Discover a quieter side of Amsterdam

One of the best ways to discover Amsterdam beyond the usual tourist attractions is to look for places that offer a change of pace. You might explore a historic neighbourhood away from the busiest canals, find a quiet garden, visit a lesser-known museum or simply spend an afternoon somewhere surrounded by nature.

These places can be especially appealing if you have already seen Amsterdam’s main sights or want to experience the city more like a local.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: a hidden green gem

In the heart of Amsterdam, you can find a remarkable green oasis that is easy to overlook during a busy city trip: Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. Founded in 1638, the Hortus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and is home to thousands of plant species from around the globe. Behind its historic entrance, you can discover peaceful outdoor gardens, tropical greenhouses and remarkable plants that you would not expect to find in the centre of Amsterdam.

Explore the monumental Palm House, discover colourful butterflies in the Butterfly Greenhouse and experience different climates and plant habitats in the Climate House. A visit takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, making the Hortus easy to combine with other things to do in Amsterdam.

The gardens and greenhouses also make Hortus an interesting place to visit when the weather is less inviting. After exploring the collection, you can take a break at café de Oranjerie, with lunch, coffee or cake surrounded by greenery.

More hidden gems to discover in Amsterdam

Hortus is just one example of the quieter and less obvious places to discover in Amsterdam. Depending on your interests, you might also look for:

• Historic hidden places – discover Amsterdam’s lesser-known courtyards and buildings. There are several historic canal houses that have opened their doors and gardens to visitors. Like the Grachtenmuseum, Museum Van Loon and the Embassy of the Free Mind.
• Green spaces – find gardens, parks and other peaceful places away from the busiest parts of the city. In the Flevopark, you will find the unique and charming distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep located in a historic 19th-century water pumping station.
• Small museums and cultural spots – explore places that offer a more intimate experience than Amsterdam’s major museums. With over a 100 museums in the city, there is a lot to choose from.
• Local cafés and restaurants – take a break in neighbourhood spots away from the main tourist routes. Just down the street from the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, you will find bruin café Eik & Linde where you can mingle with locals (and some of our colleagues).
• Unusual things to do – look beyond the traditional Amsterdam itinerary and discover places with a story of their own. Take a walk through Amsterdam’s most soulful neighbourhood, the Bijlmer, with Soultours Amsterdam.

Looking for more unusual things to do in Amsterdam?

If you want to explore beyond Amsterdam’s famous attractions, give yourself time to discover the city’s quieter corners. Some of the most memorable experiences can be found away from the main tourist routes – in historic gardens, peaceful neighbourhoods, unexpected green spaces and places with a story to tell.

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one place to add to your list if you want to experience a greener, quieter and more unexpected side of the Dutch capital.