There’s much more to Amsterdam than its ‘coffeeshops’ and Red Light District. For those willing to dig deeper and look beyond the typical tourist guidebooks, the Dutch capital is rife with subtle beauty and hidden charms.
Words by Alexandra Alden
A trip to Amsterdam is often seen as a rite of passage for young travellers taking their first steps alone, away from the surveying eyes of parents. Lured by its reputation for unbridled pleasures and liberal attitudes, Amsterdam’s city centre offers obvious attractions like all-night raves, coffeeshops (not to be mixed up with the traditional cafés selling coffees and baked goods), canal boat trips, the provocative displays at the Red Light District, and typical drinks and bites to grab on-the-go such as fries and bitterballen.
However, there’s much more to Amsterdam than meets the eye.
For those willing to dig deeper and look beyond the typical tourist guidebooks, Amsterdam is rife with subtle beauty and hidden charms. One such secret gem lies just across the river from the bustling centre: Amsterdam Noord.
This former industrial area has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, offering a refreshing contrast to the well-trodden tourist paths of central Amsterdam. Getting there is simple – just take a free public ferry from the back of Amsterdam Centraal station, departing every 15 minutes. It’s a scenic ride across the river and completely free.
You could begin your journey with a coffee at Café de Ceuvel, a bohemian oasis nestled along the riverside. Here, the aroma of vegan homemade cuisine mingles with the excited chatter of locals attending a fringe festival screening, or a mindfulness workshop.
Take a peek into the Tolhuistuin close by and see whether there’s some live indie-folk music or singer-songwriter performance happening in their garden in the evening to continue in a similar calm atmosphere.
As you wander further, the striking architecture of the Eye Filmmuseum dominates the skyline. This waterfront landmark houses a treasure trove of cinematic history and cutting-edge film art. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that span the evolution of Dutch cinema and the works of emerging filmmakers pushing the boundaries of the medium.
On certain weekends, the air buzzes with the excitement of the IJ-Hallen market. This sprawling flea market, the largest in Europe, is a haven for vintage collectors and bargain hunters alike. Stalls overflow with everything from retro furniture to unique artworks.
The NDSM-Werf area epitomises Noord’s transformation from industrial shipyard to cultural hotspot. Here, enormous murals and graffiti artworks turn buildings into canvases. One of my first memories as a music student was a class excursion to this area. Stumbling upon so much art and artist workshops tucked into old shipping containers was an impressive sight.
Later, you may find yourself drawn to the café Pllek, which is a beach bar fashioned from recycled materials. With sand between your toes and a drink in hand, you can watch the sunset over the IJ river throughout the year and appreciate the Amsterdam skyline twinkling in the distance.
As evening falls, the district’s nightlife springs to life. At the bar FC Hyena, film buffs and wine enthusiasts converge in a uniquely gezellig (Dutch for ‘cosy’) atmosphere. You might catch an indie film screening while sipping on a selection of natural wines.
For a more laid-back vibe, the well-hidden café Murmur, also known as a speakeasy for hipsters, promises a tasteful night out, with an occasional live music performance and plenty of good conversation.
Another possible fun route through Amsterdam would take you back towards the centre. For science buffs, you won’t want to miss the Nemo Museum and the lesser-known Micropia found in the ARTIS city zoo.
When your brain is sufficiently full of facts and images of impressively small creatures, and perhaps when your legs have tired a little, take a short walk to the Pension Homeland hotel for a drink by the water.
If you’re in the mood for music in one of the most impressive venues in Europe, head to the Bimhuis situated along the IJ for world-class jazz and world music artists.
But if you’re in need of a slower pace, Amsterdam also offers plenty of tranquil spots to recharge. A stone’s throw away from the Bimhuis is the city’s library, an impressive structure with huge, towering, glass windows, boasting fantastic views of the city. It also provides a quiet space to work or read a book until late, if you happen to need to dive into some quick remote work.
The sprawling Vondelpark provides a perfect escape, with winding paths, serene ponds, and cafés nestled among the trees. After a leisurely stroll, head to the nearby Museum Quarter. Here, you can lose yourself in the swirling colours of Van Gogh’s masterpieces or explore the vast collection of Dutch Golden Age art at the Rijksmuseum.
For those seeking a cosier experience, Amsterdam’s café culture offers so many options. As a coffee and pastry enthusiast, I have a few recommendations for you: Saint-Jean, a charming spot known for its plant-based pastries, provides an ideal nook for people-watching with a good book in hand, but it does get quite busy at the weekends.
If the autumn chill has you dreaming of more northern skies, seek out the Nordic café Selma’s for their kardemummabullar (Swedish cardamom buns) – a sweet treat that captures the essence of Scandinavian comfort.
To cap off your day, consider a visit to Café Brecht. Its warm ambiance makes it the perfect spot for a final drink and a moment of reflection on your Amsterdam escapades.
By venturing off the beaten path, you’ll discover that Amsterdam is a city that constantly reinvents itself while honouring its rich history, giving you the chance to feel quite at home, or on one of the most exciting adventures, if you let it.
So, on your next visit, challenge yourself to look beyond the guidebooks. Uncover the hidden gems that make this city truly unique, and you may just fall in love with a side of Amsterdam you never knew existed.
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