October 7, 2009

Design, Art, Markets… Get to Know Amsterdam’s Neighborhoods

By Allison Park | Add a comment

Amsterdam’s reputation as one of the artistic, design capitals of the world precedes itself. Whether you are traveling to this old European city for business or a much deserved vacation, you are bound to find something of interest. But before you start wandering the streets of Amsterdam looking for adventure, let’s take some time to get to know the city’s unique neighborhoods.

Jordaan

One of the many storefronts in Jordaan

From old fashioned to quirky and trendy, the Jordaan neighborhood has reclassified itself as a shopping and local mingling hot spot. The area’s quaint streets along the canals sets the scene for an wandering-friendly neighborhood and is the perfect location to people watch from one of its many trendy eateries. Jordaan shares its reputation as a trend-setting space with neighboring ‘hoods including the adjacent Herenstraat and Prinsenstraat Streets, which was recently recognized for its revitalization by The New York Times.

Museumplein (Museum Quarter)

This area is where the old residential streets meet the artistic epicenter of Amsterdam. Surrounded by the three major museums–the Rijksmuseum, the van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum–the Museumplein is the perfect location to stroll through halls of artistic expressions and then continue the cultural experience outside the museum walls.

The IAmsterdam art installation in front of the Rijksmuseum

After oohing and awing over the works of van Gogh and Rembrandt, you might feel the need for some auditory stimulation. Satisfy your ears with music from the local concert building, Concertgebouw. If music is not what will satisfy your palate, there are many well renowned restaurants close by, or perhaps a walk through, Amsterdam’s best-known park, Vondelpark.

With 120 acres of land, Vondelpark is the largest and one of the most popular parks in Amsterdam. The space was built

A Picnice with Friends in Vondelpark

in 1850 and to this day is a place to share lunch with friends and family, experience live concerts during the summer, take a light jog or nap under an adjacent tree.

Escape in Leidseplein

This is the neighborhood that never sleeps, and is always ready to share its street talent with passersby and club scene with the local night owls. Between the performers, shopping, restaurants and clubs, a traveler is bound to find plenty of activities to pass the time. Sit at a local restaurant and watch the crowds go by, or doll up for an evening at Escape for some of the hottest DJ’s in the city.

Markets

Amsterdam Book Market

One of the most popular destinations in Amsterdam is any one of the many markets. From flowers to antiques, books, organic food and art, Amsterdam has a market geared toward one of your interests. For the antique lover, stroll through Waterlooplein Flea Market and see what treasures you can bring home as souvenirs. The book lover will find many literary works at the Spui Book Market, and for anything and everything food related, who could forget the Albert Cuyp Market?

Photo credits: Canal-side Market, Meanest Indian; Jordaan storefront, Michell Zappa; IAmsterdam, Frenkieb; Picnic in Vondelpark, Will Hybrid; Escape, Tyler Durden1; Book Market, Robby Van Moor