Nieuwe
Zijde
 The ancient city contains two centres, the Oude
Zijde (old part) and the Nieuwe Zijde (new part). The Dam
square is Amsterdam's beating heart. Once it was the
central marketplace of Amsterdam where literally everything under
the moon was sold. Today, this is a very lively square with lots of
tourists, shoppers and street animators.
But without doubt, of all the attractions on Dam Square,
the Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) is quite
literally the jewel in the crown. Although no longer home to the
Dutch Royal family, this grand 17th century Royal Palace is still
used to hold official receptions.
On the south side of Dam Square stands the controversially
phallic National Memorial statue, erected in memory
of Dutch soldiers and members of the resistance who died in World
War 2. Unveiled in 1956, the monument stores soil from all of
Holland’s provinces as well as from the Dutch East Indies and if you
go to the back of the obelisk tower, you’ll find the provinces’
crests.
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Oude zijde
 During Amsterdam's Golden Age (17th Century),
the Oude Zijde was an important commercial centre, where boats could
sail up the Geldersekade (canal) to
Nieuwmarkt (New Market), where goods were weighted
at the Waag before
being sold at the market.
There are a lot of things to see and visit. For example the
Oude kerk which is the oldest church in Amsterdam.
Or if you're looking for great bargains visit the Waterloo
plein market where you can find second-hand clothes, shoes,
books, records and stamps. More unusual items are for sale too, such
as three-piece suites, cartons full of old locks and other such
paraphernalia.
In this part of town there is the world famous Red light
district. The "Wallen" (Kay, Dike, stretch of heightened
land along a canal or river) or "Walletjes" (little "Wallen") are a
folk area that now houses the prostitution district with the many
red lights. Surrounding the old church, this part has however also
some other interesting things. It is one of the oldest parts of
Amsterdam and many houses are really magnificently kept monuments.
It is a district with a whole own character, which has nothing to do
with criminal behaviour.
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De Jordaan
 The Amsterdam Jordaan is undoubtedly the most sung about,
described and romanced town district of the Netherlands. Started as
a district for the poor, today it is a favourite place for students,
artists and young professionals. Once a working class area,
Amsterdam’s Jordaan has become greatly sought after. The for
generations born and bred Jordanese are, besides their unmistakable
dialect and raw humour, recognizable by the somewhat higher male
voice and the too blond, too brown, too gold looks of their
partners.
The Jordaan oozes atmosphere with its narrow streets, picturesque
canals, brown cafes, art galleries and unique shops. You can easily
lose yourself in a pleasant stroll in through the enchanting streets
that connect the 3 main canals.
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Museum buurt
 Nestled south of Leidseplein is the plush 19th century
Museum quarter (Museumplein). Unashamedly, Museum quarter is the
pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most
important museums in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum,
the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the
Van Gogh Museum makes this an art lover’s paradise par
excellence. Without doubt, any culture vulture will be in their
element in this recently renovated quarter. Also, in amongst the
stylish hotels and cafés, lays the majestic
Concertgebouw.
The Museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city,
offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down
the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat, Pieter
Cornelisz or Van Baerlestraat will take
the fashionista into some of the world’s most chic couture houses.
From diamonds to leather shoes to designer handbags, just don’t
forget to take your credit card!
Museum quarter also caters for children or even the child in us
with its skateboard - park and wading pool, which in the winter
doubles up as an ice rink. Another attraction of the district is the
wonderful Vondelpark where relaxing is the order of
the day. Unless it is Queens Day or Uitmarkt when the park is
swarming with hoards of visitors.
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Plantage buurt
The Plantage area lies to the east of the city centre. The
concentric canals abruptly ended here as the city’s population
stopped increasing after 1680. An extensive park was established
here in which the locals could enjoy long walks. The area also
became the location of the Hortus Botanicus and
Artis Zoo. Unfortunately, the Plantage deteriorated
into an area full of gambling dens and prostitution. Midway through
the 19th century the area was cleaned up by the city council. Now it
is a stylish and classy district.
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Docklands
 Historically, the docklands were first used by big Dutch
shipping companies, but since 1988 it has become the biggest
post-war building project in Amsterdam, with 8,500 homes built in
the IJ river in response to the chronic housing shortage.
The area consists of several new man-made islands
interconnected by bridges. The water is one of the most important
characteristics and qualities of this area, which is something of a
laboratory in the field of urban development and architecture.
Major features of KNSM Island are the old
buildings which have been preserved. The island has also retained
its maritime character; many houseboats and other boats are moored
at the quays. The area is a fine example of how old and new can go
hand in hand.
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De Pijp
De Pijp is a district in which a wide range of people feels at
home. Ladies of the night, writers, artists and squatters . . . they
have all found a home here. This district, a melting pot of many
cultures, offers its visitors a warm welcome! The Sarphati
Park is a pleasant place to relax in.
Holland’s best-known market, the Albert Cuyp,
and its 20,000 (!) daily visitors contribute to the hustle and
bustle of the district. The area boasts pleasant pubs and ample
cultural facilities and people truly like living here. De Pijp
district is still the Quartier Latin of
Amsterdam!
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Grachtengordel
 Must see ingredient of a great day out in Amsterdam is a
visit to the canals The ring of canals around the old centre of
Amsterdam are an inspired piece of city planning dating back to the
17th century, when the Dutch were in their heyday and Amsterdam was
a wealthy trading port. With ships of the Dutch East India
Company bringing vast wealth back from the East, the city
expanded outwards and the Grachtengordel we see today was
built.
The Herengracht, Keizersgracht
and Prinsengracht are the three canals that form
the elegant curve encircling the old city as far as the Amstel. Each
is lined with trees and cobbled streets separating the narrow,
gabled houses and old warehouses from the waterway. The main
arteries into and out of the centre cut across the district but do
little to disturb the gentrified calm.
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Amstelbuurt
The Amstelbuurt is the area around the river
Amstel, from which Amsterdam took its name. This
upper class neighbourhood is an oasis of tranquillity. When you
stroll along side the wide Amstel river you will pass the beautiful,
recently restored ‘Blue bridge’, the
‘Magere Brug' (the oldest, wooden drawbridge in
town), the centuries old Amstel locks, the Carré
Theatre and the famous Amstel Hotel and a
large amount of all kinds of houseboats.
In the Utrechtse straat
you can find fine boutiques and speciality stores.
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Amsterdam Oost
 The eastern side of Amsterdam is a cosy neighbourhood
with a rich architectonical history with a lot of housing from the
nineteen and beginning twenties century. In the eighties of the last
century the city put a lot effort to build new housing and renovate
the old buildings.
Now a day this area is big melting pot of cultures and ages. The
Oosterpark is a cityparc where a lot of
multicultural events are held. The Dappermarkt is
recently renewed and goods from all over the world can be bought
here.
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Oud West
After countless years of nature and hundreds of years of
agriculture the West part of Amsterdam gets a more urban destination
in the 17th century. The Wilhelmina Gasthuis was build around 1630
as a pest house to keep the patients outside of the city walls and
to limit the contagion danger. End of 1800, after hundred year of a
stagnating grow of the population, the economic welfare demands new
housing in Amsterdam and Amsterdam West gets its current shape.
Old-West is part of the 19th century urban renewal. Intently it
was made as a working class neighbourhood and consisted merely of
small labour housing. Now a days there are not many families with
children living here and because of the cheap housing there is a big
concentration of students and singles. The new tendency is that, as
a result of urban planning by enlarging the houses, the area gets
more popular with the yuppies.
A stay in Amsterdam West is ideal for people that want to stay
close to the centre and among the locals. It is very close to the
Vondelpark and the
Leidseplein.
Read more about Amsterdam...
Amsterdam cultural tips
Amsterdam public transport
Amsterdam sightseeing tour |