Amsterdam's distinct districts, which radiate out from the city's core Canal Ring, comprise a mazelike network of avenues and public squares teeming with one-of-a-kind shops, quaint restaurants and cafés, bustling bars, and active nightlife, as well as wide green spaces. Each interconnected neighborhood has its distinct character and set of attractions. No matter where you stay in Amsterdam, you can easily see the entirety of the city with the help of the city's excellent bike lanes, trams, buses, and trains—the most significant areas in Amsterdam, including the best places to shop and where to take first-time tourists.
De Wallen (Red-Light District)
Notwithstanding its notoriety as a destination for prostitutes and drug tourists, Amsterdam's oldest neighborhood, De Wallen, has been a central cultural hub for the city for well over 600 years. The excellently preserved Catholic church, Amsterdam's oldest structure, in the attic of a townhouse from the 16th century, are just two examples of the buildings in De Wallen that speak to this long history. In recent years, De Wallen has been home to many cultural institutions. For instance, Red Light Radio now airs from the interior of a building that housed a prostitution ring. Guests to De Wallen may also enjoy tasty brews at the socially conscious Brouwerij de Prael or play classic coin-op arcade games at the TonTon Club Centrum.
Nieuwmarkt
The Nieuwmarkt, often known as New Market, is a historic plaza in Amsterdam's Chinatown and the Lastage neighborhood. Guests to Amsterdam often stay here because of its proximity to the Red Light District (De Wallen). The tall Medieval tower known as the Waag can be found in Nieuwmarkt, along with several cozy cafés and cannabis coffee shops. A daily market, organic food, farmer's markets on the weekends, and a bookstore and antique shop can all be found on the plaza.
NDSM
Situated on the banks of the IJ River in Amsterdam, the NDSM is a former industrial shipyard transformed into a cutting-edge cultural hub. Major corporations like MTV, Greenpeace, and Red Bull have set up shops in this former industrial area, and the area's cultural scene has flourished. The NDSM neighborhood is popular with tourists because of its eye-catching design, which combines warehouses, public artwork, and waterfront vistas with structures like an archway made from massive shipping containers. Boutique hotels are unique in providing guests with a fantastic experience, such as staying aboard a decommissioned Soviet submarine.
De Jordaan
The Singelgracht canal divides the downtown Amsterdam neighborhood of The Jordaan from the rest of the city. Jordaan's peculiar orientation compared to the rest of Amsterdam may be traced back to 1612, when dirt trails in the region first started to be converted into streets. Rembrandt spent the latter years of his life in his home in De Jordaan, which also serves as the location of his ultimate burial place. On the fringes of Jordaan sits the Anne Frank Home, where Anne Frank hid for two years during World War II.
De Negen Straatjes
Grachtengordel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to De Negen Straatjes, or the Nine Small Streets. The district is known for its historic architecture, which dates back to the 18th century. The area's street names, such as Inn Mill Alley, and Old Mirror Street, Pelt Street, allude to the industries that previously dominated the room. On De Negen ,you may visit museums such as Grachtenhuis and Huis Marseille and the European Center for science, Art, Culture (located in the Felix Meritis home), as well as the Dutch Institute for War Documentation.
Pijp, De
De Pijp, sometimes known as "The Pipe," is a community in the Amsterdam-Zuid district south of the city center. Many different cultures are represented in the area, and as a result, there are many different cuisines to try, including Dutch specialties like herring and waffles. De Pijp is home to the Albert Cuyp Market, the largest in the Netherlands, and historical landmarks like the ancient Nieuwer-Amstel town hall. Many local taverns and cafés may be near Marie Heinekenplein in De Pijp, not to mention the historic Heineken brewery.