A few weeks ago we spent a great 48 hours in Amsterdam. As this wasn’t our first time we decided to visit places we hadn’t been before. So after you’ve visited the amazing Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Heineken Experience and picnicked in Vondelpark, then why not take a look at these five different things to do.

1. Hortus Botanicus

Hortus Botanicus is a beautiful greenhouse and botanical gardens, founded in 1638 it’s one of the oldest in the world. This wonderful attraction has range of plants and flowers to explore, from cactus’ to the Persian ironwood tree there is plenty to see, even some plants which are on the “danger” list!

We loved wandering around the greenhouse, from feeling like we’re walking through a jungle at the bottom to viewing the tops of the trees from the rooftop bridge. Afterwards heading out into the fresh air and autumnal gardens, taking our time to appreciate the beauty and serenity!

Amsterdam has lots of stunning parks and open spaces, however Hortus Botanicus is definitely our favourite place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of most tourist attractions in the city centre.

2. Bloemenmarkt

Amsterdam is known for it’s flowers, especially Tulips, so where better to see them than the world’s only floating flower market?! Bloemenmarkt is a great place for any flower lover, from market stalls selling seeds, tulips, cactus’ and more it’s a great place to find Dutch trinkets to take home for friends and family. The bulbs even come customs ready so you’ll have no problem getting them through security at the airport!

Furthermore, this stunning market runs along side a series of shops where you can find even more traditional Dutch goodies, including a delicious cheese shop! Now who doesn’t love cheese?!

3. Moco Museum

The Museum Quarter is full of wonderful museums from the Rijksmuseum to the Van Gogh Museum, even the I Am Amsterdam sign. However, one smaller museum which is less well known on this square is the Moco Museum, and personally our favourite.

Moco Museum, which stands for Modern Contemporary, was a museum founded in an early 20th-century townhouse and holds a stunning collection of Banksy and Dali pieces in both the house and surrounding garden. Including works such as Banksy’s ‘The girl with balloon’ this is one museum you cannot miss!

4. Foam

After visiting the Museum Quarter you may have had enough of walking around galleries and museums, but if we can we’d definitely encourage you to visit just one more…

Foam is a beautiful photography gallery situated in an canal house not to far from Bloemenmarkt. The gallery combines exhibitions from well-established photographers with the up and coming, giving those new to the scene a platform on which to exhibit their work.

If you’re a photography lover then this is one you must visit! We loved the range of subjects this gallery had to offer, as well as some moving pictures thrown into the mix.

5. The Hoxton

Now Amsterdam has plenty, and we mean plenty of bars! But many of these will be found in the busier parts of the city, filled to the brim with tourists heading for a night out on the town. And if like us every now and then you just want to relax with a good crowd, glass of red wine or cocktail in hand, then Lotti’s at The Hoxton is the place for you!

Lotti’s at The Hoxton has a great buzz and atmosphere with an even better cocktail list! And if you’re feeling a little peckish then the bar snacks we spied did look delicious.

To top it all off Lotti’s has a great old fashioned Photo Booth and we have to be honest we can’t resist a good Photo Booth!

There is so much to explore in Amsterdam and we’d definitely encourage visiting the usual tourist hotspots, however if you’re looking for something a little bit different then we hope we’ve given you some inspiration.