The Neighborhood Guide: Amsterdam Like a Local

Amsterdam is a small city, but every neighborhood feels like its own little world. The biggest mistake tourists make is staying in one area and thinking they have seen Amsterdam. You have not. You have seen one neighborhood.

Here is my honest guide to the neighborhoods that actually matter, from someone who lives here and spends most weekends exploring them.

Jordaan — The One Everyone Falls in Love With

The Jordaan is where Amsterdam gets personal. Tiny streets, canal-side cafes, vintage shops, and the kind of neighborhood where your barista knows your name by day two. My friend Sara lives here and swears she will never leave.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, people who want that "Amsterdam feeling" Stay here if: You want canal views, walkability, and charm Eat: Cafe de Klos for the best spare ribs in the city Drink: Cafe Papeneiland for the oldest brown cafe in Amsterdam Sleep: The Hoxton or Pulitzer

The Jordaan used to be a working-class neighborhood. Now it is one of the most desirable areas in the city, but it has kept its character. You can still find tiny galleries, independent bookshops, and markets on Saturdays.

De Pijp — Where the Foodies Live

De Pijp is the neighborhood my roommate moved to three years ago and now acts like she discovered it. Home to the Albert Cuyp market, a million brunch spots, and the kind of energy that makes you walk slower and eat more.

Best for: Food lovers, social travelers, budget-conscious visitors Stay here if: You want to eat your way through Amsterdam Eat: Bakers & Roasters for brunch, Restaurant Rijsel for dinner Do: Albert Cuyp Market every day except Sunday Sleep: Hotel V Fizeaustraat

De Pijp is multicultural, vibrant, and packed with restaurants from every cuisine imaginable. It is also where you will find Heineken Experience, but honestly that is the least interesting thing about this neighborhood.

Oud-West — The Cool Kid

Oud-West is the neighborhood that flew under the radar until about five years ago. Now it is packed with concept stores, wine bars, and people who definitely have a creative agency. The Foodhallen is here, which is basically my second living room.

Best for: Trendy travelers, foodies, people who want a local vibe without trying too hard Stay here if: You want to be near Vondelpark and the museum district Eat: Foodhallen for when your group cannot agree on anything Do: Vondelpark for Sunday picnics, Rijksmuseum is a walk away Sleep: Hotel De Hallen or Hotel Not Hotel

Noord — Amsterdam's Brooklyn

Noord used to be the part of Amsterdam nobody talked about. Now it is the part everyone talks about. Free ferry across the IJ, street art everywhere, NDSM wharf, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

Best for: Creative types, nightlife seekers, people who want something different Stay here if: You like emerging neighborhoods and do not mind a ferry ride Do: NDSM Wharf for street art and flea markets Drink: Shelter for techno until noon Sleep: Sir Adam Hotel in the A'DAM Tower

The ferry is free and runs 24/7. It takes five minutes. My neighbor moved there last year and will not shut up about it (in a good way).

Centrum — The One You Think You Know

Okay, yes, Centrum has the tourist stuff. Dam Square, the Red Light District, all the things you have seen on Instagram. But it also has some genuinely incredible spots if you know where to look.

Best for: First-timers who want to be close to everything Stay here if: Walking distance to major attractions matters to you Drink: Brouwerij 't IJ — a brewery in a windmill Do: Anne Frank House — book ahead! Sleep: Hotel V Nesplein or W Amsterdam

My coworker Thomas grew up here and still takes me to places I have never heard of. The key is getting off the main streets.

My Advice

Pick two or three neighborhoods and spend real time in them. Walk around, sit in a cafe, get lost. Amsterdam rewards you for slowing down.

And please, do not judge the city by the Damrak. That is like judging New York by Times Square. The real Amsterdam is one street over.