Areas and suburbs in Amsterdam

The best places to live in Amsterdam

Countless expats have been pulled in and swept up by Amsterdam's balance of old-world charm and cutting-edge modernity. The ’Venice of the North’ is a true melting pot of cultures, and each area has something unique to offer.

Here are some of the top areas and suburbs in Amsterdam offering prime expat-friendly accommodation.

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Family-friendly areas of Amsterdam

Amsterdam Oud-West 

Oud-West is a highly sought-after area for expat housing. It claims all the fantastic leisure-based perks of the city centre and combines them with a touch of nature. Cafes, restaurants, museums and shopping streets – such as the Overtoom – are plentiful, and the famous Vondelpark is a beloved hangout for locals and tourists.

The residents are mainly students, educated locals and expats. Houses in the area are larger and more expensive than in the city centre, and expats shouldn't be surprised to find lush gardens hidden away here and there.

Amsterdam-Zuid 

Amsterdam-Zuid is recognised as the upmarket side of Amsterdam. It's popular with Western expats thanks to the nearby British School of Amsterdam and Vondelpark, as well as its great infrastructure. With a peaceful atmosphere and plenty of playgrounds and parks, Amsterdam-Zuid is a prime location for families. Though densely populated, this is a high-income area.

In terms of leisure and recreation, the area has much to offer. Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art are located here, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities.

Watergraafsmeer 

Watergraafsmeer is one of Amsterdam's greenest residential areas. Whether expats prefer spending time outdoors in the garden, public parks or sports fields, plenty of space is devoted to each.

This neighbourhood is a relatively quiet area of town with a fairly large, cosmopolitan population. There are several good restaurants and bars in the vicinity. Watergraafsmeer also has a large ice-skating rink, the Jaap Edenbaan.

Westerpark 

Westerpark is home to a large expat population and is especially recommended for young families. It has several good schools and a few choice attractions, including the famous Westergasfabriek cultural district, the Het Ketelhuis art house cinema, cafes and designer boutiques. While some neighbourhoods within Westerpark are fairly quiet, others boast a lively nightlife. Be sure to look out for the markets and festivals that pop up in the area.

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Areas for young and single expats in Amsterdam

Centrum

Centrum is the heart of Amsterdam, and a metropolitan favourite. Despite being the most populated area of the city, many prefer to live in its small, pricey apartments for convenient proximity to world-renowned attractions and great restaurants, as well as the ease of getting around.

One of the most loved destinations is the Grachtengordel, or Canal Belt, where expats will find the famous tree-lined canals associated with Amsterdam. The Singel Canal is widely visited because of the Anne Frank House and other museums. Perhaps equally famous, but for very different reasons, is De Wallen – the city's Red Light District.

De Baarsjes

This area is located within the city’s centre ring, which makes all the modern conveniences of Centrum easily accessible without the hefty price tag. Known for its good location and low crime rate, De Baarsjes is perfect for expats who prefer a quieter lifestyle. Outdoorsy expats will enjoy Rembrandtpark, popular for jogging and dog walking. Another highlight is the open-air market on Vespuccistraat.

Indische Buurt 

Situated in eastern Amsterdam, Indische Buurt has a long history of housing expats. More than half of the population in this area is foreign-born, with more than 100 foreign languages spoken by residents. Accommodation in Indische Buurt is more affordable than in the city centre and consists mostly of apartments.