Amsterdam Zuid

Encompassing the neighborhoods of Oud Zuid, De Pijp and Zuidoost, the south of Amsterdam is a vibrant district that represents the artistic heart of the city. It is home to iconic museums, world class music venues, high-end shopping and innovative restaurants. Amsterdam Zuid offers so much to see and do (and eat and drink) that you’ll be inspired to make a return trip.

Visit the museums and music venues of Amsterdam's artistic heart.
Be spoiled for choice when it comes to bars, restaurants and dining options.
See big-name pop performers or cheer on the Ajax football team in Zuidoost.

Typically Amsterdam Zuid

In this fascinating neighborhood, history fuses with contemporary culture. A large proportion of Amsterdam’s cultural attractions are clustered in the south, as well as some of the best shops and foodie hotspots. A day in Amsterdam Zuid can be spent admiring artworks from the Dutch Golden Age, singing along with the world’s biggest pop stars and sampling the latest food trends.

Things to do in Amsterdam Zuid

Oud Zuid is home to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Moco Museum in the aptly named Museumplein: a grassy public square bustling with visitors taking photographs. Adjacent to the museums is the Royal Concertgebouw, a prestigious classical music venue that also invites the public to attend free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday. The nearby Vondelpark is an inner-city oasis of gardens and greenery that locals enjoy walking and cycling through. Several cafés are hidden throughout the park, and in the summertime, free outdoor performances take place at the Open Air Theatre.

Both Oud Zuid and De Pijp are ideal locations for shopping. While Oud Zuid’s P.C. Hooftstraat is dedicated to premium designer brands, De Pijp is known for its independent boutiques, concept stores and the Albert Cuyp market, where you’ll find stall upon stall of local produce, flowers, clothing and collectables. Just around the corner is the Heineken Experience, housed in the historic brewery. Take a tour, learn about the brewing process and taste the varieties.

Heading towards to the southeast, Amsterdam Zuidoost is big on entertainment. AFAS Live (previously known as the Heineken Music Hall) and the neighboring Ziggo Dome regularly welcome high profile musicians and performers. A busy schedule of concerts, dance parties and festivals draw crowds from all over Holland. Fans come to cheer on the Ajax football team at the Amsterdam Arena, a fantastic attraction in which you can watch special training sessions and take tours through exclusive areas of the stadium.

Where to eat in Amsterdam-Zuid

Zuid could be described as one of the culinary capitals of Amsterdam, as diners can choose from every cuisine imaginable. The beautiful Oud Zuid applies the neighborhood’s artistic creativity to food. Michelin-starred restaurants, such as RIJKS® and Ron Gastrobar, and upscale cocktail bars are dotted throughout the leafy streets.

If you’re looking for more variety, De Pijp offers endless choices, ranging from classic Dutch cuisine through to Dim Sum, Mexican street food, Surinamese and Middle Eastern eateries. More and more restaurants are also catering to vegetarian, vegan and health-conscious diners, with an emphasis on locally grown, free-range and sustainable ingredients, like those found at SLA and Sir Hummus. A selection of stylish serving brunch and some of the best coffee in the city, namely, Little Collins, Bakers & Roasters and Coffee & Coconuts keeps the neighborhood busy on weekends.

Where to stay in Amsterdam Zuid

There are plenty of accommodation options in Amsterdam Zuid, and staying in this neighborhood places you right amongst the attractions. From affordable hotels and B&Bs, to breathtaking grandeur, such as the Conservatorium Hotel, there are options to suit all budgets. Amsterdam is also leading the world with sustainability initiatives. Conscious Hotel Museum Square is kind to the planet without compromising on comfort thanks to its water-saving shower heads, organic breakfasts and furniture made from sustainable wood. And don’t forget Citizen M, a budget hotel with boutique flair, which started out in Amsterdam before expanding to other major international capitals.

Editor's pick

Enjoy a cocktail at one of the most luxurious bars in Amsterdam such as Tunes bar in the Conservatorium Hotel or 23rd Bar at Hotel Okura, where mixologists shake up your favorite concoction 23 floors above the ground.