Rivierenbuurt is the quintessential residential neighborhood in central
Amsterdam. Located near the city center, it's the closest thing Amsterdam-Centrum has to a suburb. Symmetrical apartment buildings, peaceful streets, and prestigious schools make up most of the area, making it one of the best places to stay for families in the city. Though it still has a few tourist attractions here and there, this isn't exactly a place where travelers will go sightseeing. Arguably, that's a major part of why it's one of the loveliest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It's still a true-blue city district without the hectic tourism that usually comes with a popular capital city.
Where is Rivierenbuurt in Amsterdam?
Rivierenbuurt is right by Amsterdam-Zuid, just south of the city center. It's technically not a
central neighborhood in Amsterdam since it's a fair distance away from the city center, but it's just as popular as the main districts. The residential area is one of the more suburban neighborhoods that's not too far from Amsterdam-Centrum. Rivierenbuurt is only about five kilometers away from Dam Square, so it's fairly easy for those who live here to go back and forth every day. Its largely peaceful vibe and proximity to the city center make it popular among locals.
Is it Safe in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam?
Not only is Rivierenbuurt generally considered safe, but it's quite possible one of the safest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Firstly,
Amsterdam's crime rates are low to begin with. The city's current general crime rate is only 29%, and it has rarely gone above 30% in recent years. As such, Amsterdam stands out as one of the safest capital cities. There's also Rivierenbuurt itself, which is a largely residential area that's a fair distance away from the city center. The place is much more peaceful than the safe central neighborhoods, so it makes sense that it's much safer here as well.
What's The Vibe in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam?
As already mentioned, Rivierenbuurt is a largely residential neighborhood in the southern corner of Amsterdam. Even the look of the place is a world away from central city districts. While Amsterdam-Centrum enchants with its grand Dutch Baroque and Renaissance architecture, Rivierenbuurt, in particular, is a stark contrast with its Amsterdam School architectural-style apartment complexes. Families, the elderly, and married couples mostly comprise the population here, too, providing a fairly tight-knit community in the Dutch capital. Anyone
moving to Amsterdam who also wishes to live a fairly quiet life here will want to settle down in Rivierenbuurt.
Is it Expensive in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam?
Make no mistake! Rivierenbuurt may be simpler and much more peaceful compared to Amsterdam's central neighborhoods, but it's still far from cheap. Don't forget that
Amsterdam's living costs are generally high, which means all of the districts in the city are bound to be pricey. This isn't to say that Rivierenbuurt is an expensive neighborhood, but it's not exactly the most affordable in the city either. If you eat out here, for instance, it would typically cost you about €15.00 to €50.00 per meal in mid-range to expensive restaurants. The rent here isn't low either, going as far up as €2,500.00 per month.
Source: Flickr.com/ Thomas
What to See in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam
Truth be told, there aren't that many notable sights to see in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam. As mentioned previously, Rivierenbuurt is a largely residential neighborhood that's closer to a typical suburb than a city district. The area is far from Amsterdam-Centrum both in distance, vibe, and number of landmarks. Apart from the unique Amsterdam School architecture that Rivierenbuurt is known for, the Sculpture Of Anne Frank, a memorial dedicated to the late youth who famously hid from the Nazis during World War II, is the closest thing to a notable landmark. The Upside Down Amsterdam museum is fairly popular too, which is an entire gallery of optical illusions and other wacky features.
What to Do in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam
Rivierenbuurt is one of the best places to truly live like a local in Amsterdam. Since it isn't a touristy place, practically all of the hotspots here are local. From indie boutiques to homegrown restaurants, the neighborhood truly highlights the best of local life in this world-famous metropolis. The slow-paced way of life here also makes it a great district for taking a break. When the bustling Amsterdam-Centrum gets too much, you can always commute to this part of the city for a breather. It's such a different vibe here that you'd easily forget you're still in the Dutch capital.
The Best Restaurants in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam
While Rivierenbuurt might be boring for sightseeing tourists, it's a different story for foodies. The neighborhood's culinary scene is far from boring, offering a diverse array of restaurants, bistros, cafes, pubs, and more. These may not be any of
Amsterdam's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but they're still worth checking out. Guru Restaurant on Rijnstraat, for example, serves flavorful traditional and street Indian food. There's also Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen on Scheldestraat, which is a go-to spot for anyone craving authentic Japanese ramen and other delicacies. These and any of Rivierenbuurt's most noteworthy places to eat are not to be overlooked.
- Aubergini Restaurant on Hogelandplein
- Florentin brunch on Eerste Sweelinckstraat
- Guru Restaurant on Rijnstraat
- Malva Amsterdam on Rooseveltlaan
- Mezzave on Eerste van der Helststraat
- Rasoi on Maasstraat
- Restaurant Showw on Gelrestraat
- Rivièra on Rijnstraat
- Takumi Tonkotsu Ramen on Scheldestraat
- Visaandeschelde on Scheldeplein
What to Know About Renting in Rivierenbuurt, Amsterdam
Part of what makes Rivierenbuurt a pricey neighborhood is the rent here. The average rent in this neighborhood ranges from €1,800.00 to €2,500.00 per month, specifically among smaller rentals. These prices, which aren't too far from the city-wide average, mostly apply to studio flats, one-bedroom properties, and even up to two-bedroom homes. If you prefer the bigger
luxury apartments to rent in Amsterdam, you'll have to pay more per month. Don't forget that Rivierenbuurt isn't in the city center, either, so having such prices in this area is pretty unique.
Discover a different side to Amsterdam by exploring Rivierenbuurt. Though it's located near the city center, it's far from the hectic sort of city district that Amsterdam-Centrum is known for. It's a less touristy and largely residential neighborhood.
