Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most vibrant and picturesque cities. It’s compact, beautifully designed, and packed with culture, food, and local charm that’s easy to experience at any pace. Beyond the postcard canals, Amsterdam’s neighborhoods: Jordaan, Grachtengordel, De Pijp, Oud-West, and Noord — each have distinct personalities.
Neighborhoods to Explore in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of those cities that instantly draws you in — with its golden canals, cobblestone streets, world-class museums, and effortlessly cool neighborhoods. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this guide covers the best things to do, see, and eat in Amsterdam, organized by neighborhood so you can experience the city like a local.
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Jordaan – Artistic Charm + Canal Views
Once a working-class neighborhood, Jordaan is now one of Amsterdam’s most beloved areas. The canal streets are filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and you can find some of the best food in the city.
Must See
- Anne Frank Huis – this museum features an audio guide tour through the house where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazis in a secret annex, during WWII
- The 9 Streets (De 9 Straatjes) – charming and picturesque canal streets lined with local boutiques and vintage shops
- Westerkerk Tower – Protestant church known for being the burial site of Rembrandt, offering lunchtime organ concerts on Wednesdays
Eat & Drink
- Café Winkel 43 – famous for their Dutch apple pie, perfect for sharing or own your own
- Saint-Jean Amsterdam – local café and bakery, limited seating
- Pluk or Ree 7 by Pluk – brunch café, grab a coffee or sandwich
- De Luwte – Dutch-style brasserie featuring French-inspired dishes, perfect for a quiet dinner or to grab drinks
- Salmuera – Argentinian flavors specializing in empanadas, street food and a variety of ceviche’s
- Black and Blue – modern and stylish restaurant specializing in burgers, steaks and seafood
Where to Stay
- Mr. Jordaan Hotel – a boutique hotel with an incredible location and tons of attractions just down the street
- The Hoxton – trendy hotel with a lively bar scene, worth visiting regardless of if you stay the night
- Hotel Mercier – a hidden gem with artistic modern design, excellent centrally located in the Jordaan neighborhood
Canal Belt (Grachtengordel) – Classic Amsterdam Charm
This is the heart of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal ring, where you’ll find iconic bridges, narrow houses, history and countless cafés.
Must See
- Canal Cruise – easily one of the best and most popular ways to see the city
- Dam Square – city’s lively historic center
- Bloemenmarkt – the world’s only floating flower market
- Royal Palace Amsterdam – this grand residence is open to the public when not in use for royal receptions, dating back to 1808
Eat & Drink
- De Silveren Spiegel – fine dining experience, with a 5-course dinner menu & optional wine pairing
- De Belhamel – romantic canal-side dining featuring a European / French menu
- Hans Egstorf – bakery known for their stroopwafel, best experienced fresh and warm
- Sampurna – Indonesian restaurant serving traditional Rijsttafel and Sambal-based dishes, try one of their pre-selected rice dishes which comes with a variety of small plates
- W Lounge – trendy rooftop cocktail bar with excellent views, go for sunset
- Brouwerij ‘t IJ – a bit outside of the city center, but worth a walk to this brewery situated next to a windmill
Where to Stay
- Pulitzer Amsterdam – known for its elegance, set across 25 restored 17th-century canal houses
- Hotel Estheréa – this cozy and beautifully decorated, overlooking the Singel canal
- Eden Hotel Amsterdam – centrally located hotel, overlooking the Amstel river
De Pijp – Food Heaven + Local Energy
Just south of the city center, the De Pijp neighborhood offers a more local feel with a mix of cultures, street markets, and casual eateries.
Must See
- Albert Cuyp Market – an outdoor local market, open every day except Sunday, be sure to try stroofwafels, herring and Dutch cheeses from local vendors
- Heineken Experience – an interactive tour of the original brewery where you can enjoy a beer tasting
- Sarphatipark – a park that’s the perfect location for an afternoon picnic or morning walk
Eat & Drink
- Kaasbar Amsterdam – really unique place serving charcuterie foods conveyor belt style
- Bakers & Roaster – modern café for brunch and homemade baked goods
Where to Stay
- Sir Albert Hotel – a chic boutique hotel, near De Pijp’s restaurants
- Hotel Okura Amsterdam – a luxurious option known for its Michelin-starred dining
Museumplein & Oud-Zuid – Culture + Green Spaces
Full of art and history and home to Amsterdam’s most famous museums and luscious green parks.
Must See
- Rijksmuseum – Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and over 800 years of Dutch history
- Van Gogh Museum – the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world, including painting, drawings and letters it walks you through his life as an artist
- Vondelpark – this park is enormous, if you need a break from the bustling city and to be one with nature, grab a coffee and go for a stroll
- Bols Cocktail Academy – really cool interactive experience with an optional drink making workshop
Eat & Drink
- Blushing Amsterdam – great spot offering all day breakfast and coffee
- Bagels & Beans – a bagel shop, and local Dutch favorite for casual bites
- Foodhallen – a little further out, this trendy space has tons of local street food and shareable bites
- The Seafood Bar – modern and fresh seafood restaurant in a stylish setting
- MOMO Restaurant Bar & Lounge – classy Asian-fusion restaurant known for their small plates, ceviche and fresh seafood
- TAIKO – contemporary Asian cuisine, known for taking you on an extensive food journey where you’ll eat with your eyes first
Where to Stay
- Conservatorium Hotel – blending history and modern design, be sure to try their restaurant Taiko
- Jan Luyken Amsterdam – elegant and modernly designed rooms in the heart of the Museum district
Amsterdam-Noord – Creative, Modern, and Unexpected
Take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station to Noord, and you’ll find an entirely different side of Amsterdam, it’s edgy, artistic, and full of surprises.
Must See
- A’DAM Lookout – panoramic city views, offers a rooftop restaurant and bar with an over-the-edge swing, if you’re brave enough
- NDSM Wharf – a converted shipyard now filled with street art, creative studios, and cafes
- STRAAT Museum – an immersive street art museum housed in a massive warehouse near the wharf
Eat & Drink
- Pllek – Bohemian café on the water with organic dishes and beach vibes
- Cannibale Royale du Nord – great for burgers and cocktails
- Hangar Amsterdam – a trendy spot for lunch with waterfront views
Where to Stay
- Bunk Hotel Amsterdam – streamlined capsule style rooms for 1-2 guest, located in the trendy Noord neighborhood
- Sir Adam Hotel – a music-themed hotel inside the A’DAM Tower
Top Experiences Not to Miss
Bike the City – rent a bike and join locals cycling through Vondelpark or along the canals
- Canal Cruise – see the city glow at golden hour from the water
- Shop Local – visit the weekend Noordermarkt in Jordaan for antiques and local foods
- Take a Day Trip – head to Zaanse Schans or Haarlem for windmills and small-town Dutch charm
Try Local Foods
- Stroopwafels – sweet caramel-filled waffles, best enjoyed fresh
- Bitterballen – deep-fried meat croquettes make the perfect bar snack
- Poffertjes – mini pancakes with powdered sugar… yum!
- Dutch cheese – Gouda and Edam are local classics available at most local markets
- Herring with onions and pickles – traditional and yet surprisingly delicious!
Where to Stay Overall
For first time visitors, Jordaan and the Canal Belt are ideal as they’re centrally located. If you enjoy a local, laid-back vibe, try the De Pijp or Noord neighborhoods. Luxury travelers will love Oud-Zuid, while creative travelers will thrive in Amsterdam-Noord. If you have a long layover, there are plenty of great hotels at Schiphol Airport, our favorite is the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend two days or five, Amsterdam delivers endless discovery — from morning canal views to candlelit dinners along the water. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, wander, and fall in love with its timeless charm. Each Amsterdam neighborhood has something slightly different to offer and are all worth exploring!
Pack your walking shoes (and maybe an umbrella), rent a bike, and get lost amongst Amsterdam’s canals.
