Jodenbuurt and De Plantage
The traditional Jodenbuurt (Jewish quarter) is a mix of the very old and the very new. It begins bustling with its Waterlooplein flea market just on the edge of the Old Centre, but then turns quietly residential once you cross over to De Plantage neighbourhood with its tree-lined streets, zoo and botanical gardens.
Area
Starting east of the Old Centre at the Oude Schans, this area includes many smaller neighbourhoods. It’s bordered by the IJ harbour to the north, the Binnen Amstel river to the south and Sarphatistraat and its extension Czar Peterstraat to the west.
History
Starting in 1600, Jews from across Europe came to Amsterdam to live in relative freedom, and most settled in this section of the city.
Rembrandt was drawn to live here (Rembrandthuis) so he could take advantage of all ‘the biblical faces’. In the 19th century the area east, known as De Plantage, was developed as a quieter residential area for the more wealthy. Few Jews returned alive after WWII but the area remains marked by their legacy: Jewish Historical Museum, Portuguese Synagogue, Gassan Diamonds and Hollandsche Schouwburg.
Highlights
Many come to live here in relative quiet while still enjoying the advantages of being so close to the inner city. Children can take full advantage of Artis Zoo and Science center NEMO, while parents can escape for quiet moments in the botanical gardens Hortus Botanicus or on a bench along the River Amstel.
Culture hounds are well-served at the Muziektheater and with the opening of the new and acclaimed Hermitage Amsterdam.
Your neighbourhood
As can be expected from an affluent neighbourhood filled with many families, the schools and infrastructures for children is excellent - but your children will most likely just want to visit TunFun.
Community action is strong: The area around the Waterlooplein flea market began life as the poorer neighbourhood with its markets and diamond factories. In the 1970s the area saw fiery protests against the building of the Muziektheater/City Hall, and more recently, gentle action with the saving of the very local Pintohuis library.
Eating, drinking etc
Being very central, one has access to all the options of the Old Centre, in particular Nieuwmarkt. But more in the neighbourhood, several bars and restaurants are located along Plantage Doklaan and Plantage Kerklaan across from Artis zoo.
For a real flavour of the neighbourhood, there’s the brown café Eik & Linde. Near the Vrije University, there’s the student-run Kriterion Cinema and several bars catering to students.
- Tell a friend
You can also reach us by phone:
+31 (0)20 254 79 99