Inside Schinkelbuurt: Amsterdam’s neighbourhood on the rise

Schinkelbuurt: Zuid’s best-kept secret

Discover alternative subcultures at OCCII

Located at the end of Vondelpark, OCCII is a not-for-profit live music venue that credits its development to the squatting movement of the late 80s and 90s. The colourful Russian folk designs on the tall doors at the front hint at its original purpose as a stable and tram depot. In the programming, you’ll find a range of alternative genres, including noise, hardcore, acoustic, rave, electronic and punk, which make an excellent night for exploring Amsterdam’s diverse subcultures and musical heritage.

Soak up the greenery in Park Schinkeleiland

Perched along the banks of the Schinkel River, Park Schinkeleiland is the halfway green space between Vondelpark and Amsterdamse Bos. Spread across the various islands, every kind of recreational activity is catered for here, hence the likes of Tennis Island and Football Island. For nature lovers, Natuureiland is focused on preserving local ecology, and you’ll find different birds and wildlife species there. Elsewhere, Parkeiland is where you can sunbathe, relax and take a brisk dip while you admire views of the floating homes that line the river. 

Tuck into all-day menus at Bennie’s

Undoubtedly one of the trendiest additions to this corner of Amsterdam, walking into Bennie’s feels like entering a retro Scandi-chic design showroom. A luminous and cavernous space, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a casual lunch, choosing from their brioche sandwiches or a hearty à la carte selection. The evenings are buzzier, with live DJs, a vinyl bar, an expertly curated wine list and global influences peppering the Franco-Italo-Dutch-inspired menu.

Dance and dine at Multipla

Dancefloor dining has been on the rise in Amsterdam, courtesy of places like Multipla, a multi-purpose venue that begins the night as a restaurant and descends into a steamy club by the early hours. Dreamed up by the brains behind popular Sissi’s (now also located nearby), the Schinkelbuurt’s newest hotspot is ‘an ode to function over form and fun over fancy’ with a concept that combines Italian small plates dining (from €3.50 for antipasti and €26.40 for mains) with well-chosen wines and after-dinner clubbing. Set in a former garage, expect a creative and high-octane crowd. 

Sip on speciality coffee at Stean’s Beans

There’s no lack of speciality coffee spots in Amsterdam, but Stean’s Beans takes a practical and conscientious approach to its East African beans. The store hosts workshops on mastering the art of coffee, welcoming budding and established baristas to train their brewing, pouring, and savouring skills. If you just want a good cup of coffee, though, that’s easy to find here, too—from textured espresso to expertly frothed cappuccinos. 

Head to serene riverside café Gent aan de Schinkel

In a neighbourhood named after a river, you’ll want to glimpse its central watery body. Lucky for you, Gent aan de Schinkel is the perfect spot to take in the view while you enjoy a crisp drink of your choice. Draped in foliage and home to a large terrace complete with riverside views, this is possibly exactly what you hope to find after an afternoon out walking, when a burger and a beer are really the only option. 

Indulge in excellent Indonesian fare at Blauw

Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for Indonesian food is well-known, and Blauw remains one of the best southern outposts in the city for the cuisine. Everything at this sleek eatery, including vegetarian, meat and fish rijsttafels (around €52.50 pp), is made from recipes that go back at least two generations. Highlights include flame-grilled goat satay, fragrant daging rendang (spicy braised beef with coconut), and the chef's signature tahu peteh (fried spicy tofu with peteh beans).

Shop quality vintage at Rosa Rosa’s Vintage

Secondhand is in. And if you’re in the area, Rosa’s Vintage is the spot. Home to punchy prints, 70s-inspired clothes and all manner of antique accessories and jewellery, stop here and you’re bound to leave with something different in hand. Better yet, it’s next door to one of the cosiest coffee spots in the area, Pipes & Beans, which serves Colombian-roasted goodness to anyone who stumbles upon this living-room style gem.

Brush up on cocktail knowledge at Spirited Union

Everyone loves a cocktail (and mocktail), and Spirited Union knows this well. Dubbed the world’s first botanical rum company, this local distillery organises both distilling and cocktail workshops for those with a taste for rum. Stop by for a guided tour and cocktail-making class, alcoholic or not, which makes for a great group activity. You'll need to book ahead, but it’s a great pre-drinks spot before dinner next door at Bennies.

Stay out for afters at Sissi’s

After a short closure and relocation, Sissi’s is back, adding to the district’s increasingly lively nightlife. Like Multipla (they share owners after all), this restaurant-turned-club buzzes into the after-hours and embodies the area’s emerging scene. What makes Sissi’s particularly worthy is its terrace, which comes alive in the summertime. Head here before 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays when the club entrance is free, a perfect choice after you’ve indulged in the chef’s menu at the on-site restaurant.