Image via Complex Original
Let’s get this out of the way: If you want to go to Amsterdam to get high and gawk at hookers, you’re selling your trip short. Last we checked, being baked and staring at loose women feels the same anywhere on Earth. To maximize your stay here, exit the coffee shop and explore the city’s canals, alleys, and myriad museums, galleries, and boutiques. Mingle with the inscrutable Dutch, the Euro version of the Japanese: self-absorbed, quietly arrogant, highly artful, and thoroughly unconcerned by your presence. They’ve figured out a cool way to live, so observe and learn. Here's our guide to five of Amsterdam's coolest neighborhoods. Now, rent a bike and go nuts.
CENTRUM Is Touristy.
Once you finish your red-light stroll, head to Precinct 5, the Patta crew’s latest store, which is located in an old police station. Consider it the Reed Space of Amsterdam: clean streetwear, good people. (And don’t forget the O.G. Patta store for Nike Tier 0 goodies.) Also recommended is 290SQM, a well-curated shop located in a small alley by Waterlooplein. Visit Foam Museum for fresh photography. For nightlife, Minibar has a novel concept: You get a key to your own self-serve minibar, and pay upon leaving for what you consume. Oh, a coffee shop? De Rokerij is a favorite of artists about town.
ZEEBURG Is Modern.
To the east of Centrum is this DUMBO, NYC-like borough. Check out the Lloyd Hotel, once a juvie prison and now a stylish place to stay. For food, try Studio K—a movie theater, club, and eatery in one—or Fifteen, the concept restaurant from the Naked Chef dude. Drink up at the Brouwerij ’t Ij, which is a better alternative to the ultra-touristy Heineken brewery, especially on free-tour Fridays. Also great is the new Central Library, a seven-story beauty with free Internet and a top-floor restaurant (La Place) with panoramic views.
JORDAAN Is Artsy.
This gentrified area has awesome galleries, cafes, and boutiques, especially in its famous “Nine Streets” section. The Spoiled store (Wolvenstraat 19) wields an impressive collection of clothes, gadgets, and a full denim bar, and the artist-run Boekie Woekie bookstore offers a quick art fix. Chill time at a “brown” cafe is a must: Head to Cafe t’Smalle for beer, snacks, and postcard-worthy canal views. And, if you feel like a permanent souvenir, visit Hollywood Mark (Elandsgracht 65), the L.A.-bred tattoo artist who is one of Am’dam’s current best.
OUD ZUID Is Old Money.
First-timers to the city will inevitably hit this area to explore the Museumplein (where the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum are located) and the sprawling Vondelpark. For an affordable stay, the CitizenM (also in Schiphol Airport) offers well-designed, simple rooms. Grab a hearty, organic meal, and people-watch at one of the long communal tables at Restaurant As, then browse at stores on Van Baerlestraat, one of the city’s poshest shopping streets.
DE PIJP Is New Money.
Part of Oud Zuid, this yuppified hood has the open-air Albert Cuyp Market, where you can cop just about anything. Hit De Burgermeester for a fresh burger, and even if you have a rental bike, check out the original De Fietsfabriek for its impressive custom cycles. Who knows? You may move here yet.
