8 Must-See Neighborhoods in Amsterdam and How To Visit

The historic center of Amsterdam, Centrum is home to Dam Square, the Red Light District (De Wallen), New Market Square, and Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market that has been open almost daily since 1862. With plenty of walking, cycling, and boating tours starting in the old center, Amsterdam-Centrum is likely to be the beginning point for any visit to the Dutch capital, though it's well worth heading a little further afield.

Just outside the historic center, you’ll find the Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel). Also known as the Canal District, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses Prinsengracht, Emperor's Canal (Keizersgracht), Herengracht, and Singel Canal, as well as The Nine Streets boutique shopping neighborhood. Since it’s ideal for exploring by boat, canal tours of the district are a great way to discover some of Amsterdam’s most scenic streets and buildings while learning about the history of this picture-postcard part of the city.

Once home to Anne Frank and the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt, Jordaan is now one of the most upmarket neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Right on the edge of the Canal Ring, Jordaan is ideal for exploring on a boat cruise or walking tour in which your guide will show you the old stone tablets embedded in the terraced buildings, the faded inscriptions giving you an idea about the original residents of the 16th-century neighborhood. Now a museum, the Anne Frank House is also well worth a visit. It offers a first-person perspective on the human costs of the Holocaust and insight into how that event transformed this now-peaceful neighborhood.

Previously a 19th-century working-class neighborhood, De Pijp is now one of Amsterdam's hippest locales. To get a feel for the bars, boutiques, and quirky cafés, visitors can jump on a food or walking tour, or easily spend an afternoon—or longer—meandering around the historic buildings, side streets, and attractions in this funky ’burb. The Albert Cuyp Market is also not to be missed. One of the city’s best one-stop spots for food, souvenirs, and people-watching, this huge outdoor market has been open six days a week since 1905.

For a taste of Amsterdam's more industrial past, hop on a ferry across the IJ River to Amsterdam Noord, the Eastern Docklands, and the NDSM former shipyards. You can join a bicycle tour around the area, check out cool museums in converted warehouses, and relax at open-air bars on the riverbanks. Along the way you may see incredible street art and even floating hotels. The area also is home to A’DAM Tower, offering arguably the best view in the whole city from the A'DAM Lookout.

For a leafy green pocket of Amsterdam with a touch of history, you can’t get any better than Plantage. Back in the 16th century, this neighborhood, which roughly translates as “plantation,” was filled with pleasure gardens and orchards. Now it’s better known for its impressive 19th-century houses and the Artis Zoo, though the Hortus Botanicus—one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens—still offers visitors a glimpse back to the 17th century.

A short tram ride from Amsterdam's center, Oud-West’s 20th-century red-brick architecture is a world away from the chocolate-box 16th-century canal houses. Sandwiched between the relaxing setting of Vondelpark and the bustling hub of Kinkerstraat, the Oud-West has a local, modern Amsterdam vibe. De Hallen—a funky former tram depot–turned–food hall with shops, bars, and an art deco–style movie theater, De Filmhallen—is also well worth a visit.

East of Plantage, Amsterdam Oost is the city’s multicultural heart. In particular, Javastraat and Javaplein feature some of the best food and shopping in the city, as well as a whole host of trendy hangouts. Other highlights include Dapper Market (Dappermarkt), where you can travel all over the globe through your tastebuds; Flevopark; the Tropenmuseum; and De Gooyer Windmill, the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands. This 17th-century site was used as a corn mill during World War II.