Amsterdam Neighborhood
Oud-West
Trendy without trying too hard. Great food, Vondelpark nearby, and a proper local vibe.
Oud-West 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. Vondelpark is right there for Sunday picnics, the museum district is a walk away, and the neighborhood has this perfect balance of trendy and livable. My coworker moved here last year and will not shut up about it.
Things to Do
4 spots
Local FavoriteRijksmuseum
Yes it is touristy, but it is also genuinely incredible. My friend who hates museums spent three hours here and did not want to leave. Go on a weekday morning.
Local FavoriteVondelpark
My roommate and I come here every Sunday with cheap wine and a blanket. Free, beautiful, and the best people-watching in Amsterdam.
Stedelijk Museum
My friend who works in design says this is the only museum in Amsterdam she never gets tired of. Modern and contemporary art in a building that looks like a bathtub. Go on a rainy afternoon.
Local FavoritePadel Amsterdam
My coworker got our entire office addicted to padel in one session. Book a court, grab a racket, and see why every Dutch person under 40 is obsessed right now.
Eat & Drink
5 spots
The Seafood Bar
My friend Jake flew in from New York and said the oysters here are better than anything in Manhattan. I told him to calm down but he might be right.
Local FavoriteFoodhallen
Basically my second living room. A former tram depot turned food hall with everything from Vietnamese to BBQ. Perfect when your group cannot agree on what to eat.
Vegan Junk Food Bar
My roommate went vegan last year and this is the place that made me stop making fun of her. The loaded fries and vegan burgers are genuinely ridiculous. You do not need to be vegan to love this.
Ron Gastrobar
My neighbor took his wife here for their anniversary and now they go every month. Ron Blaauw made fine dining feel casual — small plates, big flavors, no stuffiness. Book ahead for Friday or Saturday.
Local FavoritenNea Pizza
Best pizza in Amsterdam, full stop. My friend tried to walk in on a Saturday and got laughed at. Book weeks ahead. The margherita alone is worth the planning.
Where to Stay
3 spots
Local FavoriteHotel De Hallen
Built inside a former tram depot right next to the Foodhallen. My roommate calls it the coolest hotel in Amsterdam and honestly she might be right.
Hotel Not Hotel
Every room is a different art installation. My friend Max slept in a room shaped like a tram. It is weird and wonderful and weirdly affordable.
Conscious Hotel Westerpark
Eco-friendly hotel near Westerpark that does not sacrifice style. My friend who is annoyingly into sustainability stayed here and actually approved.
Explore other neighborhoods
Jordaan
Charming canals, cozy cafes, boutique shopping, and the most Amsterdam feeling you can get.
De Pijp
Foodie paradise, vibrant street life, multicultural energy, and the best market in Amsterdam.
Noord
Amsterdam's creative frontier. Street art, craft beer, nightlife, and zero tourist crowds.
Centrum
The historic heart. Tourist-heavy on the main streets, but full of secrets one block over.
Oost
Multicultural, unpretentious, and completely off the tourist radar. The real Amsterdam.
Oud-Zuid
Polished, museum-rich, and beautiful. Amsterdam at its most elegant.
Plantage
Green, historic, and peaceful. Wide boulevards, world-class gardens, and room to breathe.
IJburg
Modern, waterfront, and surprisingly fun. Amsterdam's beach neighborhood.
Zuid
Residential, green, and well-connected. Amsterdam for people who like a bit of calm.