAM LOOKOUT is one of the must-visit unique Amsterdam experiences. You’ve heard of the Shard, the Eifel Tower, Berlin Television Tower; now the A’DAM LOOKOUT observation deck is here for you to view Amsterdam like never before. Whilst more touristy, from above you will witness an unrivalled panoramic view of Amsterdam. In addition, guaranteed as one of the more unusual things to do in Amsterdam, daredevils and thrill seekers can get their adrenaline fix when swinging ‘Over the Edge’ on Europe’s highest swing 100 metres above the capital city!
Where: Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS
Electric Ladyland
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Electric Ladyland is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to showcasing flourescent art. Not far from Anne Frank’s House, this is a museum where your mind might go a bit crazy from all the colours! You’re the one who searched for weird things to do in Amsterdam, and Electric Ladyland is certain to top that list! There’s no need for recreational drugs here as you’re guaranteed to have one of the more psychedelic unique Amsterdam experiences!
Where: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5, 1015 TB
Amsterdamse Bos
One of the most unique places in Amsterdam happens to be a place which you wouldn’t expect to find in a city – a forest! The Amsterdam Forest (aka Amsterdamse Bos) is the city’s largest park and recreational area, situated on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Three times the size of New York’s Central Park, by visiting here you are exploring the more unknown things to do in Amsterdam. Go on a seasonal walk in the woods, canoeing or kayaking, or visit the animals at the goat farm and enjoy Amsterdam like a local.
Where: Directions & routes
De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets)
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A stroll around ‘De 9 Straatjes’ will confirm your exploration of Amsterdam like a local. These 9 picturesque streets connecting the famous canals of the city are worth visiting. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can discover unique boutiques, stylish cafés, vintage clothing stores and art galleries tucked away just behind Dam Square.
Where: De 9 Straatjes
Narrowest house in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known around the world for its array of tall, crooked and narrow houses. A form of 17th-century tax evasion, residents didn’t want to pay tax based on the width of the façade of the house, so got creative and built upwards and with depth!
Singel 7 is the house with the narrowest façade in the world, barely reaching two metres wide. This is one of the most unique places in Amsterdam to visit and say you’ve taken a picture of.
Where: Singel 7, 1012 NA
Tony’s Chocolonely Superstore
CALLING ALL CHOCOLATE LOVERS:
We are sure that this is one of the most unique places in Amsterdam. Renowned for its mission to be 100% slave free, Tony’s Chocolonely is the most famous Dutch chocolate. If you are wanting unique Amsterdam experiences, you’d be silly to miss out on this! Taste all the delicious flavours of chocolate before deciding which you want to take home with you! As well, you can learn all about the history of this famous Dutch chocolate brand and buy gifts for loved ones, including baby grows, t-shirts and jumpers!
Where: Oudebrugsteeg 15, 1012 JN
Zevenlandenhuizen
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Wouldn’t it be great to travel without having to move? It’s possible in Amsterdam when you visit the street of the Zevenlandenhuizen.
Zevenlandenhuizen translates to the “seven countries houses”. Built in 1894 each of the seven houses represents an architectural style from a different European country. The country names are above the doors; definitely one of the more unknown things to do in Amsterdam, go take some great pictures for the ‘gram!
Where: Roemer Visscherstraat 20-30
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
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In the 1600’s it was prohibited to celebrate mass, so religious practices had to be done in secret. Our Lord in the Attic is a Catholic church hidden away in the attic of one of Amsterdam’s 17th-century canal townhouses. Now, it has been turned into a uniquely preserved museum, better yet – it’s pink! As one of the oldest museums in Amsterdam, second only to the Rijksmuseum, this is one of the unique things to do in Amsterdam.
Where: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38, 1012 GD
Pathé Tuschkinski
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Tuschinski is an Art Deco cinema palace. As one of the most unique places in Amsterdam, this imposing building with two towers rising above the neighbourhood is hard to miss. With an allure of an eastern-European opera theatre, admire the amazing décor when watching a movie or joining a guided tour.
Where: Reguliersbreestraat 26-34, 1017 CN
Westergasfabriek
In English, the Westergasfabriek literally translates to the Wester Gasworks. Following a huge placemaking revamp, this area has turned form one of the most important industrial complexes into a lively cultural village. One of the most unique places in Amsterdam, this is a place where creativity and diversity are fully embraced. Combining history and innovation, there are seven unique locations you can explore. With a bustling agenda all year round, each event is likely to leave a smile on your face.
Where: Directions
Feeling like a holiday?
After reading this blog, are you convinced to discover these unique places in Amsterdam? Why not take a nice holiday and explore these unique Amsterdam experiences altogether! Take a look at our holiday parks near Amsterdam!
