the Travel Enthusiast
- 21 Jul
Hidden cultural gems in Amsterdam
Amsterdam
Nowadays, Amsterdam is chiefly known as a tourist destination with an electrifying, often gaudy and debauched nightlife, set on the backdrop of historical architecture and century old art. Amsterdam has always been a deeply cultural city, where art, architecture and music thrived and were held in great regard.
Even today, the cultural attractions of the city are many: historic buildings, churches, synagogues, museums and draw bridges. But behind the more obvious attractions, there’s a wealth of hidden cultural gems in Amsterdam which can brighten up your stay in the city even more.
Chapel of the Parrot, Kalverstraat
After the Netherlands became protestant at the end of the 16th century, Catholics were tolerated, but not exactly allowed to practice their religion in plain view. Chapel of the Parrot is only one of the many little Catholic chapels tucked away on busy streets, and named after objects or animals because naming them after saints was prohibited. The chapel seems narrow on the outside, but it’s rather large and very interesting on the inside.
Oude Kerk, De Wallen district
The oldest church in the city, dating back to the early 14th century, lies splat in the middle of the largest red-light district in Amsterdam. While tourist do wander into the church, many miss the quaint carvings on the choir stalls: each funny little carving is the representation of a proverb, about things like the effects of alcohol or the importance of money.
The Movies Cinema, Haarlemmerdijk
If you like old or retro movie theaters, visit the aptly named Movies cinema, a magnificent art-deco theater dating back to 1912 and the oldest one to still function in the city. The cinema is almost hidden away behind the trendy brand shops on the street, but the interior has been preserved in a time capsule. It has its own restaurant where you can have a drink or a snack before a movie.
PGC Hajenius, Rokin street
PGC Hajenius opened his cigar and tobacco shop when he was only 19, in 1826, but he became well known throughout Europe soon afterwards, and he even supplied some of the greatest royal courts on the continent. You can visit his shop opened in 1915, a beautiful art-deco creation that exudes quiet luxury and the enticing smells of expensive tobacco.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple, Zeedijk Street
Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple is hidden in plain sight, at the edge of the red-light district, in Amsterdam’s China Town. The magnificent Buddhist temple, the largest in Europe, sits amidst Chinese and Asian shops signs mounted on traditional Dutch buildings.
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Thank you for the useful suggestions.
Here’s a nice list of good Amsterdam travel guides: http://www.flaier.net/c/The_Best_Amsterdam_Travel_Guides