The 11 coolest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam
Our pick of Amsterdam’s best neighbourhoods to check out
If you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, one of the best things you can do is explore the city's many different neighbourhoods.
From the trendy De Pijp to the historic Grachtengordel, Amsterdam has a wide range of trendy, artistic and unique neighbourhoods waiting to be explored. We'll take a look at the 11 best Amsterdam neighbourhoods and share why you should visit them, along with a few handy tips and recommendations.
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De Pijp
De Pijp is a lively, vibrant area located in the heart of Amsterdam. It's known for its abundance of restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as its stunning canal views and iconic architecture.
This bustling neighborhood is also home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs, including antiques, paintings by local artists and plenty of Dutch snacks and strong coffee.
If you're looking for a place to stay in De Pijp, we recommend the QO Hotel - a modern city hotel with an eco-friendly focus. From here you'll be able to explore De Pijp and enjoy all that this lively neighborhood has to offer.
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Jordaan
Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood is one of the city’s most picturesque districts. It’s filled with narrow winding streets, historic buildings, and of course the picturesque canals that make Amsterdam famous in the first place.
It’s a great place to stroll around, with plenty of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries to explore. Popular attractions include Anne Frank’s House (an unmissable Amsterdam attraction) and the Noordermarkt Flea Market.
For an accommodation that captures the neighborhood's charm, look no further than Hotel V Nesplein - its rooms offer views over the Jordaan’s beautiful canal-lined streets.
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Oud-West
Oud-West is a great area to explore in Amsterdam. Located close to the city center, it offers a mix of charming cafés, artisanal shops and trendy restaurants, ideal for a gentle morning stroll around this Amsterdam neighbourhood.
It also has a rich history and an interesting cultural heritage that you won't find in any other part of the city. If you're looking for something special, this is definitely the place to go.
When it comes to accommodation, Hotel Vondel is an excellent choice. It is conveniently located near Oud-West and offers spacious and stylishly designed rooms.
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Zuidas
If you’re looking for a modern neighborhood that boasts some of the most impressive architecture in Amsterdam, Zuidas is the place to be. This rapidly developing district has become the financial hub of the city and its corporate buildings have given Amsterdam a new, modern skyline that rises above the historic canalside merchant’s houses.
Take a walk around the area and you’ll discover futuristic designs and trendy coffee shops, designer outlets and specialised eats aimed at the office crowd. From world-renowned offices to unique living spaces, Zuidas offers something for everyone.
Go up the A’DAM Tower for panoramic views of Amsterdam. There’s no better place to get a glimpse into the future of the city.
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Oost
Oost is one of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam for those looking for a touch of greenery and to escape the business of the city. Amsterdam Oost is home to many parks and green spaces, from Oosterpark to Frankendael Park and Flevopark.
Oosterpark is especially popular among locals, who often gather there on the weekends to read, relax, do yoga or just walk the dog.
Its surrounding gardens and statues offering something of a treasure trail, plus there are plenty of activities including open-air concerts, markets and festivals. For a more serene setting, head to the Frankendael Park, which features an old manor house and sprawling gardens.
Flevopark surrounds a large lake, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and even sailing on sunny days. There's something for everyone in Oost's parks and green spaces!
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Plantage
Plantage is a great neighborhood to visit for its abundance of museums. Home to the Jewish Cultural Quarter, you'll find the Hollandsche Schouwburg, the National Holocaust Museum and the Jewish Historical Museum.
Other renowned museums in the area include the Hermitage Amsterdam, with its fine art collections, the Allard Pierson Museum and the Tropenmuseum which exhibits artifacts from around the world.
With all these fantastic museums, Plantage is an ideal spot for culture vultures and history lovers alike!
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Binnenstad
Binnenstad is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. It’s also the defacto ‘centre’ of Amsterdam, with Dam Square part of the Binnenstad neighbourhood.
Its cobblestone streets and historic buildings dating back to the 1600s provide a glimpse into the city’s past.
Take a walk down the narrow lanes and explore the small alleys that have seen centuries of activity. Binnenstad is also home to many landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and the National Monument on Dam Square.
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De Wallen (Red Light District)
The Red Light District is a must-see for anyone visiting Amsterdam. This district is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from. Here, you can experience the best of Amsterdam's nightlife: from lively bars with DJs to underground clubs playing the latest music.
You can also find interesting shops and eateries that stay open late into the night. For those looking for a unique experience, the area also has plenty of live shows and performances to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a wild night out or just some entertainment, the Red Light District won't disappoint.
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Vondelpark
The Vondelpark is Amsterdam's largest and most famous park. Located near the city center, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The park is filled with winding paths, lush green lawns, ponds and more. It's the perfect place to relax and take in some fresh air.
Enjoy a spot of peace and tranquility as you stroll through this beautiful park before grabbing a waffle and a coffee from one of the mobile vendors.. Rent a bike or kayak to get around a little quicker, or simply lay on the grass and admire the clouds.
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9 streets
Situated near the popular Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein squares, 9 streets is a quaint area filled with unique boutique shops and lively cafes. The streets of Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat, Hartenstraat, Reestraat, Berenstraat, Runstraat, Wolvenstraat, Gasthuismolensteeg, Wijde Heisteeg and Huidenstraat have a long history of fashion and design and have all joined forces to create a unique shopping neighbourhood that is certainly grabbing attention.
The area is known for its vibrant culture and atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Amsterdam. With its picturesque canals and cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to spend a day browsing through the many stores and sampling the delightful cuisine.
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Nieuwmarkt
Nieuwmarkt is a charming area of Amsterdam, located in the heart of the city and easily accessible from many locations. It's known for its variety of shops, from vintage stores to art galleries to designer boutiques.
The Nieuwmarkt square is lined with cute cafes and bars, making it an ideal spot to people-watch and enjoy a drink. This is also a great place to explore the historic center of Amsterdam, as it is home to one of the city’s oldest markets and many ancient buildings. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or just want to stroll around, Nieuwmarkt is the perfect destination.
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