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Neighbourhood of Amsterdam in North Holland, Netherlands
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Binnenstad is the medieval heart of Amsterdam. It is where most foreign visitors arrive and leave, and has a lot of the city's prime attractions.
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This beautiful building is an attraction in itself, so if you did not arrive in Amsterdam by train, it is well worth making a special trip to look at the station's facade. The station was built between 1881 and 1889 on three artificial islands. It was designed by Pierre Cuypers who also designed the Rijksmuseum in a similar neo-late-Gothic/Renaissance style. At the time, the project was highly controversial as the new station would effectively cut off the city from the IJ waterfront. Politicians in The Hague pushed it through anyway, and now it is widely regarded as the most beautiful station in the country.
Take a guided tour and check out the view from the top of the old stock exchange tower. It was built in 1903 (by Hendrik Petrus Berlage) and is considered the beginning of modern Dutch architecture. Costs €3.50, located on Beursplein near Dam Square.
Koninklijk Paleis
The Royal Palace is one of the three official palaces of the Netherlands. It is at the disposal of King Willem-Alexander by the Act of Parliament. It was built in 1651 as the city hall of Amsterdam, in a period known as the Dutch Golden Age. Many school children learn that because of the swampy soil, it was built on no less than 13,569 wooden poles. In 1795, the French Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte invaded the Netherlands, and his brother Louis Napoleon became the first King of Holland in 1806. He acquired the city hall in that year and turned it into a royal palace. It was restored to the original owners when Prince William VI returned to the Netherlands in 1812, but when he was crowned as King William I, he decided that Amsterdam should be the official capital and acquired the city hall once again as a royal palace. This is still a delicate subject among the locals, some of whom would like to see the palace returned to Amsterdam. It was completely renovated in 2009. It is mainly used for diplomatic receptions and to welcome visiting heads of state, not as a royal residence.
A large spire that functions as a memorial for the victims of World War II. It was designed by architect J.J.P. Oud and revealed on 4 May 1956. Every 4 May, at the Remembrance of the Dead, a ceremony is held here to commemorate all civilians and members of the Dutch armed forces that died in World War II and later armed conflicts.
The Begijnhof is a late medieval enclosed courtyard with the houses of beguines (Roman Catholic women living in a semi-religious community). It is a very picturesque group of historic buildings, mostly private dwellings. House number 34 is the oldest home in Amsterdam. The courtyard also has a Reformed Church and a hidden Catholic chapel. Surprisingly, it feels like a serene oasis as it is surrounded by the chaotic Kalverstraat and Spui. Entry to the courtyard and surrounding gardens is free, but be careful not to disturb the local community still living here.
The Portuguese Synagogue
The most prominent synagogue of the city centre, the Esnoga dates back from 1675 and is built in an austere Classicist style. In 1492, Spain expelled its Jewish population as part of the Inquisition, and many fled to Portugal. One hundred years later, their descendants migrated to Amsterdam for its religious freedom. This happened at a time when the Dutch provinces were fighting for independence against Spain. As to avoid being related to the enemy, these Jewish refugees originally from Spain began to refer to themselves as "Portuguese Jews". In the early 16th century, the three Jewish communities that existed at the time merged to form the Portuguese Jewish Community of Amsterdam, which still exists today. They were joined by Ashkenazi Jews that arrived from Central and Eastern Europe in the 17th century, together forming the largest Jewish community in Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Shabbat services are held regularly.
Used for royal coronations, including the crowning of King Willem-Alexander in 2013, and royal weddings, including his wedding to princess Máxima in 2002. The church is no longer used for services but is now a popular exhibition space. Admissions are limited: by tickets online to reserve a space.
The oldest of the five main churches in the historic centre, and probably the oldest building in Amsterdam. It is right in the heart of the Red Light District. You can climb the tower from April to September on Saturday and Sunday, every half-hour. Also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 10 people) cost €70 per hour. E-mail for more information.
Built in 1603-1611. Located on Zuiderkerkhof ("Southern Graveyard"). Now an information centre on housing and planning. You can visit the tower from April to September Monday to Saturday (with guide only) every half-hour, cost €6. Also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 15 people) cost €70 per hr. E-mail for more information.
The Allard Pierson Museum is the archaeological museum of the University of Amsterdam. The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Cyprus, the Greek world, Etruria and the Roman Empire are revived in this museum. Art objects and utensils, dating from 4000 B.C. till 500 A.D. give a good impression of everyday life, mythology and religion in Antiquity.
A museum about the history of Amsterdam.
Schuttersgalerij
Just inside the arched gateway to the Amsterdam Museum is a hidden passageway with fifteen enormous 17th-century paintings; entrance is free to the public during museum hours. The collection features massive and meticulously realistic portraits of wealthy citizens from the Dutch Golden Age, the same class of subjects Rembrandt depicted in the most famous of Civic Guard paintings, the "Night Watch".
Joods Historisch Museum
Jewish Historical Museum. History of the Jewish people, culture and religion.
Our Lord in the Attic
One of the oldest museums in Amsterdam, this is a Catholic church stuffed into the upper stories of a house built in 1663, when Catholics were persecuted and had to disguise their churches. It's amazing to see how they fit worshippers, an organ, and an altar into such a narrow place.
The legacy of Dutch football started in the 1970s, when Total Football, a revolutionary Dutch style of football, shook the world. The Netherlands is the best football nation that never won the World Cup: it lost the final three times, a national trauma. It did win the European Cup in 1988 lead by star player Marco van Basten. This museum has four floors dedicated to "Oranje", and a small cinema that shows a 20-minute film with historic football moments. Especially recommended for Germans.
This is where the artist Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn and his wife, Saskia, lived between 1639 and 1658. The house is a reconstruction of the painter’s life at that time and provides interesting insight. You will be able to see 260 of his 290 etchings, find out about how they were created, see where he worked and explore the nooks and crannies of this fascinating building.
Het Muziektheater
Opera, dance, ballet and other performances. Holds a free lunch concert on Tuesdays.
Above a tunnel overseeing the IJ, NEMO is the largest science museum in the Netherlands. It's a showcase of how scientific phenomena influence daily life. Different sections of the museum deal with technology and engineering, ICT, and bio- and behavioral sciences. This is a place to take kids and is best for those ages 11 and below—teenagers will probably get bored. And it is usually definitely full of children on weekends. During summer it has a panorama roof terrace on its roof with deckchairs with free entry.
A guided tour is given that's all about the diamond production process and the history of diamond trade in Amsterdam. Diamonds have been traded in Amsterdam for longer than 425 years, and the city used to be known as the "City of Diamonds". Tours are given in 27 languages. Of course you can also buy Gassan diamonds here, but you don't have to.
Opened for over twenty years, the Hash Museum is dedicated to debunking the lies and demonization about one of our most useful plants, the hemp plant. Although small, busy and seriously overpriced, it is a well-done museum where people go to get informed.
The largest and most prestigious museum for sex art and sex history in the Netherlands. It shows a lot of sex oddities. Only ages 16 and up are allowed entry.
The well-known franchise of wax museums also has a branch in Amsterdam. It's a major tourist attraction so expect a steep entry fee and long queues. Unique to this branch are waxworks of famous Dutch people including Willem-Alexander, Beatrix, Tiësto, Rafael van der Vaart, Doutzen Kroes, Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt.
The Amsterdam Dungeon is a horror tour through several dark chambers with live actors.
The latest gimmicky tourist attraction near the Centraal Station, it's a small museum about medieval torture and torture devices. In the Middle Ages, torture was a widely known punishment for almost all crimes committed, ranging from rape to murder, and above all for heresy. The type of punishment depended on the victim's crime and social status. The Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments displays over 100 devices used to torture people. Before its make-over, it used to be the Vodka Museum; the vodka shop is still open in the basement with free entry.
You'd think one museum about torture would be enough, but no, not in Amsterdam. However, this was the first torture museum in the city centre, and is at least somewhat more authentic than the copycat. The museum depicts the history of different torturous techniques used over the centuries. The lighting is bad, the corridors are small and the price an absolute rip-off. You can walk through it in 15-30 minutes.
French-style bakery with pastries, croissants, breads, sandwiches all baked fresh on premises. Open for breakfast and lunch, eat-in or takeaway. Bring the kids and eat in the small playroom upstairs.
Its officially a bakery, but they don't sell bread. They do sell Amsterdam's most famous whipped ice cream, lovely almond cookies and cakes. The texture is really creamy and soft, it melts easily and they put it in a cone with a soup spoon.
Serving for example fish sandwiches
Herring sandwiches for €3.50.
Serves delicious pastas, made just as you want them. Choose a sauce, topping and pasta for a tasty, but well-priced meal.
Italian cuisine, both eat-in and take-out; notable take-out item: Penne Bolognese with a tasty vegetarian sauce instead of a meat sauce.
This used to be just the little "Thai snackbar around the corner", but since a raving review in the local newspaper Het Parool, big crowds are waiting in line to get seated during dinnertime. The scenery is simple and the restaurant is very small and cramped. However, the hype is all about the food, which is absolutely mouth-watering. They have the usual Thai fare, but the dish to go for is the massaman curry, their specialty.
Very crowded little snack bar with Thai food. Not to be confused with the restaurant of the same owner, on the other side of the street. Try the chicken in oyster sauce.
Slowly becoming an institution, this hugely popular Mandarin Chinese restaurant seems to have found a perfect balance between food, price and ambiance. The food is authentically Chinese, delicious, fresh and quickly served, and all of that for a bargain. Service is fast and rushed, but it doesn't feel like a snack bar. It has a stylish interior, and it's still one of those places you could bring a date to. The biggest problem is that everyone seems to know this place, so it's somewhat crowded and noisy, and you'll probably have to wait outside for a seat to become available. When you get in, order the oysters. They're a hit.
Traditional Dutch, alongside French classics. Located in an historic building on a quiet side street near Central Station; it's off the beaten track so most of the diners are local. Open 6 days a week (not Mondays); a reservation is usually necessary.
Great spices and meat dishes, Indian/Indonesian food. Try the Nasi Goreng Rames.
Around the corner of the "Rembrandt Huis" is a very nice "Eetcafe" with fresh food, WiFi hot spots and internet workplaces. Try the dish of the day or the mussels.
Oversized cups of coffee, muffins and bagels. Muffins, brownies, giant cookies, cheesecake and bagels spread with various toppings are served at reasonable prices to a clientèle that is a mix of locals and tourists. American themed. There are 3 locations in the city.
À la carte dining while cruising the canals.
The selling point of this cafe is its 360 degrees view over Amsterdam. Its interior is minimalist and stylish. A great place to have a Dutch cup of coffee while taking in the views. Unfortunately, it's only open at daytime as evenings are reserved for private events.
A minimal art-deco interior next to Hotel d'Europe and a great view of where all the main canals come together (climb the stairs to the upper floor - the view is better and the crowds surprisingly thinner). Food is middling and on the pricy side, but it's a nice place to sip a cup of coffee or tea and read a newspaper.
Small eco-friendly coffeebar situated in the lobby of hotel Ecomama. Serves great coffee, breakfast and a small selection of sweet and savoury treats. Also organic tea, juice and the best grilled-cheese sandwiches. Have a relaxed morning on the sunny terrace or enjoy art by starting Dutch artists.
On the edge of the Red Light District, has an upper-floor bar.
One of Amsterdam's hidden secrets, Hannekes Boom is a cosy, somewhat ramshackle, bar with a waterfront along the IJ. It's a great place to just hang out and have a beer. Not for clubbers, but for those looking for a relaxing underground atmosphere and live music. It is centrally located, but off the tourist path, so it has a local feel to it. Outdoor seating is available, but you have to order your drinks inside. If you want to eat, make a reservation in advance (though the food is nothing special).
A brewery, tasting room and beer shop all in one.
This beer, wine, and spirits shop carries independent, unique, and rare bottles. The staff are friendly, but the space is quite confined and obtaining bottles from the very top shelves requires assistance and a dust rag.
Not a café, but a 'supermarket' specialized in beer. It has over a thousand beers, about half of it Dutch.
A very well stocked beer café, or actually beer tasting room (bierproeflokaal) in the centre of the inner city. 17 beers (usually from various countries) and a cider on draught, and about 250 different bottled beers offered. There is no music played, which makes for a very friendly and talkative atmosphere, and it has a separate non-smoking room.
Wynand Fockink is a distillery that started in 1679. They offer distillery tours, but you must reserve at least a week in advance as they fill up quickly. It is also a tasting room and a liquor store. They have numerous liquors, brandies, and jenevers and encourage you to try them all. It is traditional to stoop and sip the first drink and not spill. Great liquors, and a good time in the back alleys of Amsterdam.
One of the smallest bars in Amsterdam, there is seating for at most 15 people. Specialising in Belgian beers, extensive menu that includes some hard to find beers on tap. This place is smoke friendly so don't be surprised to see people rolling joints as they drink.
Great bar, really nice atmosphere, close to the Red Light District with a nice terrace in the summer. Selection of cheap cocktails and long island ice tea.
A special beer café, serving many beers, especially from Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic and other countries.
Close to the southern part of the Canal District. Alternative music and cosy atmosphere also in the evenings.
Authentic Irish pub with food. Mix of expatriates, locals and tourists, friendly staff, on a canal off the Zeedijk, close to Centraal Station and Warmoesstraat. Open every night, live music in the week-ends and large-screen television.
The super comfy cafe is a great place to spend entire rainy days at a time. It heats up quite a bit at night. Pot smoking seems to be tolerated even though Schuim is definitely not a "coffeeshop".
Awesome bar with lost of fun, artsy crazy locals. Various DJ play different styles. Open till late in the morning. Best place to meet laid-back and awesome Amsterdammers!!
An Irish pub that also serves very inexpensive food like cheese sandwiches. Everything you can expect from an Irish pub nearby the Oude Kerk and nearby the Red Light District.
This placed used to be alternative, but changed ownership and is now more hip hop and R&B oriented. Check their agenda to see what they're doing.
Music venue and nightclub in the red light district.
Known for their moderate prices. The music played here is Classic Rock & Frank Zappa.
One of the best selections of pot in Amsterdam.
The shop was featured in a scene in Ocean's Twelve. Very decent hashish ("Rifman" products), rather high prices. Has won the Cannabis Cup numerous times.
Usually pretty crowded but when warm or if you can get a seat definitely one of the nice coffeeshops near the Red Light District. Also has a bar next door.
Lively atmosphere but buy cannabis elsewhere.
It looks completely different from before, and now has three floors with a slick minimalist design.A great place to smoke your goods, and actually serves a good cup of coffee too.
Friendly hostel in the heart of the Red Light District. A coffeeshop is conveniently located on the ground floor, this is also where you get your breakfast.
Dorms are clean and the beds comfortable. The Irish pub downstairs gives discounts to people staying in the hostel (€3.5 for a pint of Amstel, €6 for a burger and chips). Breakfast 09:00-11:00. No common area apart from the bar itself.
The "Downtown" branch, as opposed to the "Uptown" in Zuid, has more of a party vibe. Both hostels are known for their laid-back atmosphere, bars and indoor smoking areas. Free extras, check out the facility page on their website.
Simple and clean hotel, mostly visited by (young) people who are looking for an inexpensive accommodation.
Very basic hotel, but breakfast and internet included.
Cheap "hotel" in a great location with basic clean rooms.
A floating hostel. Small cabins, bed-length is 1.90 m, but great staff and a nice spacious sun deck. Breakfast, sheets, towels are included in the price. Shared shower and toilet. Four person cabins are better to be used for only three adults. Don't take too much luggage in these cabins.
An alcohol and drug-free Christian youth hostel right at the Red Light District. Single-sex dormitories, including breakfast, bed linen.
Part hostel, part hotel. Each room is designed by local Dutch artists.
Stayokay operates a network of 27 hostels in the Netherlands, and is the Dutch affiliate of Hostelling International. A little smaller than Stayokay Vondelpark, this location does not take groups. Free WiFi and pay internet terminals. Free security lockers are provided in the hallways outside the dorms. One of the few hostels in town who can accept under 18 year olds traveling alone (granted you have a written permission from your parents and copies of their passports). Call them for more info.
NH
The hotel is a comfortable 2-star hotel a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam’s Central Station.
Mostly dorms, but there are also a few private rooms available. Really a basic crash-pad, but quiet and relaxed due to their 'No large groups' policy.
Laid-back hostel. Has his own, pretty cheap, hotel bar. Smoking room (weed allowed) inside. Guests of the hostel can use free internet computers. Only dorms.
Has nice canal view rooms.
Clean rooms and friendly staff.
Small rooms. Shared toilets.
Friendly staff, bar open all night.
Rooms are quiet. Parking available. Friendly staff.
A 2-star renovated 17th century mansion. Very clean and good atmosphere, own parking.
Two canalside apartments in the center of Amsterdam, close to the Dam Square. Suitable for holiday and business stays. Free high speed internet.
A boutique hotel that consists of a row of 17th-century buildings along the Singel canal. It has 93 rooms and 2 suites. Free Wi-Fi.
An upscale hotel established in the monumental Scheepvaarthuis, the first building in Amsterdam School style that used to be the headquarters of six shipping companies. Breakfast is not included in the lower rates, but all include Wi-Fi.
A somewhat seedy location for a 5-star hotel, the main entrance is right on Dam Square, but the hotel backs onto the red-light district, with a view of sex-shops and peepshows.
A 4-star immediately opposite Centraal Station. Free Wi-Fi in public spaces.
A 4-star hotel with conference centre, Wi-Fi access in the lobby and café.
The Sofitel has views on the canals. Weather permitting, lunch is served in the courtyard.
Every Friday and Sunday a market is held on the Spui. Friday has books on sale, while Sundays are all about art and antiques.
A well-known but fairly overrated market near the city hall. Partly flea market, partly alternative and second hand clothing and accessories. More oriented towards tourists than to locals.
Excellent shop for literature and books in the English language, particularly on American culture.
One of the most renowned bookstores of Amsterdam because of its wide array of fiction and more academic titles. It is very popular among local students; however, their study books are also interesting reading material for non-graduates. They have a particular large selection of books in the humanities, including history, media, language, culture and international relations. Also has a Newscentre with a wide variety of newspapers and magazines.
A second-hand bookstore specialising in English books, and has a large selection, with an especially good selection of travel writing, detectives, and SF/fantasy.
Another good tip for English literature. Prices on the high side, but there's a good selection of fiction and children's books. They also have magazines, newspapers and board games.
Boekhandel Scheltema
One of the largest bookstores in the Netherlands, with a wide selection on five clearly arranged floors with over 125,000 titles for study, travel, cooking, art, history, philosophy, culture and literature.
High-end department store, one of the flagship stores of this chain which opened in 1870. This building on Dam square opened in 1915 and has been a national heritage site since 2021. After a series of expansions throughout the 20th century, the store covers 20,000 m² of retail space.
Midrange department/variety chain store, with 540 branches in the Netherlands. This store is one of the flagship stores of this chain which opened in 1926. Besides daily basics, you can also find original Dutch designs. Besides local food products specific linked to this store like the pastry "tompouce" and a sausage "rookworst", you can also find products with Miffy (Nijntje), Takkie and Siepie. The latter two are a dog and a cat figures famous from a Dutch children's books series "Jip and Janneke".
By metro
The metro serves the central axis and the eastern end of the Binnenstad and connect it with the outer boroughs of Amsterdam.
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