Unusual Things To Do In Amsterdam That Are Not In Your Guidebook

For a vibrant alternative to Van Gogh and Rembrandt, check out Electric Ladyland; the first museum of its kind home to fluorescent art. American artist Nick Padalino created a small museum devoted to his fascination with vibrant, fluorescent colors. Named after the 1968 album by Jimmy Hendrix, at Electric Ladyland you have to put soft slippers on your shoes and head downstairs into an artistic cave-like space. In the small cellar, experience a microcosmic, dark collection of fluorescent objects exhibited in a trippy, multicolored cave, with spaces full of vibrant, fluorescent colors. It's immersive and interactive, and relatively easy to find in the center of the city. For funky vibes and weird things to do in Amsterdam, check out the dazzling painted walls, minerals, artwork, and fluorescent lights of the psychedelic Electric Ladyland museum. The museum emphasizes its participatory nature, where every person is more than a viewer and becomes a part of the whole museum.

If you’re looking for a city beach just outside Amsterdam, Blijburg Beach is the place for you. The laid-back atmosphere is reminiscent of a hippie commune. All are welcome and the spot is perfect for a warm afternoon of doing nothing. One of the best free things to do in Amsterdam if you’re looking for something unique, the offbeat urban beach is great for a quick getaway from the crowded city life. Enjoy the Amsterdam sun at its best, dip your toes in cool waters, sip a cocktail, grab an ice cream or chill out with the locals. The island neighborhood of IJburg is completely man-made, built on artificial islands in the IJ lake, and is mostly a residential area with restaurants and terraces on the harbourside. If you want to learn paddle boarding or try your hand at surfing, Blijburg Beach is a great area to head to. Fancy a beach BBQ or a day outside of the busy city? Be sure to check out Blijburg Beach.

Calling all crazy cat fans seeking unusual things to do in Amsterdam? Head to the weird and offbeat museum dedicated entirely to cats. The KattenKabinet features artwork depicting everything feline and is a bizarre place to soak up quirky Amsterdam vibes. The death of Bob Meijer’s beloved pet cat John Pierpont Morgan meant that in 1990, as an act of remembrance, the idea of KattenKabinet was born. Decorated in the baroque style of a classical museum, the museum holds the feline’s birthday gifts such as paintings, a bronze cat statue, and even a recreated American dollar bill with Morgan in place of Washington. The museum displays cats of all species in a variety of mediums from posters to paintings, sculptures and books. Roaming around the grand halls are some real-life kitties who fill the space with a unique atmosphere. A fascinating and unique museum, KattenKabinet is worth a visit for any cat enthusiast in Amsterdam.