Most major cities have their financial districts, each more bustling than the next. This has helped big metropolises like New York City, London, and Paris become the well-known business hubs they are now. But wouldn't you know it?
Amsterdam has one too! Zuidas is the rapidly developing business district of the Dutch capital. This is where big business happens and big money circulates, allowing for the rest of the city to remain as luxurious as ever. Those who move to Amsterdam to work will find that this is the best place to stay, both for their careers and for their residence.
Where is Zuidas in Amsterdam?
Commonly referred to as the “South Axis,” Zuidas is located just south of the city center. Though it's widely regarded as one of
Amsterdam's central neighborhoods, it's a fair distance away from the heart of the Dutch capital. It's about 11.8 kilometers away from Dam Square, the city center, so it's not exactly right by the central districts. Nevertheless, it remains a popular part of the city since it's Amsterdam's main finance district. The corporate world is alive and well here! At the same time, its proximity to Schiphol Airport makes it a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike.
Is it Safe in Zuidas, Amsterdam?
Without a doubt! Zuidas may not look like the safest neighborhood in Amsterdam since it has such an urban energy and it's always bustling, but it's still a largely safe district overall. It helps that
Amsterdam's crime rates are mostly low, with the current general crime rate only at 29%. This makes the city stand out as one of the safest capitals, especially since more similar cities tend to have mid to high crime rates. Moreover, Zuidas is among the more upscale neighborhoods that can afford ample security. With its well-lit streets and high-class establishments, this is far from what many would consider a dangerous place.
What's The Vibe in Zuidas, Amsterdam?
It's worth noting that Zuidas has two distinct vibes that are in perfect harmony. One is the big city vibe that the district is famous for. Its skyscrapers and busy streets embody the area's role as the financial district. Hence, it tends to be compared to the likes of New York City's Wall Street and
London's Canary Wharf, among many others. The second side to Zuidas is the residential part, complete with luxury apartments, high-class penthouses, and more. Many of those who work in Zuidas also live in these apartment complexes, and they provide a quieter vibe that's almost suburban-like.
Is it Expensive in Zuidas, Amsterdam?
Yes, it is. As Amsterdam's financial district that deals with big money, it's no surprise that it's one of the city's more affluent areas. Housing, in particular, is pricey here since most of the available properties include luxury apartments, high-class penthouses, and the like. Even renting here will already cost more than the city-wide average. Eating out in Zuidas is also expensive, with the average price ranging from about €20.00 to €50.00 per meal among mid-range to inexpensive restaurants. This may not seem all that much on its own, but when you add up all the times you eat out, it becomes among the highest
costs in Amsterdam.
What to See in Zuidas, Amsterdam
Zuidas doesn't get enough credit for its most notable sights. It's easy to overlook the neighborhood since it's a business district and its very modern infrastructure isn't as picturesque as the more historic city center. It doesn't even have the canals that the Dutch capital is known for. So, what is there to see in Zuidas, Amsterdam? Architectural marvels like the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center, the World Trade Center, and the Botanical Garden Zuidas, to name a few. These very modern spots are a nice contrast to the old-world beauty that Amsterdam—and the rest of Europe—is better known for.
What to Do in Zuidas, Amsterdam
Anyone
moving to Amsterdam who plans to climb up the corporate ladder will want to settle down in Zuidas. It's not just because it's the city's main financial district and major business, but it's also with what the city offers to its residents. While the city center captivates with its historic beauty, Zuidas presents the on-the-go lifestyle that businessmen, entrepreneurs, and the like are more accustomed to. Hence, the best things to do here are to work, eat out, shop, and luxuriate. Get used to the fast lifestyle if you want to stay!
The Best Restaurants in Zuidas, Amsterdam
The surprising thing about the culinary scene in Zuidas is how diverse it is. It's easy to think that such a district would only have high-class hotspots and
Michelin-starred restaurants suitable for business lunches, corporate events, and the like, but there's more to it than that. Some of the best places to eat in Zuidas also include chill cafes, homegrown diners, local pubs, and more. De Blauwe Engel on Strawinskylaan, for example, is a lively bar that's perfect for hanging out with friends. Strandzuid on Europaplein, on the other hand, is a coastal restaurant that's perfect for a romantic date instead of a business lunch.
Check out the best places to eat in Zuidas, Amsterdam listed below:
- Bolenius Restaurant on George Gershwinlaan
- De Blauwe Engel on Strawinskylaan
- De Japanner Zuid in Crowne Plaza Amsterdam on George Gershwinplein
- Limon on Gustav Mahlerplein
- Loetje Amsterdam ZuidAs on Parnassusweg
- Market 33 in New Amsterdam on Claude Debussylaan
- Nela Restaurant on Beethovenstraat
- Oliver's on Claude Debussylaan
- Selva Restaurant in Hotel nhow Amsterdam RAI on Europaboulevard
- Strandzuid on Europaplein
What to Know About Renting in Zuidas, Amsterdam
As already mentioned, Zuidas is notorious for its expensive housing. It also doesn't help that the area's rental real estate market isn't that diverse. Zuidas mostly has
luxury apartments to rent in Amsterdam, many of which are located in high-rise apartment complexes. As such, the average rent here is about €2,800.00 to €3,500.00 per month, among the highest in the entire city. Simply put, those who work in Zuidas are usually the only ones who can afford to rent or purchase properties here. If you can't afford these prices, you're better off staying in Amsterdam's other neighborhoods instead.
As the city's main financial district, Zuidas in Amsterdam is always bustling. Not only is it a great place to work for those who want to climb up the corporate ladder, but it's also a fun neighborhood with exciting hotspots, a cool urban energy, and more.
