Fun and cool things to do in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has long had the reputation of being one of the hippest cities in Europe – and it’s easy to see why. From quirky eateries to outrageous museums, there are plenty of unique things to do in the Dutch capital. Check out our list of best alternative, crazy things to do in Amsterdam.

See what’s on the inside at Body Worlds

Amsterdam is one of the few cities to boast a permanent Body Worlds museum, based on anatomist Gunther von Hagens’ unique plastination technique. Here, you can get up close and personal with real human bodies, perfectly preserved and designed to show off their organs, bone structure, musculature and more. It’s not for the squeamish, but this fascinating, unusual museum offers a day out that you’ll never forget.

Make your own cocktails with Amsterdam’s best-stocked liquor collection

The Mirror Bar at the House of Bols
is an absolute must for any lover of the finer things in life. Take part in an interactive tour to explore how alcohol is made, then sample some truly special artisan cocktails. There’s even the Do It Yourself Bar, where visitors are encouraged to explore their mixology skills and create their own signature cocktail. The cocktail museum, which comes complete with an audio guide, is definitely worth a visit, but if you don’t have enough time, you can head straight to the bar and indulge yourself.

See the Netherlands in 5D

This is Holland offers a cutting-edge trip across the entire country – all without leaving Amsterdam. This 5D flying experience will have you soaring over the Dutch countryside, getting a true bird’s-eye view of the country. You’ll enjoy not just the sights but also the sounds, smells and more. This thrilling attraction takes most visitors by surprise and offers one of the most inspiring technological experiences you’ll find in any European capital.

Visit the world’s most Instagrammable museum

The Youseum is a museum like no other. Visitors are encouraged to climb all over its 30 wacky installations, posing for one-of-a-kind pictures. Ball pits, giant mirror balls, jungle-themed bathtubs and other elaborate photo opportunities are waiting for you in this museum that allows you to become the exhibit. It’s no wonder that the Youseum has become hugely popular with young people, both Dutch locals and international travellers. Put on your best clothes and get ready to pose, pose, pose!

See a Banksy original

Amsterdam’s most famous art museums focus on long-dead Dutch masters – but if you’d like to see some art that’s totally contemporary, visit the Moco Museum. This modern art museum includes original works by legendary graffiti artist Banksy, as well as some locals. The inspiring Digital Immersive Art exhibition by Dutch feminist Studio Irma introduces the concept of Connectivism, a brand new art movement for the 21st century. If you want to be on the cutting edge of the art scene, Moco is the place to go.

Head into the Red Light District

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is known around the world, and it continues to be a major draw for visitors. Wild, daring and always controversial, the Red Light District truly must be seen to be believed. Some of its weirder corners include the Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam, which became enormously rich by encouraging local sinners to donate to cleanse their souls. There’s also the myth-busting Prostitution Information Centre, which allows curious visitors to learn about the industry from the sex workers’ point of view.

Uncover some Red Light Secrets

While you’re in the Red Light District, take a trip to the salacious Red Light Secrets, the world’s only museum dedicated to sex work. Sit in one of the Red Light District’s famous windows or listen to audio stories about the industry. For a true eye-opener, allow yourself enough time to read the Confession Wall, where anonymous visitors have left their sexiest secrets on display.

Take a tour of the coffee shops

Since the dawn of the 21st century, laws about cannabis have been relaxed in many countries around the world, but Amsterdam was always a step ahead in this area. The city’s famous coffee shops serve totally legal cannabis, either to smoke or in the form of an unusual snack. Some of these coffee shops are located in the seedier parts of town, so to stay safe as you sample the wares, sign up for a guided coffee shop tour. Your guide will take you through the crème de la crème of Amsterdam’s coffee shops, sharing some cheeky local knowledge along the way.

Pay a visit to the Pot Museum

Well, it’s actually the Hash, Marijuana and Hemp Museum. Located in the Red Light District, this museum tells the story of how Amsterdam became the cannabis capital of the world. It’s surprisingly informative, as it outlines the many uses of hemp. This remarkable museum is ideal for anyone who wants to delve a little deeper into the world of the cannabis plant.

Escape the heat at the Xtra Cold Ice Bar

Amsterdam’s Xtra Cold Ice Bar offers you more than just a cool spot to sip a drink. It includes a voyage to the Arctic, where visitors follow in the footsteps of 16th-century Dutch explorer William Barentz, who was stranded at the North Pole for almost a year. Inspired by Barentz’s adventure, you’ll sit in a bar with a constant temperature of 14 F (-10 C), keeping yourself warm by sipping on alcoholic drinks. Everything, from the glasses to the seats, is carved from ice. A ticket to the Ice Bar includes three drinks, along with a thick coat and gloves to stay warm while you’re there.

Visit the Cheese Museum

Not a fan of the Red Light District and cannabis culture? Don’t worry – you can still sample Amsterdam’s other famous products! The Henri Willig Singel Cheese Museum is a very small museum and will only take an hour or so to visit. Here, you can see a short explanatory video about how cheese is made and admire a few exhibits, as well as indulge in a tasting session. That’s really the main attraction here. Try the many, many different kinds of cheese on offer, and choose your favourites to take home as a souvenir.

Make some feline friends

Tired of museums? How about a museum full of cats? The Cat Cabinet is an old canal house that has been transformed into a small art gallery that is truly one of Amsterdam’s hidden gems. Every piece on display features cats. There are sculptures of cats, paintings of cats, sketches of cats – it’s a true cat lover’s paradise. Founded in memory of the original owner’s beloved pet, this museum is also home to five friendly cats. This quirky, high-culture take on the cat café trend is an absolute must if you’re a cat person. Just make sure to leave the dog at home!