Amsterdam is a city full of culture, history and charm, but beyond the famous museums, canals and bike paths, there are also many hidden gems that offer a different perspective on the Dutch capital. Here are 10 under-the-radar experiences to have in Amsterdam that will make your trip unforgettable.

Explore the invisible world of microbes at Micropia

See the world through a microscope at Micropia, the world’s first museum entirely dedicated to microbes. This interactive museum lets you explore the invisible world of bacteria, viruses, fungi and algae that live on and around us. You’ll learn how microbes affect our health, environment and society and even discover how much bacteria is exchanged during a kiss at the Kiss-o-meter.

Admire cat-themed art by famous artists

If you love cats, you’ll adore KattenKabinet, a museum that showcases cat-themed art by famous artists such as Picasso, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The museum is housed in a 17th-century townhouse that was built as a tribute to the curator’s cat, J.P. Morgan. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, posters and books featuring felines, as well as some resident cats that will happily greet you.

Get a glimpse of life on Amsterdam’s canals at the Houseboat Museum

Ever wondered what it’s like to live on a houseboat? Find out at the Houseboat Museum, which gives you a glimpse of life on Amsterdam’s canals. The museum is located on a former cargo ship that was converted into a cozy home in the 1960s. You’ll see how the boat is furnished, how water and electricity are supplied and how much space there is for storage.

Step back in time in a hidden church in the attic

Step back in time at Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, a hidden church in the attic of a canal house. The church was built in the 17th century, when Catholics were not allowed to worship publicly during the Protestant Reformation. The church is beautifully preserved, with an altar, an organ and stained glass windows. You can also explore the rest of the house, which has been restored to its original style.

Enter a psychedelic world at Electric Ladyland

Enter a psychedelic world at Electric Ladyland, the world’s first museum of fluorescent art. The museum is run by artist Nick Padalino, who invites you to experience his collection of glowing rocks, minerals, paintings and sculptures. You can also become part of the art yourself by wearing fluorescent clothing and accessories in the “participatory environment”.

Get a taste of how the wealthy lived at Museum Van Loon

Get a taste of how the wealthy lived in Amsterdam at Museum Van Loon, a grand canal house that belonged to the Van Loon family, one of the founders of the Dutch East India Company. The house is filled with elegant furniture, paintings, porcelain and silverware from the 17th to 19th centuries. You can also visit the beautiful garden and coach house behind the home.

Learn about the history of Amsterdam’s iconic canals 

Learn about the history and development of Amsterdam’s iconic canals at Het Grachtenhuis, or The Canal House Museum. The museum uses interactive exhibits, models, maps and multimedia to tell the story of how the canals were built in the 17th century and how they shaped the city’s culture and economy. You’ll also admire the architecture and interior design of the museum itself, which is a canal house from 1663.

Discover the evolution of bags and purses

Discover the evolution of bags and purses at Tassenmuseum Hendrikje, or The Museum of Bags and Purses. The museum has a collection of over 5,000 items, ranging from medieval pouches to modern handbags. You’ll see bags made from various materials, such as leather, silk, metal and plastic and bags that belonged to celebrities, such as Madonna and Audrey Hepburn. You can also enjoy a high tea in the museum’s elegant rooms.

Get an insider’s view of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District

Get an insider’s view of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District at Red Light Secrets, the world’s first museum of prostitution. The museum is located in a former brothel, where you can see the rooms where sex workers work, listen to their stories and experiences and even sit behind a window yourself. The museum aims to educate visitors about the realities of prostitution and to challenge stereotypes and prejudices.