Renting a property is often not just based on features such as a balcony, bath or beautiful kitchen. The location is one of the first choices you have to make. Would you rather live in the center of the bustling capital or would you rather find some peace and quiet outside the ring road of Amsterdam? In this blog series we explain everything about rent, rental, property management and corporate housing. Not only do we cover factual information about our services and contracts, but we also give advice on what to take into account before making a decision. This blog informs you all about the ‘highlights’ and pros and cons of different places in Amsterdam.
Center of Amsterdam
When you think of Amsterdam, you’re probably thinking of a vibrant, touristic city with bars, restaurants, shops and pubs on every street. We don’t deny that the center of Amsterdam does indeed look like this. Yet Amsterdam is much more than that. As soon as you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of central Amsterdam, you can take the free ferry to Amsterdam Noord.
Amsterdam North
Although Noord used to be an up-and-coming neighborhood, it’s now a bustling neighborhood full of culture and activities. Noord is not only green and family friendly, but there is always something to do. It couldn’t be easier; take the free ferry from Noord to the city centre and in no time you’ll be right in the middle of it. No matter how nice the busy city is, sometimes you just want to get away from it all. Along the IJ you can cycle into the nature of Durgerdam. This cycle route from the Nieuwdammerdijk offers plenty of opportunities to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. Durgerdam itself is reminiscent of the Netherlands in bygone days. To be able to enjoy the IJ even more and the view that goes with it, you should definitely try one of the terraces on the north bank overlooking the water.
Amsterdam East
East is known for its wide streets with 19th century buildings. The highlights of East are without a doubt the Oosterpark and the Tropenmuseum. The large selection of greenery in East is no superfluous luxury in our capital. This way you can relax after a busy day at work. The Oosterpark has vast fields and lots of water. It is therefore not surprising that this park has been the place for residents and tourists to take a relaxing walk, play sports, picnic or meet each other for over a hundred years. In recent years the Javastraat – with all its clubs, cafes, culinary wine bars and traditional bakeries – has become the beating heart of Amsterdam East. This district has a rich multicultural core which creates a unique and dynamic atmosphere. Did you know that the Dappermarkt in Amsterdam Oost was put in the top ten best shopping streets in the world by the National Geographic Traveler? This market – and the entire Dapperbuurt area – are well worth visiting and researching.
Southeast
Clockwise we travel further to Amsterdam Zuidoost. Artists have recently been used to transform staircases, viaducts, parking garages, underpasses and side walls of high-rise flats into monumental works of art. The start of this art route through the H-neighbourhood lies at subway station Bullewijk. In addition to art you will also find a large green shed surrounded by nature where you can enjoy a delicious convent beer. The beer from this brewery is the only real beer of the Bijlmer. For an afternoon of enjoyment among the animals, the Bijlmerweide petting zoo is the place to be. In addition to goats, calves and rabbits, you’ll also find a playground and a canteen for thirst-quenchers and snacks. Events for the little ones are also regularly organized here. The food court World of Food is an indispensable part of your tour of South-Eastern Europe. Here you will find over 25 eateries with the best street food from the Arabic, Creole, Indonesian, Surinamese, Hindustani and Thai cuisine.
Amsterdam South
Do you want to spend a day sniffing out culture? Then you’ll definitely end up in Amsterdam Zuid. Oud-Zuid is full of museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, Stedelijk Museum and the Diamond Museum. After a day of culture sniffing, it’s best to unwind in one of the beautiful parks that Amsterdam South has to offer, of which the Vondelpark is the best known. To get a closer look at local life, dive into the Albert Cuyp market. Little more than a few hours of wandering around one of the most Amsterdam markets there is. Too hot or too crowded for a museum, park or market? You’ll find a dose of peace and coolness in the Beatrixpark or Amsterdamse Bos. In the middle of the latter lies the Grote Vijver, which is considered by many Amsterdammers as the ultimate swimming pond.
Amsterdam West
Parallel to the Vondelpark runs a lively Amsterdam shopping street in West: the Overtoom. This shopping street is full of nice boutiques, shops and concept stores. Old West has grown into a walhalla for vegetarians and vegans. Anyone who thinks that you can’t get your cultural traits into West is wrong. De Hallen is a cultural center full of shops, a cinema, a hotel and a food market. Craftsmen are invited here every month to sell unique, homemade items. Here you’ll find not only clothing and jewellery, but also bicycles, furniture, books and other trinkets. Fancy a nice walk through one of Amsterdam West’s most cultural neighbourhoods? The Helmersbuurt is a unique neighborhood with tall trees and several cultural hotspots. Once upon a time, countless artists and writers lived here. Sniff out the creativity they left here.
I want more!
Do you want to know more about Amsterdam, the different hotspots and what you can do here? Or do you have nice additions, tips or advice? Please let us know by sending an email to amsterdam@expathousing.com and who knows, we might be able to show your highlights next time.