What do you think of when someone brings up Amsterdam— the Red Light District, the Van Gogh museum, or the Anne Frank house? These popular tourist attractions are on many people’s itineraries. But if you’re the type of person who likes to get a broad feel for a city, then check out these diverse Amsterdam Neighborhoods.
Amsterdam Neighborhoods
Centrum
A trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without visiting the city center. It’s full of history, architecture, sites, and hidden alleyways dating back to the 13th century. It’s also abundant in shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs.
Amsterdam neighborhoods | Dam Square, Centrum.
How to get there: With trains running in and out of Amsterdam Central Station, trams and buses connected to the rest of the city, and bordering neighborhoods a walk away, the city center is the ideal place to start and end your trip in Amsterdam.
Must-sees: Walk around the old town and Dam Square to see historic sites. See one of the best preserved rooms from the 17th century in the canal house that once hid a Catholic church. It’s now known as the Museum Amstelkring.
Insider tips: Head to the 7th floor of the Amsterdam Central Library to get a bird’s eye view of the city center. Take a free walking tour and learn about Amsterdam’s history.
Jordaan
Originally a neighborhood for the working-class, Jordaan is now one of the most upscale districts in Amsterdam. Tourists and locals alike come here for its boutique shops, speciality restaurants, and art galleries. For those who love to capture the essence of their trip on camera, the 16th and 17th century canal homes make the best backdrop for selfies and memories.
Amsterdam neighborhoods | Jordaan, dubbed the most beautiful street in Amsterdam.
How to get there from Central Station: Walk 15 minutes to Jordaan, or take tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt.
Must-sees: Explore Anne Frank’s home, and check out the organic produce and second hand goods at Noordermarkt on a Saturday.
Insider tips: The best streets to wander around are Willemstraat and Lindengracht. Get the best apple pie in Amsterdam at Winkel 43 on Noordermarkt.
De Pijp
Another neighborhood originally for the working class, de Pijp is the most trendy and hip neighborhood of Amsterdam. This makes it a magnet for younger crowds in their 20s and 30s. It has a lively atmosphere with bustling nightlife, cozy cafes, and plentiful restaurants. Home to over 150 nationalities, this is the neighborhood to fulfill all your diverse foodie dreams from Moroccan dishes to Spanish tapas.
Amsterdam neighborhoods | Gerard Douplein in the De Pijp
How to get there from Central Station: Take tram 16 or 24 to Albert Cuypstraat.
Must-sees: Learn how beer is made (and drink some, too!) at the Heineken Experience. Check out the Albert Cuypmarket for produce, local desserts, clothes, and home goods, then take a break from the city at Sarphati Park.
Insider tips: Try Surinamese food, an Amsterdam specialty, at the Albert Cuyp market. Don’t know what to order? Try the roti! Get the best brunch in this part of town breakfast anytime of day at Omelegg.
Oud-West
Oud-West is a diverse and popular neighborhood best known for its shopping and dining. Shops and restaurants range from trendy eateries to small ethnic shops that sell specialty herbs and spices. Bordered by Vondelpark on one side and De Clercqstraat on the other. The busy Oud-West neighborhood is constantly changing and evolving, with shops and restaurants to explore. Oud-West is the place to go to experience residential life and taste the local scene of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam neighborhoods | Vondelpark in Oud-West.
How to get there from Central Station: Take tram 17 to Ten Katestraat.
Must-sees: Eat top-notch street food and drink local beers in the neighborhood. Visit De Hallen, a converted industrial building that also has a few local goods shops and a movie theatre. You should also explore Vondelpark and all its green spaces. This is a great park to cycle in if you want to get the Amsterdam biking experience without the traffic of the streets.
Insider tips: Ten Kate Market has the best fries, pastrami sandwiches, hummus sandwiches, and spring rolls in Amsterdam. The sandwich at the hummus stand isn’t advertised, so ask for it! Kinkerstraat is a great street to find specialty Asian and Middle Eastern ingredients.
Noord
Noord is better known as the hipster area of Amsterdam. You can compare it to New York City’s Williamsburg. It’s a cutting-edge hub for artist cooperatives. Popular brands such as Red Bull and MTV have settled into converted factory buildings on this side of Amsterdam. This neighborhood is a must-see place for creative and environmentally conscious people. It has artsy establishments and restaurants focused on organic and locally-sourced foods.
Amsterdam neighborhoods | The Eye Museum in Noord.
How to get there from Central Station: Take the free ferry to Buiksloterweg.
Must-sees: See an exhibit or watch an independent film at the EYE film museum, drink and eat at one of the Restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Insider tip: Take the ferry to NDSM wharf for Europe’s biggest flea market, IJ-Hallen (held once a month). Amsterdam Noord is best seen on bike, so rent one for the day and take it on the ferry!
When you’re done checking out these Amsterdam neighborhoods, and figure you where you would like to stay or need additional assistance on where to stay visit Guruescape to book airfare, hotel and activities.
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