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Borough of Amsterdam in North Holland, Netherlands
Photo: Janericloebe, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
While often overlooked by foreign visitors, locals know that the west of Amsterdam has a lot to offer visitors. There's whole neighborhoods in unique 19th-century architectural styles, some of the best bars and clubs in Amsterdam, and the quickly gentrifying Oud-West. Administratively, the district consists of two boroughs, West and Nieuw-West, and Westpoort, a port along the IJ directly controlled by the municipal authorities.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A museum about the Amsterdam School architectural style, housed in a building that is probably the city's best example of that style entrance.
Not too far west of the Vondelpark, but much quieter and larger in size.
A park at the western edge of the centre, with cultural activities in a former gas factory (Westergasfabriek). Access from Haarlemmerweg.
In the Ookmeer sports fields along Ma Braunpad.
Near Seineweg.
at Nieuwpoortkade.
A restored and functioning sawmill, opposite Buyskade, west of the Jordaan.
In Zuid, the only one open for visitors
They specialise in traditional Southern Indian cuisine, especially the eponymous 'Dosa' (a rice and lentil pancake with a variety of fillings). The food is outstanding and well worth hunting out. The dosas are exceptional and a treat worthy of a visit by themselves.
International food court with 20 food-stands housed in a large building that was once a tram depot.
Traditional Dutch cuisine. The restaurant may be cramped, but it does serve some quality and rustic Dutch fare. This place is cash only.
Small ramen restaurant with friendly staff, quick service, and good selection of ramen & appetizers. Also serve beer & sake. Closes early and small seating so might want to reserve on weekends.
TonTon Club is an excellent place for a good night out. The place has a unique atmosphere with Japan as its inspiration. Upstairs there are arcades and button bashers, downstairs there's room for drinks and board games. You can also order Japanese snacks. Be early as tables are often reserved.
Small bar with friendly staff and a cosy and candle-lit atmosphere. Selection of beers on tap and in bottles, including a triple blonde specially made for the bar. Small selection of bar food as well.
A large alternative place with lots of art on its walls. There's ping pong, a very local and fairly young crowd.
Cheap but clean hotel, close to the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum.
Baarjes
Free bikes - Wi-fi free - breakfast included.
This HIExpress is right in the midst of the web of tracks extending around Sloterdijk station, making it very convenient for travel to just about any point in Amsterdam. That said, the actual area around the hotel is a sombre office park and a huge "transferium", so it is best to only come there to sleep and have (free) breakfast.
The Meininger chain's properties sit somewhere between budget hotels and hostels, with available multi-person rooms with bunk beds and on-site laundrette. The hotel is relatively new and visually attractive if rather basic inside. Again, staying in the midst of Sloterdijk is great for transit possibilities and rather unexciting regarding everything else.
Fairly large youth hostel, very clean and professional, operated by the Dutch affiliate of Hostelling International. Next to the pleasant Vondelpark, puts you on the south-western side of the city center and just a few blocks from the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. The breakfast is filling and has a social atmosphere. This location is popular with school groups. Bring a padlock for your locker, or purchase one at the desk.
The Ramada is a solid property, but calling it "Amsterdam Centre" was not even close to reality, as the hotel is at the remote end of Rembrandtpark, close to the A10 ring road running across Amsterdam-West. That said, you will find getting to the city quite easy thanks to them tram 13 stop at the hotel's back and the park provides a tranquil environment. The best rooms have great views of Amsterdam over the park; the less fortunate guests will have to enjoy residential blocks of Slotervaart. The good news is that the hotel has a top-floor restaurant, bar and terrace for everybody to enjoy the best views.
Trendy boutique hotel.
Near Leidseplein with tram connections and bus to airport. Near Vondelpark and Museumplein. Buffet breakfast available at extra cost. Unlimited free coffee (including koffie verkeerd, the Dutch equivalent of café au lait) for guests in the lobby area.
At the border of Oud-West and the Canal District, this old-fashioned Marriott can offer a relatively attractive rate and still has a convenient location for exploring the city centre.
The hotel has 19 meeting rooms as well as 6 business suites. The hotel provides free shuttle service from and to the airport as well as free wi-fi in public areas.
Third largest in Amsterdam with food, households, flowers and clothing.
By metro
Metro lines 50 and 51 both pass westbound through Amsterdam Zuid station then turn northbound through the West district, terminating at Isolatorweg.
By tram
These are the tram lines serving the West district as of January 2020:
By bus
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