Best Neighborhoods in Amsterdam to Stay
There's no definitive answer as to what the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam are. As the saying goes, “different strokes for different folks.” What would be the best for you might not be the best for someone else. It all depends on your vibe and what piques your interest. With that said, the most popular neighborhoods in Amsterdam are De Pijp, Noord, Oud-West, and the Old Centre. They have unmistakable cosmopolitan vibes, great hotspots, and a lot of buzz.
Safest Neighborhoods in Amsterdam
Did you know that Amsterdam is one of the safest capital cities in the world? The crime rates in Amsterdam are considerably lower compared to other major cities in Europe and the rest of the world. It's even up to the point that you'll remain safe at night. This is especially true in Oud-Zuid and De Plantage. Though these districts still get busy at times, they're the safest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Oud-Zuid is the city's famous Jewish Quarter while De Plantage is beloved as a nature-centric area.
Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam
Although Amsterdam is generally safe, you'd still do well to avoid De Wallen, the city's infamous red-light district. As open as the Dutch capital is with its sex workers, the area still sees more crimes than anywhere else. It's not even the sex part that makes it dangerous. Beyond its erotic reputation, De Wallen is still infested with drug dealing, thievery, and more. If you do want to check this place out, do so with company!
De Pijp, Amsterdam
Without a doubt, De Pijp is the most popular neighborhood in Amsterdam. It's the cosmopolitan heart of the city, enthused with a healthy mix of bustling local life with strong touristic energy. Lived with classic 19th-century homes, this is where you'll want to eat, shop, play, and more. You can scour the famous Albert Cuyp Markt for delicious delicacies, go window-shopping along its many boutiques, and enjoy a nice cup of coffee at a streetside cafe. With lots of hustle and bustle in store, you'll never grow bored in De Pijp!
De Pijp Amsterdam Restaurants
It's safe to say that De Pijp's culinary scene is the best in the entire city. It's most notable for its diversity, ranging from charming cafes to even Michelin-starred restaurants. The Dutch capital was never regarded as a food capital, but this neighborhood certainly aims to argue otherwise. In its roster of restaurants, Sjefietshé on Van Ostadestraat stands out with its South American menu of seafood dishes. Don't forget their ceviche too! Sinne on Ceintuurbaan, on the other hand, owes its Michelin star to its delectable take on French cuisine. It's a little slice of Paris in Amsterdam!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Jordaan, Amsterdam
What was once the industrial hub, Jordaan became one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Amsterdam. A whole host of cool cafes, chic bistros, quirky boutiques, and bustling bars await those lucky enough to get to explore this district. They provide the perfect energy for this idyllic area. You might not know it yet, but you've probably seen Jordaan already, even if you haven't been to Amsterdam. It's the most photographed part of the city, thanks in large part to the grand houses and classical buildings that line the Dutch capital's signature canals.
Is Jordaan, Amsterdam Safe?
Yes, it is. This chic and bourgeois neighborhood is among the safest parts of Amsterdam. It helps that it's a tourist-friendly area, which is more motivation for local authorities to keep Jordaan safer than ever.
Jordaan, Amsterdam's Best Restaurants
As mentioned previously, Jordaan is a trendy district with a lot of hotspots. They range from local Dutch restaurants to high-class establishments that serve foreign cuisines. Café Chris is pretty noteworthy as it's the city's oldest bruincafé (brown café). The place has been around since 1624 and remains a hot hangout for locals and tourists alike. Don't miss De Belhamel too! It's one of the best places for French cuisine in this part of town. Though Chez George’s is a great rival to it too. Their cod fillet and lobster bisque are out of this world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, Amsterdam
Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, more commonly referred to as just “Nieuwmarkt,” is another popular part of the Dutch capital. It's most famous as the location of De Waag, a 15th-century secular building that once served as the city gates. Situated right smack in the middle of Nieuwmarkt Square, it's the centerpiece of the entire neighborhood. At the same time, you'll also find Amsterdam's Chinatown here, a treasure trove of Chinese and other Asian culinary hotspots. Beyond just standard restaurants, the tea houses, cafes, and food stores here are a definite must for any foodie in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Noord, Amsterdam
Noord is one of the quieter parts of Amsterdam. Though it's slowly becoming a hip district with all the new hotspots popping up, it's still a largely residential part of the city. Hence, if you could rent a luxury apartment in Amsterdam, you're guaranteed to have a more peaceful life here. Make no mistake, however, that peaceful doesn't mean boring. As mentioned previously, Noord is on its way to becoming a popular neighborhood. You'll find that it has its fair share of amazing restaurants, cute stores, and more where people can hang out and have a good time.
Source: Flickr.com/ Warren LeMay
Old Centre, Amsterdam
Because Amsterdam has changed so much over the years, people often forget that it's a medieval city. Compare the Dutch capital to, say, the towns in the French countryside. The latter places have better retained their medieval identities. Here in Amsterdam, the Old Centre is the only neighborhood where you can still see this part of the city's past. There's the Royal Palace, Oude Kerk (Old Church), and the Amsterdam Museum, some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Oud West, Amsterdam
Alongside De Pijp and Joordan, Oud-West is also among the most popular neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Rows upon rows of 19th-century buildings make up this beloved quarter, so much so that the entire place almost looks monotonous. Nevertheless, what's inside these buildings are craft cafes, upscale restaurants, and the like. In a way, it's the creative hub of the city; the corner where artists and intellectualists hone their ideas and take the city to the new frontier.
Is Oud-West, Amsterdam Safe?
For the most part, yes. Oud West has an average crime rate. It's not exactly the safest part of Amsterdam, but it's far from the most dangerous area in the city too. Just stay aware of your surroundings when you go out, especially at night.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Oud-Zuid, Amsterdam
Oud-Zuid is a fairly affluent part of Amsterdam that has the best of both worlds. Even though it's home to various tourist attractions, the neighborhood is largely peaceful and residential. Parents won't have trouble raising their kids here even when the nearby museums are packed with visitors from who-knows-where. And speaking of museums, Oud-Zuid is home to some of the most notable museums in Amsterdam. These are namely Rijksmuseum, a mecca of Dutch art, and the Van Gogh Museum, a shrine devoted to perhaps the most famous Dutch painter who ever lived, Vincent Van Gogh.
Oud-Zuid, Amsterdam Restaurants
While Oud-Zuid isn’t a particularly foodie destination, many restaurants here are worth your while. First up is Restaurant Oud-Zuid, a Michelin-starred hotspot named after the district. Its sumptuous European menu will have you going back for more. Get their pumpkin tartare and grilled turbot! They're to die for! Wils Bakery Café, on the other hand, is a sweet tooth's paradise. The Dutch pastries they sell here are second to none. But to be fair, Strandzuid's coastal space makes for the perfect culinary setting. Imagine indulging in some grilled delicacies here!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Spiegelkwartier, Amsterdam
Arts and antiques reign supreme here in Spiegelkwartier, another Amsterdam neighborhood worth mentioning. Located only a short stroll away from Rijksmuseum, it's a historic district that has preserved its old-world appeal. You can clearly see it from the grand old houses that still line its cobbled streets. And of course, there are the antique stores that Spiegelkwartier is famous for. Since the area itself goes as far back as the 17th century, it's no surprise that those with a penchant for old but valuable items have set up shop here. But in contrast, Spiegelkwartier has also become a collection of chic art galleries, each highlighting artists from the past, present, and future.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Westerpark
Finally, there's Westerpark, a neighborhood defined by its eponymous park. If you ever move to Amsterdam, you really ought to consider it as one of your possible new hometowns. Why? Because it's near the park? Well, that's not exactly a bad thing. As a green space, Westerpark can provide some much-needed solace in such when things get rather hectic. At the same time, the neighborhood itself is a lively oasis of local life. Even when you've lived all your life in another country, you'll find yourself feeling more Dutch when you stay here.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This Amsterdam neighborhood guide is a good start to learning more about the different districts and areas that make up the Dutch capital. Even by just discovering the most popular neighborhoods, you'll understand the city better too!
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