ABOUT AMSTERDAM

Housing in Amsterdam

If you wish to rent a house or apartment in Amsterdam, take your time to read the local information below about the various town districts and quarters. Expat Rentals can assist you in making the right choice out of all houses and apartments that are presently for rent in your favorite Amsterdam quarter.

General Information

Amsterdam is the capital and the largest city of the Netherlands. The city is located in the province of Noord-Holland, at the mouth of the river Amstel, and has a mixed population of over 760.000 inhabitants.
Around the year 1300 Amsterdam obtained city rights and subsequently grew to become one of the most important trade centers of Europe in the 17th century (the Golden Age). The development of the city included the 17th century ring of canals, now placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and one of the most important monuments in town. Nowadays Amsterdam is the financial and cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large institutions have their headquarters here and 7 of the world's top 500 companies are based in this city.
Every year Amsterdam draws more than 4,5 million visitors from all over the world. Its main attractions are among others the historic canals and the museums, like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Anne Frank Huis, and last but not least its world-famous red-light district, the Wallen.
The overall standard of living in Amsterdam ranks highly in the 2005 survey by Mercer Human Resources Consulting. And the city's popularity has surged amongst expats and knowledgeable migrants from other countries in Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and Japan. Recent statistics from the city's Research and Statistics Department reveal that since 1992 the city’s expats community has grown from 9.000 to somewhere around 100.000 today.
Since 2010 Amsterdam is divided into 7 town districts (Centrum, Noord, Oost, Zuidoost, Zuid, West, Nieuw-West) and Westpoort (the western docks area, governed from the central city).

Local Information

Centrum (Centre)

Amsterdam-Centrum counts over 80.000 inhabitants. It is one of the largest renaissance city centres of Europe. Many buildings date from the 16th and 17th century, and are now considered monuments. This district of Amsterdam includes the following quarters: Burgwallen Oude Zijde, Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde, Grachtengordel-West and -Zuid, Nieuwmarkt and Lastage, Westelijke Eilanden and Gouden Reael, Haarlemmerbuurt, Jordaan, Weteringschans, Weesperbuurt and Plantage, Oostelijke Eilanden and Kadijken.

Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde

The Nieuwe Zijde is the 'newer' part of the inner city, including Amsterdam's beating heart, the Dam square or shortly the Dam. Once this was the central market-place, where every conceivable commodity was sold. Today it is a very lively square with lots of tourists, shoppers and street artists.
The top attraction of Amsterdam is undoubtedly the royal palace (Koninklijk Paleis) on the Dam, the jewel in the crown! Although no longer a home to the Dutch royal family, this majestic 17th century palace is still regularly used for official receptions.
On the south side of the Dam towers the national memorial statue (Nationaal Monument), erected in memory of the Dutch soldiers and resistance fighters who died in the Second World War. Unveiled in 1956, this monument shows impressive sculptures, symbolizing the agony of war and the joy of peace. It also stores urns with soil from execution places and war cemeteries of the former 11 Dutch provinces and Netherlands East India.

Burgwallen Oude zijde

During the Golden Age (17th century) the Oude Zijde, the 'older' part of the inner city, was an important commercial centre. Ships could sail up the Geldersekade canal to Nieuwmarkt (new market), where all goods were weighed at the Waag before being sold on the market place. If you're looking for great bargains today, you can visit the Waterlooplein market, where you will find a large variety of second-hand clothes, shoes, books, records and stamps. More uncommon items are for sale there too, such as three-piece suites, boxes full of old locks and other such paraphernalia.
This part of town includes also the world-famous red-light district, the Wallen or commonly spoken the "walletjes" (which means quays of canals). Formerly a working-class quarter, it now accommodates the prostitution as well. Accept the temptations behind the red-lit windows, this quarter has many other objects of interest, such as the centrally situated Oude Kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam. The Oude Zijde is one of the oldest parts of Amsterdam and still has many magnificent buildings, that are carefully kept as monuments. It is a quarter with a very personal character, full of nice bars and restaurants.

Jordaan

Undoubtedly, the Amsterdam Jordaan quarter has more romantic songs and fascinating stories to its name than any other area in the Netherlands. Founded to accommodate the poor, nowadays it is much sought-after by students, artists and young urban professionals (the newly rich). The Jordaan oozes a warm atmosphere with its narrow streets, picturesque canals, brown cafes, art galleries and unique shops. You can easily loose yourself in pleasant strolls in the enchanting streets, that connect the three main canals.

Grachtengordel

A 'must see' in exploring Amsterdam is a visit to the Grachtengordel. This ring of canals, stretching around the ancient centre of Amsterdam, forms an inspired piece of city planning, dating back to the 17th century, when the Dutch were in their heyday and Amsterdam was a wealthy trading port. With ships of the Dutch East India Company bringing in vast amounts of wealth from the colonies, the city expanded outwards and the ring of canals we see today was built for easy access to the city centre.
The Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht are the three canals that form the elegant curve encircling the old city as far as the river Amstel. Each canal is lined with trees and cobbled streets, separating the narrow, gabled houses and old warehouses from the waterway. The main arteries into and out of the centre cut across this quarter, but do little to disturb the gentrified calm.

Amstelbuurt

The Amstel quarter is the area around the river Amstel, from which Amsterdam took its name. This upper-class quarter offers an oasis of tranquillity. Strolling alongside the wide river Amstel, you come across the beautiful, recently restored Blauwbrug (blue bridge), the Magere Brug (the oldest wooden drawbridge in town), the Amstelsluizen (locks) installed centuries ago, the Carré Theater, the famous Amstel Hotel and a great variety of houseboats. In the Utrechtsestraat you will find all kinds of fine boutiques, specialist shops and restaurants.

Plantage

The Plantage quarter lies east of the city centre. The concentric canals abruptly ended here as the city’s population stopped increasing after 1680. A spacious park was laid down here, for the city locals to enjoy long walks. In this quarter are also located the Hortus Botanicus and the Artis zoo. Unfortunately, the Plantage deteriorated into an area full of gambling dens and prostitution, but midway through the 19th century it was cleaned up by the city council. Nowadays it is a stylish, classy quarter with a fine mixture of traditional houses and trendy design.

Zuid (South)

The district Amsterdam-Zuid includes the following quarters: Apollobuurt, Buitenveldert, Hoofddorppleinbuurt, Museumkwartier, De Pijp, Prinses Irenebuurt, Rivierenbuurt, Schinkelbuurt, Stadionbuurt and Willemspark.

Museumkwartier

Nestled south of Leidseplein is the plush 19th century museum quarter (Museumkwartier). Unashamedly, this quarter is the pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most important museums in Amsterdam: the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. And as such a downright art lover’s paradise. Culture vultures will be quite in their element in this recently renovated quarter. Moreover, amongst the stylish hotels and cafés, there is also the majestic Concertgebouw. The museum quarter is arguably the cultural hub of the city, offering a kaleidoscope of activities and attractions. A stroll down the exclusive P.C. Hooftstraat or Van Baerlestraat will take the 'fashionista' to some of the world’s most prominent couturiers. From diamonds to leather shoes to designer handbags - just don’t forget to bring your credit card!
The museum square (Museumplein) also caters for children - or the child within us all - with its skateboard ramp, basketball field and wading pool, which is transformed into an ice rink during winter. Another attraction of this quarter is the wonderful Vondelpark, where relaxing is the order of the day, unless it is Queens Day or Uitmarkt, when the park is swarming with visitors.

De Pijp

De Pijp is a quarter where a wide range of people feel right at ease: ladies of the night, writers, artists and squatters, they have all found a home here. This quarter, a melting pot of many cultures, offers its visitors a warm welcome! The Sarphati Park is a very pleasant park to relax during summer, a veritable fairytale in snowy winter. Holland’s best-known market, the Albert Cuyp, and its 20.000 (!) daily visitors contribute to the hustle and bustle of the quarter. It also boasts pleasant pubs and ample cultural facilities. People truly like living here. De Pijp quarter is still the Quartier Latin of Amsterdam!

Rivierenbuurt

The Rivierenbuurt was built in the twenties and thirties according to a plan of architect H.P. Berlage. Many of its buildings are built in the style of the Amsterdamse School. The most impressive building of this quarter is the Wolkenkrabber (skyscraper) of J.F. Staal, the first high residential building of Amsterdam. On the east side of the Rivierenbuurt the Berlagebrug over the Amstel forms the connection with the eastern suburb. The Canadian liberators entered Amsterdam across this bridge on May 7, 1945.

Oost (East)

The district Amsterdam-Oost includes the following quarters: Amsteldorp, Betondorp, Dapperbuurt, Don Bosco, Frankendael, IJburg, Indische Buurt, Jeruzalem, Julianapark, Middenmeer, De Omval, Oostelijk Havengebied, Oosterparkbuurt, Park de Meer, Polderweggebied, Transvaalbuurt, Van der Kunbuurt, Weesperzijde and Zeeburgereiland.

The eastern part of Amsterdam is a cosy district with a rich architectonical history, where most houses were built in the 19th and early 20th century. In the eighties of last century, the city has put great effort into building new housing and renovating old buildings. Today, the population of this district is one big melting pot of cultures and ages. The Oosterpark therefore, is a city park where lots of (multicultural) events take place all year round. And the recently renovated Dappermarkt is a lively market-place with commodities from all over the world.

Oostelijk Havengebied

Historically, the Oostelijk Havengebied (eastern docks area) with its typical dock islands was first used by big Dutch shipping companies, but since 1988 it has become the location of the biggest post-war building project in Amsterdam, with 8.500 homes to be built in the IJ bay, in response to the chronic housing shortage. The project consists of several newly constructed artificial islands, interconnected by bridges. The water is one of the most important characteristics and qualities of this area, that might be seen as a centre of experimental urban development and modern architecture.
A fascinating feature of KNSM-island are the old storage buildings, that have been preserved. This island has also retained its maritime character; many houseboats and other boats are moored at the quays. This dock area is a fine example of how old and new can complement each other very well.

Zuidoost (South-East)

Amsterdam-Zuidoost counts around 85.000 inhabitants. This district includes the following quarters: Amstel III / Bullewijk, Bijlmer, Driemond, Gaasperdam and Venserpolder.

The district Amsterdam-Zuidoost is literally the 'odd man out' of Amsterdam, as it is separated from the rest of the city by the towns Ouder-Amstel and Diemen. This situation grew historically, when in the sixties of the last century Amsterdam annexed this area and supported the village Weesperkarspel in building a new town there. Subsequently the area was to become part of Ouder-Amstel, but this town abandoned its claim and so the area kept belonging to Amsterdam and the newly built town became a town district. Zuid-Oost is therefore the only district that shares no boundaries with the rest of Amsterdam.

West and Nieuw-West (West and New West)

The district Amsterdam-West has primarily pre-war buildings (before 1940). The former area Oud-west has been integrated into this larger district, that now includes the followinng quarters: Bellamybuurt, Borgerbuurt, Centrale Markthallen, Chassébuurt, Cremerbuurt, Da Costabuurt, Erasmusparkbuurt, Frederik Hendrikbuurt, Gibraltarbuurt, Gulden WInckelbuurt, Helmersbuurt, Houthaven, Kolenkitbuurt, Laan van Spartaan, Landlust, Mercatorbuurt, Postjesbuurt, Robert Scottbuurt, Spaarndammerbuurt, Staatsliedenbuurt, Trompbuurt, Vondelparkbuurt, Zeeheldenbuurt and Waterwijk. The Westerpark and the village Sloterdijk are part of this district as well.

The district Amsterdam Nieuw-West has primarily post-war buildings (after 1945) and includes the following quarters: Oostoever, Nieuw Sloten, De Aker, Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, Slotervaart, Osdorp and part of Bos and Lommer. The lake Sloterplas is situated in the midst of this district.

West (Including Oud-west)

After countless centuries of bare nature, followed by hundreds of years of agriculture, the western part of Amsterdam gets a more urban destination in the 17th century. The Wilhelmina Gasthuis was built around 1630 as a pest house to keep the patients outside the city walls and to limit the danger of contagion. By the end of 1800, after some hundred years of a stagnating population growth, economic growth demands new housing in Amsterdam and during the next century Amsterdam-West gets its definitive shape. The former area Oud-west is part of the 19th century city expansion. It was set up as a working-class neighbourhood and consisted merely of small workers’ houses. Nowadays there are not many families with children living here and because of the cheap housing there is a big concentration of students and singles. The new tendency is that, as a result of urban planning and enlarging of the houses, this area gets more and more popular with yuppies. To be living in Amsterdam-West is ideal for people who want to be close to the centre and among the locals. It is also close to the Vondelpark and the Leidseplein.

Noord (North)

Amsterdam-Noord is located north of the IJ and counts over 68.000 inhabitants. This district includes the following quarters: Elzenhagen, Boven 't Y, Stationsgebied, Volewijck, IJplein and Vogelbuurt, Tuindorp Nieuwendam, Tuindorp Buiksloot, Nieuwendammerdijk and Buiksloterdijk, Tuindorp Oostzaan, Oostzanerwerf, Molenwijk, Kadoelen, Nieuwendam-Noord, Buikslotermeer, Banne Buiksloot, Buiksloterham, Nieuwendammerham and Landelijk Noord (with the villages Zunderdorp, Ransdorp, Holysloot, Durgerdam and Schellingwoude).

After the North Sea Channel was opened in 1876, Amsterdam felt the need for industrial zones. During the 20th century the northern part of Amsterdam developed into the most important industrial area of the city. The heavy industry, the petrochemical industry and the shipbuilding became utterly prosperous. This district reached its current dimensions, when in 1921 the city annexed rural areas in the north too. Amsterdam-Noord is well-known for its garden suburbs: Nieuwendam, Buiksloot and Oostzaan. And a visit to the Vliegenbos, for a long time Amsterdam's largest park, is still a popular daytrip for lots of city-dwellers.

Westpoort

Amsterdam-Westpoort has an area of 35 km2. In fact this is not a town district, but a business park and industrial zone that includes the western docks of the city (Westelijk Havengebied) and it only counts around 370 inhabitants. Westpoort has no council of its own, but is governed from the central city. The former village Ruigoord is now part of this area.