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...
Amsterdam’s renowned art and culture and top shopping
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.
Top shopping
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.
Seek out entertainment
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’.
Areas in central Amsterdam
Jordaan
The Jordaan is possibly the most famous neighbourhood in the Netherlands. Akin to the reputation enjoyed by London’s Cockneys, this once working-class...
Canal Ring
Alongside tulips and windmills, the global image of Amsterdam is one of a city entwined with water. Since its development in the 17th century, Amsterd...
Spiegelkwartier
Amsterdam’s Spiegelkwartier (literally: ‘mirror quarter’) is an absolute must for lovers of art, antiques and curiosities: the area has been at the he...
Museum district
Explore Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter and uncover a neighbourhood that’s home to some of the world’s most important artistic and historical treasures, ch...
Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk
Have you ever had the feeling that all of the world’s shopping streets pretty much have the same stuff on offer? Well then, you need to visit Amsterda...
Red Light District
The majority of people have heard about Amsterdam’s Red Light District well before their visit. Leaving nothing to the imagination, some stereotypes a...
Nieuwmarkt
Located just a short stroll from Central Station, the area around the Nieuwmarkt is one of the oldest districts of Amsterdam. Spend a few hours explor...
