5 Unusual Things to Do in Amsterdam That Make For a Unique Trip!

From museum mysteries to tea in a tiny house, read our list of some of our favourite unusual things to do during your stay in Amsterdam, and be prepared for a new perspective on this endlessly enchanting city.

Plenty of people have painted the town red in Amsterdam. Meanwhile, talented street artists where tucked away painting the city’s walls with every colour imaginable. In harbour-front NDSM, the walls have been brought to life. Some of the stunning artworks even span the side of five-storey buildings from floor to roof.

Disused buildings in this former shipyard (in Dutch the name is the acronym for Netherlands Dock and Shipbuilding Company) were brightened up with murals over several decades, created by artists who often also lived in the abandoned structures. The area retains its creative vibe and is now buzzing with cultural activity, with exhibition spaces, galleries and regular festivals to be found amongst the striking graffiti.

If you like your street art all under one roof, stroll among the rotating exhibits at the STRAAT Museum, right in the heart of the NDSM. There are more than 160 pieces on display at any one time in the vast warehouse turned exhibition hall, and you might even be lucky enough to spot artists at work on certain days.

The area is set right along the IJ waterfront, and there’s a diverse range of restaurants nearby dine at after appreciating the edgier side of Amsterdam art. Some of the eateries are even perched out on piers over the water.

• Location: NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam
• Open: 10 am to 6 pm daily (noon to 6 pm Mondays)
• Adult tickets cost €18.50

There’s a mystery to be solved inside the museum that vies for the title of the number 1 tourist attraction in Amsterdam. The idea would make for a great novel, and makes for an even better experience to immerse yourself in for real at the Rijksmuseum.

This activity invites cunning and adventurous players to unravel the strange and baffling secrets of the Rijksmuseum, taking on eight mysteries in one hour as they make their way around the exhibits. There’s a special surprise waiting at the end for those who succeed. Some of the secrets are hidden right within the museum's extensive collection of artwork!

The game is designed for at least two players aged 7 and up. The activity is described as “the family game”, but the experience is definitely fun for adults too.

• Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
• Open: 9 am to 5 pm daily
• Adult tickets cost €22.50, plus €2.50 for the game. General entry for visitors age 18 and under is free. Guided tours can be added to the ticket for €5

Amsterdam is a city that never conforms, and A’DAM LOOKOUT keeps up its end of the bargain by adding a 100-metre-high swing to the standard observation deck you might find in lots of cities. Perched on the rooftop of this soaring tower are a set of swings (yep, like swings in a park… but with a lot more belts and buckles). This attraction is named Over The Edge and is the highest swing in Europe.

As your legs dangle over the city while riding Over The Edge, you'll be able to take in sights of the historic city centre, the vibrant port and the famous network of canals... but beware, your eyes may just be squeezed tight with the adrenaline rush! If you prefer a more sedate experience, the same sights can be seen from the nearby observation deck or through interactive binoculars that offer information on various city landmarks.

A’DAM LOOKOUT also features other thrilling attractions, including a VR ride that allows you to experience what it would be like to zip through Amsterdam on a roller coaster. Even the lift that takes visitors up to the 20th floor has a see-through ceiling and a light show.

• Location: Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam
• Open: 10 am to 10 pm daily
• Adult tickets that include Over the Edge and the VR roller coaster cost €24.50

Sticking your pinkie out while sipping a cup of tea may be traditional, but there won’t be room to stick it out too far while you're savouring afternoon tea in the smallest house in Amsterdam. Het Kleinste Huis, at Oude Hoogstraat 22, is only 2.02 metres wide and 5 metres deep.

The first mention of this historic house was in 1738. Shortly after this, the property was rented to a maker of grandfather clocks, which is fortunate given the tall and narrow shape of both the clocks and the house. Apart from its minuscule dimensions, the redbrick home is typical of a classic Amsterdam canal house.

There’s a specialist tea shop on the ground floor, which interestingly claims to have put together Amsterdam's largest tea collection within the walls of the city’s smallest property. On the upper floor, tasting sessions and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in an inevitably cosy environment. Visitors get to learn about the history of the home together with tea-related secrets. If you think your tea-making technique has already been perfected, you might think differently after your visit.

The house is located right in the old city centre – almost on the doorstep if you're staying at the luxurious Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam. As you may have guessed, the Salon de Thé does not accommodate many tables, so advanced bookings are essential.

• Location: Oude Hoogstraat 22, 1012 CE Amsterdam
• Open: Monday to Saturday - 09:30 am to 6 pm
• Afternoon tea costs €29.95 per person

The Paradiso in the southwest of the old centre has a diverse and intriguing backstory that could sum up the history of the city all in one building. The former church was originally built in the nineteenth century, and during the 1960s it began its new life as a cultural venue.

In the late '60s, the location was a centre of hippie culture in Amsterdam, while through the 1970s it became a hub for devotees of punk and new wave music. Legendary artists like David Bowie and The Rolling Stones have played at the venue. These days, its nightly programme includes everything from rock gigs by touring bands and local artists to classical concerts performed by international talent, with some lectures and plays thrown in. If you’re looking for quirky things to do in Amsterdam, we suggest grabbing a ticket for an event at this unique venue.

The interior still closely resembles a church, but the current stained-glass windows were actually installed during the 1990s and provide a contemporary artistic take on the medium of stained glass. Paradiso calls this project "Modern Morale." You can even take an audio tour and listen to artists explaining their work and the messages hidden within the windows.

• Location: Weteringschans 6, 1017 SG Amsterdam
• Hours and ticket costs vary according to events

What is the big surprise in Amsterdam waiting just for you? No matter which of these unusual things to do in Amsterdam you choose, you're sure to make lasting memories in this uniquely fascinating city!