Amsterdam-West is a vibrant neighbourhood that captures the history, culture and charm of the Dutch capital. Sip coffee in leafy parks, stroll along tree-lined canals and rub shoulders with locals at trendy boutiques, bars and brewpubs.
Things to do in Amsterdam-West
Tree-filled Westerpark is the city’s signature green space. Walk along shady paths and picnic on the sun-drenched lawns. The park moonlights as a venue for markets, festivals and cultural events. Repurposed industrial buildings frame Westerpark and house cafes, bistros and brewpubs.
Stroll around the Western Canal Ring, one of the city’s most photogenic areas. Handsome gabled houses built by wealthy 17th-century merchants line the mirror-like canals. Discover hidden gems and visit landmarks like the Anne Frank House. It’s housed in the canal-side house where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis in the 1940s. Poignant exhibits bring Anne’s experience to life and you can see her famous diary, which is an international bestseller translated into dozens of languages.
You can find everything from Mexican tacos and American-style burgers to Japanese sushi and Indian street food in Foodhallen. The cavernous food court is housed in a historic tram depot and is Amsterdam’s culinary epicentre. It’s a great place to try “bitterballen” Dutch meatballs, best enjoyed with a glass of beer.
Get lost in a labyrinth of laneways and canals in Jordaan. A former hotspot for blue-collar workers, the neighbourhood has morphed into a hip quarter packed with cafes, pubs, boutiques and galleries. Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs at the open-air market in Noordermarkt square and hunt for preloved treasures at the enormous Antiekcentrum Amsterdam.
Getting around Amsterdam-West
Amsterdam-West is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. Local buses and trams operate across Amsterdam-West. Amsterdam Centraal Station is a 10-minute drive away or 45 minutes on foot. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a 20-minute drive away.