Admittedly, it's easy to overlook Spaarndammerbuurt when it's right beside Westerpark and Jordaan, two of the most popular neighborhoods in
Amsterdam. Not only are these districts beautiful, but they're also top tourist destinations in the Dutch capital. How could Spaarndammerbuurt ever compete? Well, fortunately, it's not trying to! Mostly known for the street of the same name, Spaarndammerbuurt stands out as one of the quieter and more idyllic areas in Amsterdam. It's also on its way to becoming a hip district, with more and more hotspots popping up and with a friendlier real estate market. It's high time to explore this underrated neighborhood!
Where is Spaarndammerstraat in Amsterdam?
Despite its location, Spaarndammerstraat is still one of the
central neighborhoods in Amsterdam. It's not exactly right at the heart of Amsterdam-Centrum, but it's not too far from the city's central ring either. Spaarndammerstraat is in Amsterdam-West, which, as its name clearly says, is west of the city center. The district is specifically near Westerpark, the area's beloved green space and another lovely neighborhood in its own right. The area is defined by its namesake street, which many would consider a major thoroughfare lined with all sorts of hotspots that draw in locals and tourists alike.
Is it Safe in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam?
Generally speaking, yes, Spaarndammerstraat is a safe part of town. This is mostly because
Amsterdam's crime rates are already low, with the current general crime rate only at 29%. There's no need for further proof that practically all of the city's neighborhoods, particularly the central districts, are safe overall. With that said, however, Spaarndammerstraat tends to get a bad rap as one of the areas many believe you're better off avoiding. Unfortunately, the district suffers from an above-average crime rate, and its working-class history tends to turn off the more biased locals and tourists. Overall, you simply need to take the necessary safety precautions when you step out in Spaarndammerstraat.
What's The Vibe in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam?
As already mentioned, Spaarndammerstraat was once a working-class neighborhood, more akin to a city suburb than an urban neighborhood. Some parts of the area have retained this vibe, but gentrification over the years has transformed this district into a more cosmopolitan spot. The famous Spaarndammerstraat street, for example, is now lined with trendy restaurants, hip shops, high-end boutiques, and the like. These contemporary attractions, paired with a few notable museums and other popular landmarks located in nearby neighborhoods, have helped give Spaarndammerstraat more attention, especially from tourists and those
moving to Amsterdam and looking for a place to settle down.
Is it Expensive in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam?
With the generally high
living costs in Amsterdam, it's fair to expect that Spaarndammerstraat is expensive. There's no denying that the place is pricey, but it's far from the costliest part of the city. The famously affluent Ouid-Zuid still takes the cake in that regard. Spaarndammerstraat, on the other hand, may have become more expensive over the years, but it's still one of the more affordable districts in town. If you eat out here, for example, it's easy enough to only spend about €15.00 to €30.00 per meal if you only dine in either inexpensive or mid-range restaurants. And fortunately, there are a lot of them in the neighborhood!
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Jvhertum
What to See in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam
If you feel like Spaarndammerstraat is a world apart from, say, Amsterdam-Centrum, not just in distance but also in vibe, it's likely because it's not exactly a place for sightseeing. Central Amsterdam is famous for its historic districts filled with old-world appeal and scenic canals. Spaarndammerstraat, on the other hand, is a much quieter neighborhood with little to no notable sights. The most famous is Museum Het Schip, an architectural marvel that highlights, both in its design and its exhibits, the influence of the Amsterdam School. The very striking Pontsteiger residential building is not to be overlooked either.
What to Do in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam
Spaarndammerstraat may not be as bustling as the other central neighborhoods in Amsterdam, but it's in no way boring! The street Spaarndammerstraat alone already proves that there's a lot to do here. If you only have one
day in Amsterdam and you have to spend it on this street, you can indulge in all sorts of cuisines, discover local shops you won't find anywhere else, and meet locals who are likely much calmer than the residents of Amsterdam-Centrum. The famous Museum Het Schip is also nearby and is always worth a visit.
The Best Restaurants in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam
Unsurprisingly, most of the best restaurants in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam, are on its namesake street. While it's not exactly a famous street, especially for those outside of the Dutch capital, Spaarndammerstraat has since become a popular foodie hotspot. It's now lined with trendy restaurants and emerging eateries, providing cool alternatives to the iconic spots and even some of
Amsterdam's best Michelin-starred restaurants in other parts of the city. Cafe de Walvis is one, which is a hip bar and diner that's as much about hanging out with friends as it is about enjoying modern Dutch and European cuisine. Check out this and Spaarndammerstraat's other awesome hotspots listed below.
- Cafe de Walvis
- De Pizzabakkers
- Dignita Westerpark
- Het Punt
- Moos
- Orient Kitchen
- Restaurant Freud
- Renato's Spaarndammerbuurt
- Thais Afhaalrestaurant Dong Son
- Yayang – gezonder & bijzonder
What to Know About Renting in Spaarndammerstraat, Amsterdam
It's worth noting that Spaarndammerstraat is by no means a cheap place. The neighborhood may be more affordable compared to the more central districts, but it's still pretty costly. Take a look at how much rent costs here, for instance. The average rent in Spaarndammerstraat is about €2,995.00 per month. Naturally, there are still many rentals that cost much less than that, but they're far and few between. For the most part, a large majority of the
luxury apartments to rent in Amsterdam cost around this figure, which further proves that Spaarndammerstraat truly is a relatively highly priced area.
Despite how underrated it is, it's still worth exploring Spaarndammerstraat in Amsterdam. This lively neighborhood, best known for its namesake street lined with awesome shops and must-try restaurants, always offers a good time!
