Month: November 2023

Grachtengordel

The canal belt that circles the city is comprised of two neighbourhoods: Grachtengordel- West en -Zuid. One of the most iconic areas of Amsterdam, crowned with being a UNESCO World Heritage site. This wonderful area has a network of canals, bridges and the charming 17^th-century canal houses. It contains the three most famous canals; Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht.

The Grachtengordel was built in the golden ages, when Amsterdam was a major trading center. The canals were used for transportation and commerce. The canal houses were built for the wealthy merchants and artisans. It has always been an affluent place of prestige and luxurious living.

We would recommend enjoying the canals and this area in general by taking a canal cruise. Learn about the area while enjoying the views from the water.

Boutique stores and cafes can be found at the nine streets. Walk around and see what catches your fancy. Every now and then a café finds its way through the TikTok algorithm which creates a big hype. Don’t be surprised to see long lines in these streets at for example Fabel Friet and Chun Café.

For a fun night out visit Rembrandtplein with many bars, coffeeshops and clubs. This is also where you can embark on a once in a lifetime adventure at the Amsterdam Icebar.

Although the Grachtengordel is very populair amongst tourists, there are still some hidden spots! Disscover local retailers and quaint cafes all along the wining streets.

De Pijp (Rivierenbuurt de Pijp, Zuid)

At the south city of the city centre, just outside of the canal ring, walk into the pipe – De Pijp. De Pijp is a diverse and lively neighbourhood with a multicultural atmosphere. Famous for the Albert Cuyp Market, where you can sample international cuisines and shop for unique trinkets. Enjoy this melting pot of cultures. The area is also home to the Heineken Experience, numerous parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

What once was a working-class neighbourhood is now one of the most sought-after areas in the city. This trendy area has an abundance of hipsters. It is the perfect spot for your Sunday brunch. There are many local restaurants and cafés to choose from. Vegetarian people and vegans will have no trouble jumping into a random place, since the whole area is super veg-friendly. De Pijp is the hot spot for all foodies alike!

This is also one of the best places to admire the artistic movement of the Amsterdam School. An architectural style famous in the. characterized using bricks and decorative facades in brick or natural stone.

(image: AmsterdamSights)

De Wallen, red light district (Centrum-west)

Go on an exploration on the naughtiest area of Amsterdam. This is a place where most tourist will go at least once. But don’t look at de Wallen as just an attraction. Sure, it has the red-lit windows with sexworkers, coffeeshops and bars and lots of tourists, but there is much more to this area.

Visit the area during the day when it is a little less busy, to be able to take in the cute narrow cobblestone streets, the bridges and the canals. Walk through Chinatown and hop into some of the eccentric stores. Besides the naughty shops, there are some truly interesting stores to be discovered.

NDSM-Terrain

Cross the IJ with the free ferry to the NDSM wharf. The NDSM Werf (Wharf) is a former shipyard turned into a creative and cultural hotspot in Amsterdam. Located in the northern part of the city, this industrial area has undergone a transformation into a vibrant community with a focus on arts, culture, and alternative lifestyles. The crossing is an experience, with your 15-minute ferry ride you get to see some interesting buildings.

One of the most notable features of the NDSM Werf is its extensive collection of street art and murals. The area has become an open-air gallery with colorful and large-scale artworks covering walls, buildings, and even some of the old shipyard structures.

Inside the NDSM building, find many studios of various artist. You can explore various art studios, galleries, and creative spaces. Keep an eye out for exhibitions, performances, and events that might be happening in the area. Monthly, this is where you also find part the biggest vintage market of Amsterdam; the IJhallen.

Oud-West (West)

West is the best! This area is more of a residential area and therefore often overlooked by tourists. Take your advantage, as you can be the more locally aware tourist now! Mingle with the locals and live like an Amsterdammer.

The Oud-West neighbourhood emerged in the early 20th century as Amsterdam expanded westward. The neighbourhood’s architecture reflects this era, with a mix of ornate Art Deco buildings, traditional Dutch brick houses, and modern apartment complexes. Oud-West has retained its distinctive character, blending the old with the new, creating a dynamic and appealing urban environment.

Walk along the Bilderdijkstraat and find bars and restaurants catered to every taste preference. Like the (Italian!)-award winning pizzeria nNea, some vegan hotspots like Soil of Amsterdam or a Polish brunch at Kazik. Its is al possible here!

Museum quarter (Oud-Zuid)

High end shopping, world-class dining and the most famous museums are found here. The affluent area of Oud-Zuid is famous for the ‘old money’ inhabitants.

As the name suggests, the Museumkwartier (museum quarter) is where we find some of the most renowned museums of Amsterdam. Located in the heart of the city’s cultural hub, it includes the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, MOCO and the Diamond museum amongst others.

Find Vondelpark next to this neighbourhood. Amsterdams most famous park. Bustling with activities in summer, from picnics and student meet ups to free comedy on the Vondel theatre. There are a few places to have a drink, or drinks, in the park as well. Surrounded by greenery!

Jordaan (Centrum-West)

Nestled in the western part of the city centre, the Jordaan is a picturesque neighbourhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and artistic vibe. Formerly a working-class area, Jordaan has transformed into a bohemian haven with trendy boutiques, vintages shopping, art galleries, and cozy cafes. A hipsters dream!

The area was built in the first half of the seventeenth century, when Amsterdam was expanding rapidly. The money was all put into the houses around the canal belt, so there was not much left for de Jordaan. The smaller, cheaper built houses attracted a working-class population. Learn more about this and other historic neighbourhoods in this blog.

Nowadays, it is one of the most expensive places to live in the city. The old school character has remained. Wander around this area, where every alley is more beautiful than the other.

For some more local flavours try out the fish stands. The Dutch love getting their fish from the market, and here at Albert Cuyp they really know how to prepare it! Try out Kibbeling, fried cod fish with a delicious spice blend. If you are more daring you can try herring! Herring is typically eaten raw with unions and pickles. It’s a delicacy, which means not everyone loves it as much as the other.

Another market favourite is the Stroopwafel. A blog about food in the Amsterdam is not complete without mentioning the famous cookie. With its popularity came a lot of merchants. You can find many stroopwafel stores around Amsterdam harking in tourists. However, when the Dutch eat their fresh Stroopwafel, it has to be one from the market!

As soon as October hits, the oliebollen stalls are starting to pop up at squares all around the country. Oliebollen are fried dough balls with or without raisins and are a new years eve staple.

It is a tradition to eat so many oliebollen on the 31^st of December, that you can not fathom them anymore until next October comes.

The cold winter months feel so much better with the occasional (daily) oliebol! Eat them with powdered sugar and switch them up for an appelflap or apple beignet (fried dough with apple) every once in a while. This is Dutch cuisine at its finest. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

Ready for a quick snack? At Febo you can get all the Dutch highlights right from the wall. It has it all: frikandellen, kroket, kaassouflé. Or even a normal burger and fries. If it is fried, it is at FEBO! After a night of partying, this is where you want to indulge. Insert a coin in the snack wall and the door with your snack of choosing will open. It is an experience in itself.

Fun fact: the name FEBO comes from the street where the first location was ever opened; the Ferdinand Bolstraat – named after the famous Dutch painter from the golden ages. All Dutch heroes coming together.

As of most things on the Dutch food list, this ball is a deep fried treat as well. The smaller brother of the kroket, the bitterball has a crunchy exterior and soft meat ragout on the inside. Bitterballen can be found on any terrace. They are a great dish to share.

Bitterballen go hand in hand with some Dutch golden goodness, it is beers best friend. Satisfying your needs for a fried treat when you have consumed some alcohol whilst keeping your stomach fulled so you wont get too intoxicated. What an invention!

Going for an Amsterdam food trip? Discover more than just cheese and in most countries illegal substances. Go out and explore the best food options in Amsterdam!