10 Most Popular Neighborhoods in Amsterdam
Where To Stay in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam draws visitors from around the world with its historic canal-lined streets, old-world architecture, and vibrant city nightlife. This beautiful Dutch city is packed with some of the best museums, cultural centers, and unique things to see and do, along with multiple UNESCO world heritage sites.
Among Amsterdam’s diverse neighborhoods and boroughs, you’ll find everything from ornate Medieval churches to flavorful Dutch cuisine, quiet cafes, and packed nightclubs. Learn about some of the best neighborhoods to explore on your trip to Amsterdam.
1. Amsterdam Centrum
Architectural gems in a historic hotspot
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Amsterdam-Centrum comprises the city’s center, housing many of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks, including the historic old inner city and the Amsterdam canal belt which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Some of the unique locations in Amsterdam-Centrum include Leidseplein square, which includes several hotspots which are favorites of Amsterdam locals, and Paleis van Justitie, which features sleek modern architecture. Exquisite historic churches like Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder and Westerkerk are also found in Amsterdam-Centrum. The playfully ship-shaped NEMO Science Museum also provides a great family day out in this area. Read more
Amsterdam Centrum
2. Nieuwmarkt
The city’s iconic red light district
Good for: Shoppers, History
Nieuwmarkt, or New Market, is a historic square in the Lastage neighborhood, and part of Amsterdam’s Chinatown. It’s located adjacent to the De Wallen, or Red Light District, and is an exciting and popular place for those visiting Amsterdam to explore.
Nieuwmarkt is home to many cozy cafes and cannabis coffeeshops, as well as a towering Medieval building known as the Waag. In the square, you’ll also find a daily market, as well as weekend organic food and farmers markets. There are also quaint shops selling books and antiques. Read more
Nieuwmarkt
3. NDSM
Spectacular artwork in a cultural hub
Good for: Families, Photo
NDSM is a former industrial shipyard turned into an edgy cultural hotspot, sitting beside the IJ River in Amsterdam. This post-industrial zone is now home to the offices of major corporations and also developed a thriving arts community.
The NDSM area draws visitors for its unique architectural mix of industrial buildings, cutting-edge public art, and scenic views over the water, with features like an archway built from huge shipping containers. Trendy hotels in this area offer unusual accommodation to travelers, while there are interesting historical sites to explore, such as a decommissioned Russian submarine. Read more
Location: NDSM-Plein 90C, 1033 WB Amsterdam, Netherlands
NDSM
4. De Jordaan
Historic sites and old-world architecture to photograph
Good for: Families, History
De Jordaan is a popular neighborhood in central Amsterdam, bordered by the Singelgracht canal. This neighborhood’s origins can be traced back to 1612, when dirt paths in the area began to be built into streets, explaining Jordaan’s unusual orientation compared to the rest of Amsterdam.
De Jordaan features many old-world architectural features and historical sites. It was the home of the painter Rembrandt during the final years of his life and is his final resting place. The Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank hid during WWII, is located on the outskirts of De Jordaan. Read more
De Jordaan
5. De Wallen
Adult entertainment galore
Good for: History, Nightlife
De Wallen is home to the largest and most famous red-light district within Amsterdam, a historic area within the city that has been operating for centuries. De Wallen was the Medieval city center of Amsterdam, full of historic architecture and scenic canal-lined streets.
The first monument in the world dedicated to respecting sex workers is located in the red-light district of De Wallen. You’ll also find numerous cannabis coffee shops, theaters, and other adult entertainment venues. Historic locations in De Wallen include the red-brick Beurs van Berlage, the ornate Medieval church Oude Kerk, and the hidden church within Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder.
De Wallen
6. Negen Straatjes
UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore
Good for: Families, History
Negen Straatjes, or Nine Little Streets, is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Grachtengordel. Many of the unique buildings in the area were originally constructed in the 18th century, and street names harken back to the trades that once dominated the region, with names like Pelt Street, Inn Mill Alley, and Old Mirror Street.
Negen Straatjes includes museums like Het Grachtenhuis and Huis Marseille, the European Center for Art, Culture, and Science, within the Felix Meritis house, and the Dutch Institute for War Documentation. Read more
Negen Straatjes
7. De Pijp
Local marketplaces and bohemian eateries
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers
De Pijp, or The Pipe, is a neighborhood south of the city center in the Amsterdam-Zuid borough. The area is known for its diverse population, offering eclectic international restaurants and regional flavors like Dutch herrings and waffles.
De Pijp hosts one of the largest markets in the Netherlands, the Albert Cuyp Market, and famous monuments like the former town hall of Nieuwer-Amstel. You’ll also find the old Heineken brewery in De Pijp, along with local bars and cafes around Marie Heinekenplein. Read more
De Pijp
8. Oud-West
Super shopping and nightlife spots
Good for: Nightlife, Shoppers
Oud-West is a bustling neighborhood in Amsterdam, known for trendy hotspots and plenty of shopping destinations. This neighborhood contains diverse communities like Overtoombuurt and Kinkerbuurt, which each offer their own unique historic sites and attractions to visitors.
Historic sites in Oud-West include the Zevenlandenhuizen, 7 houses built in distinct architectural styles from different regions of Europe, the Vondelkerk church, and the former riding school Hollandsche Manege. For great local shopping, you can explore the areas around De Clercqstraat, Overtoom, and Kinkerstraat. Read more
Oud-West
9. Oud-Zuid
Wondrous world-class museums
Good for: Couples, Families, History
Oud-Zuid is a neighborhood that translates to Old South in English. It therefore lies to the south of Amsterdam’s city center. This area includes some of the wealthiest regions in Amsterdam, drawing many visitors to the site to stroll its historic streets and see its various offerings.
Oud-Zuid is home to some of the Netherlands best art museums, including the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. You’ll also find the opulent Concertgebouw here, a historic concert hall, not to mention beautiful green spaces and scenic walking trails within the Vondelpark. Read more
Oud-Zuid
10. Westerpark
Vibrant outdoor spaces and gardens
Good for: Couples, Families, Nightlife
Westerpark, or Western Park, is a non-residential neighborhood in Amsterdam. It houses a spacious public park by the same name, as well as diverse attractions and cultural destinations that are sure to delight any traveler.
Within the Westerpark public park, you’ll find open green spaces, water features, playgrounds, and scenic walking trails for your family to enjoy. Nearby historic buildings have been converted into cultural centers, boutiques, restaurants, a movie theater, and breweries. There is also a historic graveyard nearby, the Sint Barbara Cemetery. Read more
Westerpark
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