As a visitor, it’s tempting to stick to the center of Amsterdam to enjoy its inspiring museums, charmingly lopsided canal houses, and those narrow stegen (side streets) that are so characteristic of the city. But beyond the tourist-packed grachtengordel (canal belt), there’s so much to experience — it’s worth spending time exploring some of Amsterdam’s neighborhoods to get a feel for local life. 

One of the best things about Amsterdam is the fact that you can cycle from one end to the other in just 30 minutes. So hop on a bike and check out these spots away from the center, recommended by people who live in de buurt (the neighborhood). 

Exploring Amsterdam-West

Stretching northward from the Overtoom side of Vondelpark, this dynamic neighborhood is filled with restaurants, bars, boutiques, parks, and cultural finds. It’s hip and thriving without being as alternative as Noord or as upscale as Zuid — you’ll find expats and young families living alongside born-and-bred Mokum lifers. 

What to see and do 

Catch a flick: “Lab111 is a very cool independent cinema tucked away in a 1930s-era building that’s a great example of the Amsterdamse School architectural style. The cinema shows a mixture of current and classic movies in many languages, and has a great bar and restaurant for stretching out the evening.” Sandy Kim, Tech Recruiter

Let your hair down (or spike it up): “Cafe Soundgarden is a grimy punk bar on the Singelgracht with pool tables and an amazing terrace.” Riccardo Rigo, Product Designer

Find underground events: “De Nieuwe Anita is a small-looking bar with an old-school ballroom downstairs at the back, where you can see lots of concerts and alternative events.” Riccardo Rigo, Product Designer

Admire famous art: “Don’t miss Keith Haring's 1986 mural — his largest in Europe — re-discovered in 2018 and visible from Willem de Zwijgerlaan.” Riccardo Rigo, Product Designer

Eriksw/Wikimedia Creative Commons

Where to eat and drink

Breezy terrace vibes: “I really love Cafe Boes & Beis, near the OLVG West hospital. They have a super nice terrace for when the weather is warm, it’s also a good spot to work from, and the vibe is super chill. Dominique Wiersma, Managing Support Specialist

The tastiest pizza: “In my opinion, you'll find two of Amsterdam’s best pizzerias — and there are many contenders — in West. Pizza Project is a five-minute walk from Vondelpark and serves flawless, Neapolitan-style pizzas with puffed-up, sourdough bases. Bella Storia is way less polished, with just a couple of tables squashed inside (and benches outside in summer), but it uses top-quality ingredients.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Cocktails and quiz nights: “Parakeet is a quirky bar on the corner of Schimmelstraat that’s decorated with kitsch, bird-themed trinkets, serves spot-on cocktails, and hosts regular events like its popular (English-language) pub quiz.” Ginger Reinhoudt, Data Analyst

A friendly wake-up: “Grab a coffee from the laid-back White Label Coffee, where you’ll find friends chatting in mid-century modern armchairs, or locals working on their laptops from the reclaimed wooden tables and stools.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Next-level bakes: “Since opening in 2021, Fort Negen has been slinging its sourdough loaves and crisp croissants to an almost permanent queue of locals. The least busy time to visit is around 3pm on a weekday, but join the queue from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays to bag one of the bakery’s get-them-before-they’re-gone weekend specials.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor 

Poking around De Pijp

Squeezed between Amsterdam-Zuid and Amsterdam-Oost, De Pijp is lined with long, narrow houses built quickly in the late 19th century to house the city's working class. Today, it's an all-day, all-night hotspot where locals from all over the city come to enjoy the vibrant cafe culture on shaded squares and winding streets, queue for top-notch brunches, and unwind with a glass of wine after work. 

What to see and do

Shop and snack: “Albert Cuyp’s daily market caters both to locals buying essential groceries and tourists browsing its souvenirs and street food — if you’re hungry, head to Yi Cha for low-priced dim sum and bubble tea. Many stalls are open-air adverts for the shops on the street, so duck behind them if any of the trinkets take your fancy.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Ronnie Overgoor/Unsplash

Cruise the canals: “The best way to see Amsterdam is from the water. Captain a self-drive boat to take in the canals at your own pace — Boaty Bootverhuur include a map with route suggestions!” Claire Bissell, Senior Travel Editor

Where to eat and drink

The best brunch in town: “Brunch in De Pijp is a must — but you’ll have to rise early on the weekend, or prepare to queue, as most places don’t take bookings. Try Bakers and Roasters for Aussie-style brunches that will set you up for the day, or teeny-tiny Little Collins for fancy plates that combine unusual ingredients.” Matt Phillips, Head of Editorial & Internationalization  

Outrageous pastries: “Rise Bakery doesn’t look like much from the outside (or inside), but its pastries are sensational — choose from sugar-dusted cruffins, decadent wheel-shaped croissants filled with pistachio cream, and savory tarts, washed down with coffee.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Summery scoops: “Join the (fast-moving) queue at Massimo Gelato for superior Italian ice cream and sorbets in flavors like coffee, coconut, and the ever-popular chocolate and salted caramel.” Zafer Cakmak, Senior Backend Engineer

Zig-zagging through Amsterdam-Zuid

Containing the business district, the 1928 Olympic Stadium, the 2,471-acre Amsterdamse Bos, and some of the most expensive residential streets and shopping areas in the city, this upscale part of Amsterdam also offers some charming, down-to-earth finds.

What to see and do

Offbeat productions: ”Teatro Munganga is a lovely little artsy, independent theater with a full program of world music, run by the sweetest and most fun Brazilian couple.” Claire Bissell, Senior Travel Editor

Nature in the city: “This jetty on the Nieuwe Meer is a great spot for wild swimming. Head there on a warm day and snag a spot amongst the locals sunbathing and picnicking on the surrounding grass, then cool off in the lake.” Claire Bissell, Senior Travel Editor

Where to eat and drink

Budget street eats: “Toko Kokkita offers tasty Indonesian takeout for a great price. Create your own meal by selecting dishes from the glass counter — the daging rendang (beef stew in coconut sauce) is always a winner. Don’t be deterred if there’s a line out the door — it usually moves fairly quickly.” Claire Bissell, Senior Travel Editor

Potent sips and poetry slams: “Labyrinth is an Afro-Caribbean cocktail bar with an intimate vibe. Located near Vondelpark, it serves showstopping cocktails and hosts regular poetry and spoken-word events in English, including open mics.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

© Labyrinth

Croissant heaven: “We can’t omit Le Fournil from this round-up — most of the neighborhood queues outside this French bakery on Saturday mornings for its crisp baguettes, specialty breads, buttery croissants, and immaculate tarts.” Claire Bissell, Senior Travel Editor

Parkside pitstop: “Cycle from the center to Amsterdamse Bos, right at the edge of the city, for boating ponds, woodland walks, and De Veranda — a seasonal restaurant with a shaded waterside terrace overlooking all that greenery. Perfect for open sandwiches and a beer in the sun!” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Getting to know Amsterdam-Noord

Take one of the regular free ferry services from Centraal Station across the River IJ to see a different side to Amsterdam — in this neighborhood, industrial architecture and a hip, arty vibe reign supreme.

What to see and do

Set your intention: “Stretch & Fold is a yoga studio, sauna, swimming pool, and rooftop cafe, all in one place!” Naiara Oss-Emer do Nascimento, Community & Support Specialist

Get streetwise: “STRAAT museum has amazing, larger-than-life graffiti art from all over the world in a former shipshed. Make sure to exit through the gift shop! ;)” Youri op 't Roodt, Lead Backend Engineer

© STRAAT Museum

Rummage for treasure: “Head to Europe’s largest flea market, which pops up once a month at IJ-Hallen — for a small entry fee, you can browse endless stalls of vintage clothes, jewelry, ornaments, toys… you name it, you’ll find it here if you look hard enough.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Open your mind: “NXT is an under-the-radar museum with massive installations and interactive exhibits that challenge our perception of what technology is and what it can do, and show how it links to art and creativity.”  Lincy Willemsen, Community & Support Specialist

Treat your ears: “Everybody knows Paradiso — the legendary Amsterdam music venue located inside a former church — but not many visitors make it to Het Zonnehuis. With wood-paneled walls and a small stage, this retro gem feels like a village hall, but its Paradiso-curated program of underrated artists makes it worth the journey north.” Matt Bainbridge, Senior Travel Editor

Where to eat and drink

Vintage Amsterdam: “Chateau Amsterdam is an urban winery where you can go for a tour to learn more about their wine production, book a wine or cheese tasting, or simply enjoy their restaurant and bar.” Naiara Oss-Emer do Nascimento, Community & Support Specialist

Wheat on the wharf: “Kometen Brood & Café sells delicious pastries and bread at NDSM Wharf.” Naiara Oss-Emer do Nascimento, Community & Support Specialist

Local weekend haunt: “Restaurant and event space Café De Ceuvel has a nice terrace, unique architecture, and a creative spirit.” Lincy Willemsen, Community & Support Specialist

Warehouse restaurants: “Euro Pizza (with its small menu, casual vibe, and outdoor seating) and Lowlander Botanical Bar & Restaurant (a waterside venture from the Amsterdam-based beer) are my two favorite places in Noord.” Andrii Durbalo, iOS Engineer

Taco wars: “If you can get a reservation at either Bacalar or Coba, which have a friendly rivalry going on in Noord, you’ll be treated to the contenders for best tacos in town. Book well in advance — and if you can’t get a table, it’s always worth putting your name on the waitlist.” Stephen Beater, Finance Manager

Out and about in Amsterdam-Oost

East of the River Amstel, this district includes historic neighborhoods like Watergraafsmeer (formerly a polder) and the 19th-century working-class district of the Dapperbuurt, plus artificial islands reclaimed from the water. 

What to see and do

Market vibes: "I love the Dappermarkt! Albert Cuyp may have more food options (and way more hype), but this one’s got proper local vibes, some delightfully random stalls, and fruit and veg so cheap it feels illegal — I once got 13 avocados for a euro! Just don’t wait too long to eat whatever you buy!" Lottie Coltman, Senior Copywriter & Concept Developer

Balls and bites: “One of my fave ways to spend a rainy afternoon (and we get a lot of those) is at Mooi Boules. You can play game after game of pétanque, grab tasty snacks from the indoor food stalls, and, of course, there’s a fully loaded bar.” Lottie Coltman, Senior Copywriter & Concept Developer

Morning walk: "I love to start the morning strolling the Ringdijk, a canal that cuts through my neighborhood. It’s lined with grassy banks and chestnut trees instead of houses like in the center, offering a different perspective on the city’s scenic waterways. I’d usually take a coffee from home, but there are lots of options for brews to-go around the Linnaeusstraat — grab yours from Rum Baba, Mas, or Wakuli.” Matt Bainbridge, Senior Travel Editor

Heavy history: "The Verzetsmuseum (Resistance Museum) is a small but dense museum about the Dutch experience of World War II under Nazi occupation. Its painstakingly researched stories reflect varying aspects of this difficult period in Dutch history — as well as the fate of Dutch Jews, the exhibition explores families who collaborated with the Nazis, individuals who quietly resisted the enemy, and members of resistance movements who put their lives at risk to help or hide Jewish people. There’s also a simplified section of the museum especially for children.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Storytelling center: "Mezrab is an Amsterdam institution. It's a place where everyday folks take to the stage to share funny, moving, and deeply personal stories. The spoken-word nights are always packed, and the atmosphere is something special." Brin Andrews, Senior Travel Editor

Mezrab

Weesperzijde: “On sunny days, this stretch along the east side of the Amstel river is where locals go to swim and bask in the heat. Lay down a towel on the promenade in front of Bam Boa (which sells snacks and drinks to-go), cannonball into the water (known in the Netherlands as a ‘bommetje’), and soak up the vibe — there’s always at least one Amsterdammer with a bluetooth speaker in tow.” Matt Bainbridge, Senior Travel Editor

Landmark lodging: “Now owned by the Hoxton hotel chain, the Lloyd Hotel is steeped in history — it’s been used as a hotel for emigrants, a refugee shelter, and a detention center. Step in for a cocktail or dinner to discover its fascinating past.” Nicky Evans, Senior Travel Editor

Where to eat and drink

Secret Jenever site: “I love this hidden gem in Flevopark, called Proeflokaal 't Nieuwe Diep. It's an old distillery where you can enjoy a traditional Dutch borrel (drinks shared over a platter of cheese and sausage), and sit outside overlooking the pond.” Floris Wesselink, Product Manager

Waterfront eats: “PepeNero Cucina has great-quality Italian food (some of the best in Amsterdam) tucked away on the beautiful Java-Eiland. This is a neighborhood favorite!” Sandi Huynh, Tech Recruiter

Coffee bargains: “Kaffee, on the Dappermarkt, is a relatively new addition to the hood — and as well as just being a cool café with plenty of space for laptops, a really friendly owner, and tasty cheap eats, it sells espresso for ONE EURO. A true rarity.” Lottie Coltman, Senior Copywriter & Concept Developer

Rice and spice: “Javastraat is full of amazing, cheap eats — Tigris and Erfrat will deliver unbelievably flavorful chicken wraps with a punch. But if the queue’s crazy, head across the street to Saeed’s Curry House, where you can grab super fresh and fragrant samosa chaat and luxurious mango lassi to-go.” Lottie Coltman, Senior Copywriter & Concept Developer

Parkside pleasures: “When I’m staying local on a weekend, I’ll usually swing by De Tros — a neighborhood bar and restaurant opposite Oosterpark. Sit down for just a drink, or dig into the menu of small and sharing plates. There are similar places in Amsterdam, but this spot's staple dishes keep me coming back (don't miss the mussels!). Reservations aren't required for the terrace, so if you see a spot, grab it before it's gone!” Matt Bainbridge, Senior Travel Editor

Cover image: Travel-FR/Shutterstock