Weird things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam, known for its picturesque canals, historic architecture and cultural richness, also has a playful side that appeals to those looking for activities that are a bit out of the ordinary. Whilst it’s great to explore some of the city’s mainstream attractions, adding a touch of the unusual to your itinerary can be quite entertaining, don’t you think?
About the author: Laura Danielle is co-founder of Comedy Walks: comedy walking tours with a professional stand-up comedian as your guide! Amsterdam – Utrecht – Eindhoven
Weird things in Amsterdam
If you’re the sort of traveller looking for weird things to do in Amsterdam, this city has a treasure trove of quirky and unconventional delights waiting for you to explore. From peculiar activities to eccentric shops and weird places in Amsterdam, you’re in for a fun adventure as I present a comprehensive compilation of my personal favourite weird things in Amsterdam.
Weird things to do in Amsterdam
#1 Miniature golf in the dark
Glow-in-the-dark mini-golf definitely deserves its place on this list of weird things to do in Amsterdam. Mini-golf in the dark, also known as ‘glow-in-the-dark mini-golf’ or ‘blacklight mini-golf’, offers a fresh and unique twist on the traditional daytime version. The use of blacklights and fluorescent elements creates a strange and otherworldly atmosphere, making it the most fun game of mini-golf you’ll ever play. It adds an extra element of challenge, as it’s much harder to predict the ball’s trajectory. And if that’s not enough for you, why not try playing mini-golf in the dark with 3D glasses, which you can buy on site!
#3 Red Light Secrets Museum
Don’t miss out on the chance to stand behind a red-light window in Amsterdam’s Red Light District! Well, fully clothed, of course, if you prefer. The Red Light Secrets Museum, in the old town, is housed in a former brothel and offers you a chance to have a look around, learn about the work of sex workers and actually sit behind a prostitution window with the typical red lights on. That ticks all the boxes for quirky things to do in Amsterdam, doesn’t it? It’s a fascinating experience, particularly for those who’ve never been inside a brothel. Listen to a sex worker’s voice on the audio tour as she shares insights into her profession. You can walk freely through the standard and luxury rooms, and even the SM room is open for exploration. During the audio tour, you’ll also learn about instances of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, and the Red Light District is no exception in this regard.
#4 Walking or ice-skating on the frozen canals
For those of you coming from a mild or even tropical climate, this might sound a bit odd, but one of the most brilliant things to do in Amsterdam is walking or ice-skating on the frozen canals. There’s hardly a more authentically Dutch activity than venturing out onto these frozen waterways. The likelihood of Amsterdam’s canals freezing over largely depends on the prevailing weather conditions. Amsterdam has a temperate maritime climate, and whilst winters can be cold, this doesn’t always guarantee that the canals will freeze. In recent years, due to climate change and milder winters, it has become less common for the canals to freeze over.
Skating on the frozen canals offers a truly distinctive perspective of the city, allowing you to glide gracefully (or not so gracefully if you’re a beginner) past famous landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the historic canal houses. Be careful when skating under bridges, as the ice is usually thinner there.
#5 Swing Amsterdam
Does riding a swing at a staggering 100 metres above the ground sound weird enough to you? The Swing at A’dam Tower promises an unparalleled perspective. Suspended high above the city, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of Amsterdam, complete with its iconic canals, historic landmarks and the meandering River IJ (pronounced ‘Eye’). This remarkable swing holds the title of the highest in all of Europe. Be sure to add it to your ‘weird things to do in Amsterdam’ list. You can catch a free ferry behind Amsterdam Central Station that will take you across the River IJ.
Weird places in Amsterdam
As well as weird things to do, Amsterdam is also home to a multitude of weird places. Below, you’ll find my recommendations for the most intriguing weird places in Amsterdam. Believe it or not, visiting Amsterdam’s most peculiar places will leave you with lasting memories of your stay in Amsterdam. You should pick at least two of them!
#6 Vrolik Museum
Museum Vrolik is not for the faint-hearted, featuring an extensive collection of approximately 2,000 preserved human bodies, body parts and animals sealed in glass jars filled with formaldehyde. This alone creates an eerie and surreal atmosphere. To intensify the experience, a significant proportion of these individuals suffered from various anatomical abnormalities. For me, it was simultaneously one of the most captivating and unsettling experiences. Out of respect for the deceased individuals on display, photography and filming are strictly prohibited within the museum. It is worth noting that many of the deceased children were acquired from Parisian children’s homes, adding even more intensity to the museum. The museum is located inside the AMC Hospital in south-east Amsterdam.
#7 Electric Ladyland
If you’re keen to explore Amsterdam’s wild side or simply interested in a psychedelic experience without taking any drugs, don’t forget to include Electric Ladyland on your list of really weird things to do in Amsterdam. It’s no ordinary museum; it stands as the ultimate hub for fluorescent art, and guess where it’s hidden? Not in some grand hall but snugly tucked away in a basement! You’ve got it right. This fluorescent wonderland was born out of the passion of artist and owner Nick Padalino, which began as a simple hobby but soon grew into something truly extraordinary. Step into a parallel universe filled with meticulously crafted neon, surreal sculptures, and a treasure trove of rocks and curiosities that come alive under the spell of UV light.
#8 Condomerie
The Condomerie is undoubtedly one of Amsterdam’s most unusual shops, easily earning its place on my list of weird places in Amsterdam. It’s a shop entirely dedicated to condoms, and this novelty alone can make your visit interesting and entertaining. The shop has an extensive selection of condoms in various shapes, sizes, colours and flavours. The quirky ones are hand-painted! One of my favourites was a condom featuring Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 racing car on it. It’s a fun place to have a look around, but bear in mind that the Condomerie also offers insights into safe sex, sexual health and the history of condoms. Their condoms are displayed like ornaments in the window. So even if you don’t go inside, I’d definitely recommend taking a stroll past their window. It’s conveniently situated right by Dam Square.
Satisfied walkers
Interesting
Today, with a larger group, we had a brilliant tour led by Jelle. What a lovely way to learn more about Utrecht. Definitely recommended. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mark Krishan
The guide was funny, shared some interesting facts, and we had a brilliant walk through Utrecht.
Pim
I did the comedy walk in Utrecht. Brilliant tour. Fun facts, great stories and a funny guide. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Utrecht!
The Schaijk parade
On Saturday 20 September 2025, I went on the comedy walk in Eindhoven. A brilliant experience: fun, lots of laughs and I really enjoyed it! Definitely worth doing again.
Paulien van der Goes
Customer focus and service are top priorities for Laura. A lot of companies could learn a thing or two from that! So, my compliments to her