The 9 Streets
The quaint and quirky streets that straddle Amsterdam’s grandest canals form the city’s most photogenic micro-neighbourhood. Known to locals as De Neg...
In addition to the world-famous historic Canal Ring, Amsterdam's City Centre district ('Centrum') is home to a host of renowned museums, charming and high-end shopping areas, fantastic culture and entertainment.
In Amsterdam’s centre you will, of course, find the magnificent Canal Ring, but there is so much more besides. The inner city, for instance, is bursting with interesting museums, sometimes hidden behind beautiful canal-side façades. The diversity of the city centre’s culture is vast, from the emotional Anne Frank House in the west of the centre, through to the upbeat nature of Science Center NEMO in the east. In between, find an inspiring collection of art and history.
There is a vast array of shopping opportunities, from fashion brands and chains (Nieuwendijk, Kalverstraat) through to independent innovators and inspiring market stalls, such as at Noordermarkt. Or get lost in the Jordaan or in the 9 Straatjes (Nine Streets) – lanes that link the canals and where the most exclusive and original shops can be found, just like in the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk.
These days, major entertainment areas include public squares like Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. On or around Leidseplein you’ll find the city’s main theatre (Stadsschouwburg) the two most popular gigging venues (Paradiso and Melkweg), the grand Art deco American Hotel, intellectual entertainment at De Balie, a major cinema multiplex (Pathé City) and numerous nightclubs, restaurants and bars, bars, bars. Likewise, Rembrandtplein is a hotspot for wining and dining, as well as home to some of the biggest party spots. Plus, you can always stop off for a selfie with Rembrandt’s statue and the protaganists from ‘The Night Watch’.
