Amsterdam is home to a diverse spectrum of neighborhoods: from the luxurious Oud-Zuid (Old-South) to the more bourgeois Jordaan. Below you can find a short description of the most important neighborhoods for expats in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Centrum
The center is propably the most famous: the four big canals of Amsterdam are located here. The Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and the Prinsengracht were al build during the Dutch Golden Age (from 1600-1700). If you want to live in a typical Dutch canal house, this should be your pick. Canal side houses are mostly split into smaller apartments which are owned by multiple people. Living in the vibrant centre of Amsterdam is a unique experience which it’s unique canals, gardens and houseboats, which in turn is visible in the higher prices for this location.
De Pijp
Amsterdam De Pijp is officially an integral part of Amsterdam Oud Zuid (Old South). De Pijp though feels and looks entirely different due to its “coziness” and smaller buildings. One of the famous places in this neighborhood is the Albert Cuypmarkt, which houses a marketplaces were both tourists and locals enjoy a unique shopping experience. The inhabitants of the Pijp are mostly students, (young) professionals and expats. It is one of the most sought after neighborhoods for artists and people with a creative profession. De Pijp also houses a lot of interesting stores, shops and boutiques. It is definitely one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhoods in Amsterdam.
Oud Zuid | Old South
Oud Zuid might by the most popular location for expats. With its luxury apartments, its own characteristic feeling and the beautiful lanes that meander through this neighborhood it certainly is a pleasant neighborhood for everybody to live in. Not surprisingly, the upper class of Amsterdam mostly has its residence in this neighborhood. Oud Zuid is perfect for families, since it is located near to the Vondelpark (one of the largest parks in Amsterdam). The Amsterdam ZuidAs, which is the business center of Amsterdam, is located near Oud Zuid. Most international companies are located near this part of Amsterdam (e.g. TomTom, Heineken, Ernst & Young, ABN Amro etc.).
Jordaan
The Jordaan is famous for its “Dutchness”. Located in the center of Amsterdam, it ensures a truly Dutch stay in the capital of the Netherlands. Famous singers such as Johnny Jordaan and Willeke Alberti lived in this very neighborhood, together with Rembrandt a couple of centuries before them. The Jordaan mixes the feeling of De Pijp with the canal side apartments of Centrum. The Jordaan is, not vey surprisingly, very popular among expats who want to experience the true “Holland” experience.
Oud West | Old West
Oud-West is located near the Vondelpark. Oud West combines very reasonable pricing with a good location. However, the quality of the housing is not as good as the Jordaan or Oud-Zuid. In short, it is a very multicultural neighborhood with quite a lot of green/nature nearby.
Rivierenbuurt | The Rivers District
The Rivierenbuurt is located near Oud-Zuid. The price/quality relationship is maybe even better, as it is not as famous and well known as Oud-Zuid. Most buildings are from the 1920’s, and are therefore different from most of the designs in Amsterdam. One of the most famous aspects of the Rivierenbuurt is the RAI, which is the largest exhibition center of the Netherlands.
Find your Rental Apartment in Amsterdam
Now that the most important neighborhoods of Amsterdam are explained, you might want to search through our rental apartments here. Ofcourse, our team of housing experts is also at your disposal. Should you prefer any assistance with your search, please do not hesitate to fill in our contact form and we will contact you as soon as possible.
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