Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is one of the underrated neighborhoods in
Amsterdam, so much so that it's easily overlooked among the many popular districts in Amsterdam-Centrum. Located south of Centraal Amsterdam Station and right by the Amstel River, it's easy to get confused about what the place is truly about. Nieuwmarkt refers to the public square for the uninformed, while the neighborhood surrounding it is Lastage. Many might argue that the two can be separate districts, but in various ways, one cannot exist without the other. The entire neighborhood is a much more exciting place when the two converge.
Where is Nieuwmarkt en Lastage in Amsterdam?
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is right at the heart of Amsterdam-Centrum. Nieuwmarkt is one of the borough's popular public squares, while Lastage is the
central neighborhood in Amsterdam that surrounds it. Technically, these are two fairly separate places that have very distinct vibes, but since one is virtually within the other, they've become regarded as one huge district. It's also among the more underrated in central Amsterdam, mostly because it's located near many of the city's other, more popular neighborhoods. The likes of Jordaan, De Wallen, and Negen Straatjes are not too far from here.
Is it Safe in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam?
Yes, it is. For one thing,
Amsterdam's crime rates were low to begin with. The city stands out as one of the safest among the world's capital cities, which are notorious for their mid to high crime rates. Amsterdam's current general crime rate is only 29%, and it rarely goes above that. Moreover, it helps that Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is one of the more underrated neighborhoods in central Amsterdam. Though it still gets crowded from time to time, the area remains largely peaceful throughout. It still gets petty crimes now and then, but this district is still far from what many would consider dangerous.
What's The Vibe in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam?
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage captivates with its historic beauty and lively urban energy. It's rarely the most crowded part of the city, but it's also far from boring. The Nieuwmarkt public square, for instance, still gets its fair share of locals and tourists alike. It's always a good time here, complete with hip hotspots and quirky shops worth checking out. Lastage, on the other hand, is the more peaceful neighborhood that surrounds the square. Though some parts are trendy and draw in the cosmopolitans, most of the district is largely residential. It's no wonder many who
move to Amsterdam would love to settle down here.
Is it Expensive in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam?
Without a doubt! Don't forget that Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is right smack near the city center, one of the most popular parts of Amsterdam. Such places are usually expensive, and this particular district is no different. From rent to groceries, the prices here tend to be higher compared to the rest of the city. And considering that
Amsterdam's living costs are already fairly high to begin with, staying in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is sure to be costly! Take dining out, for instance. The average price for a meal in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage typically costs a minimum of €15.00 to a maximum of €50.00 per person.
What to See in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam
Truth be told, Nieuwmarkt is the main thing to see in the neighborhood. Not only is it a lively public square that shows off what local life in Amsterdam is truly like, but the very Medieval-looking De Waag city gate will always catch your attention. The structure, which is one of the oldest non-religious buildings in the country, looks straight out of a storybook! The contrast between this old-world city gate and the more contemporary spots nearby is a fascinating sight to see. So is the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, the premier performing arts center in the Dutch capital.
What to Do in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam
If you can only spend one
day in Amsterdam, consider doing it in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage! The public square alone will already give you a good time. Here, you can bask in the city's old-world architecture, see how locals live their everyday lives in the city, and shop at all the fascinating stores and stalls in the area. If you're an art lover, you'll love visiting the Rembrandt House Museum in the Lastage neighborhood. Not only is it an entire shrine dedicated to one of the most influential Dutch masters who ever lived, but it also boasts one of the best collections of Rembrandt paintings in the world.
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage's Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
Another great way to spend time in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is to go on a foodie tour of the district. This is arguably one of the best neighborhoods to eat out since it boasts one of the best culinary scenes in the entire city. The place has everything, from trendy bistros and humble diners to some of
Amsterdam's best Michelin-starred restaurants. Lastage on Geldersekade is a great example of the latter. Though it's one of the more expensive places to eat, every cent you spend here is worth it since it serves Dutch-French haute cuisine. This and many of Nieuwmarkt en Lastage’s best restaurants listed below should be in any true-blue foodie's itinerary.
- Lastage on Geldersekade
- Café Stevens on Geldersekade
- Villa Nieuwmarkt on Nieuwmarkt
- Deyacos Restaurant & Bar on Nieuwmarkt
- Lagom on Snoekjessteeg
- Restaurant Van Beeren on Koningsstraat
- Il Sogno on Koningsstraat
- Restaurant Kyo on Koningsstraat
- Choux on De Ruijterkade
- Restaurant Olijfje on Valkenburgerstraat
What to Know About Renting in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam
The rent in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is another huge reason why it's such an expensive neighborhood. The average rent here ranges from €1,650.00 for a studio or a one-bedroom apartment to about €2,950.00 for a two-bedroom rental. If you want to rent any of the bigger
luxury apartments to rent in Amsterdam, however, expect to pay more. Such is the reality of living in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam. You'll need to shell out tons of money just to live comfortably here. The silver lining is that the district's rental real estate market is diverse enough that it's relatively easy to find a place that's right for you and that you can still afford.
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage is one of the more underrated neighborhoods in Amsterdam. While it may not be as famous as the city's other popular districts, it's still a lovely area with a famous market, fascinating hotspots, and more.
