Around Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt District
One of the oldest parts of Amsterdam is the Nieuwmarkt district. Visitors to this part of town will get a feeling for the city’s history and also its diversity. From Buddhist temples to a convent in the middle of the red light district, the Nieuwmarkt is full of surprises.
The Nieuwmarkt itself (New Market) is actually a square in Amsterdam’s Chinatown, next to the Red Light District. Created when the canals in the area were filled-in in 1614, it was then used as a marketplace – which gave the square its name. A daily market is still held here and an organic market is held on Saturdays. There are also many lively cafés and interesting shops – particularly selling books or antiquities - and it’s easy to spend a few hours browsing and people watching.
De Waag
The Nieuwmarkt is dominated by a curious-looking building known as De Waag. Built in 1488, the building was originally a gate in the medieval city walls and was later converted into a weighing house in the 17th century. This characteristic building has had many functions over the years and from 1926 to 1932 it housed the Amsterdam Museum, and until 1987, the Jewish Historical Museum. These days it houses Restaurant-Café In de Waag with its interior lit by 300 candles.
Red Light Convent
You might also be surprised to find a convent in the middle of the red light district. The Bethaniënklooster (Convent of Bethany) dates back to 1462 and was a case of being in the right place at the right time. The idea was that it in a convenient place for any women of ill-repute who might like to repent for their sins by joining a convent. Since 2000, the Bethaniënklooster has been transformed into a widely acclaimed venue for chamber music. The programming includes diverse, high-quality concerts, which are often part of a recurring series.
Chinatown Amsterdam
One of the first things that might strike you when in Amsterdam’s Chinatown is that the street signs are also written in Chinese. The first Chinese settlers in Amsterdam used to load and stoke the coals on the large passenger ships, which is why there is a prominent Chinatown near the old harbour. Once this industry vanished, the Chinese opened up shops and restaurants here. This is why you find the best Chinese restaurants and shops right in the heart of Amsterdam’s old city centre. And it’s the place to celebrate Chinese New Year in Amsterdam.
Zeedijk Temple
You might not expect to find the largest Buddhist temple in Europe when visiting Amsterdam, but you certainly won't miss the striking Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple or Zeedijk Temple built in traditional Chinese palace-style. The temple was designed by Dutch architect Fred Greven and was opened in 2000 by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. This was a global first for Buddhism, as Queen Beatrix was the first statesperson ever to support Buddhism in public. Guided tours of the temple are given on Saturday afternoons.
Come and enjoy some unique and unexpected experiences in Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt district.
- Tell a friend