Beyond Amsterdam's obvious and well-marketed attributes is a destination pulsating with edgy character, deep culture and an authentic rhythm all its own. We're going to steer you away from what you already know and into the arms of an Amsterdam that will suck you right in. Here are a few things we bet you didn't know.

1. There’s a Tibetan restaurant hiding in the middle of the red-light district

De Wallen is generally known more for its window decorations than for its food culture. But considering it’s the most famous red-light district in the world, you can expect to find surprises lurking around most corners. One of them? Tibetan cuisine. Restaurant Tibet was the first Tibetan eatery in The Netherlands, and its deep red walls, handwoven tapestries and dark wood furniture create a mystical world seemingly far-removed from the buzzing streets that surround it. The momos (Tibetan dumplings) are fast becoming a more popular attraction than the friendly faces known around the neighborhood. Healthy competition? You tell us.

Lange Niezel 24, 1012 GT Amsterdam, +31 20 624 1137

2. One particular restaurant chooses your protein for you

Chicken, beef or fish? Every four to six months, they decide for you at Guts & Glory. Specializing in one animal (this includes marine life) per season, the restaurant serves innovative seven-course meals focusing on one creature at a time. If you think a five-plate dinner with elements of fish in each one isn’t possible or enjoyable, treat yourself to an evening behind the orange-wood carved entrance. Here, experienced chefs Guillaume de Beer and Freek van Noortwijk are a testament to the minimalist philosophy that less is more. Sleek, modern décor echoes the simplicity. If only all experiments were this much fun.

Utrechtsestraat 6, 1017 VN Amsterdam, +31 20 362 0030

3. Opening a little door on a busy road will lead you to a secret garden

Behind a discreet wooden door on Spui Street lies a courtyard so enchanting, we’re sure The Boss wrote his famous song about this very place. Begijnhof is a secret garden in every sense of the word. It used to be a sanctuary of the Beguine sisterhood and it’s still surrounded by homes occupied by elderly single women. Its charm is further enhanced by the 15th-century English church and small wooden house (no. 34) that share this tranquil space. It’s worth a knock and a peek.

Begijnhof 30, Amsterdam, +31 20 622 1918

4. You can, and should, gorge on Indonesian snacks

We adore kroketten, haring and gewoon patat met mayonaise as much as the next canal-loving, cycling-obsessed visitor. But for all the lovely Dutchness, you really can’t visit Amsterdam without stopping by one of its Indonesian restaurants serving rijstafel. Directly translated it means “rice table,” and it essentially consists of up to 70 small, shareable plates. Marinated, grilled pork; chicken satay skewers; spring rolls; spicy shrimp; and deep-fried drumsticks are just a smattering of the nibbles you can expect. And don’t hold back on anything. There are several restaurants specializing in this cuisine; we recommend the following two with crazy Dutch confidence:

Kantjil & De Tijger: Spuistraat 291-293, 1012 VS Amsterdam, +31 20 620 0994
Tempo Doeloe: Utrechtsestraat 75, 1017 VJ Amsterdam, +31 20 625 6718

5. A menu item at a restaurant in old Amsterdam will reignite your love for the unusually splendid

When it comes to hearty, old-fashioned Dutch gastronomy, Greetje’s is no newbie on the dining scene. But we want to draw your attention to one very specific menu item (not that we’re discarding any of the others). The grilled sandwich of Frisian sugar bread with terrine of duck liver and house-made apple syrup is worthy of a Netherlands trip all on its own. It’s a combination that may prompt you to raise an eyebrow, but trust us when we say it’s heavenly. In fact, we suggest you start with two.

Peperstraat 23-25, 1011 TJ Amsterdam, +31 20 77 97 450

6. The Van Loon family wants you to visit

Have you ever wondered what it looks like inside one of the impressively luxurious homes on the Keizersgracht? You can hang around someone’s front door hoping to be invited in — or you can stop by the Van Loon Museum. The noble Van Loon family (founders of the Dutch East India Company) open their canal homestead to the public seven days a week. It’s a splendid residence; the original artwork is mind-blowing, the silver is sparkly, the porcelain is delicate and the garden is pristine. Sightseeing with an insider’s feel is the way we like to roll. Oh, and we insist that you cycle here.

Keizersgracht 672, 1017 ET Amsterdam, +31 20 624 5255

7. An industrial-chic whiskey bar is THE place to scarf down tacos

Jordaan is one of the trendiest areas in Amsterdam. It’s filled with art galleries, cafes, hidden restaurants and night markets, ensuring you’ll never go wrong or get bored. Whiskey, of course, needs no introduction. So going to a whiskey bar in Jordaan is like going to a Jay Z concert in, well, Jordaan. J.D. William’s Whisky Bar is an edgy space with leather couches and exposed brick walls. They serve killer tacos and the weekly whiskey tastings should be a recognised event around the globe. Essentially, there’s no reason not to go.

Prinsenstraat 5, 1015 DA Amsterdam, +31 20 362 06 63

8. Now is the time to put on your dancing shoes

Carnival in Rio, La Tomatina in Spain and Oktoberfest in Munich: gigantic annual celebrations that attract hundreds of thousands of party enthusiasts. Amsterdam’s answer to these epic fiestas? The Amsterdam Music Festival, happening October 16 and 17. David Guetta, Robin Schulz, Armin van Buuren and Alesso are some of the big names that will be hitting the decks. And you can be one of the bouncing bunnies getting down to their beats. Boom!

Amsterdam Arena, Arena Boulevard 1, 1101 AX Amsterdam

9. You’re allowed to pop into someone’s home for dinner

A huiskamerrestaurant is a restaurant in someone’s very own dining or living room. It’s a sensational experience to be a stranger’s guest in a foreign country, and to experience a culture in such an intimate way. Marits Huiskamerrestaurant in Amsterdam East is a vegetarian eatery where the owner, Marit, prides herself on finding fresh, local and simple ingredients to create pure and healthy dishes. Her kind, earthy hospitality; the natural, comfortable ambience; and her solidly delicious meals are all reasons we insist you visit. Tell her we say hi.

Andreas Bonnstraat 34H, 1091BA, Amsterdam, +31 20-7763864

10. Sampling the goods is mandatory

Down a narrow alleyway called Pijlsteeg, you’ll come across the historic liqueur distillery and tasting room known as Wynand Fockink. Dating back to the 17th century, this charming little discovery honors its heritage with antique bottles, distillery tours and sampling sessions. Wynand Fockink specialises in the traditional Dutch juniper liqueur known as Jenever, and you simply can’t consider yourself an underground traveler without popping in and gulping down a glass (or two). See it as an educational experience with a kick (or two).

Pijlsteeg 31, 1012 HH Amsterdam, +31 (0) 20 639 2695

This content was originally written by our friends at Savoteur. Savoteur is a digital publication celebrating what makes our cities rich and unique – the food, music, art, culture, nightlife, style and travel. SAVOTEUR explores the relevant people, places and things to do around the world. Through their network of Savoteurs (contributors), they are able to gain inside perspective on what makes our lives unique and how to explore the world around us, one city at a time.