The Top 10 Hidden Gems in Amsterdam You Shouldn’t Miss in 2025
INTRODUCTION
Mostly, Amsterdam is covered mainly for its canals, popular musea, world class culture, but if you go a little bit further, you can see some hidden gems. Whether you are a novice to Amsterdam or just haven’t dug a little bit deeper, I promise you 2025 is the year.. to explore these hidden gems, sustainable spots, artistic places, away from mixes of tourists and tourist traps. Anyway, here’s my Top 10 different hidden gems that people should know about in Amsterdam.
De Ceuvel – A Green Oasis in Amsterdam North 🌿
De Ceuvel is a sustainable and ecologically minded community in the industrial area of Amsterdam North, you won’t want to miss if you are interested in sustainability. Once a shipyard – now home to creative places featuring up-cycled houseboats for workspaces, a sustainable and organic café, and fully developed rooftop gardens. This is a beautiful spot to have sustainable pastry and learn about sustainable practices in Amsterdam. 🌱
Fun fact: You can relax on the canal with a coffee or food, and just hang out, chill, and enjoy the nice vibes and relaxing feelings. Don’t miss it
Mezrab – The House of Stories 📖
If you prefer something alternative to an open mic night, then Mezrab in Amsterdam East is where you want to be. Mezrab is a cultural hub that offers storytelling, open-mike events, live music, and shows from travelling artists globally. It’s a great spot to spend a cozy evening in a pint-sized environment being influenced by the thriving creative-cultural scene of Amsterdam.
Tip: Attend one of their storytelling nights if you’d like to take a slice of Amsterdam’s artistic community with you.
Begijnhof – A Quaint Medieval Courtyard ⛪
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Begijnhof is one of the oldest and quietest places in the city. With a lovely little courtyard surrounded by quaint houses and historical buildings, it gives you a little peace in a busy city center. It features an English Reformed Church and also a hidden Catholic chapel that enhances the vibe of history and quiet in the courtyard.
Tip: For a quieter experience, visit in the morning to beat the crowds.
Egelantiersgracht – The Flower Canal 🌸
Egelantiersgracht is a hidden canal in the picturesque Jordaan district. It is a relatively unknown canal, and I had an enjoyable leisurely stroll there. The 17th-century houses and flowers seemed straight from a children’s novel and made for a quaint afternoon. Don’t miss the St. Andrieshofje, a little hidden courtyard with tacky paths and gardens.
Tip: If you’re interested in having a leisurely walk, this is one of the most photogenic areas in Amsterdam.
Kromboomssloot – The Crooked Canal 🏙️
Kromboomssloot is another hidden gem that the city has not taken advantage of yet that captures parts of Amsterdam’s historic canals. This canal is crooked with its sharp bend, which accommodates warehouse space shaped by flat and bilge bottom vessels from Amsterdam’s maritime past with historical warehouses. There are moments along the canal where you could almost romanticize its historic rustic character and charm as you take a leisurely stroll, away from the crowds, while soaking up the picturesque ambience of its surroundings.
Pro Tip: Make sure to come for a photo opportunity–the golden hour with sunlight hitting the water are really something!
Badhuistheater – The Old Bathhouse Theater
Badhuistheater in Amsterdam East, in a former public bathhouse, is now a cultural buzzing venue. They have an eclectic mix of performances including theatre, live music, contemporary dance and more. It’s not too big, which puts it among other cultural hotspots of Amsterdam, but allows for a unique arts experience unlike any other in the city, without the tourists!
Pro Tip: Always check the calendar, you’re sure to find a very unique performance not found at the major theaters!
NDSM Wharf – Industrial Art Playground
If you are looking for the edgier and artsy side of Amsterdam, the NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam North is it! The former shipyard is filled with graffiti, street art, galleries, cultural events, and so much more. The industrial district brings together creative minds surrounded by painted shipping containers, murals, sculptures, installations and shows, making for an unbeatable arts experience in a localized art environment!
Pro Tip: From Central Station, you can take the free ferry and look around to take in all of the artistic experience on the way!
Nieuwendam – The Old Amsterdam
If you’ve ever wanted to go back in time, Nieuwendam gives a small piece of Old Amsterdam. This area is still quiet with a lot of traditional 16th century housing, canals and winding streets. It’s fantastic for a casual walk or bike ride far from the touristy spots.
Pro Tip: Biking the area is a wonderful way to recognize the quiet, historical surroundings.
Café de Ceuvel – Sustainable Food by the Water 🌍
Café de Ceuvel is part of the same sustainable district as De Ceuvel. Café de Ceuvel is located in a re-purposed industrial area, and serves organic, locally sourced food. They invite you to enjoy local food, local craft beer, and the view of the water while learning about sustainable teachings.
Pro Tip: A great lunch place to stop at after exploring the area around De Ceuvel.
Hangar – A Restaurant by the Water 🍽️
Take a visit to Hangar, an element of the modern food-scape by the water in Amsterdam North. Hangar is relaxed, with fresh, local ingredients, and situated right by the water. It is a great place to experience a dinner while watching the sunset come down by the water.
Pro Tip: Try one of their seasonal cocktails— amazing drinks to sip on while watching the sun disappear!
Conclusion: Hidden Gems of Amsterdam! ✨
Amsterdam has so much to offer, and a plethora of hidden gems, and so much more than famous museums, and canals! Eco-literacy at De Ceuvel and artistic energy at the NDSM Wharf offer you a local different view of the city that the guidebooks do not.
Ultimately, the best way to tackle a unique city like Amsterdam, is to get off the beaten tourist path, and discover the hidden gems that most tourists so easily ignore. It does not matter if you are a foodie, art lover, or simply escaping from the busyness of it all, there is something for everyone in this amazing city. So for 2025, don’t walk the same beaten path, dare to explore the real Amsterdam! 🌍🚴♂️