Begijnhof (***) - Spui. Amsterdam has many 'hofjes' and hidden courtyards between houses. Begijnhof is one of the largest and most well known but also one of the most surprising: how could such an oasis of peace can be found in the tumultuous heart of the city? There is one entry in the row of houses "in Spui that can be enter from there (if closed go right, around the corner from the entrance to the Gedempte Begijnensloot). English church has a very interesting (AD 1400) with panels designed by Mondriaan pulpit, and the oldest house in town (1475) is one of the few surviving wooden houses in Amsterdam. Turn left at the exit of the entry Gedempte Begijnensloot and you can head to a free gallery of the Amsterdam Historical Museum to enjoy paintings by old guards of the town.
http://www.begijnhofamsterdam.nl/
Artis Zoo (*****) - Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. (18:00 in summer). An excellent zoo with aquarium and planetarium, in certain parts of the zoo you can have direct contact with animals.
http://www.artis.nl/
Hortus Horticultural Gardens (***) - Plantage Middenlaan 2nd (Waterlooplein), 09:00 (week-ends 10:00) -17:00 (21:00 in July / August) € 6. Small but very interesting.
http://www.hortus-botanicus.nl/
Heineken Brewery (***) - Heineken Brewery, Stadhouderskade 78, 10:00 to 18:00 (closed on Mondays), € 12. It was a brewery until a few years ago, has now been transformed into a museum and a tourist centre with plenty of animation. No reservation needed. Free beer!
http://www.heinekenexperience.com/
Amsterdam Dungeon (**) - A frightening fun reminiscent of the terrible times of the dungeons. The actors, the roller-coaster and special effects transport people to a darker past history. Are you brave enough?
http://www.thedungeons.com/
Sexmuseum Amsterdam (*) - Damrak 18, has an extensive international collection of art historical and literary pornography. There is a comprehensive selection of manuscripts and drawings ranging from the Karma Sutra XXI century images as well as films and an extensive photo library showing every preference and sexual preference.
http://www.sexmuseumamsterdam.nl/
Comedy Cafe (***) - Max Euweplein 43-45, Every Sunday at around 21h, there stand-up comedy in English a show not to be missed!
Bimhuis (*****) - Piet Heinkade 3, 1019 BR Amsterdam Bimhuis provides a perspective on Dutch and international music in over 250 concerts per year. But what makes this site unique is its variety of jazz and improvised music, having as background a large window to show a beautiful view of the city. Bimhuis also offers a diverse selection of music called the most current. Beside there is a small pub where people can go get drinks and relax a little. No doubt of my favorite places in Amsterdam! Every Tuesday night, live jazz entry for FREE!