Amsterdam Neighborhood
Centrum
The historic heart. Tourist-heavy on the main streets, but full of secrets one block over.
Okay, yes, Centrum has the tourist stuff. Dam Square, the Red Light District, all the things you have seen on Instagram. But it also has some genuinely incredible spots if you know where to look. My coworker Thomas grew up here and still takes me to places I have never heard of. The key is getting off the main streets — one block from the Damrak and you are in a completely different world. Zeedijk has amazing Asian food, the Negen Straatjes are perfect for boutique shopping, and there are brown cafes that have been pouring beer for 400 years.
Things to Do
8 spotsAMAZE Amsterdam
AMAZE is a wild, interactive art show in Westpoort. Go early, bring friends, and skip the food inside.
Private Boat on the Canals
Local FavoriteForget the tourist boats. My roommate rents a little electric boat, loads it with cheese and wine, and cruises the canals herself. No license needed. Best afternoon in Amsterdam.
Pathe Tuschinski
Local FavoriteGo to the Grote Zaal at Pathe Tuschinski for a real cinematic experience. The lobby is free, the architecture is stunning, and the seats are comfy.
Axe Throwing Amsterdam
Local FavoriteBook axe throwing for a bachelor party or group night out. It’s more fun than it sounds.
WOPL!
Local FavoriteTraveling with kids under 6? This place is your lifesaver. Two hours here and they will sleep the entire afternoon while you finally get that terrace beer.
Club Birdies
Mini golf meets great food and drinks in the heart of Amsterdam. Perfect for groups or a fun date night.
WOPL!
Local FavoriteIf you’re in Amsterdam with kids, WOPL is your rainy-day lifesaver. My neighbor Joris swears by it.
Private Boat on the Canals
Local FavoriteRent a small electric boat and cruise the canals yourself. No crowds, no tour guide, just you and the view.
Eat & Drink
2 spotsLabyrinth Cocktail Soul Food & Poetry Bar
A speakeasy vibe with soul food and poetry nights. Go Thursday not Friday for a quieter vibe.
MOS Amsterdam
Local FavoriteMy coworker Tom takes all his dates here and they all come back. It’s trendy, sharing plates, and the beef tartare is a no-brainer.
Where to Stay
2 spotsAmstel Hotel
Local FavoriteIf you’re looking for a truly classic Amsterdam luxury stay, this is it. Romantic, historic, and right on the river.
The Dylan Amsterdam
Local FavoriteIf you’re looking for a dreamy, romantic hotel stay in Amsterdam with canal views and Michelin-star dining, The Dylan is it. Book well ahead—this place fills up fast.
Explore other neighborhoods
Jordaan
Charming canals, cozy cafes, boutique shopping, and the most Amsterdam feeling you can get.
De Pijp
Foodie paradise, vibrant street life, multicultural energy, and the best market in Amsterdam.
Oud-West
Trendy without trying too hard. Great food, Vondelpark nearby, and a proper local vibe.
Noord
Amsterdam's creative frontier. Street art, craft beer, nightlife, and zero tourist crowds.
Oost
Multicultural, unpretentious, and completely off the tourist radar. The real Amsterdam.
Oud-Zuid
Polished, museum-rich, and beautiful. Amsterdam at its most elegant.
Plantage
Green, historic, and peaceful. Wide boulevards, world-class gardens, and room to breathe.
IJburg
Modern, waterfront, and surprisingly fun. Amsterdam's beach neighborhood.
Zuid
Residential, green, and well-connected. Amsterdam for people who like a bit of calm.