Discovering the hidden gems of Amsterdam, Netherlands

The abundance of globally renowned museums and historic landmarks in Amsterdam will provide culturally inclined tourists with entertainment for several weeks.

However, if you look beyond the most popular tourist spots, you will gain a captivating and unique viewpoint of the city.

Here is a compilation of the city’s top hidden treasures, ranging from secluded garden cafes and lesser-known music venues to rooftop lounges and a museum located in an underneath bank vault. So book a KLM Airlines ticket and explore the hidden gems of Amsterdam.

• Nieuwe Spiegelstraat

Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, which is located near the Rijksmuseum, houses various boutiques and standalone shops. This antique enthusiast’s paradise is located south of the historic city center and has been home to a variety of stores for more than three centuries, ranging from clock suppliers to ceramic sellers.

• In ‘t Aepjen

Enjoy a beer at a traditional Dutch brown bar, where in the past, financially struggling sailors would exchange monkeys for drinks.

In ‘t Aepjen is located on the outskirts of the Red Light District, near Amsterdam Centraal Station, and is considered one of the first bars in Amsterdam.

• De Waag

De Waag, a charming restaurant located in the center of a square with a beautiful view of a canal, may surprise you with its history.

It was once a part of Amsterdam’s historic city walls. De Waag, which dates back to the 15th century, is the oldest secular building in the Dutch capital. Over the years, it has served various purposes such as a guild hall, gallery, fire station, and anatomical theater.

• The House with the Graffiti

There is a residence located on the outskirts of the Amstel Canal that reportedly contains graffiti dating back centuries, which is believed to have been written using blood. The building was constructed in the 1670s and was formerly owned by Coenraad van Beuningen. The building is currently located at 216 Amstel. According to the story, the city’s six-time mayor engraved Kabbalistic symbols on the front of the building, which is rumored to have been done using his own blood.

• Begijnhof

Certainly, currently, the Amsterdam Begijnhof is not as much of a “secret” as it used to be, even a few years ago. This historical beguinage originates back to the Middle Ages.

However, many visitors still overlook the secret wall of gable stones located in a dead-end alleyway near one of the courtyard entrances. The Amsterdam gable stones have a historical origin dating back to a period when the canalside buildings were not numbered and the majority of the population was illiterate.

• Waterlooplein Flea Market

Waterlooplein is the oldest flea market in the Netherlands and is considered one of the larger and more high-quality markets in the city. Every week, for six days, around 300 vendors sell their products in this 19th-century market. This place offers a variety of antiques, vintage apparel, and antiquarian books for sale. It is a great spot to discover hidden gems and you never know what you might find next!

• Kartuizerhofje

The Kartuizerhofje is one of the finest hofjes in Amsterdam, situated in the charming Jordaan district. It is one of the larger hofjes in Amsterdam that is accessible to the public. This place is free to visit and you can expect to find a variety of beautiful plants, a serene fountain, and numerous benches to sit and unwind.

• Beurspassage

The Beurspassage, located just a few steps away from Damrak, features exclusively sea-themed glazed mosaic tiles. The stunning mosaic, which was created by Arno & Iris and Hans van Bente, is frequently overlooked by visitors because it is located on the ceiling. The glass roof is adorned with imaginative and legendary sea creatures, while the floor depicts the connection between Amsterdam and its waterways. Indeed, this is a city renowned for its canals!

Amsterdam is a city full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the antique shops on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat to the secret wall of gable stones in Begijnhof, there is something for everyone.

The Waterlooplein Flea Market is a great place to find unique vintage items, while the Kartuizerhofje offers a peaceful oasis in the bustling Jordaan district. Don’t miss the stunning sea-themed mosaic in the Beurspassage or a drink at the historic In ‘t Aepjen bar. Book your KLM ticket and explore the lesser-known but equally fascinating side of Amsterdam.