Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC Amsterdam - Neighborhood Guide
Download the Schmap Amsterdam Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Amsterdam Home
Schmap Amsterdam guide and map

The real core of the city is Dam square with its beautiful Royal Palace. Most visitors arrive by train and the route they follow from Centraal Station takes them along the Damrak and Dam Square. This area is really focused on tourists. All kinds of souvenir shops, street performers and restaurants can be found here. The square is used for events and concerts and is famous because of the many pigeons. The two main shopping streets in Amsterdam, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, come both out on Dam Square.

Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein

The Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are very crowded both by day and by night. When the sun is shining the terraces are quickly filled. Street performers entertain the public, mainly consisting of tourists, with acrobatic acts and music. At night the public changes: Amsterdammers go out here to celebrate their weekend, to visit the theatres, cinemas and clubs. The bars and clubs, such as Paradiso and Escape, close here after 5am. And next morning, only a few hours later, it starts all over again: the first tourists settle down on the terraces.

Jordaan

Built in 1612 during the expansion of the city, the Jordaan neighbourhood is well known all over the country for its specific street life, corny songs, sarcastic humour and working-class mentality. But this is mere nostalgia. Most of the Jordanezen (the native inhabitants) left some years ago for improved housing in neighbouring cities like Almere and Purmerend. Nowadays, it is a district with a lot of students and young urban professionals. The Jordaan accommodates many bars and cozy restaurants and is like a village in the big city. It is located between Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Raamstraat and Marnixstraat.

The Red-Light District (De Wallen)

The Red-Light district is the area left of the Damrak, the streets and canals in between Warmoesstraat and a square called Nieuwmarkt. The end of the two canals, Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal, marks the area's borders. Medieval Amsterdam was built here. De Wallen is best known for its window prostitution, sex shops and live shows, concentrated around the Oude Kerk, in alleys and around the canals. The atmosphere is somewhat chaotic most of the time, but also cozy; consider the fact that loads of tourists, pimps, drug dealers, addicts and locals come together in this district to do their own thing. You'll find numerous places to eat and drink and have a good time, day and night.

Canals

On February 1st 1999, the Dutch government decided to qualify the inner city of Amsterdam as a monument, a protected inner city view. The girdle of canals (ranging from Singel Canal up to Prinsengracht Canal) is an historically important part of this region, and it is one of the city's most attractive sights. The girdle of canals starts at River Amstel and ends at Brouwersgracht. One third of the houses along the canals (grachtenhuizen) were built before 1850. In the seventeenth century the city extended its boundaries and canals were formed in a girdle around the oldest part of Amsterdam to accommodate wealthy tradesmen and burghers. First Singel Canal was dug out, then Herengracht, Keizersgracht and, last of all, Prinsengracht. The architecture is mostly in the form of classicism.

Pijp

Pijp was the first modern city development in Amsterdam at the end of the 19th century. Many houses were built here very quickly for the growing amount of labourers. Nowadays Pijp is known as the perfect example of multicultural society. People from all over the world live here: young and old, students and artists. The main streets in Pijp are Albert Cuypstraat, famous for its market, and Ferdinand Bolstraat. Around these roads you'll find many exotic restaurants and a typical Amsterdam pub is located on almost every corner.

Museum Quarter

The Museum Quarter is the area around Museumplein, just a ten minutes' walk from Leidseplein. The main museums are situated here: The Museum of the State, Van Gogh Museum and The Municipal Museum. The Concert Building can be found in this neighbourhood too. The Museum Quarter is also known for its exclusive shops. Many international clothing brands have their shops in P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat. And of course Museumplein is a great place to sit in the sun, enjoy your lunch or just relax. This cultural area is very crowded during the day, but deserted at night.

Banks of the River Ij The newest city developments have taken place on the southern banks of the River Ij, on both the west and east sides of Central Station. This used to be a desolate area, with dilapidated warehouses. Now this part of town, with its great view of the river, is being completely redeveloped. Oostelijke Handelskade is the place where new theatres are appearing; a new district for Amsterdam nightlife. A new cruise terminal has also been built here: Passenger Terminal Amsterdam. The buildings have aroused much interest because of their innovative architecture. Over the next years, this area's skyline will be constantly changing.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Amsterdam-South


Amsterdam
Netherlands
Looking for a fun, relaxed time? Amsterdam-South is the place to go. Here you'll find Vondelpark, built in the second half of the 19th century and named for the poet Joost van den Vondel, whose statue was erected here in 1867. If you're a Van Gogh lover, then the Van Gogh Museum is a must--it hosts the world's largest collection of everything Van Gogh, from his paintings and drawings to his letters. Nearby you'll find the Rijksmuseum, considered to be the "national treasure of the Netherlands," featuring artists including Rembrandt, whose painting "Night Watch" is the centre piece, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Amsterdam-South photo by Eric Rachner
Photo: Eric Rachner
Amsterdam-South photo by KyleTownsend
Photo: KyleTownsend
Amsterdam-South photo by Jos Kraaijeveld
Photo: Jos Kraaijeveld
Amsterdam-South photo by Paul Keller
Photo: Paul Keller
Amsterdam-South photo by rug city
Photo: rug city
 

 
Begijnhof


Amsterdam
Netherlands
One of the oldest inner courts in Amsterdam, the Begijnhof district is centreed on a group of historic buildings, mostly private dwellings. It was one a Béguinage, which were collections of small buildings used by Beguines, several lay sisterhoods of the Roman Catholic Church, founded by religious women who longed to serve God but did not want to retire from the world. Today, though, it is the site of the English Reformed Church. The only inner court in Amsterdam founded during the Middle Ages, the Begijnhof lies within the Singel, the innermost canal of Amsterdam's circular canal system. The Begijnhof is a metre below the rest of the old city centre, because it is still at medieval street levels.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Begijnhof photo by Craig James White
Photo: Craig James White
Begijnhof photo by Urban Chill
Photo: Urban Chill
Begijnhof photo by Loes van de Zande
Photo: Loes van de Zande
Begijnhof photo by Merten Snijders
Photo: Merten Snijders
Begijnhof photo by Craig James White
Photo: Craig James White
Begijnhof photo by Stephen Manuszak
Photo: Stephen Manuszak
Begijnhof photo by http://www.lisab.ch
Photo: http://www.lisab.ch
Begijnhof photo by Simon Bridge
Photo: Simon Bridge
Begijnhof photo by José L. Roldán
Photo: José L. Roldán
Begijnhof photo by Tobias de São Pedro
Photo: Tobias de São Pedro
Begijnhof photo by Jason Mayans
Photo: Jason Mayans
Begijnhof photo by Wednesday´s
Photo: Wednesday´s
Begijnhof photo by Kevin Feltner
Photo: Kevin Feltner
Begijnhof photo by Luigi Bertolucci
Photo: Luigi Bertolucci
Begijnhof photo by rosa maseda
Photo: rosa maseda
 

 
Central Amsterdam


Amsterdam
Netherlands
The centre of the city surrounding Dam Square is Amsterdam's tourist headquarters. The square is used for events and concerts and is famous because of the many pigeons. Most visitors arrive by train and the route they follow from Central Station takes them along the Damrak and Dam Square. Any manner of souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels and street performances can be found here. Close by are Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, where native Amsterdammers go to enjoy themselves on the weekends. Be adventurous and explore; you're sure to find something to keep you entertained.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Central Amsterdam photo by Lauren Pressley
Photo: Lauren Pressley
Central Amsterdam photo by Arjan van der Gaag
Photo: Arjan van der Gaag
Central Amsterdam photo by Conall O'Brien
Photo: Conall O'Brien
Central Amsterdam photo by Nick 'n Cher Moon
Photo: Nick 'n Cher Moon
Central Amsterdam photo by Onno Knuvers
Photo: Onno Knuvers
Central Amsterdam photo by PataDePerro
Photo: PataDePerro
Central Amsterdam photo by Rowan Flad
Photo: Rowan Flad
Central Amsterdam photo by Moritz Platt
Photo: Moritz Platt
Central Amsterdam photo by yXeLLe
Photo: yXeLLe
Central Amsterdam photo by yXeLLe
Photo: yXeLLe
Central Amsterdam photo by Greg Young
Photo: Greg Young
Central Amsterdam photo by Ian Murray Brown
Photo: Ian Murray Brown
Central Amsterdam photo by james bass
Photo: james bass
Central Amsterdam photo by Sandeep S Thukral
Photo: Sandeep S Thukral
Central Amsterdam photo by Greg Young
Photo: Greg Young
Central Amsterdam photo by Chu Chee Chin, SG
Photo: Chu Chee Chin, SG
Central Amsterdam photo by Andrew Jalali
Photo: Andrew Jalali
 

 
Dam Square


Amsterdam
Netherlands
The real core of the city is Dam Square with its beautiful Royal Palace. Most visitors arrive by train and the route they follow from Centraal Station takes them along the Damrak and Dam Square. This area is really focused on tourists. All kinds of souvenir shops, street performers and restaurants can be found here. The square is used for events and concerts and is famous because of the many pigeons. The two main shopping streets in Amsterdam, Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, come both out on Dam Square.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Dam Square photo by Sarah Hornik
Photo: Sarah Hornik
Dam Square photo by Kate (MaryKathleen A
Photo: Kate (MaryKathleen A
Dam Square photo by Lokman Tsui
Photo: Lokman Tsui
Dam Square photo by nilly oren
Photo: nilly oren
Dam Square photo by Joshua Newell
Photo: Joshua Newell
Dam Square photo by ernie ernst
Photo: ernie ernst
Dam Square photo by bnhall
Photo: bnhall
Dam Square photo by Joy Anne Rodriguez
Photo: Joy Anne Rodriguez
Dam Square photo by Dean Curtis
Photo: Dean Curtis
Dam Square photo by Stephen Jones
Photo: Stephen Jones
Dam Square photo by Dragan Dinic
Photo: Dragan Dinic
Dam Square photo by Diana Taylor
Photo: Diana Taylor
Dam Square photo by Umair Ahmed Syed
Photo: Umair Ahmed Syed
Dam Square photo by Liam O'Malley
Photo: Liam O'Malley
Dam Square photo by Hongyan Yang
Photo: Hongyan Yang
Dam Square photo by remon.rijper
Photo: remon.rijper
Dam Square photo by Nick Sauro
Photo: Nick Sauro
Dam Square photo by Ake Faisal
Photo: Ake Faisal
Dam Square photo by Catmandoo2006
Photo: Catmandoo2006
Dam Square photo by Kevin Pathiakis
Photo: Kevin Pathiakis
Dam Square photo by Augustine Mzumara
Photo: Augustine Mzumara
 

 
Jordaan


Amsterdam
Netherlands
Built in 1612 during the expansion of the city, the Jordaan neighbourhood is well known all over the country for its specific street life, corny songs, sarcastic humour and working-class mentality. But this is mere nostalgia. Most of the Jordanezen (the native inhabitants) left some years ago for improved housing in neighbouring cities like Almere and Purmerend. Nowadays, it is a district with a lot of students and young urban professionals. The Jordaan accommodates many bars and cosy restaurants and is like a village in the big city. It is located between Brouwersgracht, Prinsengracht, Raamstraat, and Marnixstraat.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jordaan photo by kindreh
Photo: kindreh
Jordaan photo by Tomas de Graaf
Photo: Tomas de Graaf
Jordaan photo by michell zappa
Photo: michell zappa
Jordaan photo by Ana Matic
Photo: Ana Matic
Jordaan photo by Tomas de Graaf
Photo: Tomas de Graaf
Jordaan photo by Jennifer Howland Hill
Photo: Jennifer Howland Hill
Jordaan photo by erincarrasquillo
Photo: erincarrasquillo
Jordaan photo by Elena Chesta Schwarz
Photo: Elena Chesta Schwarz
Jordaan photo by Lilia Prescod
Photo: Lilia Prescod
Jordaan photo by Marta Cabrera
Photo: Marta Cabrera
Jordaan photo by Jake Palmer
Photo: Jake Palmer
Jordaan photo by Marloes den Hoed
Photo: Marloes den Hoed
Jordaan photo by Alexandra Golden
Photo: Alexandra Golden
Jordaan photo by maria martinez
Photo: maria martinez
Jordaan photo by Pauly
Photo: Pauly
Jordaan photo by Eva Doove
Photo: Eva Doove
Jordaan photo by Lamahange.nl
Photo: Lamahange.nl
Jordaan photo by j. kunst
Photo: j. kunst
Jordaan photo by Jolanda Laurijsen
Photo: Jolanda Laurijsen
Jordaan photo by Birgitta Seegers
Photo: Birgitta Seegers
 

 
Leidseplein


Amsterdam
Netherlands
The Leidseplein is very crowded both by day and by night. When the sun is shining the terraces are quickly filled. Street performers entertain the public, mainly consisting of tourists, with acrobatic acts and music. At night the public changes: Amsterdammers go out here to celebrate their weekend, to visit the theatres, cinemas, and clubs. The bars and clubs, such as Escape, close here after 5am. And next morning, only a few hours later, it starts all over again: the first tourists settle down on the terraces.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Leidseplein photo by littlephotography
Photo: littlephotography
Leidseplein photo by muggezifter
Photo: muggezifter
Leidseplein photo by Dolan Halbrook
Photo: Dolan Halbrook
Leidseplein photo by 64MM
Photo: 64MM
Leidseplein photo by Paul C. Nendick
Photo: Paul C. Nendick
Leidseplein photo by Klaus Schoenwandt
Photo: Klaus Schoenwandt
Leidseplein photo by Colm Costelloe
Photo: Colm Costelloe
Leidseplein photo by Jonathan Duran
Photo: Jonathan Duran
Leidseplein photo by Marcus Ramberg
Photo: Marcus Ramberg
Leidseplein photo by Gerald Azenaro
Photo: Gerald Azenaro
Leidseplein photo by Mark A. DePollo
Photo: Mark A. DePollo
Leidseplein photo by Tom
Photo: Tom
Leidseplein photo by Sara Kingdom
Photo: Sara Kingdom
Leidseplein photo by Sebastian Saucan
Photo: Sebastian Saucan
Leidseplein photo by Rogerio Lira
Photo: Rogerio Lira
Leidseplein photo by Skar
Photo: Skar
Leidseplein photo by el damon
Photo: el damon
Leidseplein photo by Matthew Pennell
Photo: Matthew Pennell
Leidseplein photo by Lorenzo & A La Rocca
Photo: Lorenzo & A La Rocca
 

 
Museum Quarter


Amsterdam
Netherlands
The Museum Quarter is the area around Museumplein, just a ten minutes' walk from Leidseplein. The main museums are situated here: The Museum of the State, Van Gogh Museum and The Municipal Museum. The Concert Building can be found in this neighbourhood too. The Museum Quarter is also known for its exclusive shops. Many international clothing brands have their shops in P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat. And, of course, Museumplein is a great place to sit in the sun, enjoy your lunch, or just relax. This cultural area is very crowded during the day, but deserted at night. The newest city developments have taken place on the southern banks of the River Ij, on both the west and east sides of Central Station. This used to be a desolate area, with dilapidated warehouses. Now this part of town, with its great view of the river, is being completely redeveloped.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum Quarter photo by Paul Downey
Photo: Paul Downey
Museum Quarter photo by David O'Hara
Photo: David O'Hara
Museum Quarter photo by Catherine Baturina
Photo: Catherine Baturina
 

 
Pijp


Amsterdam
Netherlands
Pijp was the first modern city development in Amsterdam at the end of the 19th century. Many houses were built here very quickly for the growing amount of labourers. Nowadays Pijp is known as the perfect example of multicultural society. People from all over the world live here: young and old, students and artists. The main streets in Pijp are Albert Cuypstraat, famous for its market, and Ferdinand Bolstraat. Around these roads you'll find many exotic restaurants and a typical Amsterdam pub is located on almost every corner.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Pijp photo by Ulybug
Photo: Ulybug
Pijp photo by Sexy Swedish Babe
Photo: Sexy Swedish Babe
Pijp photo by Marc van Woudenberg
Photo: Marc van Woudenberg
Pijp photo by Marc van Woudenberg
Photo: Marc van Woudenberg
Pijp photo by Luther Blissett
Photo: Luther Blissett
Pijp photo by Alex Helfen
Photo: Alex Helfen
Pijp photo by Ernst van Wijk
Photo: Ernst van Wijk
Pijp photo by Jørn Knutsen
Photo: Jørn Knutsen
Pijp photo by Luke Allen
Photo: Luke Allen
Pijp photo by Alix Guillard
Photo: Alix Guillard
 

 
Red Light District


Amsterdam
Netherlands
The red-light district is the area left of the Damrak, the streets and canals in between Warmoesstraat and a square called Nieuwmarkt. The end of the two canals, Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal, marks the area's borders. Medieval Amsterdam was built here. De Wallen is best known for its window prostitution, sex shops and live shows, concentrated around the Oude Kerk, in alleys and around the canals. The atmosphere is somewhat chaotic most of the time, but also cosy; consider the fact that loads of tourists, pimps, drug dealers, addicts and locals come together in this district to do their own thing. You'll find numerous places to eat and drink and have a good time, day and night.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Red Light District photo by Peter PZ
Photo: Peter PZ
Red Light District photo by deanne
Photo: deanne
Red Light District photo by Clémence Grincourt de Flogny
Photo: Clémence Grincourt de Flogny
Red Light District photo by Kyle McKenzie
Photo: Kyle McKenzie
Red Light District photo by Trey Ratcliff
Photo: Trey Ratcliff
Red Light District photo by Bram van Rijen
Photo: Bram van Rijen
Red Light District photo by Celine Zheng
Photo: Celine Zheng
Red Light District photo by the_Merses
Photo: the_Merses
Red Light District photo by chappus
Photo: chappus
Red Light District photo by ameliechucky
Photo: ameliechucky
Red Light District photo by Milla M
Photo: Milla M
Red Light District photo by Theresa Campbell
Photo: Theresa Campbell
Red Light District photo by Crystal Hirschorn
Photo: Crystal Hirschorn
Red Light District photo by Daniele Contini
Photo: Daniele Contini
Red Light District photo by Ethan Brown
Photo: Ethan Brown
Red Light District photo by William Forrester
Photo: William Forrester
Red Light District photo by Mike Seidman
Photo: Mike Seidman
Red Light District photo by lisa rivers
Photo: lisa rivers
Red Light District photo by Joshua Krane
Photo: Joshua Krane
 

 
Rembrandtplein


Amsterdam
Netherlands
A pleasant city square bordered by some of the most popular clubs and cafés in Amsterdam, Rembrandtplein is a favorite of travelers itching to experience a taste of the city's nightlife. When the sun is shining, rows upon rows of outdoor summer terraces seat customers looking for a quick bite to eat or a place to begin their night out. Street performers entertain the public, mainly consisting of tourists, with acrobatic acts and music. Café Schiller Bar at Rembrandtplein 26 is one of the area's oldest and most popular spots for summer dining and drinking.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Rembrandtplein photo by Weyland Yutani
Photo: Weyland Yutani
Rembrandtplein photo by Fabio Delton
Photo: Fabio Delton
Rembrandtplein photo by Fabio Delton
Photo: Fabio Delton
Rembrandtplein photo by Thomas Cottingham
Photo: Thomas Cottingham
Rembrandtplein photo by Dave Owens
Photo: Dave Owens
Rembrandtplein photo by Martin Schmidt
Photo: Martin Schmidt
Rembrandtplein photo by Rob Wakefield
Photo: Rob Wakefield
Rembrandtplein photo by AmsterS@m
Photo: AmsterS@m
Rembrandtplein photo by vex_
Photo: vex_
Rembrandtplein photo by Martijn Janssen
Photo: Martijn Janssen
Rembrandtplein photo by Vali Dineata
Photo: Vali Dineata
Rembrandtplein photo by Steven Ballegeer
Photo: Steven Ballegeer
 

 
The Plantage


Amsterdam
Netherlands
This district is named after a hotel, called Hotel Plantage, which is located in the old monumental centre, in the heart of Amsterdam. The hotel features guestrooms and small apartments that can accommodate up to six people. This area, called De Plantage, was originally designed as a garden in the 17th century, but today it merely features a zoo called Artis, a botanical garden called De Hortus, and Waterlooplein's flea market. The hotel's location provides easy foot-access of Amsterdam. The central station, Dam square, Rembrandts Plein are all reachable on foot within five to 20 minutes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Plantage photo by Sharon Selden
Photo: Sharon Selden
The Plantage photo by Hoeteck Wee
Photo: Hoeteck Wee
The Plantage photo by Jordan Munn
Photo: Jordan Munn
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Amsterdam - Neighborhood Guide"
Amsterdam
Amsterdam - Historical Background
Amsterdam - Where to Stay
Amsterdam - Dining & Drinking
Amsterdam - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Antwerp (132 miles)
Brussels (172 miles)
Dusseldorf (182 miles)
Cologne (214 miles)
Bonn (239 miles)
Cambridge (333 miles)
London (346 miles)
Frankfurt (365 miles)
Hamburg (366 miles)
Brighton (388 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.