In this article, I present downtown AmsterdamThe Centrum district is the place to be during your stay.
Here you'll find
- An introduction to downtown Amsterdam
- What to see and do in the area
- How to get there
- Practical information and sightseeing tips
- What you can see in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Amsterdam's city center, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Amsterdam city center: article summary
Introduction to downtown Amsterdam
Amsterdam's designated downtown area is the aptly named Centrum. This is one of the 8 districts of the capital and it is the first one that tourists see when they arrive in the city from other parts of the world. the airport.
As you'll see, it's home to a host of unmissable monuments and activities.
History of Amsterdam's central district
Amsterdam's central district (Amsterdam-Centrum) is the smallest of the French capital's arrondissements, but it is the most populousin terms of population density. This is where the Central Station is located, where streetcars and 4 of the 5 subway lines of the city, and you won't want to miss it during your stay in Amsterdam.
It is split in two by the Singela canal that marked the boundary of the city in the middle ages and bordered by the Singelgracht to the north, which acts as a border for this district. In fact, from numerous channels that give it its charm. To make the most of it, I recommend take a cruise you'll have a front-row seat!
Within it, there are two main zones: the Nieuwe Zijde (for Nouveau Côté) and Oude Zijde (the Old Side), the oldest parts of the capital, named after their respective churches: the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which can still be seen today.
From simple fishermen's village Concentrated around this now central area, Amsterdam grew with the expansion of trade, culminating in the city's heyday in what came to be known as Amsterdam's Golden Age (between 1584 and 1702).
Today is the day a tourist spotIt's a very lively area, with many points of interest. I'll tell you all about it below!
Facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood
- This area is classified as a Unesco heritage
- The nickname of Venice of the North Amsterdam's name comes from the canals found there
- There is a high concentration of coffeshop in this Amsterdam city center
- Almost half the cafés, restaurants and hotels in Amsterdam!
What can you see and do in downtown Amsterdam?
You are looking for What to do in Amsterdam ? A simple visit to the city center and its main monuments should keep you busy for a while! Here are the must-see sights and must-do activities in the area.
The different neighborhoods to explore in downtown Amsterdam
Amsterdam's city center is divided into several districtseach with its own special features to delight travellers:
- De Wallenbetter known as Amsterdam's Red Light Districtwith its famous prostitute windows, coffee shops and evening entertainment.
- Visit place de Damthe city's largest square, where you can find the Royal Palace and the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk)
- Spuiwhich forms the heart of the old town, ideal for starting a stroll through the city center.
- Nieuwmarktwhere you'll find the local chinatown
- Other small districts, often bordered by canals, can be crossed: Jordaan (the fashionable district), Amsterdam's Jewish quarter (Jodenbuurt), Leidseplein (for its nightlife), the Rembrandtpleinthe IJ front (a fast-growing area that moves forward on the water) and The Plantage (where Amsterdam Artis Zoo).
The old Oude Kerk church
This is the city's oldest building, dating back to the 19th century. 1302. From a simple wooden chapel, it has become a colossal Gothic church. Although the interior is austere, it's well worth a visit for the paintings on display. But also for the superb stained-glass windows and wooden ceiling.
The Begijnhof and its underground chapel
The Beguinage is located in a small inner courtyardHere, you'll find traditional stone houses dating back to the 18th century. But one of its special features is the Wooden house (Het Houten Huys), built in 1470, is one of the city's oldest!
At the heart of this beguinage lived devout Catholic women, organized into a true community of solidarity. Active in helping the less fortunate, they were of great importance to Amsterdam for several centuries, until the last beguine died in 1971.
As for the underground chapelalso known as Béguinage chapel. It's located in one of the seemingly classic houses. But inside, we discover a real place of worship, decorated and arranged, which allowed Catholics to practice their religion in secret, despite the repression.
De Waag
This 15th-century monument, which served as a door to the city. A veritable citadel, today it remains one of the original defense towers. However, the building has been remodeled many times.
Home to many guilds (doctors, masons, painters), it remains Amsterdam's oldest non-religious building.
The flower market
Visit Bloemenmarktor Flower market in downtown Amsterdam. It has been a floating market on the Singel Canal since 1862.
It's a permanent fixture and a popular spot for visitors, who can buy a variety of flower bulbs (including tulips, of course!) and small souvenirs. Get your fill of colors and smells here!
The NEMO science museum
Among the activities I recommend in downtown Amsterdam is a visit to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. It's one of the city's most interesting and entertaining museums. And it's sure to please for young and old with fun activities and experiments.
How do I get to downtown Amsterdam?
Amsterdam's city center is served by all the city's means of transport:
- Metroline 51, 52, 53 and 54
- Tramwaywith regular stops in the neighbourhood
- Ferryto cross from the station and reach the other side of the river
So you'll have no trouble getting to it if you're staying outside!
For visitors arriving from the airport Schipholyou will reach the Central Stationwhich is the focal point of Amsterdam's city center.
Good to know If you plan to use public transport during your stay, remember the I Amsterdam City Cardwhich allows unlimited use.
What to see and do in the area?
From downtown Amsterdam, you can easily reach other monuments and activities located in neighboring districts. Here are my suggestions:
- To the northyou can observe the city from the heights at A'Dam Lookoutglide over the country in the flight simulator This is Holland and discover the best of Street Art Straat Museum !
- To the southyou can head for the unmissable Rijskmuseum and its immense collection of works of art
- To the westvisit Anne Franck Houseabout 15 minutes' walk from the Beguinage or the Oude Kerk.
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
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