Districts

Amsterdam is famous for its canals, typical Dutch houses and Red Light District. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010. However, there's more to the Amsterdam than the well known tourist hotspots. It's a vibrant multicultural city packed with museums, modern architecture in the New Islands,  the trendy Jordan neighbourhood and some great nightlife.  Each district has it's  own history and  individual character. We've reviewed the main ones and worked with locals to get insider  tips to ensure you don't miss out. We'll help you discover Amsterdam, it's a special city, one visit and your hooked.

Amsterdam's Neighbourhoods

Click on a district below to find out more about each neighbourhood.

Amsterdam's districts
  • Centre Category: City centre, Historical Centre
    Centrum-amsterdam-wijken-4(h:70)(p:location,797)(c:0) Amsterdam's centre is bustling and busy with tourists but it's still popular with locals too. Here you'll find the main attractions. shopping streets, Dam Square, the Red Light District and Chinatown.
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  • De Wallen Category: City centre, Historical Centre
    Rosse-buurt-districts-1(h:70)(p:location,2843)(c:0) Amsterdam's famous Red Light District has a worldwide reputation. Discover this bustling area.
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  • China Town Category: City centre, Historical Centre
    Fo-guang-shan-he-hua-tempel-chinese-wijk-wi(h:70)(p:location,2844)(c:0) Kitsch souvenir shops, windows filled with Peking Duck and an Asian temple can only mean one thing, you are in Chinatown. After London this is Europe's oldest Chinese community.
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  • Grachtengordel (canals) Category: City centre, Historical Centre, Lively area
    Leidsegracht-grachtengordel-amsterdam-wijke(h:70)(p:location,808)(c:0) Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris. It's a city famous for its waterways and it's easy to see how it earned it's nickname "Venice of the North". Read our info on the Amsterdam canals.
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  • Jordaan Category: City centre, Historical Centre, Lively area
    Johnny-jordaanplein-de-jordaan-amsterdam-wi(h:70)(p:location,809)(c:0)  An authentic neighborhood with character and true Amsterdam residents. One of the most loved districts in the city.
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  • Spiegelkwartier Category: City centre, Historical Centre
    Spiegelkwartier-amsterdam-wijken-4(h:70)(p:location,798)(c:0) For more than 80 years craftsmen have made the Spiegelkwartier district their home. It's a lively neighbourhood of antique and workshops.  
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  • Plantagebuurt Category: City centre, Historical Centre
    Plantage-middenlaan-plantagebuurt-amsterdam-1(h:70)(p:location,815)(c:0) If you prefer a slower pace, interesting architectural styles and green spaces then visit the Plantage neighborhood. It's home to the Zoo (Artis) and an historical botanical gardens.
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  • Oosterparkbuurt Category: Suburb
    Oosterparkbuurt-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,2845)(c:0) This neighbourhood is a tranquil haven in the middle of the city. The Oosterparkbuurt is the perfect place to escape the crowds. There's plenty to do here including a visit to the Tropenmuseum.
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  • De Pijp Category: City centre
    Ferdinant-bolstraat-de-pijp-amsterdam-wijke(h:70)(p:location,812)(c:0) Until recently this was working class neighbourhood, today it's home to young intellectuals. It's a vibrant area with good bars and the famous Albert Cuyp market.  
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  • Oud Zuid Category: City centre, Historical Centre
    Pc-hooftstraat-oud-zuid-amsterdam-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,811)(c:0) The Old South (Oud Zuid) is home to the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum, it's the cultural heart of Amsterdam. Stately buildings and the beautiful Vondelpark can be found here.
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  • Oud West Category: Suburb
    Kinkerstraat-oud-west-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,2846)(c:0) The Old West is truly multicultural with more than 170 different nationalities contributing to this neighbourhood's character.
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  • Haarlemmerbuurt Category: City centre
    Haarlemmerdijk-haarlemmerbuurt-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,2847)(c:0) This is a neighbourhood with a village atmosphere. The Haarlemmerbuurt has a lovely assortment of shops.    
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  • Western Isles Category: Suburb, Island
    Westelijke-eilanden-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,2848)(c:0) There's an authentic maritime atmosphere in the Western Isles shipyards.
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  • Oostelijke Eilanden Category: City centre, Island, Port
    Oostelijke-eilanden-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,2849)(c:0) The eastern islands are at the heart of Amsterdam's maritime history. The old warehouses and the maritime museum are a historicla reminder of the VOC, The East Indian Company.
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  • IJhaven and Eastern Docklands Category: City centre, Port
    Oostelijk-havengebied-wijken-4(h:70)(p:location,814)(c:0) Modern architecture has transformed the old port area. The harbour and Eastern Docklands of the Ij are now full of beautiful homes.
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  • North Amsterdam Category: Suburb
    Amsterdam-noord-wijken-1(h:70)(p:location,2850)(c:0) Amsterdam North is one of the largest residential areas in the city but also home to lots of industry.
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City zones by category

Tips for Amsterdam