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Like most cities, Amsterdam is divided up into smaller neighborhoods, each having their own unique character and identity. Getting familiar with each of these districts will make getting around Amsterdam much easier. Here we will introduce you to the charming neighborhoods offered in this great city.
Centrum - The term Centrum refers to the area inside the Singelgracht canal and encompasses several smaller districts such as Dam Square, Haarlemmerplein, Muntplein, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Nieuwemarkt, etc. This is similar to what we would call "downtown" in the U.S.
Dam Square - This is city center located about halfway between Muntplein and Central Station. The square is surrounded by several buildings including the Royal Palace, New Church (Nieuwekerk), a department store, a wax museum, the famous Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, and a few others. It doesn't matter what season it is, there is always something going on in Dam Square whether it be an ice skating rink in the winter or carnivals and concerts in the summer.
De Pijp - Once a working class neighborhood, this area is now a multicultural district with lots of students, immigrants and successful thirty-somethings. De Pijp borders
Museumplein to the east and offers the giant Albert Cuyp outdoor market as well as many ethnic shops and restaurants. The peaceful Sarphati park is also located here.
Haarlemmerplein - As you walk down Haarlemmerdijk street, you will see that it is loaded with coffeeshops, headshops, souvenir shops, bars and restaurants. This is a pretty active part of town and is another one of those places that has something for everyone.
Jordaan - Built in 1612 and located on the west side of the city, this was once a poor working class neighborhood that at one point was scheduled to be bull-dozed to make
way for new apartments and houses. However, there was so much protest that the powers that be decided to clean up the neighborhood and only replace some of the buildings
instead. In the 1960's it was a hippie neighborhood and still retains some of its beatnik roots. It now offers lots of shopping and art galleries.
Leidseplein - This area is a good place to eat and party. It is reported that there are over 200 bars and restaurants located within a few block radius, and as a result, this is a pretty lively place with large crowds, street performers, and nearly every type of establishment that you can imagine. There are also a number of coffeeshops, the Holland Casino, and Boom Chicago's comedy club located here.
Muntplein - Munt means mint (as in where coins are made) and this district gets its name because there is a decomissioned mint located there. Between Muntplein and Dam Square, it is virtually nothing but stores and malls along Kalverstraat and is a good place to do some shopping.
Museumplein - As you might have guessed, this area is named so because of the major museums located here including the Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk
Museum. Because this is a wealthier neighborhood, P.C. Hoofstraat is nearby and loaded with expensive designer shops. There are also several very good restaurants in the area,
but very little in the way of nightlife. The famous Vondel Park is located just a few blocks from Museumplein.
Nieuwemarkt - Bordering the Red Light District to the east, this area is home to the famous building De Waag which is now a restaurant. On Saturdays the Nieuwemarkt is home to an outdoor produce market.
Red Light District - This part of town probably needs little introduction. The Red Light District is basically an adult playground offering drinking, drugs, prostitution, and even good food. Prostitutes rent booths with glass windows and for a price you can spend some time with them. Whatever you do, do not take pictures of them as you walk by. This district also offers several coffeeshops, the Marijuana Museum, and quite a few bars and restaurants.
Rembrandtplein - This is a popular area for the gay community, but it also has several bars, restaurants and dance clubs circling the square. Not as expansive as Leidseplein, but there is still quite a bit going on here.
Spui - This is considered an intellectual part of town due to the fact that there is a University here. It still has a good nightlife featuring places like Hoppe, Gollem, Cafe Luxembourg, Dampkring, etc. Often you will find students, professors and local celebrities in these establishments.
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