Curious things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital, is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Tour its network of canals and bridges on a bicycle while you tick off cultural big hitters like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House. Scratch the surface though and you’ll discover a tranche of quirky finds, from floating animal sanctuaries to an upside-down attraction.
1. Wildlife
Once you’ve exhausted the Tulip Museum, check out the Catboat (De Poezenboot), a floating sanctuary for rescued cats. Set on a humble houseboat on the canal it’s a haven for feline fans. The Catboat blends Amsterdam’s passion for houseboats with its love for animals. In 1966 Henriette van Weelde, a passionate animal lover, started rescuing stray cats. As her home became too crowded to accommodate them all, she moved them onto a houseboat, creating the world's only floating cat shelter, now housing dozens of moggies.
Top Tip: Visiting hours are between 13:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, while there is a maximum capacity of six visitors at a time. There is currently no reservation system so be prepared to wait for entry.
2. Street life
Once you’ve toured your way around the Red Light District, make time to explore Westergas, a vibrant cultural quarter occupying a former municipal gasworks. Westergas is home to various bars, restaurants, coffee roasters, a microbrewery, art-house cinema and a host of other creative businesses. There are regular events held here which infuse the hub with further energy.
Top tip: Swing by on the first Sunday of every month to check out the colourful market.
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3. Museums
Already been wowed by the Van Gogh Museum? Then check out Electric Ladyland: The Fluorescent Art Museum. Step into a glowing museum dedicated entirely to fluorescent art, minerals and interactive installations that glow under ultraviolet light. The museum is the brainchild of artist Nick Padalino whose illuminated installations show the psychedelic effects of ultraviolet light.
Top tip: Visitors need to book this attraction in advance, with full opening times and information found on its website.
4. Nightlife
Once you’ve had your fill of beers at Brouwerij ’t IJ and the Heineken brewery, knock back a few at TonTon Club West, an arcade bar that’s a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of gaming. It was founded by a group of gaming enthusiasts who wanted to create a space where people could enjoy classic arcade games while socialising over drinks. The quirky claw machines, classic pinball machines and unconventional prizes add to its playful charm.
Top tip: There’s more to the bar than vintage gaming. It’s an intriguing mishmash of American and Japanese culture. Where else can you feast on ramen burgers and hard shakes, before knocking back some of their Japanese whiskies?
5. Sensory experience
After you’ve taken a giddying ride on the A’DAM Tower’s super-high swing, see Amsterdam from a fresh perspective at the Upside Down Amsterdam. This interactive experience was designed to challenge perceptions of reality. Inspired by social media aesthetics and optical illusions which reflect the true character of the city beyond the cliches, it features rooms where gravity seems to defy logic. It’s a mix of art, photography and fun, making it a firm favourite for those looking for Instagram-worthy moments.
Top Tip: The venue is a socially conscious institution supporting everyone’s ‘Right to Play’, which means that it welcomes underprivileged children who might not normally have opportunities to visit attractions in the city.
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