Hidden Gems in AMSTERDAM

Our rented house is located just south of Amsterdam in Nederhorst, allowing us to lock our bikes in about 1 hour at „Fiets” in Amsterdam Centraal.

We begin at the harbor, right behind the train station, and face architectural masterpieces in Westerdokseiland. Here, the free ferries go to the A'Dam Lookout Tower and the NDSM Wharf.

At the wharf, an old industrial site, queer events often take place outdoors, and monumental works by international artists are displayed at the Straat Museum (the largest street art museum in the world). Right next to the entrance, you can admire Anne Frank by none other than Eduardo Kobra.

Not far from Westerdokseiland is Westerpark with several dining options and the Fabrique des Lumières featuring one of the current exhibitions of the “Dutch Master”. You should plan about 1.5 hours for this.

https://www.myheimat.de/essen/c-kultur/amsterdam-im-goldenen-zeitalter_a3616780

If you walk towards Sloterdijk, you will reach a beautiful green residential park that invites you to relax with herons, kingfishers, and meticulously designed gardens.

You can enjoy a canal tour on the Prinsengracht. Nearby is the Westerkerk, a stylishly simple Protestant church where organ concerts take place every day from 13:00 to 13:30.

The Nieuwe Kerk opposite the Royal Palace hosts the World Press Photo exhibition every year from April to September. An event where you can view outstanding photos from the past year on themes such as wars, climate crisis, and human rights.

https://www.myheimat.de/essen/c-lokalpolitik/world-press-photo-ausstellung-2026_a3617158

The Red Light District is part of the Amsterdam stroll. I found it very interesting that the Oudekerksplein around the Oude Kerk (from the 13th century, making it the oldest building in the city) offers Amsterdam Coffee Shops and legal window prostitution with a bronze statue for sex workers.

You should always see a city from above. Amsterdam offers two free options: The OBA, the Amsterdam library, where you can also enjoy a cappuccino, or the NEMO Science Museum, which is a must in the summer as you can relax on the wooden planks and cool your feet in the water fountains.