Amsterdam Neighborhoods Explained: Where Your Friends Actually Live

Here's the thing about Amsterdam neighborhoods: they're not all created equal.

The Popular Ones (But Still Good)

Jordaan Where all the Instagram photos come from. But the real Jordaan is 2 blocks away from the main streets. Walk down random alleys.

Pros: Beautiful, walkable, great food and drinks Cons: Pricey, crowded on weekends

De Pijp Albert Cuyp Market is the famous part, but the real vibe is the residential streets. Young professionals, families, excellent restaurants.

Pros: Authentic, better food than Jordaan, less crowded Cons: Fewer hotels, some parts feel residential

The Up-and-Coming Ones

Oud-West Used to be sketchy. Now? Some of the best restaurants in the city. My favorite neighborhood honestly.

Pros: Authentic, less touristy, great restaurants Cons: Fewer attractions, farther from city center

Noord Across the Ij River. Industrial-warehouse-turned-artsy-hotspot. Take the free ferry across.

Pros: Completely different vibe, cheaper, where artists work Cons: Less walkable, fewer restaurants

Where to Stay By Vibe

Romantic weekend: Jordaan or Oud-West Party scene: Noord or young-focused areas Families: De Pijp or Oud-West (quieter) Budget travelers: Noord or outer neighborhoods

The Real Talk

Your Instagram version of Amsterdam is real. But it's like 2% of what makes this city special. The other 98% is neighborhood cafés, local wine bars, and random street art.

Pick a neighborhood. Live there for 3 days if you can.

Places mentioned in this guide

Every spot here is personally vetted — no sponsored placements.

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The Hoxton Amsterdam

Local Favorite

jordaan·boutique hotel

If you want a hotel that feels like a stylish apartment with a great lobby bar, The Hoxton is it. Book early—especially in summer.

€€

O'Donnell's Irish Pub

Local Favorite

de pijp

My buddy watches every Premier League game here with a Guinness in hand. Proper Irish pub, proper pints, and the pub grub hits different when you are homesick for comfort food.

€€

Gollem's Proeflokaal

Local Favorite

oud west

My neighbor calls this beer heaven and he is not exaggerating. Over 200 beers, staff who actually know what they are talking about, and the coziest little bar you will find.