Amsterdam's Best Hidden Gems

Description:

When you visit Amsterdam, you must simply visit one of the city's many pancake houses and discover of the possibilities for pancakes that we ignore stateside (pancakes are a dinner meal in this city, by the way). When you are tired of the traditional Dutch pancake houses, there's Pancakes! The offbeat menu fits the nature of its '9 little streets' location and offers pancakes themed on different countries around the world. For homesick Americans, they even offer a fluffy American variety with real maple syrup--but visitors to the city should take advantage of the more adventurous options on the menu. While the decor is a bit plain and the restaurant closes a bit early, this is truly a place that is about the food.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best pancakes!

Description:

Climb the very narrow stairs and you will find yourself in Pannenkoeken Upstairs, quite possibly Amsterdam's smallest restaurant, and definitely the best place to get pancakes. Located in one room with only a few tables, you can chat with the owner as he prepares your pancake in a small corner of the room. From the ceiling hang many teapots, adding to the offbeat, quirky style of this restaurant.

Our Local Expert Says:

Amsterdam's Quirkiest House

Description:

The narrowest house in Amsterdam is approximately 180cm wide, which is actually less than the height of the average Dutch person. Historically, property in Amsterdam was taxed based on the width, which is why many houses are so narrow and deep. To save floor space in these houses, the stairs were made even narrower, but can you imagine getting large pieces of furniture up the stairs? This was rather impossible, which is why most houses have a hook above the very top window; a pulley and rope are attached to this hook, and furniture is hoisted up through the window. But since Amsterdam is a windy city, it would be very likely that furniture would end up in a neighbor's house, which is why the facades of the houses lean forward, to accommodate for the swing; this was done intentionally. However, many of the houses in Amsterdam also lean side to side, which is actually bad. The ground the houses are built on is unstable, and a house that is leaning to the side has shifted and is often sinking.

Our Local Expert Says:

Quintessential Amsterdam Experience

Description:

The Oude Kerk, or Old Church, is Amsterdam's oldest church, dating from the1300s.  The church is conveniently located in the old city center, walking distance from Centraal Station, which used to be the site of the city's main port.  Sailors would stop in town for a night, visit the bars and prostitutes, then go to church to buy an indulgence, or "get out of hell free card", before heading back out to sea.  It was important to buy this indulgence, as such sea journeys were very dangerous and many men never made it back.  Ensuring they went to heaven in case of a tragic accident gave them peace of mind, and the Church's strategic position in the heart of the Red Light District earned it a great deal of money - everyone was happy.

These days the church is no longer active but serves as a center for art exhibitions. The famous World Press Photography exhibition starts its world-wide tour at the Oude Kerk each year in June.  During periods of no exhibitions, the impressive church is worth a visit on its own.

Description:

This museum is located on the Hendrika Maria, a former commercial sailing ship built in 1914. On board, the visitor obtains information on the nature of this special lifestyle, living on a boat that never moves, which is so unique to Amsterdam. The deckhouse, where the shipper's family resided, is still in place, including the cupboard bed. The former cargo hold has now been converted into comfortable living space. Ship's models, photos and slides complete the tour. See website for photos, routes, visitor details and more.

Description:

Winston Kingdom is an old hotel located in the Red Light District. Winston organizes a variety of performances from poetry readings on Monday to obscure underground-bands on other weekdays. On the weekends there are (house) parties with resident DJs who all have their own style and followers. Examples are Nova, Superfly, Polak and DR Wackenstein. The music they play varies from 70s disco to the latest underground house. The ambience is hot and steamy and appeals to musicians, groupies and artists as well as to locals and visitors.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most Spectacular Movie Theater

Description:

The Tuschinski Theatre, located just a few steps from Rembrandtplein, is the most lavish movie theater of the entire Pathe chain of cinemas. Showing a mixture of mainstream releases and more obscure art films, the theater is worth a visit solely for its design.

Built in 1921 by Abraham Tuschinski, a Polish Jew who made his way to Amsterdam with a vision to create a spectacular movie house.  The result is an Art Deco masterpiece, with decorative elements from all over the world (including an Egyptian themed main theater and Japanese themed sitting rooms).  The building is especially grand, considering it was built in a part of town that was undesirable in the 1920s.

In 2002 the Tuschinski re-opened its doors after a four year restoration project.  Today the theater extends to the surrounding buildings and contains multiple modern screening rooms.  If you want to see a movie in the original Egyptian screening room, make sure to purchase tickets for screenings in Hall 1 (Zaal 1).

Aside from the spectacular architecture, other novelties include VIP love-seats, and a bar at the concessions stand where you can buy alcoholic drinks and take them to your seat.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Market

Description:

While the Netherland's largest outdoor market (rumored to be the largest outdoor daily market in Europe) is an important tourist attraction, it is still predominately a Dutch experience. Locals mob this street daily, sifting through cheap clothing, fresh foods, toiletries, and electronics while traditional herring and cheese vendors loudly advertise their wares in Amsterdam's native tongue. Here, visitors to the city can immerse themselves in the authentic Amsterdam experience while buying souvenirs at half the price of those found in the tourist shops of the City Centre. The market is located in the famous de Pijp neighborhood, Amsterdam's Quartier Latin. While many visitors may want to combine a stop at this market with a visit to the nearby Heineken Experience, the savvy traveler won't want to forget the bustling and diverse dining and nightlife scene found here as well.

The Albert Cuypmarkt is named after the street on which it is located which is, in turn, named after a painter of the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam's longest-running market was first officially organized in 1904 as a Saturday evening event. Now it runs Monday through Saturday 9 am to 5 pm and hosts over 300 stalls.

Description:

Stoop en Stoop is a traditional Dutch restaurant conveniently located next to Amsterdam's busiest nightlife district, the Leidseplein.  Open for dinner on weekdays and lunch and dinner on weekends, it's a great spot to visit if you're on a budget and would like to try some typical Dutch cuisine.

The kip sate (chicken in a peanut sauce), and stampot (mashed potatoes with leek and a meat ball on top) are two traditional dishes that are interesting and worth a try.