Czaar Peterstraat
Shopping on the Czaar Peterstraat
Thanks to its eclectic mix of independent fashion boutiques, delicatessens and home design stores, the Czaar Peterstraat was voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands in 2015. Many of the shops are concentrated towards the lantern-draped northern end of the street, so simply start at the top, just past the railway bridge, and slowly make your way along. Don’t miss the Pindakaaswinkel at number 169 – the first shop in the country dedicated entirely to that Dutch favourite, peanut butter. Other specialist food shops cover a selection of artisan treats including whisky, cheese, condiments and ‘wild bread’.
Dining and drinking in the east of Amsterdam
Peppered amongst the shops on Czaar Peterstreet are a selection of cosy cafés and relaxed restaurants, serving everything from rustic Italian fare to Spanish tapas and Thai street food. At the southern end of the street you’ll find the popular restaurant InStock, which combats the issue of food wastage by rustling up an inventive, daily-changing gourmet menu from local supermarket leftovers. Beer lovers should head to the iconic Brouwerij ‘t IJ, Amsterdam’s local brewery, housed under the tallest surviving windmill in the city. You’ll certainly know it when you see it, as it dominates the neighbourhood’s skyline.
In the neighbourghood
The Eastern Docklands area is one of Amsterdam’s most exciting and vibrant neighbourhoods, with its mix of post-industrial hotspots, modern architecture and charming old streets. On sunny days, the in-the-know locals flock to the urban beach at Amsterdam Roest, a trendy bar, restaurant and cultural centre housed in a series of repurposed industrial buildings. Nearby you’ll find the delightful Plantage area, a leafy 19th-century district, home to the popular Artis Royal Zoo, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens and several museums – including the impressive Tropenmuseum, which traces Holland’s colonial past.
Our accommodation tip in this area
The historic Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy is one of Amsterdam’s best-loved hotels, located in the heart of the Eastern Docklands neighbourhood. With individually designed rooms by Dutch designers, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, there’s something for every budget and style of traveller.
