Amsterdam East is one of the city's coziest neighborhoods where tourists are not yet swarming all over the place. This makes it a great mix of locals and visitors. It is also a multicultural neighborhood which makes the selection of bars, restaurants and stores incredibly diverse.
Officially, the Amsterdam Oost district runs from the Mauritskade to the north and the A10 south, including the Eastern Islands. Amsterdam Magazine adds the Plantage neighborhood and the eastern part of the city center to the definition "Amsterdam East" because the hotspots there are also close to this district and thus can easily be combined with a visit to this part of town.
What is there to do in Amsterdam East?
There is more to do in Amsterdam East than you think. Yes it may not be as full of tourist hotspots as De Pijp, Amsterdam Zuid or the center, but it definitely has its charm because of this. Immerse yourself in the daily life of Amsterdam here.
The city's nicest parks
One of the best things about Amsterdam East are the various parks found in this part of town. They are at least as beautiful as the popular Vondelpark, but a lot less crowded. It starts with the renovated Oosterpark. Here you will find a nice baby pool where you can cool off with your family on a hot summer day. Then there is the Flevopark with its outdoor swimming pool, Distillery 't Nieuwe Diep and lots of greenery and beautiful paths where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Last but not least, there is also park Frankendael with the nice restaurants De Kas and Merkelbach, in addition to being home to the Pure Markt.
Dapper Market
In the heart of Amsterdam East you can also find the more than a century old Dapper Market, this market is known as the most affordable and multicultural market in the city. This market is held here six days a week. Stroll past one of the market's 250 stalls and find that unique one-of-a-kind interior item or go shopping in one of the stores hidden behind the market's stalls. This is where daily life in Amsterdam really comes alive. Order a delicious ice cream or eat a fresh stroopwafel while watching people haggle over fruits and vegetables.
Artis is not just a zoo. They like to be called the garden of Amsterdam. Amsterdam's zoo is usually referred to as ARTIS, but is officially called Natura Artis Magistra. It is a super fun day out where you can not only see exotic animals, but also learn more about the environment and our impact on it. They also have an edible garden that teaches visitors more about edible plants and herbs. On the grounds you will also find Micropia, a museum that focuses on the tiny organisms that live all around us; microbes.
The Hermitage Amsterdam is the largest branch of the world-famous Hermitage of St. Petersburg. The museum is located on the Amstel River in the historic Amstelhof building. Here you will find amazing paintings by Dutch grandmasters that you can see up close. Besides the official explanation of what you see in these paintings, they also have a children's perspective on some of these paintings that provide surprising insights.
Amsterdam has strong ties to the Dutch Jewish community; the city's history in that regard has not always been a happy one. The Jewish Historical Quarter consists of the Jewish Historical Museum, the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue and the Hollandse Shouwburg. All tell a different story about Dutch, and more specifically Amsterdam, ties to Jewish culture and WW2.
The Hortus Botanicus are Amsterdam's botanical gardens, these gardens are as much as four centuries old. With its lush greenhouses, butterfly house and exotic plants, it is the best way to hide from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originally established in 1638, the gardens were originally intended as a way for city doctors to grow the herbs they needed for treatments. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and contains more than 6,000 different native and non-native trees and plants.
In a beautiful building next to the Oostpark you will find the impressive Tropenmuseum. Here you will find regularly changing exhibitions with objects that all have a story to tell about humanity and our society.
Travel to and from Amsterdam East
The best way to explore Amsterdam Oost, as in the entire city, is by bicycle. If biking is not an option, all metro lines through Amsterdam East and streetcar lines 9, 7 and 3 will transport you close to all the hot spots mentioned in this post. Use Google maps or the GVB website for more information on traveling in the east of the city.
The best restaurants in Amsterdam Oost
One of the best parts of Amsterdam Oost is the lively restaurant and bar scene. Because of the mixed cultures in this part of town, there are many great concept stores and restaurants.
Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 45, Amsterdam
tHuis aan de Amstel is a culinary and artistic café along the Amstel River. The café sits in an old engineer's house built between 1907 and 1913. It is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, a good glass of wine or a delicious meal. On a sunny day you can sit here in the beautiful garden, with colder weather it is also good inside in the homely atmosphere.
Spinozastraat 61, Amsterdam
When you are in the mood for a tasty rice table, Mama Makan is the place to be. This new restaurant serves the most delicious Indonesian dishes with a twist. You can also score a delicious cocktail to start your evening in Amsterdam off right.
Fizeaustraat 2, Amsterdam
After the successful Lobby in Hotel V, the owners decided to open a new location in Amsterdam East. And with success, the good food and great atmosphere has been perfectly transferred to the Amsterdam Oost location; The Lobby Fizeaustraat.
Wibautstraat 125, Amsterdam
The new restaurant C., a concept by chef Michiel van der Eerde (who is also behind Baut and Bautzuid), is all about the temperature of food. The restaurant is a real feast for your taste buds and a unique concept in the city that is definitely worth a visit for those who like to try something new and exciting.
The Ysbreker
Weesperzijde 23, Amsterdam
The Ysbreker is an icon in Amsterdam, the restaurant and bar on the Amstel is a great place to meet for lunch, dinner or a drink on a sunny afternoon. They have a huge sunny terrace on the Amstel that is a great place to socialize and people watch while enjoying the summer and spring in the city.
The Beer Garden
Linnaeusstraat 29, Amsterdam
The Biertuin in Amsterdam Oost always seems to be full. With tasty specialty beers and good food, it's the perfect place to start your weekend. Just remember to arrive early, it's packed if you blink twice.
Other restaurants and bars to visit in Amsterdam Oost
As we said, the bar and restaurant scene in this part of town is quite extensive. We can't just leave you with a few "best options" of restaurants and bars in Amsterdam East, below we've listed even more hotspots for you.