visit amsterdam neighbourhoods

11 Great Amsterdam Neighbourhoods: A First-Time Visitors Guide

Looking for other Amsterdam neighbourhoods to visit away from the busy crowds of Amsterdam Centrum? I have been to Amsterdam a few times visiting my best friends for private gatherings. As every visitor must do, I have seen the popular Amsterdam attractions and activities.

The central district of Amsterdam can be overwhelming and crazy busy.  If you don’t mind the swarms of tourists around you then that’s ok. There is no doubt that Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the Netherlands and in Europe.

The city is famous for the crazy parties, delicious cheese, tulips, clogs, stroopwafel, coffee shops (this is different to a café in Amsterdam), and the red light district.

Since I’ve seen and done the tourist spots in the city, my mission of this trip was to explore the surrounding Amsterdam neighbourhoods away from the busy city centre with the help of IAmsterdam City Card ! The city didn’t fail to surprise me.

I asked my Dutch friends to help me explore the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. I used the IAmsterdam Card (72 hours) as my pass to see various Amsterdam attractions and other activities plus access to the tram, metro and bus while I was in the city.

If you are wondering on how to reach Amsterdam, I wrote a transport guide from London to Amsterdam that will help you plan for your trip.

Read More:  IAmsterdam Review: Is The City Tourist Card Worth It?

1. Amsterdam Noord – Amsterdam North

2. ndsm – nederlandsche dok en scheepsbouw maatschappij, 3. oostelijke eilanden – eastern docklands, 4. de plantage – the plantation, 5. de pijp – the pipe.

• 6. Oud Zuid – Old South

7. The Oost (Amsterdam East) and 8. Zuid Oost (Amsterdam Southeast)

9. the oud-west (old west) and 10. nieuw west (new west), 11. westerpark, map of amsterdam, netherlands, here are the amsterdam neighbourhoods to visit.

Not far from Central, is one of the best Amsterdam neighbourhoods that easily can go unnoticed by the tourists who visit the city.  From the ferry terminal at the back of the Amsterdam Central Station, you can catch the free GVB ferry that will take you to Amsterdam Noord.

Alternatively, you can now use the metro to go to Amsterdam Noord station .  If you are using your IAmsterdam card , you can have an unlimited metro ride based on the duration of your card.

It is impossible to miss the A’dam tower from the Amsterdam Noord skyline. It is the highest viewing point in the city. You can see the beautiful 360º Amsterdam skyline from here.  You can book your A’dam Tower Lookout tickets here . If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and fancy an adrenaline rush, you can also ride the “ Over the Edge ” swing – The highest swing in Europe!

Next door to the A’dam tower is the This is Holland and the Eye Film Museum. The “ This is Holland ” is a must-visit for an interactive way to see the different landscapes of the Netherlands with its 5D flight experience. The Eye Film museum is an exhibition for everyone who loves film.

The old shipyard and the IJ waterfront was turned into a new hip and stylish place to dine and visit the boost visitors to the Noord. During our visit to the IJ waterfront, we went to dine in Stork – The largest seafood restaurant in the city. A great spot to watch the riverboats and ship passing by.

Close to the Noord metro station is the Winkelcentrum Bovent’y – the biggest shopping centre in Amsterdam Noord and the Landmarkt “covered market” that offers fresh produce from the local farmers and as well as premium brands.

If you love nature, the Noord also has ample parks and camping sites where you can bond with nature such as the Noorderpark .

NDSM – Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij is an old shipyard of Amsterdam turned into a colourful and hip place to visit.  Only a ferry ride away from Amsterdam central, you can explore the trendy neighbourhood of NDSM . There are lots of shipping containers turned into café and restaurants which makes it a unique and cool place to hang out and party in the city.

The IJ-Hallen is the largest flea market in Europe that offers everything from vintage bric-a-brac to a different genre of vinyl.

The colourful containers turned into student flats and the artsy murals are great for creative photoshoots and Instagram grid.

The Eastern Docklands is a neighbourhood in Amsterdam surrounded by water.

Visit the National Maritime Museum and enjoy learning the Dutch maritime history and visit the famous replica of the East Indiaman ship the Amsterdam.

The Bimhuis is also located in the Eastern Docklands. The Bimhuis Amsterdam is the largest jazz stage in the Netherlands. It caters to the best budding musicians in the country.

When it comes to the shopping and food scene, the Eastern Docklands also has the Czaar Peterstraat that is considered as one of the best shopping districts in east Amsterdam.

The lush garden neighbourhood of De Plantage offers a mixture of great Amsterdam attractions for families.

Artis is Amsterdam’s zoo located in De Plantage. It is one of the oldest zoos in mainland Europe.  Next door to Artis is the Micropia . A museum that exhibits the world of micro-organisms.

Different museums are also located in this neighbourhood of Amsterdam. The Museum het Rembrandhuis is the painter’s former house turned into his museum. You can also find the Resistance Museum Amsterdam , the Dutch branch of the Russian Hermitage Museum and the Jewish Museum and synagogue.

If you love the theatre, Amsterdam’s Royal Theatre Carré is also located in this neighbourhood.

De Pijp is one of the best neighbourhoods to explore in Amsterdam for food lovers!

This area of Amsterdam offers a wide array of traditional Dutch brown pubs , street food stalls, cafés and restaurants with a trendy vibe.

The famous Dutch brewery – Heineken Experience is located here. Don’t forget to get a pint and experience how the world famous beer is made.

The Dutch love a good bargain! Take a stroll and bag a great bargain in Albert Cuypmarkt . Comprised of hundreds of market stalls that offer various trinkets up to the freshly made Stroopwafels!

6. Oud Zuid  – Old South

The Oud Zuid is one of the most affluent and loveliest areas in Amsterdam.

The Museumplein – main art hub of Amsterdam is located in this neighbourhood. Home of  world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh museum , Moco museum, and the Stedelijk Museum . If you are using your IAmsterdam card , you can gain access to these museums. However, make sure to pre-book your time slot prior to your visit.

The inviting and relaxing Vondelpark offers a sanctuary away from the bustling noise of the city.

If you love high-end shopping, Oud Zuid’s P.C Hoofstraat is the right place to get your posh branded items such as LV, Dior, Prada and a lot more! Just a fair warning, there are no bargains on this side of town.

When it comes to the gems of the Dutch multi-cultural diversity, the Oost and Zuid Oost are the great melting pot of world cuisines, museums and cafes.

The Amsterdam Oost has a few inviting parks like Oosterpark , Flevopark, Amstelpark and the Frankendaelpark .

The Zuid Oost is known for the multi-cultural district of Biljmer , home to the famous Dutch football team Ajax and the Ziggo Dome.

On the western side of the city, you can find the Oud-West and Nieuw West neighbourhoods.

The Oud-West is made popular by the century-old tram depot – De Hallen , transformed into a great Amsterdam attraction. The great food hall and cafes made the neighbourhood a great place to spend the day away from the crowds of the centrum.

The Nieuw West is hailed as Amsterdam’s Camden area with great cultural hubs for the younger generations.

Just a stone throw away from the Centrum is the Westerpark neighbourhood.

Known for the Westerpark where the name of the area comes from. Serves as an oasis for the locals and tourists alike. The Westergas is a 19th-century building that used to be an industrial building and was turned into a creative hub for budding artists and creatives.

HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS: CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map , whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.

These Amsterdam neighbourhoods have a character of their own waiting to be explored and discovered. There is definitely more to Amsterdam than the wildly popular city centre.

These different neighbourhoods in Amsterdam are surely worth visiting when you are in the city. Visit the Netherlands destination page for more travel inspirations.

Have you been to any of these Amsterdam neighbourhoods ? Share your favourite part of town in the comment box below!

Special thanks to Amsterdam & Partners  – I Amsterdam Tourism Board for a warm welcome in Amsterdam and for providing the IAmsterdam City Card. All opinions and words are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryazan Tristram

Ryazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.

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The best neighborhoods in Amsterdam – Included Insider Tips

Get to know more about the best amsterdam's neighborhoods..

First time in Amsterdam? Do you want to know which neighborhood is the best to stay in? What is the best neighborhood to explore the city by foot? Or the best neighborhood to enjoy the nightlife in Amsterdam? Here you will find the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam to plan your trip.

This might also interest you

• Der ultimative Amsterdam Guide

table of content

The Best Amsterdam Neighborhoods on the Map

Despite the long (and well-curated) list of best neighborhoods in Amsterdam, Amsterdam concentrates on the most famous neighborhoods in the city center . Therefore, you will probably get to know many city neighborhoods daily while walking through the beautiful streets and alleys . However, here you can learn about the particularities, history, activities, and highlights of Amsterdam’s main and world-famous neighborhoods. This overview of the most famous neighborhoods in the city will let you see how they are concentrated in the city center.

This Is What Makes the Neighborhoods of Amsterdam

Each district in Amsterdam has its own character, so you should go exploring to experience the diverse city in its full glory. The nice thing about Amsterdam is that the city is not that big, so you can just walk from one part of the city to the next or take the streetcar for a few stops.

• De Wallen: The historic heart of the city
• Jordaan: Looks like a picture book
• Oost: Multicultural area
• De Pijp: Colorful trendy district
• Centraal: Shopping and all tourist spots
• Noord: Arts & culture
• West: Amsterdam’s greenest district

The Coolest & Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam

We have selected the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam to tell you the hippest, coolest, and most historic districts. Discover in our list of the best neighborhoods of Amsterdam the attractions and highlights of each area of the city.

About Amsterdam’s City Center

Amsterdam’s city center is one big area comprising many smaller neighborhoods (many of which make the list of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam).

If you explore the center of Amsterdam, you will probably also be visiting other famous parts of the city.

Of course, as in every touristy city, Amsterdam’s city center is very crowded but full of things to do, cafes, museums, bars, coffee shops , and much more.

Among the highlights in the center of Amsterdam, we can point out the following:

Of course, all shopping queens will also find all the big fashion brands here, especially in Kalverstraat.

A little less touristy, however, is one of the most beautiful shopping streets in the center of Amsterdam–Utrechtsestraat–and the lively Haarlemmerstraat.

Keep walking down the nine streets from here, and you’ll be right in Jordaan. Be sure to take your time strolling here to admire all the beautiful hidden details of the old architecture, from elegant brick canal house facades to quirky statues, monuments, and narrow steegjes (passageways).

Amsterdam’s Chinatown (Nieuwmarkt) is also well worth a visit, as you can tell directly from the colorful signs with Chinese characters and delicious Chinese restaurants, delicatessens with many exotic specialties, and cozy cafes that Asian culture is booming here.

Oh yes, the city center is also the perfect starting point for an unforgettable cruise through Amsterdam’s world-famous canals! The NEMO Science Museum is also not far away. It is considered one of the best science museums–fun for the whole family, guaranteed.

Do you feel like having a beer in a lively atmosphere in the evening? Then head to Leidseplein or Rembrandtplein, where one bar after the next is lined up–this is where the action is at the weekend!

How Do You Get There?

When you leave the Central Station, just walk straight ahead, and you’ll be right in the middle of the action.

• Red Light District

Among the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam, the Red Light District could not be left out.  The world-famous Red Light District in Amsterdam is known as the district of pleasure, prostitution, strip clubs, numerous bars, and famous coffee shops .

Despite its worldwide fame, the Red Light District is small and formed by 17 alleys and streets that are part of the official Amsterdam neighborhood De Wallen .

The prostitution offered by the famous windows and the various adult theaters are landmarks of Amsterdam’s Red Light District; however, you will find many types of bars, restaurants, gift stores, and even museums. Even if your interest is outside the adult entertainment part of the Red Light District, this small neighborhood is still worth a visit.

The Jordaan neighborhood is perhaps one of the most famous neighborhoods in Amsterdam . Here you will find the city’s most important tourist attractions, such as the Anne Frank House, and numerous hotels, restaurants, stores, cafes, and bars.

The Jordaan neighborhood is located in Central and crisscrossed by canals. It is a truly idyllic place. The density of cozy cafes and excellent restaurants was particularly impressive . Wherever you look, on almost every corner, there is a store, a boutique, or a hip place, where you want to go in immediately. On a walk through this neighborhood, you realize why Jordaan is considered exceptionally hip, even by Amsterdam standards.

• Buiksloterham

the most vibrant and hipster neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Located in the northern part of the city, you only need to cross the river by ferry from Central Station to get to the coolest area of Amsterdam.

As you approach Buiksloterham by ferry, two large buildings are already impressive in architecture. The first is the EYE Film Institute , an impressive film archive and museum. The other large building that catches the eye is the A’DAM Toren . This imposing Amsterdam skyscraper offers a viewpoint, restaurant, and radical experience.

However, the most exciting thing to see in Buiksloterham is the NDSM Wharf.

The name NDSM is an abbreviation of the name of a ship repair and construction company that used to operate here. The Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (NDSM) operated from 1946 until 1979. When it closed its doors, the company left behind a grandiose structure: A large ship hangar. Today, this space has become a cultural pavilion known as NDSM Wharf.

Here, you will find works of street art, numerous cafes, restaurants, an urban beach, a vintage market, art exhibits, some nightclubs, and some good hotel option s.

• Grachtengordel (Amsterdam Canal Belt Area)

Of course the neighborhood around the canals had to be on the list of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam. The whole canal part of Amsterdam’s old town is absolutely magnificent and the Amsterdam Canal Belt Area were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010.

All the major canals of the city are automatically among the most beautiful sights of Amsterdam. Of all the canals in the Old Town, I liked the canal Herengracht the best. If you walk along it, you will pass countless beautiful photo opportunities. You have a new, great view of the city almost on each of the pretty small bridges.

Here you will find many bars, restaurants, museums, and hotels. If you want to enjoy great accommodation in Amsterdam and visit most of the city’s attractions on foot, the hotels located in the Canal Belt are great options.

9 Streets District

Stop by the historic 9 Streets district (De 9 Straatjes) to make the most of your one-day trip to Amsterdam. With nine Instagram-worthy shopping alleys filled with art galleries, gardens, bars, and restaurants , you’ll find plenty of great reasons to stop, chat, snack, and take photos.

Plus, you can pick up a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones. There are chic stores with vintage clothing, shoes, bags, antiques, housewares, and much more. And with over 400 years of history reflected in the architecture alone, just walking through the neighborhood is the perfect way to discover Amsterdam.

Many visitors may confuse the De Wallen neighborhood with the Red light District. The Red Light District is actually located within De Wallen . However, this district is actually the oldest in Amsterdam and there is so much more to see here than just flashing lights: for over 600 years De Wallen has been an important cultural center and so many buildings here bear witness to this long history, such as De Oude Kerk (the old church); the oldest building in Amsterdam.

Be sure to walk here during the day through the two main streets around the Oude Kerk (Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal) and the small alleys in between, and immerse yourself in the old harbor district , which for many visitors and locals is still a place of tolerance and freedom.

• Oostelijke Eilanden en Kadijken

The Oostelijke Eilanden en Kadijken district is located in the eastern part of Amsterdam but very close to the central region. Surrounded by water , the Oostelijke Eilanden en Kadijken neighborhood comprises a few docs. However, the Oostelijke Eilanden en Kadijken neighborhood offers some things to do in Amsterdam that can (and should) be part of your travel plan: The Nemo Science Museum, The National Maritime Museum, Museumhaven Amsterdam, and the Artis Zoo.

The hotels and boat hotel options in this neighborhood offer a good distance from the more crowded areas of Amsterdam but still have great access to tourist attractions. My recommendation for a hotel in this neighborhood is the Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre , which offers stunning views of the city and above-average comfort.

The Oostelijke Eilanden en Kadijken neighborhood does not offer many restaurants and cafes. Still, some good options exist in this area, like Heart-Garden Waffles & Coffee for Heart-Garden Waffles & Coffee wonderful waffles and bacon-wrapped eggs. Markerhuisje offers tables right by the canal as well as indoor. The restaurant, Markerhuisje , offers various fish dishes ranging from salads and flammkuchen to ciabatta, making the perfect combination of fish fillets, sauces, and side dishes.

For a long time, De Pijp was considered a marginal city district where mainly the working class lived. Today, it is primarily students, artists , and many young people , and together they all make for an energetic atmosphere that you just have to love!

Especially in the summer, I can hardly imagine anything better than walking through the streets, discovering the fancy stores , finally getting stuck in one of the many sidewalk cafes and watching people with a delicious drink.

You see, De Pijp is the trendy neighborhood in Amsterdam par excellence. The whole neighborhood revolves around Amsterdam’s most famous market, the Albert Cuyp Market , which attracts hundreds of visitors every day (except Sundays), all looking to soak up the great atmosphere and enjoy the city’s best stroopwafels with a coffee. Just let yourself drift here and see where you end up!

De Pijp is also considered a hotspot for the best brunch cafes in Amsterdam, for example, Little Collins, Bakers & Roasters, or Scandinavian Embassy . Afterward, Saphartipark is perfect for a digestive walk in the middle of the action before heading to the popular Heinecken Experience in the evening, where everything revolves around the local Heinecken beer.

You’ll also find delicious authentic Moroccan, Indian, Syrian, or Lebanese restaurants around the main streets of Albert Cuypstraat or Ferdinand Bolstraat. The popular Museum Square, with the city’s best museums–the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Moco Museum–and a large sunbathing lawn is also just a stone’s throw away.

De Pijp has a metro station in the middle of the district, which you can easily reach with line 52 from Central Station. Otherwise, take Streetcar 24 to the Marie Heinekenplein station.

• Museumkwartier

The cultural center of Amsterdam is actually in the Museumkwartier neighborhood. Here are concentrated great museums, galleries, beautiful historic buildings , and great restaurants .

Perhaps the most remarkable tourist attraction of the Museumkwartier is the Museumplein, which brings together the three great museums of Amsterdam in one place: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum .

However, other highlights are parts of the Museumkwartier, such as the Moco Museum, Diamant Museum, House of Bols, the Cocktail & Genever Experience, Diamant Museum , and even the impressive Vondelpark.

Those who want a little more than culture will find the world’s most famous boutiques and luxury brands on Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat .

If, after seeing incredible museums and doing great shopping, hunger strikes, don’t worry. Around the small Cornelis Schuytplein square, there are several beautiful restaurants.

• Amsterdam West

In Amsterdam West, you can have a drink with friends or eat something on almost every street corner. You’ll find a cool mix of small stores, restaurant hotspots, and cute organic stores . The West of Amsterdam includes the neighborhoods of Westerpark, Oud-West, Nieuw West, Bos en Lommer, and De Baarsjes, all of which have their own charm.

Start the day with breakfast at the lovely café, Selmas or De Bakkerswinkel . After that, a trip to the park in the west is an absolute must, and you’ll be spoilt for choice in the west: Westerpark is beautifully wide and part of the larger Westergasfabriek complex with restaurants, stores and a vast nature area (outside the main plant).

Erasmuspark is small but great. Vondelpark is by far Amsterdam’s most popular park and perfect for a long walk. Rembrandtpark is perfect for a bike ride and a picnic . The latter would be Sloterpark on Lake Sloterplas, which even has a small beach for warm summer days in the capital.

Then, of course, you must visit the food halls in West ., where everyone will find what they’re looking for at the 21 different food and drink stalls –from freaky hot dogs, classic bitterballen, Asian fusion, and refreshing gin and tonics.

Be sure to also stroll along Overtoom, Kinkerstraat, and De Clercqstraat in Oud-West, which meander picturesquely along the canals and entice you with small cafés and stores. Finally, if the temperature is warm, I recommend a delicious Surinamese take-out meal from Pom Bar , which you can enjoy on a bench by the canals.

• Amsterdam Oost

Amsterdam Oost is one of the capital’s most diverse cultural hotspots, and less touristy than Jordaan or De Wallen, for example. Start your day with a caffeine boost at Coffee Bru or Café Rum Baba before visiting the Tropenmuseum, which displays valuable artifacts and art meant to celebrate cultural diversity.

When the sun is shining, grab a blanket and snacks and head to Oosterpark to enjoy life in a lively atmosphere. The best place for snacks here is, of course, the popular Dappermarkt , which is open until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and sells everything your heart desires.

Around the Javastraat is the Indian Quarter (Indische Buurt), which was originally a working-class neighborhood for dockworkers. Today, a wide variety of cultures mix here and there is a lot to experience with all the senses, because already when I turn into the street, the delicious smell of fresh baked goods and Turkish delicacies from the many bakeries rises to my nose. Supposedly, up to 100 different languages are spoken in the multicultural heart of the city.

Eat the best pizza at Eatmosfera East and enjoy breakfast and lunch in a cozy atmosphere at The Cottage. For drinks and snacks, head to >Bar Botanique or Bar Bukowski. If you’re in the mood for a movie, the independent cinema Studio K shows cool films, mostly in English. —- Amsterdam Oost is one of the capital’s most diverse cultural hotspots and less touristy than Jordaan or De Wallen.

Start your day with a caffeine boost at Coffee Bru or Café Rum Baba before visiting the Tropenmuseum , which displays valuable artifacts and art celebrating cultural diversity.

When the sun is shining, grab a blanket and snacks and head to Oosterpark to enjoy life in a lively atmosphere. The best place for snacks here is the popular Dappermarkt, which is open until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and sells everything your heart desires.

Around the Javastraat is the Indian Quarter (Indische Buurt), originally a working-class neighborhood for dockworkers. Today, a wide variety of cultures mix here. There is a lot to experience with all the senses because when you turn onto the street, the delicious smell of fresh baked goods and Turkish delicacies from the many bakeries rises to your nose. Supposedly, up to 100 different languages are spoken in the area.

Eat the best pizza at Eatmosfera East and enjoy breakfast and lunch in a cozy atmosphere at The Cottage . For drinks and snacks, head to or Bar Bukowski . If you’re in the mood for a movie, the independent cinema, Studio K, shows cool films, mostly in English.

The Boroughs of Amsterdam

Let’s understand that Amsterdam is divided into eight large districts . Actually, not all districts are interesting for a sightseeing trip in Amsterdam. Most visitors stay in and explore the boroughs: Centrum, Zuid, Noord, West & Oost .

The most visited and touristy boroughs of Amsterdam:

• Centrum: Amsterdam’s most touristic and most visited borough
• Zuid: Amsterdam’s most noble and cultural borough
• Noord: Amsterdam’s most vibrant and youthful borough
• West : Amsterdam’s most green and natural borough

Amsterdam’s most commercial, residential, and industrial boroughs

• Oost: Amsterdam’s most multicultural borough
• Nieuw-West: Residential and away from the tourist area of Amsterdam.
• Zuidoost: The J ohan Cruijff Arena soccer stadium borough
• Westpoort: The harbor and industrial borough of Amsterdam

The Most Asked Questions About Amsterdam’s Neighborhoods

How many neighborhoods are there in amsterdam.

Amsterdam is divided into eight districts and has more than 30 official neighborhoods , but the divisions of areas by theme amount to more than 45 informal neighborhoods , for example, the Red Light District, which is actually within the official De Wallen neighborhood

What is the hipster neighborhood of Amsterdam?

The hippest neighborhood in Amsterdam is De Pijp. Different boutiques, cool restaurants, and numerous exotic bars and cafes make this neighborhood a hipster’s paradise.

What are the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam?

• Amsterdam City Center
• Buiksloterham (NDSM)
• De 9 Straatjes (The Nine Streets)

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping in Amsterdam?

The Museumkwartier district is known for being a chic neighborhood–particularly the street Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat is famous for lining up luxury boutiques and stores.

What are the most famous neighborhoods of Amsterdam?

• Grachtengordel

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Amsterdam?

The city center of Amsterdam is perfect for walking. Here, the traffic is very congested with cars and bicycles. So, choose to walk and explore as much of the city’s beautiful scenery as possible.

What are the central neighborhoods of Amsterdam?

• Nieuwmarkt en Lastage
• Amsterdam Canal Belt
• Prinseneiland
• Realeneiland
• Leidseplein
• Rembrandtplein
• Spiegelkwartier

What is the poshest neighborhood in Amsterdam?

The Museumkwartier (Museum Quartier) is known to be a prime area of Amsterdam and is considered to be a very posh neighborhood in the city.

What is the most famous district in Amsterdam?

There are many famous neighborhoods in Amsterdam, but perhaps the most world-famous neighborhood of the city is the Red Light District.

What is the cool area of Amsterdam?

If you are looking for cool neighborhoods in Amsterdam, De Pijp is the trend of the moment. Surrounded by students, bars, and different restaurants, De Pijp attracts locals and tourists alike. Buiksloterhamm is also a cool Amsterdam neighborhood for offering an alternative and multicultural vibe.

Der ultimative Amsterdam Guide 2024

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Dein Reiseführer für Amsterdam

• Neighbourhoods

Amsterdam Neighbourhoods and Districts at a Glance

Amsterdam has around 893 000 residents and is divided into seven districts. Each district combines several neighbourhoods. On this page you will find out everything about our favorite areas of the beautiful canal city.

Amsterdam - Exciting neighbourhoods in the city centre

The seven districts in Amsterdam are: The lively Centrum , West , the green Nieuw-West , the diverse North (Noord) , the multicultural Oost , the hot area Zuidoost and Amsterdam Zuid with the trendy quarter De Pijp and the Museum Quarter .

Tip - Discover Amsterdam through the eyes of a local

Our partner GetYourGuide offers exciting city tours on various topics. Friendly guides, insider information and reasonable prices: Here you will find an overview .

Narrow streets, crooked houses and the most beautiful canals. Read on: in the next part you'll find out everything about the charming centre of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Centrum - The Heart of the Metropolis

Amsterdam Centrum is the pulsating heart of this enchanting city. As soon as you exit the train station, which forms the Northern edge of the center, you will be captured by the hustle and bustle of the lively metropolis.

The beautiful center of Amsterdam

Amsterdam Centrum could well be considered a large unique open-air museum, shaped by tilted timbered houses, small bridges and enchanting canals. Numerous modern cafés, stylish shops and the relaxed lifestyle of the Amsterdammers, attract millions of curious visitors each year.

Tip - Free city map to go

Download our free Amsterdam City Map in PDF format. On the clearly arranged map you will find all important neighbourhoods, sights and streets in the city centre of Amsterdam.

The famous ring of canals spreads star-shaped from the train station in the north, with the three main canals Herengracht, Keizersgracht und Prinsengracht . Endless smaller and larger canals in between are eagerly waiting for you to come and explore them.

Many beautiful attractions in the city center

The large number of attractions in the Centrum leaves you spoilt for choice - where to go first? Our tip: Have a look at our recommendations, do not plan for too much and better visit Amsterdam a second or third time.

Amongst the most popular attractions in the center, you will find the Anne Frank Haus , the Red Light District or the Oude Kerk. And of course, there are many, many more - also outside of the center.

Welcome to shopping paradise

As you would expect from a metropolis, Amsterdam also has a busy main shopping street - no, wait, there are actually two in the center! The Nieuwendijkstraat starts directly at the train station and merges into the Kalverstraat. Its here where you will find large shopping malls and stores of world-renowned brands.

If alternative shops, second-hand stores and small boutiques are more your cup of tea, you will find what you are looking for in the small streets between the canals (e.g. in Negen Straatjes or Jordaan ). We have compiled an overview over the best places to shop for you.

The best neighbourhoods in the Centrum

You will find many beautiful neighbourhoods in the center, each with their own charm. The popular neighbourhood Jordaan with its countless historic buildings and the numerous small cafés and stores offers something for you to discover on each corner.

Even though Jordaan is located in the Centrum, you may end up finding yourself all alone in a small alley during your walk - no tourists and metropolitan whirl in sight.

Centrally located, directly at the main station, there is the district around the Nieuwmarkt - Amsterdam´s Chinatown - that is usually a bit more hectic, but just as worth visiting.

You will recognize you made it to "Little China" when you see all the colourful signs with Chinese letters and street names in two languages. Check out the delicious Chinese restaurants, delicacy stores and exotic specialities along with cosy street cafés.

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West - Social Hotspot and Upper Class Area

Amsterdam West borders on the Centrum and consists of many residential areas of different sizes. Some of them are considered social hotspots (e.g. Bos en Lommer), while others are home to the upper class.

Bos en Lommer - Amsterdam West - Photo by Jan - CC

The district Spaarndammerbuurt has many buildings in the style of the Amsterdam School , amongst others the most famous one - Het Ship. Another attraction in Amsterdam West is the popular Vondelpark .

Nieuw-West - Parks and a Huge Lake

In 2010, the neighbourhoods Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, Osdorp and Slotervaart were merged, forming what is known as Amsterdam Nieuw-West today.

Amsterdamer Gartenstädte

The original districts of today´s neighbourhood Nieuw-West were created as "Amsterdamer Gartenstädte" (Amsterdam garden cities) after the Second World War.

Slotervaart, Amsterdam Nieuw-West - Photo by Ovidiu Curcan - CC

The concept of the garden cities had been developed at the end of the 18th century in England. The purpose was to build new residential areas to improve the quality of life outside of the center of exploding metropolitan areas of the Industrial Revolution.

Beautiful Lakes and Parks

Today, the residents of the broad residential areas of Nieuw-West use the numerous green areas with their cycle tracks to go for a walk or have a picnic.

Rempbrandt Park in Nieuw-West - Photo by Florian van Hunnik - CC

Enthusiasts of water sports and fishing will also find what they are looking for. The Sloterzee is located right at the center of Nieuw-West - a large, artificially created lake that even has a small harbour for sailing boats.

Noord - Shipyards and Picturesque Villages

This neighbourhood spreads over a large area north of the city center. Take the back exit of the train station, and you will directly look towards Amsterdam Noord.

View over the IJ, Direction Noord - Photo by FaceMePLS - CC

To reach Noord, you will first have to cross the river IJ, which separates the North form the rest of the city.

The best way to do this is with the free GVB ferry . Until 1957, most of the northern neighborhoods were only accessible by ferry. Today, there are also several tunnels and bridges.

NDSM-Shipyard - Discover the trendy dockyard area

One of the ferry terminals directly lies at the former shipyard of the NDSM (Netherlands Dok and Shipyard). Until the 60s, one could hear the shipyard workers hammering in the huge assembly halls of the ship building industry. Some of the largest titans of the oceans were manufactured here.

Street Art at NDSM - Photo by Henrik Mayor - CC

Gebäude der Warenhauskette HEMA - Foto von FaceMePLS - CC

Ausgemustertes U-Boot vor dem NDSM-Pier - Foto von Marcin Wichary - CC

Today, numerous young, creative companies, cafés and restaurants populate the hangars. There are many of concerts, festivals and exhibitions organised throughout the year.

Picturesque villages as part of the city

Even further to the north, the city merges into rural areas with suburbs for families and many small villages.

Nieuwendam, Ransdorp and Zunderdorp are historic villages than can easily be explored walking, with a boat or with the bike. This area is shaped by "Stolpboerderij" (large farm houses with a high thatched roof), wooden houses, water canals, and lush green farmland.

Natural paradise Waterland - Photo by Cycletours - CC

The coast towards the sea is home to Waterland - a nature reserve with many kinds of birds and plants. Explore this area with a bike for an incredible view on the green landscape of dikes.

Oost Neighbourhoods - The Real Amsterdam

The neighbourhoods of Amsterdam Oost could not be more diverse. On one side, there is the new district Ijburg Island with stylish cafés, modern architecture and direct connection to the city. On the other side, it is shaped by multicultural residential and student areas, like the Indische Buurt and Dapperbuurt.

Indische Buurt - Lively, colourful and multicultural

The Indian quarter is certainly one of the most interesting in whole Amsterdam and originally was a working-class district for people working on the harbour. If you turn into Javastraat, the main shopping street, you will immediately recognize the delicious smell of freshly baked goods of the bakeries around.

Javastraat - The heart of Indische Buurt - Photo by Alper Cugun - CC

Interesting:

Many streets and neighbourhoods are named after former Dutch colonies. Besides the Javastraat, there are also Sumatrastraat and Balistraat.

The Indische Buurt is the city´s multicultural heart. Not so many tourists make there way here, and the selection of stores and groceries from all over the world is huge. 100 different languages are said to be spoken in this district.

Here are some photos that capture the beautiful atmosphere of the Indische Buurt: A Summer Day in the Indische Buurt.

Dapperbuurt - Amsterdam´s most delicious district

The district Dapperbuurt is especially well known for its colourful Dappermarkt . The large, lively market offers everything the heart of a foodie may desire - fresh, local products and stalls with delicious specialities from all over the world.

Stall at the Dappermarkt - Photo by Passion Leica - CC

You should definitely take a stroll over the market if you are in Amsterdam Oost. The best is to start in the Mauritskade (in the north) or in the Wijtenbachstraat (in the south) and simply walk towards the other end of the street.

Dapperbuurt is the perfect place to go out for a meal - you will get to enjoy real Turkish kebab and fruity Indian curries. That is also a well-known secret to Amsterdam´s residents in the center, who often come here for lunch or dinner.

Zuidoost – A Troubled District?

Sad prefabricated buildings and grey concrete, rain and police sirens in the background - you are feeling as if you had landed right in a gangster movie.

Really, it is not that bad - and the situation is constantly improving. Zuidoost has been seen as a problem neighbourhood for a long time and is located a little bit outside and south-east of the center, not directly bordering the rest of the city area - a so-called exclave.

High-rise in Bijlmermeer - Photo by: Arden - CC

The rural areas and lakes around the central district Bijlmermeer were only developed and connected to Amsterdam in the 60s.

Bijlmermeer - Functional city

The urban development back then followed the ideas of the functional city of the Swiss architect Le Corbusier - high-rise districts and separation of the city into areas for living, working, recreation and transport.

Unfortunately, this concept had some major drawbacks. The strict separation of the different areas of life made some parts of the city turn into abandoned ghost areas. Only after a few years, Zuidoost was infamous for violence, crime and drugs. Bijlmermeer earned its reputation as the worst quarter of the whole Netherlands.

Zuidoost hosts a yearly Kwaku Festival . Originally started as a football match by immigrants from Surinam, today the festival is a large multicultural funfair with music, dance, stalls and food.

With up to 500 000 visitors, the Kwaku Summer Festival is regarded the largest multicultural festival in Europe.

Since the 90s, the situation has improved little by little. Many high-rises were demolished and replaced by modern residential areas. Today, Bijlmer is a prime example for various cultures living together. There are people from more than 150 nation in the district.

Districts of Zuidoost: Bijlmermeer, Gaasperdam, Bullewijk (industrial area)

Zuid - Trendy Neighbourhood, Diamonds and Museums

Precious brick houses, museums, lively trendy neighbourhoods and spacious parks like the famous Vondelpark - Zuid is one of the most popular neighbourhoods of Amsterdam.

In 2010, the venerable neighbourhoods Oud-Zuid and Zuideramstel were merged to today´s Amsterdam Zuid. It is the quarter with the highest population density in Amsterdam and has the highest per-capita income.

De Pijp – Colourful trendy district

There is no better place than De Pijp if you want to have a stroll through the streets on a lovely summer day, stop in one of the cosy cafés and watch people passing by while having a delicious drink.

De Pijp - There is always something going on here at night - Photo by Franklin Heijnen - CC

De Pijp originally was a working-class district. Today, you will mainly find students, artists, and many young people living here. No wonder - you have to love De Pijp. The quarter sometimes seems to explode with the large number of people it attracts - and fancy shops, nice cafés, original Amsterdam pubs, and the Sarphatipark right in its middle that invites you for a moment of relaxation.

The main streets Albert Cuypstraat or Ferdinand Bolstraat have great restaurants, especially for authentic Moroccan, Indian, Syrian or Libanese cuisine (to name only a few).

The Albert Cuypstraat in De Pijp is also home to the largest street market in Amsterdam, the Albert Cuypmarkt. There is nothing you cannot find here - cheese, vegetables, fruit, cheap clothes and a lot more. Unfortunately, it is getting a bit more dominated by trashy goods recently.

Just as with Jordaan, De Pijp also faces the problem of gentrification: Well-situated couples and rich fathers who buy their student kids stylish apartments let real estate prices blow up. Many original residents cannot afford the astronomic rents anymore.

Museumsquartier (museum quarter)

The Museumsquartier is another well-known district of Zuid. As the name suggests, you will find a plenty of museums here. The most popular ones are located around the Museumplein (museum square): The Civic Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum . However, it is also worth having a look at the less famous ones that invite you to marvel, like the diamond museum or the Moco Museum for urban art.

Diamantbuurt

Some of the most precious jewels in the world got their finishing in the district of the diamond cutters during the 19th century. The impressive building of the diamond polishing company Asscher towers above the end of the Diamantstraat. The world´s largest diamond, the Cullinan Diamond, was polished here.

Many street in the Diamantbuurt are named after precious gems: Robinstraat, Saffierstraat, Smaragdstraat, Topasstraat and Diamantstraat.

Amsterdam has a long history as city of diamonds. Learn all about the glamorous stones and have a look at the high-carat collection in the Diamond Museum .

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THE 10 BEST Amsterdam Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods in amsterdam.

• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Monuments & Statues
• Architectural Buildings
• Historic Sites
• Neighborhoods
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
• Amsterdam South
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Jordaan

2. Red Light District

3. De 9 Straatjes

4. Amsterdam Canal Ring

5. De Hallen Amsterdam

7. Oud Zuid

8. Prinseneiland

9. Cornelis Schuytstraat

10. The Islands (De Eilanden)

11. Eastern Docklands

12. Spiegelkwartier

13. Jewish Corner

15. Thorbeckeplein

16. Beethovenstraat

17. Mercatorplein

18. Java Eiland

19. Oosterdokseiland

20. Valeriusplein

21. Western Harbour

What travelers are saying.

• The Jordaan
• Amsterdam Canal Ring
• De Hallen Amsterdam
• Red Light District
• De 9 Straatjes

Amsterdam Neighborhoods: A Breakdown MADE For Travelers

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• TERMS OF USE

Are you a tourist, an artist, a culturati, an expat or a night owl? These are Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods curated for travelers.

Figuring out where to stay in Amsterdam might be overwhelming, you want to be near the canals but away from crowds of tourists. You’re a museum fanatic but still want to be close to the city center. We’ve done the homework for you, below are five major Amsterdam neighborhoods broken down by the type of traveler you might be.

Centrum –  for the tourists

If you love shopping and being in the middle of the iconic UNESCO-listed Amsterdam canals, then Centrum neighborhood is your best bet. If you hate massive groups of tourists, then veer away from Centrum. For shoppers who love browsing through local boutiques, the 9 Streets is within walking distance, if not only a few steps away. You’ll see Anne Frank’s House here, along with numerous galleries and the 17th century Royal Palace Amsterdam. Centrum might be a tiny borough which covers merely 8.04 km 2 , but it holds the second-highest income per household in the city, making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Amsterdam.

De Pijp –  for the expats

Eclectic cafés, cool brunch spots, and stylish folks. De Pijp has recently captivated the attention of expats living in Amsterdam either for work or as digital nomads. A former neighborhood for the working class or low income families during the 19th century, De Pijp has been gentrified by artisanal coffee shops and one of a kind boutiques that feature new and unique Dutch labels. Don’t miss Albert Cuyp Markt – named after a famous painter from the 17th century – this is where you can discover anything from vegetables, fruit, clothing to accessories.

Nieuwmarkt en Lastage – for the culturati

A former city gate, Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in Amsterdam, encompassing Chinatown, Jewish Quarter…and many more. Even the Dutch themselves will say that the best of Dutch food comes from various eating culture of their colonies. Hence, the diversity of restaurants you’ll find in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is anything but lackluster. From Thai to Indonesia, this area is filled with flavors amped with excitement. In regards to sightseeing, you’ll want to check out NEMO Science Museum and Mediamatic where art, science and design emerge. There are often exhibitions that highlight ecological and sustainable initiatives. For shopping, don’t miss Waterloopleinmarkt for thrifty items and Nieuwmarkt for food.

De Wallen (Red-Light District) – for the night owl

As the oldest neighborhood in Amsterdam, De Wallen is globally known for its dimmed red lights and visible prostitution. Situated in the middle of the city, De Wallen contains a bridge built in 1270 connecting Rokin and Damrak roads. You’ll see 301 room-cabins showcasing prostitutes who rent the low-lit spaces, some hustle for business while some are busy scrolling through their phones. Staying in this area doesn’t necessarily mean that nightlife would be your sole highlight since the government has been attempting to clean up De Wallen. Brouwerij de Prael , for instance, serves house-brewed draft beer while offering jobs to locals having a difficult time in the job market.

Oud-Zuid –  for the artists

A bit further from the central canals is Oud-Zuid where you’ll encounter Amsterdam’s most beloved museums. Rijksmuseum features Dutch and European collections from the Middle Ages to modern day, meanwhile Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the Neo-Impressionism artist’s life and works. You’ll also see beautiful pieces by Dalí and Banksy at the Moco Museum , as well as contemporary designs at the Stedelijk . Stay at the posh Conservatorium Hotel , where you’ll have easy access to all the museums and Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat – a high-end shopping street, home to international designer brands, including: Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s, Cartier…etc.

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As the founder of Jetset Times, Wendy is an avid traveler and fluent in five languages. When she's not traveling, Wendy calls Paris and Taipei home. Her favorite countries so far from her travels have been: Bhutan, Iran, and St. Bart's because they were all so different!

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• The Coolest Neighborhoods In Amsterdam

The Coolest Neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam has a lot more to offer than the Red Light District ‘s X-rated windows and smoky coffee shops. From its food scene to its raft of museums, boutiques and bustling outdoor markets, this is a cosmopolitan city with a village feel, thanks to its 17th-century Unesco-protected waterways and striking canal houses. To truly get to know the Dutch capital, take the time to explore some of its different neighbourhoods – from bustling De Wallen to uber-cool De Pijp, these are the best neighbourhoods to visit in Amsterdam. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Architectural Landmark

For a long time, De Pijp, like most of Central Amsterdam’s outlying neighbourhoods, housed the city’s working class. It was mainly constructed in the 19th century to fulfil increased demand for housing. Vestiges of this fascinating urban history are still visible throughout De Pijp and the neighbourhood is known for its narrow townhouses, originally built to accommodate low-income families. The whole neighbourhood revolves around Amsterdam’s most famous market, Albert Cuyp Markt , which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. De Pijp is also home to many excellent cafes and restaurants, and is well known by locals for its amazing brunch restaurants , such as Little Collins, Bakers & Roasters and the Scandinavian Embassy.

2. De Wallen (Red-Light District)

Although De Wallen often gets a bad rap because of its connection with prostitution and drug tourism, it is actually the oldest neighbourhood in Amsterdam, and has been an important cultural centre for over 600 years. Several buildings in De Wallen attest to this long history, such as De Oude Kerk – the oldest building in Amsterdam – and a perfectly preserved clandestine Catholic church, Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder, located inside the attic of a 16th-century townhouse . Many cultural organisations have moved into De Wallen in recent years. Red Light Radio, for example, broadcasts shows from inside a set of former prostitution windows. Elsewhere in De Wallen, visitors can sample delicious beers at a socially conscious brewery called Brouwerij de Prael.

3. Nieuwmarkt en Lastage

Nieuwmarkt en Lastage trails southwards from Centraal station towards the River Amstel and contains several diverse areas. The northern side revolves around a large, former industrial harbour called Oosterdok, which has developed into one of the most architecturally innovative parts of the city, while its skyline features many impressive, modern buildings, such as the NEMO Science Museum and Amsterdam’s towering central library. Many other cultural hotspots reside beneath these structures, including Mediamatic , an eco-conscious creative initiative. Then there’s the southern inland section of Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, which houses an impressive number of historical sites, such as the Rembrandt House Museum; the first Protestant church in Amsterdam, Zuiderkerk ; and several sites associated with the city’s Jewish Quarter . Two regular markets also take place here, namely Waterloopleinmarkt, which centres on second-hand goods, and Nieuwmarkt, which features a wide selection of food stalls.

4. Buiksloterham (Amsterdam-Noord)

Amsterdam’s northern shoreline has undergone rapid development over the last few decades, turning the former industrial district into a new cultural centre. At the core of these changes are two architecturally stunning buildings located in Buiksloterham – the EYE Film Insititute and A’DAM Toren. Together they contain a wide range of cultural buildings, including cinemas, a film museum, several restaurants and a subterranean nightclub . Heading west, visitors can explore Northern Amsterdam’s rustic industrial landscape at NDSM Wharf , an area renowned for its excellent nightlife, street art and impressive cultural calendar. Although Buiksloterham may appear further afield than other neighbourhoods, a ferry service from Centraal station regularly travels to two ports along its coastline.

5. Westerpark

Westerpark, named after the largest park in the neighbourhood, is among the greenest parts of Amsterdam. Besides its wonderful recreation grounds, Westerpark also has an impressive concentration of Amsterdamse School architecture – a style of early 20th-century urban design characterised by red-brick facades and graceful, flowing arches. Elsewhere in Westerpark, visitors can roam through a former gas plant, Westergasfabriek, which has been converted into an enormous, multifunctional cultural centre.

6. Oud-West

7. oud-zuid.

A trip to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a jaunt into Oud-Zuid and its museum quarter. The neighbourhood boasts the Rijksmuseum , which holds Dutch and European art and artefacts from the Middle Ages to the present day. A short walk away is the Van Gogh Museum, the Moco Museum – home to works by Dalí and Banksy – and the Stedelijk, with its large collection of international modern art and design. On Saturday morning, head to zuiderMRKT, a small outdoor food market bursting with selections of cheese, made-to-order crêpes and fresh fruit and vegetables. At night, head to traditional Italian restaurant Le 4 Stagioni for its glorious pasta and pizza selection, before sauntering along to the corner of Cornelis Schuytstraat and Willemsparkweg to grab a drink at one of its brasseries.

Amsterdam Oost is one of the most diverse cultural hotspots in the Dutch capital. Kick your day off with a caffeine hit at Coffee Bru or Bar Bukowski, two of the neighbourhood’s best coffee shops, before visiting Tropenmuseum, one of Amsterdam’s largest museums, where artefacts and art celebrate cultural diversity. The Hermitage Museum is also worth a trip, thanks to the top examples of 17th-century Dutch art on display. If the sun is out, grab some picnic supplies from Gallizia Deli on the bustling Javastraat and hit Oosterpark, the first public park in Amsterdam.

Hop on a 20-minute train from Amsterdam Centraal station to reach the charming medieval city of Haarlem. Here, you’ll find a spread of museums, historical sites, quirky boutiques and cosy restaurants all within walking distance. Make your way to the Cathedral of St Bavo, the second-largest church in Holland, which is worth a visit for its zany neogothic architecture. Another Instagrammable landmark is De Adriaan windmill, a wooden towered mill originally built in 1778; wind your way to the top floor for spectacular views over the old town. For more great vistas, hit De Dakkas, a trendy roof terrace restaurant inside a huge greenhouse.

10. De Plantage

Get your nature fix with a trip to Amsterdam’s often overlooked De Plantage district. This leafy neighbourhood – dubbed the Cultural Garden of Amsterdam – is home to Artis Zoo and Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to 1638. Meanwhile, culture comes in the form of the Royal Theatre Carré, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet and the Rembrandt House Museum, which allows you to visit the house where the painter lived and worked. If you love a good bargain, head to Waterlooplein flea market (open six days a week), which has 300 stalls selling everything from vinyl records to vintage clothes.

11. Amsterdam Centrum

You’re spoiled for choice in Amsterdam’s vibrant city centre when it comes to cute stores, hipster coffee shops, top-rated restaurants and Instagrammable streets. Come nightfall, this district comes alive. After taking an evening stroll and grabbing a bite to eat, roll into bed at one of the neighbourhood’s many hotels , such as the Hoxton and W Amsterdam.

12. 9 Streets

This area, Negen Straatjes in Dutch, is one of Amsterdam’s most photogenic micro-neighbourhoods, with cute thoroughfares straddling some of the city’s grandest canals. Spend the day shopping at stores such as Scotch & Soda and Dr Martens, before heading to one of the neighbourhood’s many eateries. Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje, which dates back to 1973, is known for its Wienerschnitzel, mussels and hot apple pie; Bar Brasserie OCCO is loved for its caviar and oysters, and Chocolaterie Pompadour and Urban Cacao are must-visits for sweet treats.

13. Nieuw-West

After World-War II, Amsterdam’s western neighbourhoods began to encroach upon several villages outside the city’s former limits. Eventually, these smaller settlements became part of Amsterdam proper and are today known as the Nieuw-West. This sprawling nieghbourhood is centred around an enormous lake called Sloterpas and its surrounding green belt. Recently, many cultural initiatives have set up shop in Nieuw-West, such as Radion or the Appel Arts Centre, and the neighbourhood is becoming an increasingly popular visitor destination.

14. Zuidoost

Geographically speaking, Zuidoost doesn’t actually border any other bourough in Amsterdam, meaning that the area is considered an exclave of the city. To many Amsterdammers, Zuid-Oost is synonymous with Bijlmer, a massive, modern neighbourhood that was built according to Le Corbusier’s architectural principles, and contains several impressive high-rise apartment blocks. Several important buildings are located inside Zuidoost, including Ajax FC’s home ground, Amsterdam ArenA , and the largest concert venue in the Netherlands, the Ziggo Dome.

The Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

15. weesperzijde.

This small neighbourhood in Amsterdam-Oost runs down the eastern side of the River Amstel and looks onto de Pijp. Its main thoroughfare, Wibautstraat, is named after a famous city planner and was once seen as one of the ugliest streets in Amsterdam. However, during the late 20th century, the area was altered by several urban development projects and is now among the trendiest parts of Amsterdam, partly due to the presence of Volkshotel – a stylish boutique hotel that features a restaurant , ateliers, and a rooftop nightclub. Though it is easy enough to spend entire weekends chilling out inside this all-in-one boutique hotel, there are many other hangouts spread around Weesperzijde.

16. Overhoeks

Although Amsterdam-Noord might seem far off, the area is actually only a few minutes away from the inner city and is accessible via a speedy ferry that leaves from Centraal Station . Overhoeks is the most southernly part of Amsterdam-Noord and is immediately recognisable due to its monumental skyline, which is framed by EYE Film Institute and A’DAM Tower . A design hotel is actually contained within this second building, alongside a subterranean nightclub and several high-end restaurants. Other nearby highlights include a wine bar-cum-cinema called FC Hyena , which screens the latest arthouse releases and is the only bar in Amsterdam with an indoor skateboarding halfpipe .

17. De Jordaan

This charming, residential neighbourhood in western Amsterdam is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, photogenic townhouses , and impressive culinary sector. Despite being part of Amsterdam-Centrum, de Jordaan moves at a more relaxed pace than the rest of the inner city, making it perfect for quiet, urban getaways. Its central location also means that visitors based in de Jordaan can easily access many of the city’s main sites such as the Anne Frank House, Dam Square , and the canal belt by foot. Many of the neighbourhood’s hotels are located inside renovated canal houses. For instance, there’s Linden Hotel on Lindengraght, which overlooks two parallel canals, or Mr. Jordaan Hotel, which is housed within a spacious, 19th-century building.

Prettiest Places to Cycle

Ijburg is an architecturally stunning neighborhood on the eastern borders of Amsterdam. The area is actually built upon completely artificial ground, reclaimed from the sea in order to address Amsterdam’s housing crisis. This premeditated approach to urban planning means that Ijburg has a unique civic layout, and its streets are arranged around a grid system – a design which is almost unheard of inside the Netherlands. Ijburg has an impressive quota of modern architecture, and most of the neighborhood’s residential buildings recall Dutch neoplasticism . A magnificent bridge called Nesciobrug connects Ijburg with Amsterdam-Oost , which can be mounted by cyclists.

19. Oosterdok

20. amsterdamse bos.

Forest, Park

21. NDSM-werf

Bistro, American

After the Ij, the Amstel is the largest body of water in Amsterdam, and its banks are lined with a long list of historical buildings. The river begins in central Amsterdam and then flows southwards towards a small, rustic village called Ouder Kerk aan de Amstel . Inside Amsterdam, the Amstel runs past several important landmarks including the Jewish Quarter , Hermitage Museum , and Magere Brug, each of which is exceptionally photogenic. After around five kilometers, this picturesque route turns into a large park called Amstelpark , which features several beautiful flower gardens and a petting zoo, and then continues onwards beyond Amsterdam’s borders.

Sadie Whitelocks contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Neighborhoods, itineraries.

Amsterdam’s beating heart may be its historic center, and the area around Dam Square certainly warrants exploration, but the city’s soul extends to less-touristy neighborhoods on the fringes of the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring). For a more layered perspective of the Dutch capital, venture further afield to multicultural De Pijp, post-industrial Noord, the postcard-perfect Jordaan, and other neighborhoods often overlooked by visitors, where locals actually live, work, and play.

Photo: Olena Z /Shutterstock

The historic center — Amsterdam’s historic center radiates from Dam Square, where a dam kept the city from flooding in the 13th century. Now a stage for celebrations, street entertainment, and social activism, it’s also where Atlas hoists the universe atop the Royal Palace , symbolizing the city’s 17th-century world dominance. Once occupied by Napoleon, it’s the only palace in the Netherlands that’s both open to the public and still used for royal receptions. De Nieuwe Kerk (The New Church), where King Willem-Alexander married Maxima in 2002 and was crowned the Netherlands’ first king in a century following his mother’s abdication in 2013, sits on one side of the square.

On the opposite edge, the 800-year-old Oude Kerk (Old Church) presides over windows showcasing sex workers and the rowdy bars of De Wallen, known to tourists as the red-light district . The oldest and one of the most beautiful parts of the city is punctuated with coffeeshops and peep shows, interspersed with fine restaurants, a craft brewery, and Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder (Our Lady in the Attic), once a secret Catholic church that’s now a museum.

At Red Light Secrets , gain insight about sex work in the Netherlands. Learn more at the Prostitute Information Center , established by a former sex worker. Nearby is Zeedijk, Amsterdam’s Chinatown, home to Asian restaurants, gay bars, eclectic shops, and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple.

Photo: Harry Beugelink /Shutterstock

Jordaan — What began as a working-class bastion of artists, immigrants, and construction workers — many employed to dig the canals of the Grachtengordel — has evolved into an upscale neighborhood filled with young bohemians and artsy professionals. With its cobbled streets, gabled homes, and tree-lined canals, Jordaan is a postcard picture with a mix of art galleries, sidewalk bistros, and trendy boutiques. An impoverished Rembrandt lived here toward the end of his life, as did the Holocaust’s most famous diarist and her family before they were hauled away by the Nazis.

In the Jordaan’s maze of narrow streets, find such quirky attractions as Het Oud-Hollandsch Snoepwinkeltje , an old-fashioned candy boutique that stocks dozens of flavors of drop, a kind of licorice that’s the Netherlands’ national sweet. Discover a collection of automated pianos at the tiny Pianola Museum . Take a break at Café Chris , a typical brown cafe (so called due to its nicotine-stained walls that hark back to the pre-smoking ban era) that’s been serving Dutch beer to locals since 1624. If you’re in the neighborhood on a Saturday, browse for specialty foods at the Lindengracht Market. On Mondays, hunt for new and second-hand treasures at the Noordermarkt.

Photo: Hindrik Johannes de Groot /Shutterstock

De Pijp — As the Jordaan overflowed with laborers in the 19th century, De Pijp evolved to accommodate the surplus. Known for narrow townhouses originally built to house low-income families, the neighborhood has been the home of students, artists, young professionals, and immigrants since the 1960s. Sometimes called “The Latin Quarter,” its cosmopolitan flair is evident in a pastiche of Syrian, Moroccan, Spanish, Indian, and Surinamese eateries, alongside Dutch pubs, Islamic butchers, and Turkish delicatessens. De Pijp’s diverse demographics are abundantly clear at the Albert Cuypmarkt, centerpiece of the neighborhood, where you can buy just about anything you never thought you’d find in the Netherlands. The district also encompasses Sarphatipark, a two-block rectangle of green with a lake, small bridges, and playground equipment. A 19th-century monument honoring Jewish doctor and philanthropist Samuel Sarphati, who fought city hall to see the park built, dominates the relaxed open space.

Just north of Sarphatipark is what remains of the establishment that once permeated De Pijp with the fragrance of fermenting hops. Now an overpriced brewery-turned-museum, the Heineken Experience pays homage to a beer now produced by a multinational firm.

Photo: De Hallen Amsterdam /Facebook

Oud-West — Just far enough from Dam Square to be off the main tourist track but easily accessible on foot, by bike, and tram, Oud-West is a lively suburb with a diverse crop of restaurants, boutiques, and concept stores. The neighborhood is a blend of residential pockets served by many Moroccan and Turkish shops and cafes, interspersed with Dutch pubs and other eateries.

Since the debut of De Hallen in 2014, the Oud-West has undergone a renaissance. The turn-of-the-century tram depot-turned-cultural hotspot features an indoor food market offering street food from some of Amsterdam’s most respected kitchens, an arthouse cinema, independent creative outlets, and a weekly indoor craft market. The complex injected new life into a district with such architectural treasures such as the Zevenlandenhuizen (Houses of Seven Countries), a collection of homes bordering Vondelpark, each representing a different country.

A century before De Hallen opened, vendors were selling fresh produce and plants at the Ten Katemarkt, a small street market with a local vibe where you’ll find snacks like Dutch stroopwafels , Vietnamese loempia , and Indonesian soup that reflect the neighborhood’s multicultural makeup. You’ll find one entrance to De Hallen midway through the Ten Katemarkt, which still offers fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, toys, electronics, and just about anything you might need.

Photo: kamienczanka /Shutterstock

De Plantage — Far greener and less touristy than Amsterdam’s historic center, De Plantage has wide, leafy boulevards that contrast with the Canal Belt’s narrow, cobblestoned streets. The neighborhood is home to the Hortus botanical gardens and the city’s Jewish Quarter, where Rembrandt lived at the height of his fame. Today the famous painter’s house is a museum replete with prints, sculptures, and paintings that reconstruct his life in the Dutch Golden Age.

The legacy of the Jews in Amsterdam is preserved in the Jewish Cultural Quarter, encompassing the Jewish Historical Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Dutch Resistance Museum, and Hollandsche Schouwburg, a theater that served as the last stop in Amsterdam for 104,000 Jews deported from the Netherlands to extermination camps during World War II. Waterlooplein, the main square that was once the core of the community, is now better known for its daily (except on Sundays) flea market.

Across the Amstel River, Rembrandtplein is the site of hip nightclubs, trendy bars, and smoky coffeeshops. A cast iron statue of Rembrandt, made in 1852 by sculptor Louis Royer, presides over the lively square. To mark the 400th birthday of the famous Dutch painter, a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, “The Night Watch,” by Russian artists Mikhail Dronov and Alexander Taratynov, was installed in 2006 around Royer’s work.

Further south, the Royal Theatre Carré hosts cabaret, opera, and Broadway musicals. At The Hermitage , Peter the Great’s fascination with Amsterdam’s enlightened culture is on full display in this museum of Dutch-Russian history modeled after its namesake in St. Petersburg.

Photo: fokke baarssen /Shutterstock

Noord-Amsterdam — Free ferries on the IJ River side of Central Station, as well as buses and a new Noord-Zuid metro line, connect Noord to central Amsterdam. An abandoned submarine welcomes you to NDSM Wharf, an old shipyard-turned-edgy arts community. In this bohemian landscape, industrial castoffs have been repurposed into posh accommodations at the Crane Hotel Faralda , while old shipping containers have morphed into a holistic-inspired restaurant at Pllek. On the second weekend of most months, maritime history combines with the neighborhood’s creative spirit at IJ-Hallen , Europe’s largest flea market.

The IJ waterfront also has the futuristic EYE Filmmuseum , an homage to international cinema topped with a restaurant with views of boats plying the IJ River, as well as central Amsterdam across the water. The adjacent Tolhuistuin , housed in a former canteen for Shell employees, hosts an eclectic program of dance, film, music, and other cultural events.

Dominating the skyline, A’DAM Toren houses two upscale restaurants, a grunge-chic nightclub, and a sky-high swing, all with dizzying city views. Further inland, Noord’s progressive culture is evident at De Ceuvel , a clean-tech playground with a hip cafe. Just beyond, traditional Dutch farmhouses in pastoral villages are a throwback to the past.

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What to Do in Amsterdam-Noord, the Dutch Capital’s Coolest Neighborhood

By Chris Schalkx

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Almost 22 million visitors—a staggering 27.5 times Amsterdam's population—descended on the city's cobblestone streets in 2019. After the onset of the pandemic, its local council took steps to limit these crowds, like voting to move its infamous red-light district to a new purpose-built neighborhood outside the city center (the location is still TBD); outlawing nonresidents from lighting up spliffs; and launching splashy campaigns to nudge visitors to other areas. One of these is Amsterdam-Noord, a curious corner locals have known about for years, just four miles north of downtown. It takes only a free five-minute ferry hop from Central Station, the city's main transport hub, to access this district, which has built up its creative cred since the early 2010s. Its defunct factories, which once cranked out cargo ships and steel, have been overtaken by freethinking chefs, tech start-ups, and edgy artists who have turned Noord's once-gritty industrial parks into the city's most envelope-pushing creative spaces. 

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Outside the Straat Museum for street art

A plate of cured hamachi at Cornerstore

Set out on a culture crawl

While it's all about the Old Masters and Van Gogh in Amsterdam's museum quarter , Noord's art spaces zero in on a more recent era. At the angular Eye Filmmuseum , which heralded Noord's cultural genesis when it opened in 2012, the permanent collection showcases Hollywood memorabilia and vintage cameras, while pop-up exhibitions explore everything from Dutch film directors to found-footage cinema. A 15-minute stroll north, the new Nxt Museum looks still further ahead, exploring a future of art that blurs the boundaries of technology and design through immersive audiovisual installations and room-spanning interactive video works. And on the Noordwall promenade, a multi-use space is home to the artist collective Sexyland World , which operates a conceptual nightclub and experimental art galleries. The programming changes daily; expect everything from political drag shows to book readings and performances by avant-garde international musicians.

Sample the buzzy restaurant scene

Hidden in unassuming shipyards and once-abandoned industrial estates, Noord's best bars and dining establishments often make you look twice. Hotel de Goudfazant is a case in point: This perennially packed restaurant, which occupies a cavernous former garage in a concrete-and-steel complex on the eastern riverbank, has been a neighborhood mainstay since it opened in 2006, serving French-tinged fare to guests seated in plastic canteen chairs. The seasonal menu is big on seafood, but the crispy-skinned rotisserie chicken is a favorite among regulars. In a converted warehouse a few doors down, bistro-slash-indie cinema FC Hyena serves natural wines and dishes up unpretentious small bites such as roast cauliflower with tahini and grilled octopus with tomatillo salsa. There are tables set up in its colorful foyer, but you can take your order into its two screening rooms, which show art-house flicks and classic films on Tuesdays. 

Head to Oedipus Brewing , on the edge of the former Stork steel factory grounds, for beers infused with galangal, orange peel, or Sichuan pepper, made mere yards away; Henri Rousseau's art inspired the colorful walls, and the guys behind burger truck The Beef Chief take over the Oedipus kitchen from Thursday through Sunday, cooking up pork-belly patties and hand-cut fries drizzled with gochujang mayo. Equally hops-centric is IJver , an industrial hangout within the much larger shipbuilding hangar on the NDSM Wharf. The bar, which runs almost the full length of the restaurant, has a whopping 19 kinds of beer on tap (and several dozens bottled), while the open kitchen serves cross-border comfort food like rendang sandwiches and soba-noodle bowls.

De Ceuvel’s buzzy waterside terrace

Lunch at the grocery-café Waargenoegen

The garage block bookending the industrial Papaverweg is also drawing foodie crowds with its cohort of businesses. In late 2019 pop-up pizzeria Klaproos turned a humdrum office space there into a sultry, candlelit dining room, where you'll find well-priced antipasti and pizzas with spicy nduja, white truffle, or vegan mozzarella; on sunny days, snag a picnic table on the waterside terrace at the back of the building. Next door, Corner Store , housed in a low-slung former storage space, opened last June after the lockdown ended and quickly became one of the city's most in-demand tables. The vegetable-forward, Asian-inspired menu—think yellow beets with pickled daikon and mushroom karaage—has diners from all over Amsterdam rushing for a table on first-come, first-served Fridays and Saturdays (they do take reservations from Tuesday to Thursday). Drinks include natural wines and sake, poured behind a wooden bar that doubles as a DJ booth—a nod to the stamp-size listening bars of Tokyo.

Rooms at Sir Adam hotel have impressive canal views

The beds to book

Noord's hotel scene is still nascent, but a couple of stays channel the district's creative spark. One is Sir Adam Hotel , occupying the first eight floors of A'dam Tower, a landmark waterfront home to creative coworking spaces and the city's highest observation deck. From the lobby (which doubles as a burger bar), elevators outfitted as karaoke booths—complete with disco floors—whisk you to raw concrete rooms accented with rich leather, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame dazzling city views. Sweets , a string of studios with four locations in Noord, is a little less plush but highly immersive. Each suite occupies a renovated bridge keeper's house built between 1673 and 2009, wrapping snug double beds and a bathroom in Tetris-like floor plans. (Book #104 for windmill views so bucolic, Van Gogh himself could have painted them). 

But with 24/7 ferries to spirit you from central Amsterdam to Noord in mere minutes, staying downtown is another option. With its Delftware Blue-accents, Kimpton DeWitt makes for an excellent base thanks to its location near the ferry terminal and complimentary Van Moof bikes. Its year-old Celia restaurant dishes up Californian cuisine as bright and sprightly as the art-studded bedrooms upstairs. A 10-minute walk south along the canal, The Hoxton Amsterdam beckons as a herringbone-floored hipster honeypot with monumental ceilings, mid-century furnishings, and a buzzy all-day diner that serves excellent eggs Benedict.

Catch some sun—and a live set

Noord's best waterfront spots offer much more space than the canalside cafés downtown—a coveted quality when the warm weather hits. At De Ceuvel , opened in 2012 by a group of eco-minded architects (building materials include recycled houseboats), diners chase a vegan brunch of mushroom ceviche and buticha, or Ethiopian hummus, with a dip in the canal. Hidden behind a stack of shipping containers on the NDSM Wharf, riverside hangout Pllek also fills up fast. You can't swim here, but its lounger-lined artificial beach is a sought-after spot for sunset cocktails, late-night dance parties, and Sunday-morning yoga classes. Cross a concrete slipway to the east and you'll find Noorderlicht restaurant, a local favorite set in a glasshouse-like Quonset hut that buzzes with live music on summer nights.

Anna Borges

Jessica Puckett

Karthika Gupta

Where to spot vintage finds

Shopping in Noord is all about vintage gems and sustainable goods. One weekend per month, the massive IJ-Hallen flea market—one of Europe's largest—takes over part of the NDSM Wharf, attracting bargain hunters from all around the country for everything from vintage leather boots to kitschy home decor. Neighboring each other on a cul-de-sac along the Papaverweg. Neef Louis Design and Van Dijk & Ko both stock their warehouses with midcentury furnishings, retro Dutch crockery, and kooky Eastern Bloc tchotchkes. While there, don't miss Waargenoegen , in the refurbished shipping container at the far end of the street. This snug café also houses a grocery store where it sells spice blends, cheeses, pickles, and craft beers from producers around the district.

This article appeared in the March 2022 issue of Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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Noord: a guide to Amsterdam's coolest neighbourhood

Oct 24, 2018 • 4 min read

Patrons lounge on a beach at art festival Kinetisch Noord, held at NDSM Wharf © fokke baarssen / Shutterstock

From shipping hub to creative quarter, the ever-changing Amsterdam Noord neighbourhood has cemented itself as one of the Dutch capital’s coolest spots. With a new Noord/Zuid metro line supplying quick access, this once obscure ‘hood is gaining traction as the innovative hotspot of the Dutch capital.

Separated from the rest of the city by the IJ river, Noord’s industrial warehouses and residential areas can feel a world away from the city’s famous Golden Age canals and crooked, dollhouse-like buildings. But what the neighbourhood might lack in the quaint and charming department, it certainly makes up for in edge and excitement.

Noord boasts a maritime heritage dating back to the 1600s, but when shipbuilding declined in the 1980s, the industrial parts of Noord were left to crumble. Abandoned and in disrepair, the area attract squatters and artists in the 1990s before – as is so often the case – the hipsters and creative industry followed.

Fast forward 20 years and Noord has transformed into a ‘place to be’ where there’s always an uber-cool new hotspot drawing in crowds from all over the city. The recently opened Noord/Zuid metro line provides a fast link to central Amsterdam and will no doubt play a role in the area’s growing appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Industrial chic

There is no better representation of Amsterdam’s shipbuilding legacy than NDSM Wharf . Hop aboard the free ferry from Amsterdam Centraal Station and upon arrival you’ll feel as if you’ve docked in a completely different city.

The Faralda Crane Hotel , a trio of suites perched atop an industrial crane, hangs overhead while at ground level Amsterdammers make the monthly pilgrimage to the IJ Hallen . One of Europe’s biggest flea markets, the IJ Hallen is spread across a huge warehouse area. The market has an entrance cost of €5 and sells everything from dusty antiques to bikes. After rummaging for bargains, take a short stroll to the iconic Pllek restaurant and bar, which blends effortlessly into its surroundings. Constructed completely from shipping containers, it’s particularly popular during the summer months thanks to its man-made pebble beach. Outdoor film screenings take place on Tuesdays throughout the summer, and yoga classes are held every Sunday morning.

NDSM Wharf is a popular location for festivals, exhibitions and other cultural events, so it's always worth checking what’s going on there. The DGTL electronic music festival takes place each spring over three days.

Bohemian vibes

Whether you’re inside with a local craft beer or enjoying a spot of music on the outdoor stage, nowhere in Amsterdam feels more bohemian than Noorderlicht . This bar and eatery, inside an impressive, greenhouse-like setting, boasts an outdoor area with river views and plays host to live music and small festivals.

Venture further east and you’ll discover the wood-clad Cafe de Ceuvel . Located on the site of a former shipyard, the restaurant is all about sustainability. The building itself was crafted from recycled materials, while the menu is made up of organic, home-grown and locally sourced dishes. The waterside location and ample outdoor seating make it even more popular during the summer months.

Craft beer, skateboarders and tacos

On the east side of Amsterdam Noord, a host of hip venues have continued to pop up. Oedipus Brewing was the first in the area, offering thirsty patrons the opportunity to sample their signature beers at the source. The taproom is set in a warehouse and decorated with colourful murals. Favourite tipples on tap include Thai Thai, an experimental Tripel from the brewery’s early days.

Nearby on Gedempt Hamerkanaal, one of the more recent additions to Amsterdam Noord is SkateCafe , which opened its doors in 2017. The venue does it exactly what it says on the tin, featuring a mini skate ramp set in a casual bar and dining area. The large warehouse space is very much in keeping with the Amsterdam Noord vibe. It has unfinished concrete walls adorned with plants and furniture that looks like it’s straight out of the classroom.

Feeling hungry after all that skateboarding? Just around the corner you’ll find Mexican cuisine and cocktails at Coba Taqueria . This eatery has all the laid-back qualities of the typical Noord establishment, but with surprisingly gourmet small plates, including tacos and tostadas.

Eye-catching architecture

One of Noord’s most striking buildings is the cutting-edge EYE Film Institute . Angular and bright white, the architectural masterpiece makes quite the impression when looking across the river from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Up close, it’s equally as impressive and plays host to exhibition spaces, cinemas and a light and airy cafe with riverside views. Meanwhile the 22-storey A’DAM Tower provides quite the contrast to Amsterdam’s relatively low-rise cityscape. The A’DAM Lookout, located atop the tower, offers one of the best views of the city. If you’re feeling brave, Europe’s highest swing kicks out over the edge of the building at a lofty 100 metres. Don’t worry – you’re strapped in!

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The Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam to Stay In, Eat In & Explore

February 4, 2016 by Karen Turner 18 Comments

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information.

• 1 Why not Centre (Dam Square, Centraal Station, Red Light District)
• 2.0.1 Where to stay in the Jordaan
• 3.1 Where to stay in Haarlemmerbuurt
• 4.1 Where to stay in De Pijp
• 5.1 Things to do in Amsterdam Noord
• 5.2  Where to stay in Amsterdam Noord
• 6 Old West (north of Vondelpark/da Costabuurt)
• 7 Where to stay in Old West
• 9 Where to stay in Oost
• 10.0.0.1 For more Amsterdam posts….
• 10.0.0.2 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam
• 10.0.0.3 Do’s & Don’ts of Amsterdam from a Resident
• 10.0.0.4 What to pack for Amsterdam
• 10.0.0.5 Cheap Eats Under 10 euros in Amsterdam
• 10.0.0.6 Best Photography Spots in Amsterdam
• 10.0.0.7 Three days in Amsterdam itinerary  

Why not Centre (Dam Square, Centraal Station, Red Light District)

As someone who lives in Amsterdam, I don’t enjoy the crowds, tourist shops, loudness, and overpriced food.  Sure, the museums and a lot of sites are clustered in the Centre.

If you’re interested seeing real Amsterdam, I recommend leaving Centre. Otherwise, you lose out on getting an opportunity to experience Dutch culture in local neighborhoods with far better food and cheaper drinks.

By staying in some of the areas mentioned in this post, you’ll be able to save money by having access to cheaper food, more supermarkets, laundromats, and most other conveniences that you would expect in any neighborhood.

One of traveling anywhere is exploring neighborhoods that are very distinct from each other, seeing how people actually live (not how it’s packaged to tourists), and scouting out the local favorites.   I specially picked neighborhoods a short walking/biking distance from the major sights to make it easier to see the big attractions.

Although some areas have a higher concentration of hotels (like the Jordaan), a lot of the areas mentioned aren’t as touristic, so you’ll have better luck looking on Airbnb for a reasonable room.

In terms of transport, it’s typically fastest to bike anywhere, so I suggest renting a bike. For the record, almost everyone here in Amsterdam speaks English, so you’ll have no problems.

For quintessential Amsterdam, the Jordaan is far from a well-kept secret as it is picturesque and close to the Anne Frank House. Despite many tourists passing through, the Jordaan is still quiet, residential, and charming.  

Best Streets to wander: Willemstraat and Lindengracht.

• Brown Bars , which are traditional old Dutch bars that are covered in wood.  Typically, the beer selection can be a bit limited, but you can always get a good coffee or  verse muntthee  (fresh mint tea). You’ll find nuts, beer, tea, and sometimes homemade cake.  I especially love Cafe Papeneiland , one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most beautiful brown bars. There are two levels and you’ll feel transported back in time.
• Lindengracht & Noordermarkt weekend markets for local goods & fresh food.

Where to stay in the Jordaan

For an affordable room in a nice setting, consider booking a room at  Max Brown Hotel Canal District .  For something unique, stay at the  Pulitzer Amsterdam , a five star hotel composed of twenty canal houses. For the luxury experience, book a room at  The Dylan Amsterdam to experience old world charm combined with new amenities. You’ll not find  that many hotels in this area as it’s mostly residential, however there’s also apartment rentals in the Jordaan for those with bigger groups.  As there’s not that many hotels in de Jordaan , book early as they go quickly.

Book your accommodation in the Jordaan now!

Food : While in Amsterdam, try Indonesian AND Surinamese food .  Finding both out of their respective countries is quite difficult outside of the Netherlands, but you’ll find them to be incredibly delicious, different than Dutch food , and inexpensive (if you’re not doing rijsttafel!).  Click to read about Dutch food.

For the best Indonesian in the Jordaan:  “Manis” or Eethuis Pondok Indah allows you to pick from what seems like a million different options to make a memorable meal that I love to bring visitors to. Click for my favorite restaurants!    Winkel 43  has the  best apple pie  in Amsterdam.

Shopping closeby:

• Boutique Wear/Specialty Shopping: Nine Streets (9 Straatjes)  – Famous Shopping Area
• Haarlemmerstraat (more below)
• Scotch and Soda: Quality/expensive Amsterdam made couture brand
• Book stores @ Spui; American Book Centre is the best bookstore in Europe for English-language books outside of England.

Haarlemmerstraat (between Prinsengracht and Westergasfabriek)

If you’re close to Centraal and the Jordan, Haarlemmerstraat is a great street to explore with lots of historic architecture.

It’s an easy 20 minute walk from Centraal Station , however you’ll be surrounded by cute specialty shops and great food options.  Last year, it was named Amsterdam’s Best Shopping Street .

If the weather is good, a picnic in Westerpark can be a great way to spend a day or night with friends. Accommodation closer to Westerpark is quite reasonable!

Shopping/Sites:  For warm hats, scarves, and gloves, visit Bart’s for nice souvenirs/gifts.  For Art Deco lovers, The Movies is a dream dating back to the 1930s.  It’s Amsterdam’s oldest functional movie theatre.

For those on a budget, Marbles Vintage is a good place to go for thrift shopping with carefully picked items curated by theme/color/etc.   Be sure to stop by the Turkish travel shop for the friendliest  cats in Amsterdam .

Food and Drinks: For sandwiches at lunchtime to-go, you can go to Stach for inexpensive Dutch sandwiches as well as Le Sud for inexpensive, vegan-friendly Middle-Eastern sandwiches. (Try the eggplant!)

For foodies, de culinaire werkplaats is worthwhile.  It’s a 5 course sustainable dining vegan art/dining experience with a different menu each month. You must make reservations ahead of time.

Vesper Bar has delicious, one of a kind, specialty cocktails.  I have yet to repeat the same drink.  For cheese lovers, Kaasland is a lot of fun, with a selection for the lactose-intolerant.  For coffee, Two for Joy is where to go for a cup of coffee.  For a more wild night, visit the Soviet-inspired Checkpoint Charlie.

Where to stay in Haarlemmerbuurt

This area borders the Westelijke Eilanden, which is full of scenic canals with quite a few hotels.  I recommend staying at Yays Boutique Apartments on Bickersgracht  for scenic apartments along a quieter canal of Amsterdam.   Hotel Teun is a good budget option for those seeking a quieter place to stay although be warned that the rooms are on the smaller side.  For those seeking a more modern option, consider  Room Mate Aitana   for reasonable rooms in a design hotel along the water.

Book your accommodation in Amsterdam now!

Amsterdam’s trendy area with lots of boutique shops and the largest market in Amsterdam ( Albert Cuyp market ).  You’re still walking distance from Vondelpark and the Museumplein although the many eating options should impress the pickiest eater.

For more Indonesian food, be sure to visit a small, inexpensive take-away restaurant called Sari Citra located on Ferdinand Bolstraat 52. However, more generally, come to the Albert Cuyp hungry (with cash!) to feast on food from all over the Netherlands (and world!)

I’m also a fan of Bazaar  for Middle-eastern food with huge portions.    You’ll also find a secret bar at the Butcher .

Best Street:  Ferdinand Bolstraat

Where to stay in De Pijp

De Pijp is starting to explode with great accomodation options for  all budgets.  For those on a tight budget, consider staying at Cocomama , a boutique hostel with a friendly cat.  For those seeking the full B&B experience, stay at Anna’s .  For those looking for an affordable room (and no shared bathroom), the Arcade Hotel   or  Nine(T)Teen   is your best bet.  For a luxury hotel, look no further than  Sir Albert Hotel or  Hotel Okura .

Book your accommodation in De Pijp now!

Amsterdam Noord

Things to do in Amsterdam Noord

• IJHallen Monthly Flea Market  once monthly. It’s mostly clothes, books, and furniture, but you never know!  For beer lovers, Oedipus Brewery is a great place to listen to live music and try some interesting local brews.
• Pllek is a cafe made out of shipping containers with a great view.
• Noorderlicht Cafe has a nice beer selection and great food.
• In September, you can visit Sunflower Maze to get lost in rows of sunflowers.

 Where to stay in Amsterdam Noord

For the budget traveler, consider staying at ClinkNoord . This modern design hostel is a favorite among young travelers looking to get off the beaten path.  For the no-frills traveler, stay on a boat at the Botel .  For a standard hotel with a twist, you can stay at the Sir Adam , a trendy hotel in the same building as the A’DAM swing.  For the ultimate luxury experience, stay in a two story apartment in the middle of a crane at Crane Hotel Faralda.

Book your accommodation in Amsterdam Noord now!

Old West (north of Vondelpark/da Costabuurt)

Despite being close to the museums, you’ll find a lot of great food in this area.  If you”re into windmills, you can see the historic “De Otter” from the canal.  Otherwise, you can wander into the many shops and restaurants rapidly opening on Bilderdijkstraat.

I often come to this area to eat/drink. This area gets quite busy after 5pm on Fridays.

Best Streets:  De Clerqstraat and Bilderdijkstraat

Food/Drinks:  For lots of great options, the FoodHallen will allow you try Dutch food, International Food, and drinks from many stalls within one building.

For Authentic Greek food, visit To Ouzeri and watch the owners cook.  For tapas Slavic-style, go to Foodism for a surprising meal.  For Moroccan food, Biladi is a steal with huge portions in a nice setting.

My favorite place to relax in Amsterdam is Bridge Schaakcafe “2 Klaveren” where you can play board games while drinking beer.  Rotisserie is my go-to for interesting/delicious Gin & Tonics.

Where to stay in Old West

If you’re on a budget, stay at StayOkay Vondelpark for a clean, modern hostel in a central setting.  For those looking for something different, consider De Hallen for a quirky hotel built in a former industrial building with art deco decor or CityHub for a fresh take on hotel rooms with modules.   For a boutique hotel with affordable prices, consider the modern Conscious Hotel at Tire Station.    On the higher-end, consider staying at the 4* boutique Hotel Vondel for a comfortable stay or the 5* Amsterdam Marriott .

Book your accommodation in Old West now!

Although tourists rarely see Oost , it’s quite close to Centre and full of great food from all over the world.  You’ll find the Dappermarkt for everything you never thought you needed–but need.

It’s worth visiting Brouwerij ‘T IJ , which is a local favorite housed in a former windmill. Unlike the Heineken experience, it’s free besides all the beer that you buy for yourself. Good enough for beer snobs, windmill lovers, and those on a budget. (Tours on weekends for 4.50 euros, including a free beer.)

For a great selection of local beers from all over the Netherlands, visit the BierTuin . Oost is a great area to stay in for modern accommodation while still having access to Center on foot.

My favorite Surinamese food to date is Lalla Rookh , with Surinamese food.

Best Street : Linnaeusstraat.

Where to stay in Oost

For those on a budget, the Generator Hostel is your best bet.  This boutique hostel is a well-known chain in Europe with lots of extras.For a mid-range option, consider the Student Hotel for a no-frills, comfortable stay.  If you’re looking for an extraordinary experience, stay at the Breiter House , a 5* worthy luxury apartment, in an original canal house with the historic atmosphere that you’d expect in a museum.

Book your accommodation in Oost now!

Do you try to stay in residential areas when you travel and if you’ve visited Amsterdam, what’s your favorite neighborhood?

For more amsterdam posts…., best cities to visit in the netherlands besides amsterdam, do’s & don’ts of amsterdam from a resident, what to pack for amsterdam, cheap eats under 10 euros in amsterdam, best photography spots in amsterdam, three days in amsterdam itinerary  .

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

February 7, 2016 at 10:42 pm

Oh Karen, how I wish I had your insights before our last Amsterdam visit! We stumbled around and enjoyed a few gems you mention here, but for the most part we were just “off”. Discovered Il Pacioccone in the Red Wine District and had a great dinner. Not sure if that’s one you like or if we just got lucky.

To answer your question about where we stay, for longer visits we love home exchange in residential areas, but for shorter we like to find a Bed n Breakfast or interesting place relatively easy to explore from.

February 8, 2016 at 9:45 am

Hi Sheila, glad you stumbled upon some of these. I’ve heard a lot about Ill Pacioccone, but I haven’t been yet! I’ve definitely lucked out quite bit when wandering around cities and sometimes you just find a gem by mistake. When I was in Budapest, my friend and I stumbled upon one of the best restaurants that was a family friend’s favorite by mistake. I ended up going back multiple times. 😉

February 8, 2016 at 9:24 am

Amsterdam sounds amazing, and embarrassingly I have never stayed there despite passing through Schipol airport 9 or 10 times !

I love the idea of seeing everything on a bicycleand Anne Franks house, regardless of the tourists you mention 🙂

February 8, 2016 at 9:42 am

Derek, there’s no shame in enjoying bike riding (I really like it!) and seeing the big sights. The shame is in limiting your view of Amsterdam to only the touristy areas. It’s a quick 15 min train ride into Centraal Station next time you pass through Schipol if you have a most of a day during a layover. 😉

February 8, 2016 at 5:02 pm

Jordaan and the NDSM Warf are my favourite areas of Amsterdam. They’re so beautiful.

February 8, 2016 at 7:15 pm

Thanks for your post Alexis! I also really like the Jordaan and NDSM Wharf. Glad you got a chance to see them!

February 10, 2016 at 8:26 pm

Great post. I would have to agree with all these neighborhoods. I’m planning on checking out the north this weekend. Pinning this! #realstuff

February 12, 2016 at 9:28 pm

Sarah, I’m excited to see your recs from nord. Let me know what you think of some of the places once you try them out. I’m super curious what you think about the Indonesian food!

February 29, 2016 at 9:45 pm

LOVE this post and I totally agree with you! I went to Amsterdam for a few days this summer and stayed in De Pijp. SO much better than centraal in my opinion and the food was incredible. Great guide 🙂

March 1, 2016 at 12:36 am

Thanks so much Sally! Glad you loved the guide. I want more people to read it, so they come to Amsterdam and get to see the awesome stuff beyond the Red Light District & Centre. De Pijp is so cute and I actually was there this weekend with some friends! Did you try Indonesian or Surinamese food!?

April 25, 2016 at 12:08 am

Thank You so much! This is very helpful as I am going to Amsterdam in just a couple weeks. I haven’t booked a hotel yet so I will look in the Jordaan area and will be sure to check out the places you mentioned!

July 27, 2016 at 12:13 pm

nice post. it encouraged me to visit the place. thanks for this

October 22, 2016 at 5:21 pm

This is a fantastic guide! I’ve been to Amsterdam a few times but not in recent years and I think we stayed pretty central in Leidseplein. I’d heard that the NDSM Werf area had been undergoing a surge of redevelopment with lots of cool art galleries, cafes and bars, but I wasn’t familiar with any of the other neighbourhoods mentioned in this post, so thank you for enlightening me 🙂

October 23, 2016 at 11:46 pm

I’ve been hearing so much about Amsterdam lately- especially since it’s one of the cheapest airports in Europe to fly into from across the Atlantic! That’s really interesting that you can get great, cheap Indonesian food there! I would have never guessed! And that apple pie?! It looked absolutely delicious! Thanks for all your tips 🙂

January 3, 2017 at 12:09 am

Hi Karen. I’m heading to Budapest (and Amsterdam) this year, and was wondering whether you have the name of the restaurant you visited in Budapest that was a family friend’s favourite?

February 8, 2016 at 9:48 am

That’s a great idea. I don’t’ think I could do it due to my rental, however I’ve increasingly really enjoyed Bed and Breakfasts as a place to stay. I love the care that the owners put into their guesthouse and fresh-made goodies.

January 22, 2017 at 3:57 pm

This is really cool! I’ve stayed in the centre on recent visits but I think this would give me the confidence to try further afield! I really miss Amsterdam shopping as well – from labels like Maison Scotch to the vintage choices – this style is right up my street!

[…] Across the IJ river, you’ll find Noord Amsterdam.  Noord Amsterdam is always fascinating to visit as it’s full of modern buildings and a side to Amsterdam that most tourists don’t see.  I particularly love NDSM, which is full of great street art and fantastic restaurants.  More about things to do in NDSM here. […]

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Amsterdam West: An Amsterdam Neighborhood Guide

• December 5, 2019

Buckle up and get ready for a ride! This is your guide to the ever-growing epic neighborhood of Amsterdam West. This includes a lot of neighborhoods within this area, so there’s a ton of variety with interesting architecture, amazing food, tons of green space, and some pretty great things to do in Amsterdam west.

Planning to stay in Amsterdam for a while and want to explore deeper into this incredible city? Find out what’s so interesting about the Eastern Docklands and how you can explore the inside of a replica ship to get some epic photos. Or head across the IJ on a free ferry and find a whole new vibe in Amsterdam Noord (my neighborhood!).

There’s so much to uncover in this city. I’m always finding something new and wanting to share with you. I’ll add to this post, and all my neighborhood guides, to make it so you’ll always know what’s awesome. If you want to see all my Amsterdam posts, no worries, they are all right here to browse .

This post contains affiliate links which means this website may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.  More information in the footer.

Why visit Amsterdam west?

First let’s define what west really means. In Amsterdam, the west is just outside of the center canal ring. It means the IJ on the Westerpark side and borders Overtoom on the other side (that the major street that goes the length of the famous Vondelpark). It includes the neighborhoods Westerpark, Oud-West, Nieuw West, and Bos en Lommer & De Baarsjes.

Sean and I loved living in the west. Seriously, head-over-heels in love with it. We were there for almost 3 years and could have easily stayed if the housing market allowed. While the area of all of west is pretty massive, each neighborhood has its own awesomeness about it. This will likely be a living post as I discover new things and places to share with you. I love exploring my city and I hope you do, too!

I’ve read that Nieuw West has been called the next Camden and compared to Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighborhood. Now, I don’t like to say one place is like another because anywhere and everywhere is its own personality. The main reason I don’t like things like “The Venice of the North” kind of sayings is because it’s been said about waaaay too many places . So, I’m not going to say it’s the Camden of the Netherlands. It is what it is and that’s an up-and-coming neighborhood that people are starting to flock to. Time will tell how popular it gets!

The biggest reason to visit is because you’ll get away from the crowds and into the local neighborhoods. What does that mean? It means that you get a real vibe that’s lively and real. That’s what I want when I visit a city. If that’s what you’re looking for as well. Then, here you go!

Check out all of our Amsterdam YouTube videos (and be sure to subscribe 😉 )

Things to do

Street Art Museum Amsterdam Tour

Take a street art tour with Street Art Museum Amsterdam in the Nieuw West and see some commissioned (and maybe some non-commissioned) works that are sprinkled over about 4 square km on this neighborhood. The Street Art Museum Amsterdam is passionate about sharing the stories of street art and bringing in visitors to experience a different side of Amsterdam.

Shop at de Hallen

This old tram depot is packed with shops and sometimes hosts markets! My favorite shop has got to be The Maker’s Store. It’s even in our post on where to get the best Amsterdam souvenirs . But there are plenty of cute boutique shops as well, so don’t miss the other building for more shops! Oh, and you can catch a movie in de Filmhallen as well. I just love this place!

De Hallen Architecture Tour

If you’re a fan of architecture and de Hallen, then a guided tour might be the perfect thing for you. This neighborhood has a ton of history, and some really impressive recent history as well. Learn all about it on a private tour with a knowledgeable guide from de Gebouwen Guids . It’s all super interesting and I certainly appreciated the building along with the whole plan for the area, a bit more.

Sloten Windmill Museum

Yes!!! It’s windmill time! At the edge of Amsterdam, you’ll find a still-working 150+-year-old wind mill . It can still be used to drain water (a main reason we had windmills in Amsterdam at the beginning). In case you don’t know, Amsterdam is about 2 meters BELOW sea level. Yep. We pay very important taxes to the water people to keep us dry! And windmills can still be part of that process. See, the history is still relevant! Oh, and you can climb up inside the windmill, too. That’s always my favorite part.

Hang out at the park

Easier said than done because there are a few to choose from…and how do you choose? Westerpark is awesome and the closest to the main part of the city. It’s also part of the larger complex of Westergasfabriek with restaurants, shops, and a huge nature area (outside of the main park). There’s Erasmuspark which is small but has a lovely garden. Rembrandtpark is perfect for a bike ride and picnic. And Sloterpark has Sloterpas (a lake) and Sloterpas Strand (beach). It’s a beach in a city!!

Take a canal cruise

For any special event, you should book a private canal cruise. Obviously it will be pricier than the long crowded boats. But Rederij de Jordaan uses authentic (but refurbished) small boats that are heated and have a pretty nice toilet. I don’t know about you, but that is SUPER important to me. If you are here during the Amsterdam Light Festival, you can book it in the evening to make the most of the festival. Best with a few friends, but certainly romantic with just two of you!

How to get there

Amsterdam West is a large area, so it really depends on where you are going. To reach some parts of the west, metro line 50 will be a big help. Then trams 3, 7, 11, 13, 15, and 17 can get it around and through. In addition, to alllll of those trams, there are plenty of busses as well. Why did I write all the trams out? Because, I want you to see just how accessible it really is. Add the busses, and it’s easy peasy.

To make life easier, use Google Maps , 9292.nl (also an app in English for public transportation in the Netherlands), or CityMapper for Amsterdam. They are all pretty accurate.

Discover the best apps to download for Amsterdam

Where to eat

De Foodhallen

One of my favorites. I just don’t shut up about it. My only issue is that it is popular. Get to de Foodhallen early for lunch or dinner so you can find a seat. With 21 different food & drink stalls including a beer bar, a Gin & Tonic bar, and a “regular” bar, there is definitely something for everyone. I can’t really list my favorites because it would basically be the whole place. What I will say is that you should get bitterballen if you haven’t had it yet and a Gin & Tonic because I consider it an Amsterdam drink. For reference, you can get fancy hot dogs, Iberian ham, Vietnamese goodness, pizza, burgers, a massive meat plate, and a lot of veggie options (plus much more).

Full disclosure, we know the owner and went as soon as it opened. It is dang good! It’s also right by de Hallen. Branie an Asian-fusion place that’s just delicious. Definitely get the soft-shell crab and the KFC (much different than the American KFC, meaning MUCH better). I think this was my first time having soft-shell crab and was a bit scared. It was such a tasty experience, now I’m happy to try it anywhere (but nowhere has been as good).

Mussels & Gin

If you’re in the Westerpark area, you may want to check out Mussels & Gin . We’ve been a couple times and it’s always delish. A gin & tonic is a must here. Don’t argue (unless you just don’t drink, then you go on doing you). Just get one from the nice list they have. And get mussels and fries. If it’s a nice day, sit in the garden! Just be aware that it is in the middle of a very green area, so bugs are a real thing. No worries though. There’s an inside restaurant, too. Oh, and they have their own gin mayo–a must with the fries

Vegan Junk Food Bar (Westside)

No meat Monday? Vegan? Vegetarian? Maybe you just want to see what a vegan junk food bar looks and tastes like. I’ll admit, I was surprised. Everything was super tasty. I’m not vegan, but was curious. I believe that we can all like vegan meals, have vegan snacks, and not miss the meat a couple times a week. So, yeah, I’ll recommend this place! Besides, it’s funky and great for photos, too!

Obsessed. When we lived in the west, we would walk here all the time. Someone wants to meet up? Cool, meet us at Rotisserie . It is that good. Get the chicken, get a burger, get whatever. It’s gonna be great! I suggest reservations if possible, but try to get there. They use quality ingredients and everything (actually everything, including buns, pickles, and sauces) is homemade. You’ll leave feeling fully satisfied!

Explore our 3-day Amsterdam itinerary to get the best mix of the touristy and local activities

Where to stay

I don’t stay in a lot of Amsterdam hotels since we have our own house , but I’ve chosen the hotels below based on what I’ve heard personally, based on the reviews, and location.

Conscious Hotel Vondelpark

On the Overtoom (a road name) is the Conscious Hotel Vondelpark. Staying on Overtoom means you are very close to almost everything. There’s a tram nearby, Vondelpark is right around the corner, and they are an eco-hotel.

Ready to book? Click here to book your accommodation at the Conscious Hotel Vondelpark

Conscious Hotel Westerpark

Yep, same brand as above! And I’m waaaay biased here because it’s in my old neighborhood, Westerpark. But this hotel is actually in this big amazing area known for its restaurants, markets, and festivals among the greenery. It’s worth taking time here to walk or big through.

Find your perfect room in the Conscious Hotel Westerpark

Hotel de Hallen

I would stay here in a heartbeat. I’ve mentioned de Hallen above and there’s just everything there. It’s also right next to the Ten Katemarkt, a popular local market, and Kinkerstraat which is a lively street with lots of shopping available. The hotel describes itself as “urban vintage with an industrial touch.” Love that!

Book a room in Hotel de Hallen

As you can see, the west can keep you busy and keep your belly full. #sorrynotsorry for so many food options! We really miss the old neighborhood because it was so interesting and felt real. I know you want to see the pretty canal houses, head to the museums and other highlights, too. But leave some time to see some of the real, everyday Amsterdam. It may just surprise you!

Wishing you joy and travels!

Hi! I’m Jessica, an American who made Amsterdam her home in 2014. I share European gems through food and memorable experiences. Want to know more? Head to my about page or check out my YouTube channel .

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What neighbourhoods to visit in Amsterdam?

• November 29, 2023

A guide to the must-visit areas of Amsterdam.

Get to know the city, one neighbourhood at the time! In this city where you can walk from area to area, the different cultures are still present in every new hood. Explore the different flavours in the city.

Amsterdam is made up of 518 neighbourhoods, inside 110 districts, that are made up of 25 areas and 9 city districts. We are focusing on the ‘area’s’, but we will just call them neighbourhoods.

Grachtengordel

The canal belt that circles the city is comprised of two neighbourhoods: Grachtengordel- West en -Zuid. One of the most iconic areas of Amsterdam, crowned with being a UNESCO World Heritage site. This wonderful area has a network of canals, bridges and the charming 17 th -century canal houses. It contains the three most famous canals; Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht.

The Grachtengordel was built in the golden ages, when Amsterdam was a major trading center. The canals were used for transportation and commerce. The canal houses were built for the wealthy merchants and artisans. It has always been an affluent place of prestige and luxurious living.

We would recommend enjoying the canals and this area in general by taking a canal cruise. Learn about the area while enjoying the views from the water.

Boutique stores and cafes can be found at the nine streets. Walk around and see what catches your fancy. Every now and then a café finds its way through the TikTok algorithm which creates a big hype. Don’t be surprised to see long lines in these streets at for example Fabel Friet and Chun Café.

For a fun night out visit Rembrandtplein with many bars, coffeeshops and clubs. This is also where you can embark on a once in a lifetime adventure at the Amsterdam Icebar.

Although the Grachtengordel is very populair amongst tourists, there are still some hidden spots! Disscover local retailers and quaint cafes all along the wining streets.

Must visits:

• Cruise the canals Sit back and admire the Canal Belt.
• The Amsterdam Icebar Can you brave the cold? This unforgettable experience lifts your Amsterdam trip to a new level.
• Escape Club The biggest club in the city on the vibrant Rembrantplein.
• Willet Holthuysen See what those beautiful merchant houses looked like from the inside back in the Golden Ages.
• Foam Renowed photgraphy museum.
• Anne Frank House Visit the actual house where Anne Frank and her family were hiding from the Nazi occupations. Perhabs the most famous museum in the country, therefor; always busy. Timeslots are booked up months in advance.

De Pijp (Rivierenbuurt de Pijp, Zuid)

At the south city of the city centre, just outside of the canal ring, walk into the pipe – De Pijp. De Pijp is a diverse and lively neighbourhood with a multicultural atmosphere. Famous for the Albert Cuyp Market, where you can sample international cuisines and shop for unique trinkets. Enjoy this melting pot of cultures. The area is also home to the Heineken Experience, numerous parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

What once was a working-class neighbourhood is now one of the most sought-after areas in the city. This trendy area has an abundance of hipsters. It is the perfect spot for your Sunday brunch. There are many local restaurants and cafés to choose from. Vegetarian people and vegans will have no trouble jumping into a random place, since the whole area is super veg-friendly. De Pijp is the hot spot for all foodies alike!

This is also one of the best places to admire the artistic movement of the Amsterdam School. An architectural style famous in the. characterized using bricks and decorative facades in brick or natural stone.

(image: AmsterdamSights)

• Heineken Experience The tastiest way to learn about the Netherlands favourite beer brand.
• Albert Cuyp Market Eat your way around the most well-known market in the city, open every day except Sundays.
• Marie Heinekenplein Home of the Vegan Junk Food bar among others.
• Sarphatipark People, dog and duck watching. This cute park is loved by the locals.
• Rialto 100-year-old cinema with arthouse movies.

De Wallen, red light district (Centrum-west)

Go on an exploration on the naughtiest area of Amsterdam. This is a place where most tourist will go at least once. But don’t look at de Wallen as just an attraction. Sure, it has the red-lit windows with sexworkers, coffeeshops and bars and lots of tourists, but there is much more to this area.

Visit the area during the day when it is a little less busy, to be able to take in the cute narrow cobblestone streets, the bridges and the canals. Walk through Chinatown and hop into some of the eccentric stores. Besides the naughty shops, there are some truly interesting stores to be discovered.

• Red light Secrets Museum Discover what the industry is really like and how the city of Amsterdam regulates safe prostitution.
• Hash and Marihuana Museum When in Amsterdam…
• Oude Kerk (Old Church) Visit the oldest church of Amsterdam, dating back to the 13 th century.
• Onze lieve heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) Secret catholic church built in the tim e when Catholicism was outlawed in the Netherlands.

NDSM-Terrain

Cross the IJ with the free ferry to the NDSM wharf. The NDSM Werf (Wharf) is a former shipyard turned into a creative and cultural hotspot in Amsterdam. Located in the northern part of the city, this industrial area has undergone a transformation into a vibrant community with a focus on arts, culture, and alternative lifestyles. The crossing is an experience, with your 15-minute ferry ride you get to see some interesting buildings.

One of the most notable features of the NDSM Werf is its extensive collection of street art and murals. The area has become an open-air gallery with colorful and large-scale artworks covering walls, buildings, and even some of the old shipyard structures.

Inside the NDSM building, find many studios of various artist. You can explore various art studios, galleries, and creative spaces. Keep an eye out for exhibitions, performances, and events that might be happening in the area. Monthly, this is where you also find part the biggest vintage market of Amsterdam; the IJhallen.

Must Visit:

• STRAAT Visit the street art and graffiti museum, quickly becoming one of the most beloved attractions in the city.
• Pannenkoeken cruise Departing from NDSM, cruise along the IJ river while endulging on as many pancakes as you can eat.
• Blast Galaxy Pay for entrance only and play limitless arcade games.
• Pllek Hip bar and restaurant made from ship containers. It is possible to dip into the river from here and lay on the fake beach!

Oud-West (West)

West is the best! This area is more of a residential area and therefore often overlooked by tourists. Take your advantage, as you can be the more locally aware tourist now! Mingle with the locals and live like an Amsterdammer.

The Oud-West neighbourhood emerged in the early 20th century as Amsterdam expanded westward. The neighbourhood’s architecture reflects this era, with a mix of ornate Art Deco buildings, traditional Dutch brick houses, and modern apartment complexes. Oud-West has retained its distinctive character, blending the old with the new, creating a dynamic and appealing urban environment.

Walk along the Bilderdijkstraat and find bars and restaurants catered to every taste preference. Like the (Italian!)-award winning pizzeria nNea, some vegan hotspots like Soil of Amsterdam or a Polish brunch at Kazik. Its is al possible here!

• De Hallen This former tram-depot is transformed into a food hall, cinema, a market and art exhibitions.
• Ten Kate market A small street market for fresh fruits and vegetables. One of the best falafels in town is found here!
• Lab 111 Former pathological-anatomical laboratory turned into theater for movie geeks.
• Zevenlandenhuizen Seven houses built in the style of different countries.

(image: Gemeente Amsterdam)

Museum quarter (Oud-Zuid)

High end shopping, world-class dining and the most famous museums are found here. The affluent area of Oud-Zuid is famous for the ‘old money’ inhabitants.

As the name suggests, the Museumkwartier (museum quarter) is where we find some of the most renowned museums of Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city’s cultural hub, it includes the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, MOCO and the Diamond museum amongst others.

Find Vondelpark next to this neighbourhood. Amsterdams most famous park. Bustling with activities in summer, from picnics and student meet ups to free comedy on the Vondel theatre. There are a few places to have a drink, or drinks, in the park as well. Surrounded by greenery!

• The museums, of course! Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, MOCO, Diamond and Stedelijk.
• Bols Experience Discover the world of Dutch Genever brand Bols and create your own cocktails.
• Vondelpark Stroll around this beautiful park, enjoy watching people, canaries (really), ducks and geese.
• P.C. Hooftstraat For luxurious shopping, or just window shopping.
• Concert Hall Famous for its exceptional acoustics, this is the place to visit for classical or jazz music enthusiasts. Also hosts free lunchtime concerts weekly.

Jordaan (Centrum-West)

Nestled in the western part of the city centre, the Jordaan is a picturesque neighbourhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and artistic vibe. Formerly a working-class area, Jordaan has transformed into a bohemian haven with trendy boutiques, vintages shopping, art galleries, and cozy cafes. A hipsters dream!

The area was built in the first half of the seventeenth century, when Amsterdam was expanding rapidly. The money was all put into the houses around the canal belt, so there was not much left for de Jordaan. The smaller, cheaper built houses attracted a working-class population. Learn more about this and other historic neighbourhoods in this blog.

Nowadays, it is one of the most expensive places to live in the city. The old school character has remained. Wander around this area, where every alley is more beautiful than the other.

• Vincent meets Rembrandt Listen to the story of the two most famous Dutch painters and see their artworks come to live all around you.
• Cafe Winkel 43 The best Applepie in Amsterdam. It is quite a claim, but they live up to it!
• Noorderkerk The most important church of de Jordaan.
• Noordermarket Locally loved sunday market in front of the church with local sellers.

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A guide to the must-visit areas of Amsterdam. Get to know the city, one neighbourhood at the time! In this city where you can walk

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Where to Stay in Amsterdam: Local’s Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

While it’s easy to find a hostel, apartment, fancy hotel, or local guesthouse in Amsterdam, picking the best area where to stay in Amsterdam can make or break your trip . Amsterdam is a very diverse city and despite its size, each neighborhood in Amsterdam is different.

I’ve lived in Amsterdam , so this guide isn’t something that I created after a single short visit and is just one of many tips I have for visitors to the city . Here are my recommendations for the best places to stay in Amsterdam to ensure you’ll have a great time on your trip.

Best Hotels to Stay in Amsterdam:

Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam Hotel De L’Europe  •  Okura Hotel  •  NH Grand Krasnopolsky

Best Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam The Dylan   •  Canal House

Best Unique Hotels in Amsterdam Hotel Not Hotel  •  Volkshotel

Best Cheap Accommodation in Amsterdam Stay Okay Vondelpark     •  The Flying Pig Hostel  

Best Areas to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is relatively small with only  850,000 inhabitants sharing  219.3 km 2 / 84 mi 2 . This is why I highly recommend visiting other parts of the Netherlands as well, as this country is full of charming towns and villages.

Map of Amsterdam Neighborhoods

Amsterdam can be divided into “The Ring” area and areas outside of the ring , basically on the outer side of A10 Highway. Areas within are also divided into smaller areas. Most hotel booking websites classify Amsterdam City Centre as the area within The Ring.

Amsterdam is broken up into 8 districts or boroughs ( stadsdelen ), which are divided into neighborhoods . These neighborhoods might seem confusing to a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, but they’re very helpful when it comes to getting around.

★ First Time in Amsterdam?  Stay anywhere in the  Old Centrum ★ Layover in Amsterdam?  Anywhere near Zuid, Centraal or Sloterdijk Stations, so you can easily leave your bags. ★ Best Neighbourhood in Amsterdam for Mature Travelers:  Oud-Zuid. ★ Best Neighbourhood in Amsterdam for Families:  NOT near De Wallen! Oost, de Baarsjes, Plantage. ★ Best Neighborhood in Amsterdam for Nightlife:  Near Leidseplein & Rembrandtplein ★ Amsterdam on a Budget?  Consider  staying in Haarlem . ★ Most Romantic Neighborhood in Amsterdam:   Canal Belt  & Oud-Zuid ★ Local Neighborhood in Amsterdam:  De Pijp ★ Best Place to Stay for Visiting Keukenhof:  Keukenhof isn’t located in Amsterdam, it’s actually quite far from Amsterdam and usually visited as a day trip . If seeing the tulips is your priority then you might want to stay in  Leiden  or  Haarlem . Find out more on the  best ways to see tulip fields!

Public Transportation in Amsterdam

Transportation in Amsterdam (GVB) works well regardless of which neighborhood of Amsterdam you’re staying in, but not always excellent.

To arrange things before arrive you can pre-purchase either a 24-hour pass for €9 or get an OV Chipkaart . You can  purchase them online , or at the counter at selected stations upon arrival.

I’ve written an entire guide to public transport in Amsterdam and beyond, so make sure to give that a read before you arrive.

1. Old Centrum – Most Popular Area to Stay in Amsterdam

Old Centrum (as the name indicates) is the oldest area of Amsterdam . This is where most tourists stay and usually never make it outside of the area. There are many spots to eat, shop, and hop on a boat for a canal cruise that it doesn’t seem necessary to some but I highly recommend you do as there are so many things to do in Amsterdam inside and outside of Old Centrum.

Old Centrum is divided into smaller neighborhoods , each with its own characteristics and history so I’ve given you a quick rundown of each below.

Family Friendliness:   Close to most things, so recommendable, but remember that some areas like De Wallen or Nieuwmarkt might not be appropriate. Might be noisier than elsewhere at night, especially close to Nieuwmarkt.

Personal experience:  I enjoy hanging out in the area, but there’s a reason why I never lived here. If you want to be conveniently located close to major attractions stay here, but you’ll see more tourists than locals enjoying themselves.

Jordaan – The Jordaan feels like its own village in the city. Once a neighborhood for the working class and immigrants, now it’s renovated and trendy for young professionals and tourists. The area has many restaurants, small shops, and stunning bridges.

Dam – The Dam was built around the 1270s in order to prevent flooding, but now it’s the central square between Rokin and Damrak. There you can find the National Monument, Royal Palace ,  Nieuwe Kerk , National Monument, and  Madam Tussaud’s . During the spring there is a fair with a giant carousel and in the winter a Christmas market.

De Wallen – De Wallen is known as the Red Light District. Walking around you’ll see prostitutes in red windows, sex shops, and many coffee shops. Personally, not a place I’d recommend staying, but if it’s your first time in Amsterdam you can pass through.

Nieuwmarkt – Nieuwmarkt is a square just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, located in Chinatown, next to the Red Light District.

IJ Waterfront – If you’re staying in Amsterdam for a layover or a quick weekend trip , you want to be as close to the Central Station as it gets. There are many beautiful hotels to stay in the area, often with rooftops offering impressive views.

Leidseplein – If you’re looking for an epicenter of a nightlight, look no further than Leidseplein. There are many bars and cafes in the area, plus the most well-known nightclub in Amsterdam – Melkweg. Stay there only if you enjoy loud nights out.

Rembrandtplein – Rembrandtplein is another great area with bars and restaurants. The area feels more local than Leidseplein and it’s always full of friendly locals and expats. I have good memories of Rembrandtplein because I used to have office parties there. I highly recommend going to Tuschinski Theatre, a working cinema that was built in 1921. It’s gorgeous!

Canalbelt – The canalbelt is the picturesque area you’ve seen in iconic photos, as it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Many houses are built on these semi-circular canals (“grachten”), dug around the old city center.

Old Jewish Quarter & Plantage – Plantage used to be the greenest area of Amsterdam. Waterlooplein Market in the area is one of the most local markets in Amsterdam. That’s the place where you’d buy a used bike, get some fresh vegetables and  eat  kibbeling .

Spui – Spui is a good starting point from which to discover the rest of the city. Close to many shops, restaurants, and the Flower Market. You can easily walk to bars and clubs from here.

Recommended Accommodation in Amsterdam Centrum:

Luxury: Hotel De L’Europe – Beautifully located right on the canal, you can even enjoy your breakfast next to the water. The decor is also very stylish.

Mid-Range: NH Carlton – Overlooking the canal and the flower market, this hotel is exactly in the center of Amsterdam.

Apartment: Hotel Apartments – These beautiful apartments have a perfect location with plenty of sizes to choose from.

Budget: The Flying Pig – The most famous hostel in Amsterdam, known for parties and convenient location for backpackers. If you’re not into partying you might want to stay elsewhere though.

2. Noord – The Coolest Area Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Noord has undergone considerable regeneration with many industrial buildings being converted into rustic restaurants and boutiques. Thankfully, it is no longer seen as a bad place to be.

In fact, Noord now even boasts the tallest over-the-edge swing in Europe, the  A’DAM Toren , with an observation deck and great restaurants inside.

Family Friendliness:  Definitely. It’s a safe local area, just a short and convenient free boat ride from Central Station.

Personal experience:  Last time I visited the area I enjoyed it a lot. Even if you end up not staying there, pay a visit to A’DAM Toren for the view.

Recommended Accommodation in Amsterdam Noord:

Luxury: Faralda Crane – The best views of Amsterdam are from this incredible design hotel located on a crane.

Boat: Botel – This unique hotel has simply furnished rooms aboard a boat in the center of Amsterdam.

Mid-Range: Hotel Cafe Modern – Quirky hotel for those who love hip decor.

Budget: ClickNoord – Great hostel with a common room featuring a library, ping pong tables, and bike rental. A common kitchen is also available for guests to use.

3. West – Where to Stay in Amsterdam for Foodies

If you’re looking for photogenic townhouses and typical Dutch architecture , West is the answer. It’s quite a posh area, making it particularly attractive to residents and visitors alike. Some of the best places to eat in Amsterdam are located in the West.

Family Friendliness:   Kids might be less interested in restaurants and nice architecture, so there might not be the best choice.

Personal experience:  I used to live in Bos en Lomer, so I know the area pretty well and enjoyed it. It’s affordable with plenty of spots to eat to discover every week. Hotels tend to be cheaper in this area, so if you’re on a budget this could be a great choice.

Bos en Lomer – Bos en Lomer is an affordable and diverse neighborhood. It’s a place for a young and multicultural crowd, but also families. There are many ethnic shops in the area with cheap delicious food.

Oud-West – A posh area with small local markets and outdoor cafes.

Westerpark – Named after a large park in its center, Westerpark is located on the western corner of Amsterdam’s canal belt and trails into the city’s docklands.

De Baarsjes – Hip area with many terrace bars, much calmer than in the Old Centrum. Popular shopping streets where trendy concept stores, can be found standing opposite Turkish shops, greengrocer, and bakeries.

Recommended Accommodation in Amsterdam West:

Luxury: Meininger Sloterdijk – I stayed there once during my layover for a night, since it was conveniently located just in front of the exit of Sloterdijk Train Station. Everything was perfect.

Apartment: The Social Hub – I actually used to live in this place when I first moved to Amsterdam as half of it is for hotel guests and another half for long-term residents. It’s located in front of a metro station, has a shared kitchen available in each segment, and overall a clean and modern place where I enjoyed living.

Mid-Range: CityHub – Bigger capsule hotel with loads of room. The toilets are really clean and even being shared they are really private.

Budget: StayOkay VondelPark – StayOkay is the most popular chain of hostels in the Netherlands. I stayed in a few of them on various occasions and they were always great.

4. Zuid – Best Residential Neighborhood in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s nicest residential areas with fashionable shopping streets, business centers, and plenty of museums. If you’re looking for some more unusual things to do in Amsterdam , you’ll find them here.

Family Friendliness:   There are many young people in the area since there is a nice park around, markets, and cafes so it could be a nice quiet area for families.

Personal experience:  I used to work in De Pijp and recently covered Oud-Zuid for the Amsterdam Tourism Board, so I spent a lot of time in the area. I really love it as it’s very local with some expats. The atmosphere of this area was unbeatable.

Museum Quarter – The Museum Quarter is technically in Amsterdam Zuid, but just a bridge walk from the Old Centrum.

Oud-Zuid – With chic boutiques, quaint markets, a lot of great art museums and the famous  Vondelpark, you can imagine that this is another great choice of where to stay in Zuid. You can read my guide to Oud-Zuid  here .

De Pijp – My personal favorite area, but I might be biased since I used to work there. De Pijp has a very local vibe with a picturesque urban layout, many cafes, parks, and the local Albert Cuyp market.

Zuidas – This is the business district so unless you work there, there’s not much to do, and many cafes and restaurants close after business hours.

Recommended Accommodation in Amsterdam Zuid:

Luxury: Okura Hotel – A beautiful 5-star hotel with all the facilities you could possibly need. Don’t forget to try the sushi at their rooftop restaurant.

Mid-Range: The Muse – Quiet boutique hotel in Oud-Zuid, just half a mile from Rijksmuseum.

Apartment: Bright Penthouse – For anyone who wants the privacy of a whole apartment for yourself. This beautiful choice has a great location.

Budget: Bicycle Hotel – If you’re looking for a cheap hotel with original deco right next to a bicycle rental shop and tram stop, that’s the place.

5. Oost – Where to Stay in Amsterdam for Peace and Quiet

Oost is probably the least explored part of Amsterdam , despite being closely located to the Old Centrum. It has many museums and is home to many ethnic neighborhoods.

Personal experience:  Quite frankly I think I went to Amsterdam Oost twice in my life for a pole dancing class and once to take a bus from Amstel Station, so I can’t say much about the area.

Recommended Accommodation in Amsterdam Oost:

Luxury: Mercure Amstel – Super close to the main metro & train station Amstel. Only 9 minutes to the city center and 6 minutes to the airport by the local metro stop.

Mid-Range: The Social Hub – This is the partner hotel of the one I used to live in. Conveniently located between Oost and Zuid, each segment has a shared kitchen.

Apartment: Frankendael Apartments – These modern 1 and 2-bedroom apartments are lovely and bright with lots of great reviews and a perfect location.

Budget: StayOkay Oost – Good and easy-to-find location of this hostel. I’ll always recommend StayOkay chain in the Netherlands.

6. Other Areas

If you’re visiting Amsterdam for a few days, I’d suggest avoiding places that might seem nearby, but in reality, they are neither pretty nor convenient. That said, do NOT stay in Diemen, Amstelveen, Bijlmar, or Zuid-Oost . Unless you want to bike to the city center for at least 25 minutes every day.

You would be better off staying in Haarlem if you want to save some money, as it’s only 10 minutes by train to Amsterdam Central Station.

Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam

I’d personally advise against staying in the Red Light District, known as De Wallen, especially if you’re traveling with kids . Google Maps is actually slightly misleading in terms of the area, as it highlights the whole district – this is NOT true.

In reality, the area full of red windows and coffee shops is much smaller: inside this district hugging Oudezijds Voorburgwal along the canal and in and around the De Oude Kerk church.

The majority of locals aren’t fond of prostitution and weed (which isn’t actually legal), so you’ll mostly meet young tourists. If you don’t want to stumble upon it, trust me, once you’re in Singel Canal area you’ll feel that you’re getting closer to the Red Light District.

Do you have any questions about Amsterdam neighborhoods? Let me know in the comments below!

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Travel A-Broads

Friday 7th of April 2023

We're heading here this summer so really appreciate all the info! Xx Sara

Thursday 1st of December 2022

Hi Anna, We're a family of 3. Is alphen aan den rijn a good place to stay? We've found a cute air bnb there... looking at 5 to 6 days in the Netherlands and wanted to be central enough to visit Utrecht and Amsterdam city centre rhe hague Rotterdam etc. Pls advise so I can make the booking. Thank you

Anna Karsten

If you want to see all these other cities then no, I wouldn't advise staying in Alphen aan den Rijn. It's a cute town with not much really happening there, but more importantly to get anywhere else - Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, even Leiden it will take a long time. 30-60 minutes by train (and most of the time you need to switch trains) which by Dutch standards is a long time and trains might not work properly, so you'll waste a lot of time (and money). For your itinerary I'd rather advise staying in Leiden.

Saturday 24th of September 2022

Thank you for your article, it's very informative.

Could you please advise on staying in the Oost neighbourhood in December? I'll be visiting Amsterdam with my wife and our three kids, the youngest is 5 and the oldest is 13.

We want to stay in an aparthotel to be able to cook to ourselves. Will YAYS docklands is a good choice, and if not, then why?

Thank you in advance, Sincerely, Gary

Sunday 25th of September 2022

The place itself is great, it's just not very centrally located but you can take a tram and get places. Alternatively, rent bikes and drive around the city :)

Wednesday 3rd of August 2022

Hi Anna, Thanks for all the great info. What's your opinion of Hotel Casa and neighbourhood? It seems to be very good value for money. We're 2 couples - 60+ and 20-something travelling together. Any alternative suggestions?

It's in the quieter part of town, slightly more industrial than the charming Amsterdam canals with iconic buildings. But, it's still close to everything so if that hotel fits into your budget then you can definitely go for it.

Monday 9th of May 2022

Thank you for the article, it was well written! I'll be in Amsterdam for a week and need to be relatively close to the Concertgebouw and airport. Other than that I would like to stay in a quieter area within walking distance to grocery store and cafes and a place to walk or jog everyday. Any ideas? Thanks!

Wednesday 11th of May 2022

In this case I'd recommend somewhere near RAI or Zuid station :)

• Top attractions

Amsterdam neighborhoods

Dam Square, Spui Square, Leidseplein, Begijnhof and the Red Light District are some of the most interesting neighborhoods in the Dutch capital.

Top areas in Amsterdam

Red light district, leidseplein, you may also be interested in.

Heineken Experience

Heineken Experience is an interactive tour around the original Heineken brewery, where visitors will discover the history and evolution of this world-famous beer. 

In the heart of Amsterdam is the De Wallen neighbourhood, an area that stands out for the many neon and red lights that adorn its shop windows.

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Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

I first went to Amsterdam in 2006 as part of my grand backpacking tour of Europe. It’s a rich, exciting, multilayered place. I fell in love with it so much that I stayed for a month. Since then, I’ve gone back dozens of times, even leading tours there for a number of years. I’ve explored the nooks and crannies of this compact, historic city.

Famed for its canals, parks, and weed, Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world not because of its wild nightlife but for its beautiful setting, multiculturalism (half of its 800,000 residents were not born in the Netherlands), and low-key vibe.

Though it’s small, there are still a number of neighborhoods to choose from, depending on what kind of vibe you want. In this post, I’ll break down the various neighborhoods so you can get a sense of what area of town is best for your stay.

Here’s a more detail overview of suggested accommodations for various neighborhoods:

Amsterdam Neighborhood Overview

• Best Neighborhood for Budget Travelers
• Best Neighborhood for Being Central
• Best Neighborhood for Art Lovers
• Best Neighborhood for Partying
• Best Neighborhood for Locals
• Best Neighborhood for Charm

Where to Stay for First-Time Visitors: De Wallen

Best Places to Stay in De Wallen

• BUDGET : Durty Nelly’s Inn – This is your classic, fun backpacker hostel. It’s tiny, cozy, and cheap. The beds are decent and each comes with its own reading light and power outlet. The staff are super knowledgeable and there’s a hearty breakfast too. If you want cheap accommodation and a place to meet travelers, this is one of my favorite hostels in the area.
• MID-RANGE : Hotel Rho Hotel – Located right at Dam Square at the very edge of the neighborhood, this hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms in a gorgeous former Art Deco-style theater. You can’t beat its central location and price point.
• LUXURY : Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky – The 451 rooms at this lavish hotel across from the Royal Palace feature natural muted hues, hardwood floors, plus-sized plasma TVs, super comfortable beds, and amazing showers. The in-house Michelin-starred restaurant, The White Room, also serves Dutch fare too.

Where to Stay for Budget Travelers: Centraal/Centrum

Best Places to Stay in Centraal/Centrum

• BUDGET : The Flying Pig Downtown – Known for its fun and bustling atmosphere, the Flying Pig is one of the best hostels in the city. It’s an institution, with cozy beds with comfortable pillows, a nice courtyard, and a bar that hosts fun events. Stay here to meet other travelers.
• MID-RANGE : Park Plaza Victoria – This hotel has Egyptian linens, walk-in showers, in-room coffee and tea, great views of the city all set in a 19th-century neo-classical building hugging Centraal Station. I love staying here. It’s great value for your money.
• LUXURY : W Amsterdam – Located right across the street from the Royal Palace, the W has its own with a heated rooftop pool and lounge, an award-winning spa and gym, and four restaurants on site (including one with a Michelin star). The luxurious rooms are spacious, with pillow top mattresses, rain showers, and a hearty breakfast each morning. All what you would expect from a global luxury brand.

Where to Stay for Art Lovers: Museum Quarter

Best Places to Stay in the Museum Quarter

• BUDGET : Hostel Van Gogh – Conveniently located in the heart of the Museum Quarter, this Van Gogh-inspired hostel has artsy murals, spacious and tidy dorms, and friendly staff. I think it’s the best place in the area if you’re looking to stay on a budget.
• MID-RANGE : Max Brown Museum Square – Max Brown kicks it up a notch for a mid-range hotel. Rooms here have lots of natural wood tones, tons of light, comfortable beds and cozy sheets, and good water pressure. And the hotel’s beautifully designed cafe has daily bread delivery from local bakeries.
• LUXURY : Conservatorium Hotel – This erstwhile conservatory set in a gargantuan neo-Gothic building is the epitome of Dutch luxury. The 129 rooms have great views of the neighborhood, plush mattresses, rain showers, and stunning hardwood floors. There’s also free bike rentals, a state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool, and a yoga studio. It’s the nicest place in the neighborhood!

Where to Stay for Partying: Leidesplein

Best Places to Stay in Leidesplein

• BUDGET : Amsterdam Hostel Leidseplein – This youth hostel boasts free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free walking tours around town. It’s a no-frills option perfect for frugal travelers looking for a basic, social accommodation.
• MID-RANGE : Hotel La Bohème – This hotel features simple but clean and comfortable rooms. Single rooms have shared bathrooms while all others have en suite toilets. There’s free breakfast and the staff is really nice. There’s not a lot of mid-range hotels in this part of town and I think this one is the best value for your money.
• LUXURY : Weber Studios – This eight-room boutique hotel is set in a lovely townhouse. Rooms are huge with beautiful art on the walls and lots of natural light. They also have their own kitchenettes! I think this is the nicest hotel in this part of town with a staff that treats you right!

Where to Stay for Locals: De Pijp

Best Places to Stay in De Pijp

• BUDGET : The Arcade Hotel – Simple but clean, the Arcade’s rooms offer the usual perks (large TVs, free Wi-Fi), but also there’s an interesting twist: since this is a video game–themed hotel, so all rooms have a game console! It’s a fun and inexpensive place to stay.
• MID-RANGE : Sir Albert – Located on the edge of De Pijp (bordering on the Museum Quarter), Sir Albert’s rooms have high ceilings and big windows (upgraded top-floor rooms have cathedral ceilings) plus the in-house izakaya serves up scrumptious Japanese tavern fare.
• LUXURY : Hotel Okura – This high-rise hotel in the southern part of the neighborhood is located next to a canal and has incredible views of the the city. The rooms here are opulent with incredibly plush beds and furniture. You’ll find an indoor pool, wellness center, gyn, and two in-house Michelin-starred restaurants. This is one of the nicest hotels in the city. If you want luxury, you stay here!

Where to Stay for Charm: Jordaan

Best Places to Stay in Jordaan

• BUDGET : Melrose Hotel – This three-star hotel is as budget as it gets in Jordaan. Rooms are modern and spacious and the hotel is right near Anne Frank House. It’s your pretty standard hotel. Nothing amazing but nothing terrible.
• MID-RANGE : Bed & Breakfast WestViolet – This cozy bed and breakfast with a resident cat is in the heart of Jordaan on a quiet neighborhood street. There’s a guest kitchen and breakfast is complimentary. The simple rooms come with a desk. It’s cozy spot with really welcoming owners.
• LUXURY : Hotel Mercier – This boutique centrally located and stylishly designed 4-star hotel has a beautiful lobby, lots of exposed wood, and cozy rooms with homey colors, plush beds, and wonderful rain showers. The lobby bar serves up some delicious cocktails too.

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for more budget places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for nomads)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Need a Guide? Amsterdam has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.

If you prefer food tours, Devour is the best company in the city. I always learn a ton and eat incredible food on their tours!

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They can save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Amsterdam? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Amsterdam for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Where To Stay In Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods And Hotels

Famous for its beautiful canals, the Red Light District, and vibrant nightlife, there is no doubt that Amsterdam is one of the best cities in Europe. But with so many beautiful neighborhoods to choose from, you should know the best places to stay in Amsterdam if you plan to visit the incredible Dutch capital. So, let me tell you more about the best areas to stay in Amsterdam and the best hotels in each.

I loved my time in Amsterdam! This European city is absolutely captivating and it didn’t hurt that we had perfect weather when we visited. When I was doing research before choosing a hotel, I found it really hard to decide which neighborhood to stay in. There are several great Amsterdam neighborhoods with good attributes and options and I wanted to share what I learned while I was there to help you decide which neighborhood is best for you.

Amsterdam, Netherlands’ capital city, is beautiful in so many ways. It is best known for its 17th-century canals and waterways that snake through the city. But apart from that, Amsterdam is also home to gorgeous medieval architecture, sprawling parks and gardens, numerous museums and galleries, and the infamous Red Light District.

Amsterdam is a multifaceted city. It is both historic and cosmopolitan, laid-back yet vibrant, and it is teeming with a rich artistic and cultural vibe through and through. And with its many neighborhoods and boroughs, it can be tough to nail down where to stay in Amsterdam during your vacation.

It’s unfair to say that there is a “best area” to stay in Amsterdam when every neighborhood in Amsterdam is just as beautiful as the next. Each of the Amsterdam neighborhoods is charming and attractive in its own way!

So, where to stay in Amsterdam?

It depends if you’re in Amsterdam to experience its dynamic nightlife, enjoy the city’s food scene or marvel at its architectural wonders. Certain places in Amsterdam are perfect for solo or couple travelers and families with small kids. Also, some neighborhoods offer cheaper accommodations, while others are more upscale and luxurious.

But to help you narrow down your options to start planning your visit, here are the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam to stay and explore.

Where To Stay In Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods

Amsterdam centrum.

Centrum is the best area to stay in Amsterdam on your first visit. Also known as the city center, Centrum is where you’ll find Amsterdam’s main train station, the Centraal Station. Amsterdam Centrum is also home to historic spots, including the Royal Palace and Dam Square.

Amsterdam’s fascinating art scene is evident in the neighborhood’s number of art galleries and museums. Two of the best museums you should visit are Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

The Centrum is the hub of everything going on in Amsterdam. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the city. It is only a short walk from the main attractions in the city center, local hotspots, fantastic shopping, and dining experiences, and of course, a wide range of the best hotels, apartments, and cheap lodging options.

To be honest, this is not my favorite area of Amsterdam for my style of travel. I like to escape the business of the main areas of the city into calmer, residential areas, like the ones below. If you have very little time in Amsterdam or if you like nightlife, it might be best to stay in the center. This is where the Red Light District is located, so, however you feel about that, keep that in mind. But if you want something a little quieter, I would skip this area.

Where to stay in Amsterdam Centrum

Anantara grand hotel krasnapolsky.

Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is a five-star hotel located at the heart of Amsterdam’s city center, specifically on Dam Square. It overlooks the Royal Palace and is within walking distance of many shops, cafes, restaurants, and city attractions. In addition, it is conveniently located close to Madame Tussaud’s, Allard Pierson Museum, Historical Museum, and Rembrandt House.

The hotel stands at a 19th-century historic building, boasting luxurious accommodations to ensure a most pleasant stay in Amsterdam. Choose from over 400 guest rooms and suites featuring sleek and ergonomic designs, luxury amenities, and generous spaces. In addition, the top-floor rooms and suites come with splendid city views.

The Anantara’s White Room is a Michelin-star restaurant featuring the best local Netherlands ingredients, impeccably paired with the finest wines. The Grand Cafe also serves all-day meals while affording you the best views of Dam Square. Finally, the Anantara Spa is a sought-after facility that provides guests with various beauty and healing treatments.

HOTEL TWENTYSEVEN

This newly opened boutique hotel is close to everything in the city, making it one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam. From Hotel TwentySeven , you are literally within walking distance of Dam Square, Van Gogh Museum, A’DAM Lookout, Carre Royal Theatre, Dutch National Opera and Ballet, and the central station.

This gorgeous boutique hotel features 16 massive suites equipped with state-of-the-art modern amenities and elegant touches, including carpets made in Nepal, Italian curtains, and designer sofas. The suites also feature marble private bathrooms, remote-controlled lighting, coffee and tea-making facilities, and outstanding Cobra art pieces.

You can dine in style in the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant, Bougainville, while admiring the panoramic views of the city. The restaurant serves fine dining and ala carte menus made only with the freshest ingredients.

THE FLYING PIG DOWNTOWN

Wondering where to stay in Amsterdam on a budget? The Flying Pig is the answer.

This budget hotel is famous among backpackers who come to enjoy Amsterdam’s vibrant night scene. It is conveniently located next to Dam Square, close to Amsterdam Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, and the Red Light District. While Flying Pig may appear calm and relaxed during the day, it transforms into a lively party place at night.

You can choose among different accommodation options at Flying Pig. The dorm is perfect for friends staying together to party, which comes with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. You can also book a private room if you long for more privacy.

Your booking includes a complimentary welcome drink, fresh bed linen, room lockers, and free Wi fi. You can enjoy a continental breakfast at the hostel or tour around the area to find fantastic coffee shops and restaurants.

Hotel Sebastian’s

Hotel Sebastians is a contemporary and unique Amsterdam accommodation located at a historic canal house in the city center. It is in a quiet location, but you’re still near all the major sites in the city, such as Anne Frank House, Dam Square, World’s Narrowest House, and Westerpark. Amsterdam central station is also within walking distance.

This three-star boutique-style hotel boasts small, medium, and family rooms featuring inner courtyard views or canal views. The rooms also have modern amenities like an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, and a minibar.

While there’s no on-site restaurant at the hotel, its great location allows you to easily find gorgeous restaurants and cafes within the area.

CANAL APARTMENT

If you’re looking for unique lodging in Amsterdam, consider this canal apartment in a quiet location in the Amsterdam city center. This studio apartment has two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps up to two-three guests. It comes with one full bath, a living area, a deck/patio, and a full kitchenette to cook your own meals.

The property is clean and cozy. It has a private entrance and a “boat terrace” where you can chill and relax while sipping coffee or tea as you admire the beautiful city views. It is centrally located, allowing you to enjoy numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants in the city center. In addition, many museums, art galleries, and other attractions are within easy walking distance.

This is a highly-rated vacation property in the city center, proving it is one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam.

De Pijp is an incredible neighborhood that previously housed the working class. But De Pijp thrived and flourished over the years, becoming a famous foodie destination in Amsterdam. So whether you’re looking for fantastic bars, diverse restaurants, or cute little cafes, De Pijp has them all.

A visit to the Albert Cuyp market, the city’s most popular outdoor marketplace, will be one of the highlights of your stay at De Pijp. The market is a destination for all kinds of shopping, whether looking for leather shoes, home ornaments, or souvenirs. But what makes the Albert Cuyp market a prominent place in De Pijp is the sheer number of cuisines and a dizzying array of delicious dishes sold in stalls, pubs, and restaurants.

If you’ve always wondered how the famous Dutch brand makes its beers, don’t miss the Heineken Experience in the De Pijp. The brewery-turned-museum takes guests on a tour of the entire beer-making process, interactive exhibits, and beer tastings.

If you got a little wary of the nightlife in the city center and looking for a different yet vibrant scene, De Pijp is the neighborhood to go to. Choose among clubs and bars, pubs and music venues, rooftop party places, and late-night eats, and make your way to your chosen accommodation for a restful night’s sleep.

Where to stay in De Pijp

Sir albert hotel.

With spacious rooms and suites, oversized windows, luxurious beds, and a clean, sleek vibe, this lovely boutique hotel promises comfortable and relaxing accommodation in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Amsterdam.

A former diamond factory, Sir Albert Hotel was transformed into a contemporary with impressive modern amenities. All rooms have fast Wi-Fi, luxurious bedding, an espresso machine, and a minibar. Some suites have rainfall rain showers, a separate living room area, and a private bar.

Sir Albert Hotel is just a short walk from the Vondelpark, the Heineken Experience, Diamond Museum, and Rijksmuseum. The local area is dotted with fabulous shops and incredible dining experiences. You can easily explore the city center by taking a tram that stops a couple of steps away from the hotel.

HOTEL OKURA

Hotel Okura is a high-rise hotel centrally located in De Pijp. It is a five-star premium hotel that provides a calm getaway during your stay in Amsterdam. It is also one of the best hotels in the city because of its spacious rooms, sleek and clean design, elegant and modern amenities, and spectacular views of the Amsterdam skyline.

This modern hotel has several dining options, including Michelin-star restaurants. In addition, the Nagomi Spa and Health at Hotel Okura provide relaxing facilities for all hotel stays, including a sauna and indoor swimming pool. You can also choose among facial treatments and massages for the ultimate relaxation experience.

The hotel’s prime location allows you to explore Amsterdam on foot or by public transport. You are just a short walk from a taxi stop, while other points of interest include the Heineken Experience, Albert Cuyp Market, Van Gogh Museum, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace, which are also nearby.

IBIS STYLES AMSTERDAM

Looking for mid-range hotels in De Pijp? Ibis Styles Amsterdam is one of your best options. Ibis Styles is a three-star hotel offering one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam that’s great value for money. 

Located at the edge of Amsterdam’s canals in the beautiful neighborhood of De Pijp, Ibis Styles provide comfy and pleasant accommodation in its clean and decently-sized rooms. You get a private bathroom, high-speed internet, and coffee and tea-making facilities. Their delicious breakfast buffet features an assortment of bread, fresh fruits, milk and yogurt, coffee, tea, and juice.

The hotel is conveniently located to give you access to several attractions in the city. You are a short walk away from numerous museums, shops, and restaurants. The Amsterdam central station is only 2 kilometers from the hotel, and you could take the metro station to visit other places in the city.

Want a more leisurely way to explore Amsterdam? Take advantage of the hotel’s bike rental and make your way to Albert Cuyp market, Skinny Bridge and Sarphatipark.

Adriaen van Ostade Luxury Bed and Breakfast

If you’re looking for more Amsterdam lodging options beyond luxury and boutique hotels, consider booking Adriaen van Ostade Luxury Bed and Breakfast in De Pijp . It is one of the cheap places to stay in Amsterdam, offering excellent accommodations and high-quality service.

This bed and breakfast is in a great location in De Pijp, whether you’re in the city for business or pleasure. You can take the metro station to other places in the city center. You’re a short walk away from most attractions in the area, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Leidseplein, a square at the edge of Amsterdam’s canal ring. An assortment of coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping establishments are also just within walking distance.

The B&B is located in South Amsterdam and features two nicely decorated guestrooms. In-room facilities include air conditioning, high-speed WIFI, luxurious beds, a flat-screen TV, and a full-size fridge. A private balcony opens to a garden, an ideal relaxing spot after exploring the city.

If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam, Jordaan (pronounced yor-dahn ) is the ideal neighborhood to stay in. It is close to the city center, so you can walk, cycle, or take the metro station to all of Amsterdam’s major attractions.

Jordaan is teeming with romantic and charming sceneries, from photogenic neighborhoods and beautiful canals to tourist-friendly streets. Jordaan is also home to some of the best attractions in the Dutch capital, including the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Tulip Museum, Cheese Museum, the Noordermarkt Square, and Nine Streets, a popular shopping area in the neighborhood. These things, and more, make Jordaan one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam.

As for accommodation, Jordaan offers plenty of choices. You can easily book a fantastic boutique hotel near several attractions or opt for a quiet bed and breakfast or an alternative cheaper lodging option if you’re looking to save money. Either way, Jordaan offers plenty of unique experiences while visiting Amsterdam, so you can never go wrong choosing this neighborhood as your home base.

Best places to stay in Jordaan

Linden hotel.

Linden Hotel offers a cozy and homely stay in Amsterdam. This mid-range hotel boasts a highly desirable location as it is away from the busy and touristy streets, so you’re guaranteed a peaceful slumber. But it’s also near enough to most tourist spots in Jordaan that you can get there on foot.

This highly-rated hotel features decent accommodations for solo, couples, and families. The hotel is equipped with WI FI all throughout, while all the rooms have cozy beds, soft carpets, and ensuite bathrooms. Other amenities include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and a coffee and tea maker.

Outside the hotel, you’ll find many cute coffee shops and incredible restaurants. The famous Anne Frank House and several museums, the Westerpark and Madam Tussaud’s are just a short walk away. In addition, you can easily take public transportation going to the Amsterdam central station, Dam Square, and the Royal Palace.

HOTEL MERCIER

One of the best boutique hotels to stay in Amsterdam, located in Jordaan, is Hotel Mercier . This gorgeous four-star hotel is one of the best Amsterdam places to stay, thanks to its excellent service, great location, and charming accommodations.

Hotel Mercier is a hidden gem tucked in a beautiful and accessible location in Jordaan. It is within walking distance of the Houseboat Museum, Westerpark, ADAM Lookout, and Skinny Bridge.

Many guests also rave about the exceptional accommodation at Hotel Mercier. From its comfy beds, luxurious pillowcases, and toiletries to modern amenities, you’ll feel at home. There’s also a private courtyard garden where you can chill and relax and other services, such as dry cleaning, babysitting, and wake-up calls for your convenience.

MR. JORDAAN HOTEL

Located at the heart of Jordaan, on a 17th-century canal, is a gorgeous hotel called Mr. Jordaan. This is one of the best hotels in the neighborhood, with a colored history and a beautiful ambiance. It was made for travelers who wish to find the best place to stay in Amsterdam, featuring unique accommodations and superb experiences.

At Mr. Jordaan Hotel , you will be spoilt with accommodation options, whether visiting Amsterdam as a solo traveler, a couple, or with family and friends. The rooms are decently sized, cute, and clean, with thoughtful touches like super soft duvets and finely-woven linen. Some rooms have beautiful views of the courtyards and others with breathtaking courtyard vistas.

The hotel serves local breakfast, coffee, and tea in the lobby, fantastic books to match, and free Wi-Fi all throughout. You can ask the hotel to arrange a tour of the city for you, or you can avail of one of those OV chip cards to use in the metro at the reception.

Do you know where to stay in Amsterdam for tourists looking for a quiet holiday and a historic vibe? It’s the Oud-West.

Oud West is located west of the Canal Ring and Jordaan. This diverse and distinct neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, charming streets, great shopping places, and beautiful marriage of new and old structures. It is close to the Museum Quarter, home to beautiful residential areas, and is overall trendy, less touristy, but still charming and posh.

What are the best things to do in Oud-West? First, explore the famous shopping streets, and pay a longer visit to De Hallen. A former tram depot, De Hallen, has been transformed into a shopping area featuring an indoor food market, cinema, and numerous shops.

Voldelpark is another must-see in the neighborhood. This massive park is a well-known destination to relax and unwind. People come here to walk or bike, while others sit on the grass to picnic or people-watch.

When you are hungry, go to Ten Katemarkt, Oud West’s most popular destination for street foods and Dutch delicacies.

Where to stay in Oud-West

Hotel alexander.

Hotel Alexander is where I stayed on my most recent trip to Amsterdam, and it was a great hotel. It was located on a very quiet, residential street, but within a 5-minute walk to train stations, the Vondelpark, and the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.

This hotel was designed by the same person who designed the Rijksmuseum, which makes sense because it’s beautiful. Our room had a giant copy of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, which was fun!

The staff here were very helpful and they offered a daily breakfast as well as unlimited tea and coffee at any time. There was an elevator, which we didn’t need since we were on the ground floor, but would have been essential if we weren’t! Dutch stairs are no joke!

The ED Hotel Amsterdam

This boutique hotel is centrally located in Oud-West, allowing guests easy access to the best sights in the neighborhood. ED Hotel is a highly-rated accommodation featuring a great location close to Vondelpark, the Heineken Experience, and the Anne Frank House. The Museum quarter and the central station are also within walking distance.

Thanks to its distinct character, ED Hotel is one of the best hotels in the neighborhood. The room is donned in bold, striking colors and packed with edgy details. In addition, each room comes with hotel amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine and comfortable beds, and private bathrooms.

ED Hotel’s central location is the top thing people rave about. But it is also decent accommodation at a reasonable price, making it one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

HOTEL DE HALLEN

If you’re searching for the best area to stay in Amsterdam for shopping, consider Oud-West and promptly book your stay at Hotel De Hallen . This four-star boutique hotel is located in the De Hallen complex. It offers enticing accommodations with an urban vintage feel.

You’ll be immediately enthralled by the hotel’s unconventional design. It is sleek, artsy, and creative and has a personality that’s uniquely its own. From the sunny terraces and the hotel’s on-site restaurant to its gorgeous suites and rooms, there’s always something in this hotel that will inspire you.

As for accommodations, you can choose among 57 rooms with spacious beds, luxurious toiletries, rainfall showers, bathtubs, and free Wi-Fi. The junior suite is remarkable for its lively views of the Bellamyplein, a famous public square in the city.

Dine at Remise47, an urban vintage resto located in the hotel. Or, take advantage of the hotel’s bike rental and take your pick among the cozy cafes and fabulous restaurants in the area. Public squares and parks are easily accessible on foot. In addition, you can go to the train station and the Amsterdam centrum and other neighborhoods.

HOTEL PARK 6

Sitting on a 19th-century property, Hotel Park 6 has been recently renovated to give you the best modern comforts as you visit Amsterdam. It is located on a beautiful street just a stone’s throw away from Vondelpark. Featuring 30 gorgeously appointed rooms and suites, oversized windows, and striking city views, this hotel is definitely worth the money.

The hotel’s incredible accommodations make it a welcoming refuge after a full day of exploring the beautiful city. The rooms are donned in clean and minimalist designs, with generously-sized beds, beautiful private bathrooms, and modern conveniences like a smart TV and wireless sound system.

Hotel Park’s prime location makes it an excellent place to stay in Oud-West. Vondelpark is only 450 meters away. Other attractions, such as Van Gogh Museum, Leidseplein, Rijksmuseum, the Royal Palace, Dam Square, and Artis Zoo, are also conveniently located for walking.

Boutique B&B Nassau

This boutique B&B is a luxurious self-catering apartment in a 19th-century historic building in Oud-West. It features two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps four people, making it an excellent accommodation for a small group of friends or family.

The apartment comprises two full baths, a separate living room, a kitchenette, and a dining area. The bedrooms have comfortable box springs beds, luxurious linen, TV air conditioning, a private bathroom, and toiletries.

Its ideal location provides plenty of shopping, sightseeing, and dining opportunities. In addition, you can easily visit the Houseboat Museum and National Pipe Museum, take an up-close look at the Anne Frank House, or enjoy the beautiful natural scenery at Vondelpark.

Grachtengordel

Also known as the “canal ring” or the “canal belt,” Grachtengordel is a gorgeous Amsterdam neighborhood featuring beautiful canals, waterways, and 17th-century canal houses. The picturesque neighborhood is what Amsterdam is most often associated with. When you think of the Dutch capital, you can’t help but picture breathtaking views of the canals with medieval buildings in the background.

This area has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you can find some of the city’s most prominent museums, including the Anne Frank Museum and Stedelijk Museum, an Amsterdam modern and contemporary art. Apart from exploring these renowned museums, there are plenty of other things to do in Grachtengordel.

First, go to Nine Streets for a nice Amsterdam shopping spree. This is the most popular shopping area in Grachtengordel, featuring the best vintage shops in the city. Next, hit up the Noordmarkt and stock up on delicious Dutch treats and fresh produce, and perhaps shop for some souvenirs on your trip. Finally, get lost exploring this beautiful neighborhood, taking in the glorious sights of canal houses and medieval architecture.

Where to stay in Grachtengordel

Boutique hotel the noblemen.

This stunning luxury boutique hotel offers an elegant and comfortable abode during your stay in Amsterdam. The hotel traces its origin to the Dutch Golden Era, when it was home to many noblemen. All the rooms are unique and meticulously appointed to reflect the life and works of renowned Dutch personalities.

Today, Boutique Hotel The Nobleman is one of the top places to stay in Amsterdam. The immaculately-designed Signature rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, supersized beds, and stunning canal views, making it the perfect place to sleep in luxury. The Double Rooms are smaller in size, but they’re cozy and homely. All rooms have high-speed WI-FI, Smart TV, a Dyson hairdryer, and Molton Brown toiletries. Complimentary breakfasts are also included in your booking.

This gorgeous hotel is within walking distance of the Amsterdam Centraal Station, the Museum Quarter, shopping areas, cafes, and restaurants. Tired after walking or biking in the city? Avail of the hotel’s spa facilities and indulge yourself in a relaxing moment at the sauna or Turkish Hammam.

Ambassade Hotel

The Ambassade Hotel is a unique family-run accommodation that is the perfect home base for exploring Amsterdam’s beautiful canal district. This hotel comprises 55 well-appointed rooms and suites, each with a distinct theme and shape, in 15 historic canal houses in Amsterdam.

The hotel is raved about for its great location. Apart from being situated amid the canal belt, it is also close to Grachtengordel’s renowned shopping venue – De Negen Straatjes or Nine Streets. You can reach most of Amsterdam’s popular museums on foot and other attractions like Madam Tussauds, Westerpark, and the ADAM Lookout.

Back at the hotel, you’ll enjoy a most pleasant stay in one of the hotel’s lavishly decorated rooms. Cozy yet cosmopolitan, you can sense the historic vibe, magically immersing with modernity in your accommodation. Apart from the typical hotel amenities, you’ll also love the beautiful canal views from your hotel windows.

MOKUM SUITES

Mokum Suites is a stylish and unique bed and breakfast accommodation in the Canal district. It looks like a hotel but feels like home, and it’s an excellent option if you’re looking for great-value accommodation in Grachtengordel.

Mokum Suites boasts two beautiful spacious suites overlooking the canals. The suites feature king-sized beds, free WI-FI, a flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station, and a private bathroom with a shower. Both suites are generously-sized, classic, and modern in design.

Mokum Suite’s excellent location lets you easily explore the entire city, starting with the nearby tourist hot spots like Rembrandtplein, Museumplein, Rembrandt House, and Artis Zoo. In addition, many trendy cafes are littered around the B&B, and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities are nearby. The train station is also nearby, so you can hop in and explore the city center and visit other best areas in Amsterdam.

The best neighborhood to stay in Amsterdam for a relaxing yet historical experience has got to be Plantage. This leafy neighborhood is located on the eastern side of the city, boasting beautiful natural attractions and historical destinations.

Plantage is often called the “Old Jewish Quarter” as it formerly housed a huge Jewish population in the city before World War II. Traces of Jewish influences can still be seen in the neighborhood today, especially when visiting the Jewish Historical Museum and Holocaust Memorial.

This gorgeous neighborhood offers plenty of varied experiences. Waterlooplein, Amsterdam’s largest flea market, attracts tourists and locals to its vintage items, jewelry, and other second-hand products displays. Next, visit the Hermitage & Botanical Garden near Waterlooplein, a massive garden home to thousands of plant species. Artis Royal Zoo is also worth the visit. It is the largest zoo in the city and houses almost a thousand animal species. It’s also home to The Resistance Museum and Micropia (a museum dedicated to microbes).

Plantage’s nightlife is different from the Red Light district, so don’t expect it to be rowdy and loud. But the lack of nightlife in the area could be an advantage for tourists traveling with kids. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy a chill and relaxing night ambiance by visiting one of the area’s breweries, jazz bars, or trendy restaurants.

Where to stay in Plantage

Two-bedroom rental apartment.

Stay in comfort in this clean, modern apartment that houses up to four guests. This vacation rental is situated in the heart of Plantage and is a short stroll away from the neighborhood’s best spots.

The apartment is furnished to ensure comfort and convenience. It has high-speed WI-FI, linens, a fully-functional kitchen, and a laundry area.

With the Artis Zoo close by, and plenty of dining options, it is an ideal accommodation for families looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway in Amsterdam.

LANCASTER HOTEL AMSTERDAM

Lancaster Hotel is centrally located in Plantage and faces the famous Artis Zoo. It is only a couple of minutes walk away from the main places of interest in the area, including the Hortus Botanicus, Portuguese Synagogue, Museum Rembrandt, Jewish Cultural Quarter, and Brouwerij ‘t IJ.

The hotel is on a monumental 19th-century building, a short walk from the historical Amsterdam centrum and beautiful canals. Lancaster Hotel offers cozy rooms for a comfortable stay in Amsterdam, featuring massive beds, high-quality mattresses, and pillows donned in historical and urban styles.

The hotel serves a delicious Dutch breakfast. For more dining options, you can explore the area of the foot and be surprised by the wide options. While there, visit the must-see destinations in this green and leafy neighborhood. Enjoy a moment of peace without the hustle and bustle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Where To Stay in Amsterdam 

Which part of amsterdam is best to stay in.

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam is a great place to stay, so it depends on the experience you’d want to gain from your trip. For example, the historic Amsterdam centrum gives you a glimpse of the colored history of the Dutch capital. At the same time, De Pipj provides incredible shopping and nightlife. Jordaan is more hip and trendy, while Plantage is quiet and laid-back.

What is the best area to stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam, staying at the city center is good so you can easily explore the best sights on foot or bike. The canal ring area is also near the city centre, giving you easy access to beautiful canals, a museum quarter, and lots of shops and restaurants.

Where to avoid staying in Amsterdam?

Although many people are curious about the Red Light District, it is best to avoid the area, especially if you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids. It is also noisy and crowded, and it can also be unsafe for solo travelers. Other areas outside the city centre, such as Bijlmer and Slotervaart, have high crime rates and are potentially dangerous at night.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Amsterdam is a lovely city with a fascinating history and dynamic culture. It also has several exciting neighborhoods. When deciding where to stay in Amsterdam, you have several excellent alternatives, ranging from the historic Canal Ring to the fashionable De Pijp neighborhood.

The finest places to stay in Amsterdam are determined by your interests and travel style. Choose a neighborhood depending on what you want to see and do while on vacation, your budget, and the kind of lodging that best fits your needs and preferences.

Regardless of where you stay in Amsterdam, you’ll find excellent sites, fabulous food, and exciting people. So whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned traveler, Amsterdam has something for everyone.

The post Where To Stay In Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods And Hotels appeared first on Wanderlust Crew .