Amsterdam city centre: sights and travel tips

What are the areas of Amsterdam Centre?

Amsterdam City Centre is made up of a few main areas which are all very close to one another, and can be explored by foot. These include: 

• The Canal District 
• The Jordaan
• The Nine Streets
• The old centre (The Wallen)
• Leidseplein 
• Centraal Station 
• Spiegelkwartier.

A brief history of the Amsterdam’s City Centre

The city of Amsterdam as we know it today, was born in the Oude Kerk (old church) area, around the early 1300s in what is known today as the Wallen district. The city started as a small fishing village on the banks of the Amstel river, on swampy marshes that were reclaimed as land. The first mention of the city of Amsterdam can be noted in the toll concession of Floris V, Count of Holland, in which inhabitants of the settlement were exempted from paying a bridge toll. During this time, most buildings in the city were made with wood – with the majority of these being subsequently destroyed in two great fires.

The years 1585 to 1672 are known as Amsterdam’s Golden Age, a time in which the city experienced a period of rapid expansion, development, and prosperity. It was in this time that Amsterdam cemented itself at the centre of world trade – with the likes of  the East India Company sending fleets across the globe to trade, bringing economic benefits to the city. It was during the Golden Age that much of the Amsterdam that we know today was built, including the characteristic houses, canals, and other important historic buildings for which the city is famous. In 2002, this 17th century canal belt district of Amsterdam was given UNESCO world heritage status, highlighting its importance to the history of urban design and architecture. 

Where to eat in Amsterdam Centre

Let’s face it, being a tourist makes you hungry. The good news is that Amsterdam Centre has a huge array of restaurants to choose from. From bars to cafes, takeaways to sit-down meals – there’s really something for everyone and every budget.

Ibericus Amsterdam

Haarlemmerstraat 93, 1013 EM Amsterdam

Ibericus is a Spanish-run cafe-deli, offering up some of the most mouthwatering cured meats you can find in the city. Grab a sandwich to takeaway, or sit in the back of the cafe and enjoy a red wine.

Toscanini

Lindengracht 75, 1015 KD Amsterdam

For a taste of Italy in Amsterdam, try Toscanini. This restaurant serves up  rustic Italian dishes – from pastas, to mains, and desserts. With a large wine-menu and open plan kitchen, Toscanini makes for a perfect date night location.

TerraZen Centre

Sint Jacobsstraat 19HS, 1012 NC Amsterdam

For those looking for something a little different, TerraZen could be for you. This restaurant offers vegan dishes that fuse the Japanese and Caribbean heritages of its owners. Communal seats and funky decor – plus mouth wateringly delicious foods, make this place one that locals love!

Where to shop in Amsterdam Centre

From chain outlets to curated boutiques, the centre of Amsterdam is a shopaholic’s paradise. 

We are Labels

Haarlemmerstraat 92-94, 1013 EV Amsterdam

We are Labels is a concept store for both men and women with stores located around Amsterdam centre, including close to the main station, and in the 9 streets shopping district.  Here you’ll be able to shop a range of high quality minimalist basics and essentials. 

De Bijenkorf Amsterdam

Dam 1, 1012 JS Amsterdam

If you feel like window shopping in beautiful surroundings, or need to escape from the rain, it’s worth popping into the Bijenkorf, even just to admire the architecture. This luxury department store chain has everything from cosmetics, to shoes and clothing, and even offers stylist and tailoring services, as well as a cafe and patisserie.

Noordemarkt  

Noordermarkt 44, 1015 NA Amsterdam

This bustling outdoor market takes place in the Noorderkerk area weekly on Saturday and Monday.  Browse for vintage clothing and furniture, or maybe try some fresh produce – think Dutch cheeses,  fresh coffee, oysters, as well as fruit and vegetables. A visit to the Noordermarkt is a great way to kick off any weekend in Amsterdam.

Get cultural in the city centre

You’d do yourself a favour to go beyond the tacky tourist-centric sites that can be found in the centre of Amsterdam. Check out our top 3 recommendations for off-the-beaten track cultural experiences in Amsterdam centrum below. 

Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 EH Amsterdam

Hidden in a building in the Red Light District, the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum) is a hidden church in the attic of an old canal house. This 17th century clandestine Catholic church was created in secret in the attic, during the time when it was illegal to gather for mass.

Museum van Loon
Keizersgracht 672, 1017 ET Amsterdam

Ever wanted to see the inside of an opulent merchant’s canal house? This is your chance! The Museum van Loon is an intact former house of the van Loon family that is open to the public. Stroll through the rooms and admire the huge range of antiques, visit the original kitchens, and gardens. 

FOAM 

Keizersgracht 609, Amsterdam, Nederland

Foam is Amsterdam’s premier photography museum. Located in a canal house, the museum offers revolving local and international exhibitions, events, workshops, and also has a cafe. 

Where to drink in Amsterdam City Centre

Finding a bar in which to sample some genever isn’t a problem when visiting the centre. If you want to try something a little more local, we’ve rounded up our top picks below.

Cafe Nol

Westerstraat 109, 1015 LX Amsterdam

Classic Dutch music? Check. Fresh cold beer? Check. Old school interiors? Check. Cafe Nol is the place to go if you want a late night party cafe, and drunk Amsterdammers singing classic tunes at the top of their lungs.

Kanaal 40
Warmoesstraat 66, 1012 JH Amsterdam

From the owners of the iconic club Garage Noord comes Kanaal 40, a multiconcept hospitality experience near the Dam. Kanaal 40 attracts an alternative young crowd of creative Amsterdammers, and offers a club, bar, and restaurant experience. 

Festina Lente
Looiersgracht 40B, 1016 VS Amsterdam

In the middle of the 9 streets, this cosy bar is one of our favourites. The wooden interiors, board games, pub menu and laid back locals that drink here make it the perfect place to spend a few hours on the weekend. 

How to get to Amsterdam City Centre?

Amsterdam City centre is highly accessible, not only from all other areas of the city, but also from other cities around the Netherlands. The best bet is to take any mode of transport that passes through Amsterdam Central Station, and then explore the centre by foot from this location. 

From the airport: Take any train heading to Amsterdam Centraal from the Schiphol Airport train station.
Train: Take any train heading too, or stopping at Amsterdam Centraal from anywhere in the Netherlands.
Metro: Stop Rokin, Nieuwmarkt, Vijzelgracht, or Amsterdam Centraal on lines M50, M51, M52, M53, M54.

The Final Word 

Amsterdam City Centre offers a huge range of cultural, culinary, and shopping experiences for any traveller. Make sure you give yourself at least 2 full days to explore all this vibrant city has to offer.