April 1, 2025, 10:41 a.m. | Reading time: 4 minutes
Amsterdam has long been one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe - and that doesn't go unnoticed. In many parts of the city, tourists crowd through the well-known alleys that have long been in every travel guide. But in addition to the well-known places, there are other exciting corners to discover.
Anyone traveling to Amsterdam is spoiled for choice. The day is quickly filled with canal cruises, museum visits and a visit to the famous Vondelpark. However, many of these classics attract numerous visitors every day and hotspots such as the red light district are often overcrowded. Luckily, the city also has a few other corners to offer that might surprise even experienced Amsterdam vacationers.
These five places in Amsterdam are worth a visitChinatown - Asian flair in the middle of AmsterdamHortus Botanicus - tropical plantsOostelijke Eilanden - Eastern islandsRivierenbuurt - historic artists' districtFruittuin van West - orchard on the outskirts of the city
Chinatown – Asian flair in the middle of Amsterdam
Hortus Botanicus – Tropical Plants
Oostelijke Eilanden – Eastern Islands
Rivierenbuurt – historic artists’ quarter
Fruittuin van West – orchard on the outskirts of town
These five places in Amsterdam are worth visiting
Chinatown – Asian flair in the middle of Amsterdam
Located very close to Amsterdam Central Station, there is a district that visually differs significantly from the typical canal architecture with its narrow houses. Amsterdam's Chinatown is located around Zeedijk, one of the city's oldest streets. Built in Chinese style, Asian supermarkets, restaurants and shops are lined up here. The centerpiece is the He Hua Temple, which is also known as the “Lotus Flower Temple”. Its red and gold details make it a real eye-catcher. So if you plan to visit the Nieuwmarkt or the infamous Red Light District, you should also plan a detour to Amsterdam's Chinatown. A tour of the district is reminiscent of a typical Asian street food market: grilled chicken or Peking ducks hang in some shop windows.
Hortus Botanicus – Tropical Plants
One of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, which was founded in 1638, is the Hortus Botanicus. Accessible on foot from the canal belt, around 6,000 different plant species can be viewed in greenhouses and gardens here, according to “Bonjour Amsterdam” – including palm trees, passionflowers and water lilies. In the area that was originally designed as a medicinal plant garden, there is now a butterfly house alongside exotic and native plants. Tip: Thanks to the covered tropical houses, a visit to the Hortus Botanicus is worthwhile even in bad weather. The café in the garden also has a glazed winter garden.
Oostelijke Eilanden – Eastern Islands
The Oostelijke Eilanden are located in the east of Amsterdam. They consist of the three islands of Kattenburg, Wittenburg and Oostenburg. According to “architour” they were artificially created around 1900. The area originally served the shipping industry. From the 1990s onwards it was gradually converted into a residential area. Today there is a mix of old halls, modern galleries and lofts. Many of them can be discovered from the water.
A special highlight lies between the Sporenburg peninsula and the Borneo Island: the bright red Hoge Brug, better known as the “Python Bridge”. It snakes its way across the water in a curved shape - and is reminiscent of a snake. The bridge is a popular photo motif and is particularly popular with architecture fans.
Rivierenbuurt – historic artists’ quarter
Anyone who takes the metro towards the RAI exhibition center will find themselves in the Rivierenbuurt - a quiet residential area whose typical brick facades are reminiscent of the architecture of the Amsterdam School from the 1920s and 1930s. Located in the Amsterdam-Zuid district, the artists' quarter is a quieter and authentic alternative to the bustling city center. At the same time, the Amsterdam district has a history steeped in history. What many people don't know: Before she moved into the hiding place on Prinsengracht, Anne Frank lived at Merwedeplein 37 in Rivierenbuurt until 1942. Today a statue commemorates her here - a much less well-known memorial to the Jewish girl and her family.
Fruittuin van West – orchard on the outskirts of town
Another excursion destination in the north of Amsterdam, more precisely in the Nieuw-West district, is the Fruittuin van West, the “Orchard of the West”. From June to October, visitors are allowed to pick whatever they want - for example apples or berries, depending on the season. On the approximately 13 hectare site there is also an organic shop where the operators sell fresh fruit and vegetables all year round. The orchard can be reached from Amsterdam city center by bus or bike in about 20 minutes.
(With material from dpa)
Essential Travel Planning Tips, Destinations, Shopping, and Lifestyle ResourcesWhether you're planning your next vacation, researching destinations, comparing travel costs, or looking for unique online stores, having reliable resources can make every decision easier. This guide highlights useful travel insights, money-saving tips, dining recommendations, and specialty websites worth exploring.
Smart Travel Planning and Budget Strategies
Successful trips start with proper preparation. Before booking, review these practical href="https://grandgoldman.com/blogs/travel/planning-tips">travel planning tips to avoid common mistakes and maximize your budget.
Travelers interested in resort vacations should learn the cheapest time for all-inclusive resorts and discover the most affordable countries for all-inclusive resorts.
If you're comparing options, explore whether all-inclusive vacations are cheaper than booking separately, understand how all-inclusive resorts generate revenue, and determine the ideal length of an all-inclusive stay.
Understanding All-Inclusive Resorts
Many travelers wonder about resort experiences. Learn about the various types of all-inclusive resorts, discover the advantages and drawbacks of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, and see whether all-inclusive resorts are really boring.
You may also want to know whether resorts water down alcohol, what happens at adult-only all-inclusive resorts, and whether kids-free">Sandals Resorts are kid-free.
Dining Recommendations Around Europe
Food is often the highlight of travel. Discover the best restaurants in Córdoba, find a cheap restaurant in Madrid, enjoy local cuisine at a budget-friendly restaurant in Cudillero, explore the best restaurants in Budapest, and save money with recommendations for the best cheap restaurants in Iceland.
Unique Destinations and Cultural Insights
Travelers heading to Mexico may enjoy these clothing-optional beaches in Cancun. For those interested in history and social studies, this guide to South African apartheid history offers valuable context.
Travel Finance and Essential Resources
Reducing banking fees while abroad can significantly lower travel costs. Compare options for the best credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
Online Shopping, Business, and Lifestyle Websites
Beyond travel, several specialty websites provide useful products and services. Explore educational toys at Building Blocks Toy, Spanish business resources at Empresa España, and French business information through Entreprises France.
anime-toy.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anime fans can browse merchandise at jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">jujutsu-kaisen-merch.com/">Jujutsu Kaisen Merch, while leather enthusiasts may appreciate Leder Kaufen.
Creative services are available through Matrix Studios, while premium fashion shoppers can visit Pretium Victoriae. Gaming enthusiasts can discover retro-games.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retro entertainment at Retro Games.
Motorcycle riders may enjoy resources from RideRace, and kitchen product shoppers can explore innovative accessories at Walfos, with cutting edge compact computers at Mini PC.
Final Thoughts
From all-inclusive resort planning and European dining guides to financial travel tools and niche online stores, these resources provide valuable information for travelers, shoppers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists looking to make informed decisions and enjoy better experiences.
