Things to do in the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets)

Visit the city’s first photography museum

Tucked away in a stately canal house that once belonged to a prosperous French merchant, Huis Marseille is one of Amsterdam’s finest hidden treasures. Its grand period rooms now serve as an intimate space for world-class photography exhibits. Beyond the sunny courtyard, you'll find a contemporary annex which expands the gallery’s scope, while the on-site bookshop—stocked with rare finds—gives you even more reason to linger and browse.

Learn about the history of Amsterdam's iconic canal belt

The Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals) offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of this city built on water. Not only does it offer a historical overview of the city's architecture, but it housed in a beautiful historical canal house. Let yourself be guided through various opulent rooms, passing through a range of multimedia exhibits which demonstrate how the canals were engineered over the last 400 years out of an area of swamp. You’ll find a beautiful garden at the back that is bursting with flowers and tranquil spots to take a break. 

Sample jenevers in a historic tasting room

Occupying a covetable canalside location on the historic Herengracht, Proeflokaal A. van Wees is the tasting room for the van Wees Distillery. Opened in 1973, it's a prime spot to get acquainted with Amsterdam’s homegrown jenever culture and traditional Dutch cuisine. Inside, the cavern-like building oozes authentic charm, from the original pump displayed behind the bar to the stone floors. You’ll find an assortment of jenevers, old Dutch liqueurs, and bar snacks like bitterballen and croquettes on the menu. They also offer tastings and guided tours of the Ooievaar Distillery in the neighbouring Jordaan.

Step aboard a traditional houseboat

The Woonboot (Houseboat) Museum is a miniature floating museum that allows guests to experience what life was like onboard a traditional Dutch houseboat. Located on the Hendrika Maria, a former cargo ship from 1914, the vessel has been transformed into a cosy living space where visitors can poke around before enjoying tea and cake in the comfort of its retro armchairs. With welcoming and knowledgeable staff and a charming atmosphere, this fun historical spot is perfect for all ages.

Catch a free concert in Westerkerk

The spire of Westerkerk is an iconic part of Amsterdam's skyline. This 17th-century Protestant church, built in 1631, is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands. Over the years, the building has witnessed countless historical moments, including Queen Beatrix's marriage and Rembrandt van Rijn's burial. Westerkerk is only footsteps away from the Anne Frank House, and its church bells are mentioned several times in her famous diary. Along with religious services, keep an eye on the agenda for concerts and recitals (many of which are free to attend).

Pay your respects at the world’s first gay rights monument

Sitting proudly on the Keizersgracht, the Homomonument was the first gay rights monument to be built in the world. The design consists of three interconnected pink triangles with a line of poetry that reads, “Such an endless longing for friendship”. Since 1987, the monument has provided a space for contemplation, with flowers frequently laid to commemorate those persecuted in the past and present for their sexual orientation. It's also a central meeting point for activists throughout the year, particularly during Queer & Pride in August.

Taste the culinary offerings

The Negen Straatjes is home to some of the most well-regarded restaurants in the city centre. Take Restaurant Jansz, located in a historic building on the Reestraat, where the menu showcases beautifully crafted dishes inspired by modern Dutch cuisine. In recent years, the neighbourhood has welcomed various new hotspots, including the Hoxton Hotel's trendy restaurant, Lotti's, which offers laid-back brunches and cocktails. For more tips, don't miss our round-up of hotel bars, brown cafes, and restaurants in Centrum.

Discover sustainable brands and unique boutiques

If you’re interested in unearthing new trends and local brands, the Negen Straatjes, dotted with perfumeries, fashion boutiques, artisanal chocolatiers and jewellers, is undoubtedly one of the city’s best shopping areas. This area has it all, with its array of diverse local offerings. Delve into the best traditional Dutch cheeses at Kaaskamer or try delectable sweets in the Chocolaterie Pompadour. If perusing the best of local fashion haunts is more your thing, slip into Velour for an elegant selection of curated timeless pieces, discover handcrafted leather goods at Property Of..., or pick up unique vintage finds at Episode.

Cruise along the grandest canals

Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, Amsterdam’s interwoven network of 165 canals is all the more magical when viewed from the water. Various canal cruise operators pass through the Negen Straatjes along the Herengracht - one of the oldest and grandest canals in the city. Glide past the area’s historical offerings, witnessing 16th-century churches and elegant canal house façades, all the while finding out fascinating information about the former inhabitants and history of the city.

Observe exceptionally rare books up close

The Embassy of the Free Mind is a museum library celebrating the culture of free thinking in science, art, and spirituality. Topics covered might include everything from hermetic philosophy, Freemasonry, and Sufism to mysticism, astrology, and tarot. Daily tours help you become acquainted with the unique collection, along with special talks, lectures, workshops, and lunchtime concerts.