Skip to content 
Neighborhoods in amsterdam
Neighborhoods in Amsterdam
Whether you’re a first-time visitor trying to decide where to stay or a curious explorer eager to learn more about the city’s diverse areas, this guide will take you through the best, coolest, and most notable parts of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Boroughs
Amsterdam is divided into 8 parts, each borough has it’s own charm. All boroughs are divided in smaller areas.
Centrum (City Centre) It’s not just the heart of Amsterdam; it’s where past meets present. From the Royal Palace, Dam Square, Red Light District, Bijenkorf and canals to the cozy, hidden courtyards, Centrum feels like stepping into a living history book while still being in the middle of the city. And the Jordaan, with its picturesque canals and little boutiques, is the cherry on top. It’s all about good vibes and finding those hidden gems.
West: West is like that cool, artsy friend everyone loves. It is often called Oud West and it’s a mix of everything – quirky shops, cafes where you can spend hours, and green spaces that are perfect for lazy afternoons.
Zuid (South) Zuid is the polished, sophisticated part of town. Think of strolling past chic boutiques, dining in style, and getting cultured in the Museum Quarter. The vibe here is a bit more upscale but in the best way possible. And Vondelpark? The ultimate chill spot for sunny days or a leisurely bike ride. It’s elegance and relaxation rolled into one.
Oost (East) Oost is where you’ll find Amsterdam’s vibrant spirit. It’s a colorful mix of cultures, flavors, and architecture. From the serenity of Oosterpark and Plantage Buurt to the bustling Dappermarkt and Javastraat, Oost keeps things exciting. It’s the part of town where you are in for a treat when you love all things food and not so much crowdy tourist places.
Noord (North) Cross the water to Noord, and you’re in Amsterdam’s creative lab. It’s where industrial spaces turned into cool art studios and where you can find some of the best views back across the city. The vibe here is a little edgier, with lots of spaces for artists and makers. Climbing up the A’DAM Tower or chilling in one of the funky cafes, Noord feels like discovering the city’s secret side.
Nieuw-West (New-West) Nieuw-West offers a breath of fresh air, literally. It’s spacious, green, and feels like a little escape from the urban hustle. Here, it’s all about enjoying the outdoors, whether that’s picnicking in a park or exploring modern residential areas. It’s Amsterdam’s quieter, laid-back side, showing off how the city blends urban life with nature. You will also find the best Halal restaurants in this part of Dam!
Zuidoost (South East) Zuidoost is like a never-ending festival, bursting with life, music, and color. It’s a celebration of diversity, with markets that take you around the world and events that bring everyone together. Here, community is everything, and there’s always something happening, especially if you love live music and sports. Zuidoost is vibrant, warm, and welcoming. And if you like Southern American food such as the Surinamese kitchen, well.. you came to the right spot!
Westpoort Westpoort might seem all business with its ports and warehouses, but there’s a wave of change bringing new life to the area. It’s where the industrial heart of Amsterdam beats, yet now it’s also getting a dash of creativity with cool new spaces popping up. It shows a different face of Amsterdam, where tradition meets innovation.
Neighborhoods in Amsterdam per borough
| Borough | Neighborhoods in Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Centrum (Centre) | Binnenstad, Grachtengordel, Haarlemmerbuurt, Jodenbuurt, Jordaan, Kadijken, Lastage, Oosterdokseiland, Oostelijke Eilanden, Plantage, Rapenburg, Uilenburg, Westelijke Eilanden, Weteringschans |
| Noord (North) | Banne Buiksloot, Buiksloot, Buikslotermeer, Floradorp, Kadoelen, Molenwijk, Nieuwendam, Nieuwendammerdijk en Buiksloterdijk, Oostzanerwerf, Overhoeks, Tuindorp Nieuwendam, Tuindorp Oostzaan |
| Nieuw-West (New West) | Geuzenveld, Nieuw Sloten, Oostoever, Osdorp, Overtoomse Veld, Sloten, Slotermeer, Slotervaart |
| Oost (East) | IJburg, Indische Buurt, Eastern Docklands, Oud-Oost, Watergraafsmeer |
| West | Frederik Hendrikbuurt, Houthaven, Spaarndammerbuurt, Staatsliedenbuurt, Zeeheldenbuurt, Westerpark, Kinkerbuurt, Overtoombuurt, De Baarsjes, Bos en Lommer, Kolenkitbuurt, Landlust, Sloterdijk |
| Westpoort (West Gateway) | Westpoort |
| Zuid (South) | Apollobuurt, Buitenveldert, Hoofddorppleinbuurt, Museumkwartier, De Pijp, Prinses Irenebuurt, Rivierenbuurt, Schinkelbuurt, Stadionbuurt, Vondelpark, Willemspark, Zuidas |
| Zuidoost (Southeast) | Bijlmermeer, Venserpolder, Gaasperdam, Driemond, Weesp |
Best area in Amsterdam to stay
Asking for the “best” spot in Amsterdam is like asking which flavor of ice cream is the best—it really depends on what you’re into! But, if you’re visiting for the first time, you can’t go wrong with the City Centre. It’s like the main stage of Amsterdam, where all the action happens. From historic buildings to the buzzing Dam Square and even the Anne Frank House, it’s all happening here. Plus, you’re just a hop, skip, and a jump away from pretty much everything cool in the city.
Neighborhoods to visit
The Old Centre: This is where the heart of Amsterdam beats. Around Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt, through the buzzing De Wallen (yep, the Red Light District), you’ll find the oldest parts of the city. Picture historic buildings, quirky shops, and the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, amidst a lively backdrop of pubs and restaurants.
Dam Square: Built way back in 1270, this square is the city’s pulse, home to the Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, National Monument, and even Madam Tussaud’s. It’s the perfect spot to feel the city’s energy.
Nieuwmarkt: Here lies De Waag, an old city gate turned weighing house, right next to Amsterdam’s Chinatown and the buzzing De Wallen. It’s a mix of cafes, history, and a vibe you just have to experience.
Canal Belt (Grachtengordel): Imagine a necklace of canals circling the city center, lined with stunning houses and warehouses. It’s picturesque Amsterdam at its finest.
Jewish Quarter (Jodenbuurt): Home to the Old Portuguese Synagogue, Jewish Museum, and more. It’s a neighborhood rich in history and culture.
Jordaan: Once a working-class neighborhood, now a hipster haven filled with artists, students, and cool cafes.
Spui: The heart of old Amsterdam, known for its bookstores and the open-air book market on Fridays.
Spiegelkwartier: Art lovers, this is your paradise! Over 70 art and antique shops nestled among classic Amsterdam facades.
De Pijp: The ultimate blend of cosmopolitan vibes, amazing food, shops, and the Albert Cuyp market. It’s lively, it’s fun, it’s De Pijp! Also home to the Heineken Experience!
Javabuurt: Located near the Oosterpark you will find the Dapperbuurt and Javastraat, in this area foodies are in the right place. Less touristic, more yumminess!
Museumplein: Surrounded by major museums such as the Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum and The Stedelijk, this part of town you shouldn’t miss if you are in to art!
Amsterdam's main parts include the City Centre, West, Zuid (South), Oost (East), Noord (North), Nieuw-West, Zuidoost, and Westpoort.
Amsterdam is divided into 8 main boroughs, each offering its own unique vibe and attractions.
Amsterdam Noord ranked one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. If you are looking around NDSM werf area we defo agree on that. If you go deeper in to North, well ahem.. it is all very quiet and not so much to do!
Explore Dam is your starting point for your holiday trip to Dam!
