Anyone planning to move to
Amsterdam will find that living in the suburbs might end up as the wiser move. This isn't to say that central Amsterdam isn't a good place to stay, but it's undoubtedly not for everyone. Those who want to enjoy the Dutch capital's urban energy without living there will see that Amsterdam's suburbs are a better option for them. Places like Amstelveen, Diemen, Haarlem, Hoofddorp, and Purmerend, among many others, are much quieter but also just as lovely as the city itself. They're all fairly close to the center but a good distance away from the hectic areas.
Amstelveen
Amstelveen is what many consider the main suburb of Amsterdam. Not only is it relatively close to the city center, approximately 12.8 kilometers in distance, but it's also among the most peaceful districts on this list. Despite its popularity with families who live or have just
moved to Amsterdam, Amstelveen is most beloved for its nature-centric vibe. The neighborhood's main highlights include no less than the famous Amsterdamse Bos nature park, the Heemparken botanical garden, and of course, the Amstel River. It's practically a slice of the Dutch countryside near the Dutch capital!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ MartinD
Diemen
Located only a little over six kilometers southeast of Amsterdam's city center, Diemen is another of the Dutch capital's most beloved suburbs. Naturally, its proximity to
Amsterdam's central neighborhoods helps a lot. Those who live here have no problem working/studying in Amsterdam-Centrum while coming back to this small town-like district for a more peaceful lifestyle. Originally a fishing village, Diemen looks and feels straight out of a Beatrix Potter book, the kind that never fails to keep you cozy even in the harshest winter. Who wouldn't want to live in such a lovely neighborhood?
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ User-Gerrit/Topjabot
Haarlem
Technically speaking, Haarlem is an entirely separate city from Amsterdam. Located 31 kilometers away from Amsterdam-Centrum, it's still near enough to be considered a suburb of the Dutch capital. Much like the famous New York City neighborhood of the same name, Harleem has long served as a major arts and culture hub of the Netherlands. There's Teylers Museum, for example, which is the country's oldest museum and is an amazing space for looking at and learning more about art and science. There's also Gouden Straatjes, a popular shopping street lined with fascinating concept stores, high-end boutiques, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Hoofddorp
Similar to Haarlem, Hoofddorp is also technically a different town from Amsterdam. It's more of a city of North Holland than a district of the Dutch capital, but since it's only about 28 kilometers away from the city center, it's near enough to be considered a suburb. It also helps that Hoofddorp is far more peaceful than Amsterdam-Centrum. Though it has its fair share of trendy restaurants, well-known museums, and the like, the energy here doesn't compare to the everyday hustle and bustle of the capital city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ A.Bakker
IJburg
IJburg isn't just one of the main suburbs in Amsterdam! It's an entire artificial archipelago just east of the Dutch capital. It's technically still under construction as one of the newest neighborhoods in Amsterdam, but many parts of it have already been inhabited since 2004. Those who did move here likely did so because they want to live near water, which is arguably the main draw of this four-island archipelago. Beyond the lovely residential districts that IJburg is mostly known for, water sports are the name of the game here. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and the like are just some of the common pastimes in this suburb.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Remi Mathis
Osdorp
Don't let anyone dissuade you from exploring or even settling down in Osdorp, Amsterdam. In these tumultuous times that unfortunately have a large anti-immigrant sentiment going around, an immigrant-heavy neighborhood like Osdorp tends to get a bad rap. Let's not forget that
Amsterdam's crime rates are generally low, and that still applies to this suburb. Is it the safest part of the city? No, but it's not a dangerous place either. It's simply the main immigrant hub of Amsterdam, which means it's also a colorful mix of different cultures by way of local restaurants, homegrown shops, and more.
Source: Flickr.com/ Wojtek Gurak
Purmerend
Purmerend is best known for its Koemarkt, wherein instead of meat, full-blown cattle are sold. This may be mostly for the farmers, but it's still a fascinating sight to see. At the same time, such an establishment proves that Purmerend provides another slice of the Dutch countryside near the capital city. It's not especially rural since the neighborhood still has many high-class residential areas and lively commercial establishments, but the slow-paced way of life is a refreshing contrast from Amsterdam-Centrum's crowded energy. It's no wonder many families also prefer living here instead.
Source: Flickr.com/ Nik Morris (van Leiden)
Slotervaart
Many locals would proudly claim that Slotervaart is the best suburb in Amsterdam, and it's not hard to see why. Not only is it a fair distance away from the city center, a good 20 kilometers away, but it's also known for its big homes, green spaces, and top-notch hospitals. The former even includes such high-class residences that could easily rival the finest
luxury apartments in Amsterdam. Complete with a more peaceful vibe compared to Amsterdam itself, it's no wonder many would prefer to live here instead of in the more famous city districts.
Source: Flickr.com/ Nuno Macedo
Rivierenbuurt
Rivierenbuurt is undoubtedly one of the most popular suburbs in Amsterdam since it's still right by the central ring of the city. It's not a central neighborhood, per se, but it's so near the city center that many already consider it as such. Nevertheless, the look and feel of Rivierenbuurt is purely suburban. The district stands out with its symmetric apartment complexes designed in the unique Amsterdam School architectural style, providing a stark contrast to the grander Baroque and Renaissance era designs that Amsterdam-Centrum is best known for.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Watergraafsmeer
Watergraafsmeer offers the best of both worlds. On one end, the suburb is among the greenest on this list, boasting lush green spaces, which include the famous Oosterpark, that could easily help you forget about the rest of the city. The place is so green that the air here is possibly much fresher compared to other parts of Amsterdam. At the same time, parts of Watergraafsmeer still offer a cosmopolitan vibe, but much more chill than the city center. You can still enjoy a lively night out with friends here without facing the hectic crowds normally found in Amsterdam-Centrum.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ceescamel
There’s more to Amsterdam than the famous city districts where the famous canals flow through. The Dutch capital also has many beautiful suburbs where locals can live in peace while still staying near the city center.
