The Alternative Guide to Amsterdam Map

Have you ever stayed in a boutique hotel which provides a vast vinyl library in the lobby where you can select your favourite LPs to play on your very own in-room record player? No, me neither! The Sir Adam hotel is known as a mecca for lovers of both music and culture, with every detail of the residence inspired in some way by music. Alongside the turntable, you’ll find each room contains a wall mounted Gibson electric guitar and music themed artworks featuring iconic faces like Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger, which really give the space a rock ‘n’ roll feel (especially if you blare out some Patti Smith on the record player like I did for most of my stay)! I opted for the Sir Deluxe city view, which includes floor to ceiling windows providing unparalleled views across the river and the historic city centre. I also loved the touch of including a pair of binoculars on the dressing table so you can look out at the boats passing by. The industrial room design made for a fantastic two-night stay and was still spacious despite a huge king-sized bed (which even comes with its own pillow menu)! You can select from a range of room styles from the Sir Boutique, which is equipped with all the essentials, all the way up to their panoramic corner rooms and suites. The hotel is situated in the vibrant A’DAM Tower, a 1970’s skyscraper which has been transformed into a hub for artists and new media. As well as housing the hotel, it’s home to ‘Sony’ and ‘MassiveMusic’, whilst the lobby hosts a delicious burger joint and the rooftop bar provides 360-degree views of the city as well as Europe’s highest swing! As the hotel sits across the water from the city centre you can jump on one of the very frequent free ferries, which run 24 hours a day and only take around five minutes to cross over to the other bank. The Sir Adam sets the stage for a truly unique stay with its excellent mix of quirkiness and style. So, kick back and enjoy!

Also known as Sint Olofskapel, the building was constructed in the 15th century making it the oldest standing chapel in Amsterdam. It was originally built for Norwegian sailors who disembarked in the city and is said to be named after the notorious King of Norway. After the reformation the small church was used as the first merchant trade hall in Amsterdam before being adapted for protestant worship in 1645, when it took on more gothic architectural styles. Around the same time the main sandstone entrance was installed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, with the inscription: ‘Spes Altera Vitae’ translating to ‘hope for another life’. The serene carving of a reclining skeleton and the surrounding skulls was put in position to signify that not only did the chapel reside behind the doorway but it also formed an entrance to an inner-city graveyard for many of Amsterdam’s most important residents. Unfortunately, you are unable to go inside as the church is now used as a private events space, but the fascinating entrance is still completely intact and can be found near Amsterdam Centraal station on a little back street called Zeedijk.

Completely reclaimed by nature, this wild and fascinating Victorian cemetery is a hidden piece of history located on the outskirts of Amsterdam. As you enter through the looming black iron gates it feels like you could be walking into a nature reserve rather than a cemetery. Entirely surrounded by woodland, you have to look carefully to spot some of the heavily ivy-clad headstones, which have been engulfed by the uncultivated landscape. The name Huis te Vraag, which translates to ‘House of Inquiry’, is said to have received its name when the Austrian emperor ‘Maximilian I’ asked for directions to Amsterdam at the inn, which was once located here. During the 19th century the land was repurposed as a private gravesite for the Dutch Reformed Church, but the name linked to the inn continued to be used. It is estimated that around 16,000 people are buried in these small almost forgotten grounds. However, the exact number will never be known due to the many unmarked graves which reside here, each including multiple caskets containing the bodies which were found in this area during and after World War 2. The tree covered site, which is now maintained by two local Dutch artists, hasn’t seen a burial since 1962, however it is beautiful to wander around whilst admiring the soft landscape of blossoming flowers and foliage juxtaposed against the solitary eroding headstones. Tip: Make sure to check the opening hours before you visit. Currently you can gain access from Tuesday to Friday between 11:00 – 16:00 (but this is subject to change).

Beth Haim which is Hebrew for ‘The House of Life’ is located in the small village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and dates back to 1614, making it the oldest Jewish cemetery in The Netherlands. The site which feels more like someone’s beautifully cultivated private garden is located in glorious countryside on the outskirts of Amsterdam. But please don’t let the journey put you off, as this extremely captivating cemetery is well worth a visit to see the unique and unusual tombstones it contains. Laid horizontally to the ground, these exceptional grave markers are thick slabs of stone which depict a range of figurative imagery and detailed historic scenes, revealing the beliefs and values of the people buried there. To add to this, many of the stones include spectacular skull carvings in a number of elaborate designs (like no other I have seen before). One you can’t miss witnessing is the skeleton holding a looming scythe, which is located at the south side of the cemetery adjacent to the river. Numerous graves relate to the Sephardi Jews whose ancestors originated from Spain and Portugal, so you will also see many inscriptions in three languages, Portuguese, Dutch and Hebrew. In total around 28,000 people are known to be buried here including many famous Jewish diplomats, scientists and rabbis. In the distance you will see the magnificent St. Urbanus church, which creates a truly picturesque backdrop to the cemetery. Enjoy your time wandering around these very special grounds and admire the completely unique funeral imagery which this fascinating location contains, as each stone you discover seems to be even more intriguing than the last! Tip: Double check opening times online before you visit as these may vary.

One of the most unusual and thought-provoking museums I have personally ever visited, Museum Vrolik showcases a vast collection of over 2000 historical and medical specimens. Housed within Amsterdam’s Academic Medical Centre, it is certainly located off the beaten track and from Central Amsterdam it takes around 30 minutes to get there via metro. If you are fascinated by the human or animal anatomy, macabre oddities or dark tourism then this is one place that has to be on your list. Upon entering you are greeted by an extensive exhibition of rare skeletons, organs, body parts and medical obscurities, which have been carefully organised into different categories, within row upon row of glass cabinets. The museum originated from the private collection of Gerardus Vrolik and his son Willem Vrolik who both were professors of anatomy and specialised in congenital abnormalities. Together they accumulated a collection of thousands of specimens of great scientific value, which was then sold on to the city of Amsterdam in 1869, to eventually be displayed at the university. Walking around the museum feels like you are in one giant curiosity cabinet with many physical defects displayed in the form of human and animal remains. Please beware, as some people may find certain pieces on display disturbing and if so, I would recommend carefully selecting which areas you want to view. With items dating back to the 16th century there is so much to see here and if you really want to dive into the detail then they offer guided tours so you can learn the history and story behind the exhibits. I seemed to gravitate mostly towards the skeletal remains located in one long wooden cabinet across the back of the room and was also fascinated by the animal exhibits, where you can really appreciate the incredible wonder of nature. Tip: The museum is only open from Monday – Friday and there is a small fee upon entry (no booking in advance required).