Searching for the hotel in Amsterdam for inspiration? In this piece, Amsterdam and it’s various districts and neighbourhoods will be described.
Amsterdam a city with approximately 820000 people inhabiting the territory, gives a sense of the actual metropolitan. However, due to the city’s small size, getting around the various districts and neighborhoods may be quite a task, more so if this is the traveler’s first time in Nottingham. There are 26 districts in the city, categorized into 8 broad areas that make up over one hundred neighborhoods. Every destinct has its own unique character of the neighbour and performs different functions for the residents and guests.
In case you intend to vacation in a city which is Amsterdam, then you should stay around to find out more about the districts of this city. In the final section of this guide, there is the information about where to stay in this colourful city.
Districts and Boroughs of Amsterdam
1. Center
The part of Amsterdam that is most alive is called the center, where life can be felt to intensively pulsate in every street. That is where you will see real traditions, buildings that have been in existence for centuries: local history attractions, houses with exposed timber frames, arched bridges, and canals. This zone includes the Centrum-East and the Centrum-West with the presence of the accounts such areas as the Jodam, Kanalringen, Dam Square, Plantage, Nieuwmarkt and the Wallen district, which is famous for prostitution activities- the Red Light District.
In this regard, the Center can be described as a junction of history and new time. Strolling around it, you will see European trace of the Middle Ages in buildings that coexists with modern facilities. It is a tourists’ attraction area since it is well endowed with cafe, restaurants and shops. For instance, the Jordaan area is known for being artsy and tinged with the gourmet specialty shops, whereas the Red Light District offers a rather provocative image of the city.
2. South
The other is Zuid, or South Amsterdam which is another fantastic part of the city that is well-loved by tourists and Amsterdams. It is inhabited with old brick houses, beautiful parks, reputable museums, and hipster areas in this district. It’s divided into five districts: Some of the popular neighborhoods they are: Oud-Zuid, De Pijp, Rivierenbuurt, Buitenveldert, and Zuidas.
Of all the districts, De Pijp can be described as very vivid and bohemian in terms of the atmosphere it offers. It has a bohemian feel and is the epicenter of arts and the youth, particularly young workers. The places close to the mentioned location are attractive for shopping and dining; numerous markets and various types of restaurants and cafes are available; this area is suitable for a leisurely walk. Zuid also provides many important cultural sites in Amsterdam; the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and many others attract art enthusiast from all over the world.
3. Zuidoost
Zuidoost also referred to as Bijlmer is a lively and very diverse borough with over 130 identified ethnic groups. Nevertheless, it is somewhat located in the outskirts, relative to central city, but it is well lit by transport facilities. The district is characterized by many concrete constructions, making it Administrative, somewhat industrial. Nevertheless, there is more to this area that the eye does not reveal.
Zuidoost is subdivided into districts Amstel lll en ArenAPoort, Bijlmer-Centrum, Gaasperdam Driemond, and Bijlmer-Oost, as well as all of them has its own taste. This district is characterized by the considerable night life and the great shopping possibilities. Due to facilities such as the AFAS Live and Ziggo Dome, it is a place of interest for concerts and similar events making it a prominent hub for entertainment.
4. East
Oost, or East Amsterdam, is a district which, despite is being in the center of the city, exudes the feeling of being in a different country. It has on one side brand-new architectural designs, shade-bearing cafes and alcoholic shops, and on the other the multiculturalism experience with dilapidated structures a youthful student population. Oost is subdivided into Indische Buurt, IJburg, Zeeburg, Oud-Oost, Watergraafsmeer, and Oostelijk Havegebied district.
Oost is an area and the concept of old and new is incorporated in the area. For example, Indische Buurt came to famous for its variety of foods since the area is very cosmopolitan. On the other hand, IJburg is a modern housing estate developed on artificial islands which offers some perspective view on modern planning. As it has been substantiated by the previous analyses, cultural and stylistic diversity has been established in the district.
5. North
Located to the north from the rest of Amsterdam by the river IJ the atmosphere is different from the mainstream tourist areas of the city. Although the architecture is mostly residential, people can find some relaxation with the park and the presence of a river. The subdivisions of Noord are Noord-West, Noord-Oost, and Oud-Noord.
Noord is a growing place that has undergone critical development within the recent past years. Famous example includes the Wharf of the NDSM shipbuilding company which in recent times evolved into a centre for artists and other creative people. It is involved in cultural celebration, morgens, arts and business exhibitions, as well as performances for the public. Considering it is an area on the water, the ambience is more laid back and thus [the plans] accentuates the creativity of the place making it a distinct district in Amsterdam.
6. West
West is one of the crowded districts in Amsterdam and has the perspective area or the area that attracts people with interest in new things. They find it greatly useful as a platform for communications, especially students, young businessmen and interestingly artists. The district contains varying arrangements including; residential areas, business areas, and green areas consisting of parks. The official districts in West are De Baarsjes, Oud-West, Westerpark, and Bos en Lommer.
West, now, is a composition of various living groups. For example, Oud-West famous topic is fashion shops and fancy nightlife, Westerpark includes cultural places, park area, and homely cafes. The district is multiculturally diverse and thus it is consisting of very many restaurants and shops for the sale of foodstuffs among other products.
7. Nieuw-West
Located west of the district called West, Nieuw-West is an example of a suburbs created after the second world war Which is noted for the green vegetation and the several lakes and modern structures. The area exemplifies De Aker, Geuzenveld, Nieuw Sloten, Osdorp, Slotermeer, and Slotervaart districts.
Nieuw-West remains a very quiet area for families and those who are generally interested in a rather calm lifestyle. Many parks and recreation centers located in the district, so people can do number of activities in open air. It is also beneficial and appealing to have several shopping centers and community centers within the location.
8. Westport
Westport is one of the AMS districts situated in the northwestern side of the city and it is the least populated district in the whole of AMS. It mainly includes the industrial zone and the main harbor. Of course, the majority of tourists do not rent a location there; nevertheless, Zeeburg is an important component of Amsterdam’s economy and transport.”
Westport itself is probably not on the itineraries of most tourists, however, it has a strategic importance for the logictics and industrial profile of Amsterdam. It is an active zone for cargo delivery, where a huge number of inhabitants of this fairly large city exercise a portion of the commercial turnover. It isn’t as picturesque as the residential or commercial regions, but it sure is an area that can be considered unique for the city.
Top Locations Accommodation in Amsterdam
Below are some of the best places that you can plan to stay at.
1. Center
City center is without doubt the best area to look for accommodations in Amsterdam if you would wish to be at the hub of most activities. It is the earliest area of the city and has lots of places of interest just a short walk away. Does the subject mean a booming business region with historic places to visit and commercial bustles such as markets?
Being in the middle of it all implies that it’s easy to get to the heart of the town and its fun, reputable bars, clubs, restaurants and significant attractions. It means that it is full of life and the atmosphere suits people who are willing to feel lively rhythm of Amsterdam. On the other hand, it is also the most visibly ‘touristy’ hence receives lots of visitors and during the peak seasons the place is extremely congested.
2. Jordaan
For a more relaxed atmosphere, considered Jordaan a better place to stay than the other areas mentioned. This is a relatively calm area as compared to a downtown or the commercial core, but boasts a really cool vibe. Comprising name streets, picturesque canals and historic houses, Jordaan is very cozy and has a very laid back air about it.
Jordaan is also a hub of culinary delights with many great restaurants and cafes to choose from that serve all manners of foods. There are also many malls and shops that are uniquely designed for the contemporary consumer and the shopaholic. And of course, it is such a great advantage to be able to relax and experience a more laid back kind of living and yet one is merely a short distance away from the major commercial areas of the metropolitan.
3. The Canal Ring
The Canal Ring, or Grachtengordel, belongs to the Amsterdam’s Old Town and is included into UNESCO list. It is like a time warp just to walk through this village with well designed buildings and the serene water canals.
This means that staying in the Canal Ring is interesting because that area is one of the most beautiful in the city. There are narrow streets, and fantastic houses constructed near the canals, so people consider it an appropriate place for lovers. The area also provides other forms of accommodations that include many small luxurious hotels and quaky bed and breakfast stations.
4. De Pijp
It is full of artists and students which gives this area a rather bohemian setting; De Pijp is one of the most vibrant areas to stay in Amsterdam. It will take approximately 15 minutes by taxi or car to got to the city center which will make it easy to move around the city.
The area is well known for its trading and gifted market, Albert Cuyp Market and variety of restaurant and cafes. No matter if you are in the mood for what Netherlands have to offer or any intercontinental taste, De Pijp keeps no one disappointed. It is a young people’s paradise given the numerous discos, restaurants, cabaret and a host of cultural activity that go on at any one time.
5. The Museum Quarter
If you are an art and culture lover this area is definitely the one to stay in and the Museum Square in particular. This place brings in several of the most important museums in Amsterdam like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum.
Exploring art enthusiasts will definitely find themselves indulging in the city’s artistic proximity because the Museum Quarter is in the location of these eye-catching cultural symbols. It also offers the shoppers a variety of expensive eating places where they can get quality meals as well as quality shops for their necessary purchases. They have been developed for families and for those guests who prefer calm and oriented on culture atmosphere.
Conclusion
Amsterdam has many faces, and the old European setting is presented along with modern trends and facilities. Every area is different from the other and all cover various facets with an attempt to capture what appeals to various people. And depending on what you are looking for whether it is the energy of the city centre, the calmness of Jordaan or the history of Museum Square, there is just the right place for anyone in this gorgeous city.
This is due to the type of experience one wants to have in the destination they choose to go to, as they select the hotel to stay in. Like people, the city has many faces and it is split into as many districts that still give different audience a taste of Amsterdam. Given the profusion of worldwide accommodations, you are bound to get a place you can call home temporarily.
Visiting the districts and areas of the city will help you to appreciate more of Amsterdam as a historic city as well as a modern one. Amsterdam is the city that embraces you with open arms if you are here for museums, for the food, for the nightlife or just for the ambiance.