REAL Hidden Gems in Amsterdam

When you are planning on visiting Amsterdam, you’ll not only want to go along the highlights. The most memorable sights are the ones that are hidden gems. And a lot of the hidden gems aren’t as hidden anymore. In this blog we hope to share with you some hidden gems, that are still hidden to the general public.

So pay attention and get ready to discover some hidden gems of Amsterdam!

Real Hidden Gems in Amsterdam (2025)

House boat museum

This cute museum is located at the Prinsengracht 296K, 1016 HW Amsterdam, and is a fun little outing to do when you’re walking through Amsterdam. The museum shows the inside of a house boat, or woonboot, in Dutch. A common place to live in, in the Netherlands. The interior is completely made up in a 70’s style living area, and shows how people used to and still live in these house boats. For only €9,50 per person (2025) it’s definitely a must visit!

The English Reet

This pub is located on the Begijnensteeg 4, Amsterdam-Centrum. A pub name with a touch of ambiguity, but the origin is surprisingly straightforward: a “reet” refers to a narrow gap, and this authentic bar is nestled in the small alley leading to the English Church. Here, you won’t find music, nachos, or modern gimmicks. What you will find in this classic brown café is a layer of sand on the floor, a beer served with a hard-boiled egg, and a slice of ossenworst (traditional Dutch beef sausage).

(When you’re at the begijnensteeg, a must visit, but not so much hidden gem is the begijnhof. A small court in the middle of the city which used to only house single women who dedicated their lives to religion).

Museum House Bartolotti

If you’re looking for something that shows the history of Amsterdam and its wealth, Bartolotti House is worth a visit. This 17th-century canal house on the Herengracht offers a glimpse into the city’s past, from its architecture to the way people lived back then. Built around 1620 for Willem Bartolotti van den Heuvel, it’s a striking example of the wealth and style of the era. Inside, you’ll find a mix of rooms, each with its own story. The house isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.

Roof of the NEMO Science Museum

The Nemo Science museum is located in Amsterdam Noord (North part of Amsterdam). Take the ferry from Central Station to get there. While this museum is not as much a hidden gem, its roof is. On the west side of the building, you can walk up some very broad steps, and get to the roof of the museum. Once there you can view the city and see the beautiful skyline of Amsterdam.

Lab111 Cinema

This cute cinema located in Arie Biemondstraat 111, 1054 PD Amsterdam, is a great way to spend your evening. LAB111 is a unique cult cinema housed in a historic pathological anatomy lab in Amsterdam. Their unconventional lineup showcases a mix of rare classics and innovative films that spark imagination. They also have a restaurant called Bar Strangelove where you can order amazing sourdough lunches and pizza’s. Make sure you buy your tickets for the movie in advance.

Spui Book Market

If you’re visiting Amsterdam during the week, you cannot miss the Spui Book Market. Each week on friday, around 25 stalls offer a range of old, rare, second-hand, and out-of-print books – ideal for anyone searching for that elusive edition – as well as vintage prints, pamphlets, posters, and maps. While many of the items are in Dutch, you’ll also find a selection of books in English, German, and French.

Discover more hidden gems in Amsterdam with SmartWalk

Try SmartWalk Amsterdam, the self-guided walking tour, to receive more information and more hidden gems in Amsterdam. With this fun and easy to use walking tour you’ll discover the history of Amsterdam on foot!

Wondering how it works? Try the free preview hier!