The neighbourhoods of Amsterdam

The medieval heart of Amsterdam, built around Dam Square and the Royal Palace. It is busy and lively from morning to late evening, with shopping streets, old churches and hidden courtyards such as the Begijnhof. Everything is within walking distance of Centraal Station, so go early or late to avoid the crowds.

Sights: Dam Square, Royal Palace Amsterdam, De Nieuwe Kerk, De Oude Kerk, Begijnhof, Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market), Brouwerij De Prael, Tony's Chocolonely Super Store, Puccini Bomboni, De Bijenkorf, Magna Plaza, Kalverstraat, Our Lord in the Attic, Museum Van Loon, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, The Amsterdam Dungeon

🍽️ Restaurants: 14 · ☕ Breakfast: 3 · 🌙 Evening out: 8

The famous ring of 17th-century canals, with the Jordaan next to it: narrow streets, brown cafés, small galleries and boutiques. This is the Amsterdam of postcards and a lovely place just to wander. The Anne Frank House is here, so expect queues; the Nine Streets are best on a quieter morning.

Sights: Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets), Jordaan, Noordermarkt, Amsterdam Cheese Museum, Museum Het Schip, Fabrique des Lumières, Westerpark, Brouwerij Troost Westergas, Jordino, Huis Marseille

🍽️ Restaurants: 10 · ☕ Breakfast: 2 · 🌙 Evening out: 5

A calm, elegant district of wide streets and grand 19th-century buildings, home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk. Vondelpark next door is good for a break between museums. It is a short tram ride from the centre, and the museums are busiest around midday.

Sights: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Vondelpark, Foodhallen, House of Bols, MOCO Museum

🍽️ Restaurants: 4 · ☕ Breakfast: 4 · 🌙 Evening out: 9

A lively, multicultural neighbourhood south of the canal belt, full of cafés, small restaurants and bars. It is known for the Albert Cuyp street market and for the Heineken Experience in the old brewery. A good area for a relaxed lunch or an evening out, a short tram or walk from the museums.

Sights: Heineken Experience, Albert Cuyp Market

🍽️ Restaurants: 15 · ☕ Breakfast: 3

A greener, quieter side of the city, with the Hortus Botanicus, the zoo and the Maritime Museum, plus the Rembrandt House and the Waterlooplein flea market on the western edge. It suits families and slow mornings. The Jewish quarter and the old harbour are close, and the centre is a walk or short tram ride away.

Sights: Rembrandt House Museum, Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), Hortus Botanicus, ARTIS (zoo), Het Scheepvaartmuseum (Maritime Museum), NEMO Science Museum, Brouwerij 't IJ, Waterlooplein Flea Market, Micropia, Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, H'ART Museum, Jewish Museum, Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum), OBA Central Library

🍽️ Restaurants: 11 · ☕ Breakfast: 2 · 🌙 Evening out: 6

Across the IJ, Amsterdam Noord feels like a different city: creative, industrial and relaxed, with film, street art and the former NDSM shipyard. The A'DAM Lookout gives a wide view back over the old town. Take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station; it only takes a few minutes and runs often.

Sights: A'DAM Lookout, Eye Filmmuseum, Oedipus Brewing Taproom, STRAAT Museum, NDSM Wharf

🍽️ Restaurants: 6 · ☕ Breakfast: 1 · 🌙 Evening out: 2