Amsterdam/Zuid

During the 1860s, when the Dutch economy grew rapidly, the Canal District became too small for the city's wealthy residents. Development of the Museum Quarter started, named that way because the upper classes of that time found this new area the perfect place for a grand national museum, the Rijksmuseum. The Museum Quarter is Amsterdam's equivalent of Paris' 1st arrondissement. With the later construction of the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, the area now has three top class museums side by side. The Rijksmuseum, affectionately nicknamed "Rijks" by the locals, is largely similar to the British Museum or the Louvre, and houses a treasure of Dutch Golden Age paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer, and others. The Van Gogh Museum is the largest collection of paintings and drawings from the post-Impressionist master, while the Stedelijk Museum has an impressive display of modern art. Surrounding the museums are the Vondelpark and the P.C. Hooftstraat, where you can spot Dutch celebrities buying designer shoes and gold watches.
De Pijp was developed around the same time, and city planner Van Niftrik had grand plans for the area. Then known as "neighbourhood YY", it was planned to become the new city centre of Amsterdam. A railway line was supposed to cut the district in half, and Amsterdam Centraal, the city's main railway station, was planned here. The neighbourhood was envisioned with large residential blocks and grand avenues, and it was supposed to have a grandeur that equalled that of Paris. However, the city council struck the plan down, as required land purchases made it too costly, and large tenements were needed to house a growing working class. In 1876, urban planner Kalff came with a new plan, which was accepted, and turned the neighbourhood into an example of revolutiebouw, a late-19th-century architectural movement dedicated to building as much cheap housing as possible for a booming population. Nowadays, De Pijp has gentrified, and blue collar workers are slowly making way for by students, yuppies and foreign-born residents. The Albert Cuyp Market, a large working class street market, is a nationally famous attraction, and the area around the Heinekenplein is Amsterdam's equivalent of Paris' Quartier Latin, a going out area for students and beer lovers.
The Museum Quarter and De Pijp are known together as Oud-Zuid ("Old South"). Between 1917 and 1927, the middle and upper-class neighbourhoods of Nieuw-Zuid ("New South") were built, designed by urban planner Berlage in the Amsterdam School style, a movement of functionalist architecture. The 1928 Olympic Games took place here, as can still be seen by the Olympic Stadium and the Greek names of the streets. In the following decades, Amsterdam kept expanding southwards gobbling up surrounding municipalities with neighbourhoods like Buitenveldert. Since the late 1990s, a large construction project is taking place in an area known as the Zuidas (or "Financial Mile"). It's Amsterdam's central business district, inspired by La Défense in Paris. Yes, Paris again. While some of Zuid's urban planning may have been inspired by that grand city, it has a unique atmosphere and completely stands on its own.

By car

If you are arriving by car, the best advice is to park it at the Olympisch Stadion (Olympic stadium) park and ride and use public transport to get around.
The P&R costs 1 Euro for 24 hours if you arrive after 10:00 AM (or anytime in weekends). Otherwise it costs 8 Euro for first 24 hours.

By train

The district's main transportation hub is Amsterdam Zuid, located on the strategic railway line between the Schiphol Airport and Utrecht (with another branch going to Almere), which connects to pretty much all major Dutch cities in provinces other than North and South Holland. Metro lines 50 and 51, tram line 5 and numerous bus lines stop at Amsterdam Zuid allowing easy access to both the district and the rest of Amsterdam. Tram line 5 and Metro 51 run all the way north to Amsterdam Centraal, with the tram stopping close to many major attractions.
Of note is the fact that trains from Schiphol to Amsterdam-Zuid take only 7 minutes and cost half of what trains to Centraal do, so if Zuid is on your list, you may want to begin there and make your way to the north.

By tram

Zuid is a vast district and just looking at a map of all the tram lines that go through it can make you dazzle. But it's not that complicated if you know the few lines that are interesting for visitors. From Centraal Station, the fastest tram to the Museum Quarter is line 5, get out at either Hobbemastraat (Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark, P.C. Hooftstraat), Van Baerlestraat (Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum) or Museumplein (Concertgebouw). This line continues to Station Zuid (Zuidas).
For De Pijp, take tram line 16 or 24, stops Stadhouderskade and Albert Cuypstraat. You can also take these lines if you're going to the Olympic Stadium (stop Stadionplein).

By metro

From Amsterdam Centraal you can take the new 52 metro direct to Zuid station via De Pijp and Europaplein, alternatively you can take the 51 metro which goes past RAI and Zuid and continues to Amstelveen in the south.

Museums

The Museum Quarter has some of the best museums of the world, and especially the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum stand out. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete if you haven't been to at least one of these museums. Catering to its wealthy demographic, there are also two diamond museums here.

• Coster Diamonds

  phone: +31 20 305-5555
  address: Paulus Potterstraat 2-8
  This stately building is one of Amsterdam's two diamond factories. Guided tours are given showcasing the complicated diamond production process. It looks like just an ordinary jewelry shop, and of course it is, but there is a lot more to it. If you want to purchase diamonds, ask for the tax refund form so you can get up to 12% of the asking price back at the airport.

• Diamant Museum

  phone: +31 20 305-5300
  address: Paulus Potterstraat 2-8
  This brand new exhibition about the history of diamond trade in Amsterdam.

• Heineken Experience

  address: Stadhouderskade 78
  Do not expect a beer museum, but rather to be flooded with Heineken advertisements.

• Rijksmuseum

  phone: +31 20 674-7047
  address: Jan Luijkenstraat 1
  The largest and most prestigious museum for art and history in the Netherlands: works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters. Its garden has a curious collection of architecture and has free entrance during museum opening times. Recommend to get there early to avoid long queues and crowds, then head first for the second floor to see the Rembrandt classics and others such as Avercamp's Winter Landscape with Skaters.

• Stedelijk Museum

  phone: +31 20 573-2911
  address: Paulus Potterstraat 13
  The Stedelijk Museum is the municipal museum of modern art. It has a long history, as it first opened in 1874 and has been at its current location since 1895. It was reopened in 2012 after a renovation that took four years: the newly constructed building is now locally referred to as the "bath tub" due its unique shape. The "bath tub" will host newly acquired film and video expositions, while the highlights remain in the old part of the building.

• Van Gogh Museum

  phone: +31 20 570 52 00
  address: Paulus Potterstraat 7
  This museum is dedicated to Vincent van Gogh, a late 19th century Post-Impressionist Dutch painter. The museum is extremely popular so expect to wait in line to get in. best to get there early (is a good cafe inside to keep you going). In the museum are many, but not all, of Van Gogh's works. The museum contains some famous paintings like Sunflowers and Potato Eaters, but lack others such as Starry Night. Also, there are selected works of Monet exhibited there. The audio tour at €5, in the language of your choice, will give you a much better understanding of Van Gogh's life and his paintings.

• Moco MuseumMoco is a private museum of modern and contemporary art.

Parks

• Museumplein

  address: Willem Sandbergplein,
  Not exactly a park, but a large grassed open space. Around its edges are the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Concertgebouw. On a sunny summer day, many locals chill at the grass lawn on top of the Albert Heijn supermarket.

• SarphatiparkSituated in De Pijp, this is a place where people sunbathe and have picnics in the summer.

• VondelparkThe only large park that is close to the Binnenstad, and definitely the most popular one. Especially in the summer it is lively and crowded, many locals sit on the grass and enjoy a cold beer or wine. It's a lovely place to just hang out, sit in the sun and meet the locals. Open air theaters are running in the summer on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.

Notable buildings

• Huis met de Kabouters

  address: Ceintuurbaan 251
  Named after two gnomes decorating its facade, this building is in a mix of Gothic and Rennaissance Revival and includes gargoyles and narrow lancet windows. Built in 1884, it became a rijksmonument in 1984.

• Riekermolen (1636)

Beaches

• Strand Zuid

  phone: +31 20 639 2589
  address: Europaplein 22
  With bar and restaurant

• Electrische Museumtramlijn Amsterdam

  phone: +31 20 673 7538
  address: Amstelveenseweg 264
  On operating days, the museum runs various vintage trams on two routes. Line 30 runs every 30 minutes along on a 7-KM museum rail line to Amstelveen with stops along the route. Station Amstelveen is perhaps the most interesting stop as it is near an attractive small-town area with restaurants. Line 20 runs two trips only around Amsterdam. If you buy a day pass, you can travel both routes.

• Concertgebouw

  phone: +31 900 671 83 45 (Dutch phones only)
  address: Concertgebouwplein 6
  Famous for its orchestra and its acoustics (among the top ten in the world), this is one of the world's most frequently visited concert halls. Classical music is the main fare, but they also bring other kinds of music on stage. They have a free "lunch concert" on Wednesday from 12:30 till 13:00. In the same building is the "Kleine Zaal" ("Small Hall") for more intimate performances, often top-notch as well. It's worth a visit if only for its architecture.

• Friday Night Skate

  address: Vondelpark 3
  Put on your skates, and join the popular weekly skate tour (since 1997), a different route every week. Starts every Friday at 20:30 from the Vondelpark (near the former Filmmuseum).

• Rialto

  phone: +31 20 676-8700
  address: Ceintuurbaan 338
  For all art-house cinema lovers. All films are shown in their original language with Dutch subtitles. They have late night and classic showings too. Just a short walk from the Albert Cuyp Market/Heineken Brouwerij, in the nice non-touristy neighborhood De Pijp.

• ICE

* Amsterdam During winter time there is an amazing ice rink in Amsterdam at the Museumplein. The open air ice skating rink that covers 1400 m2 can be found at its usual spot in the heart of Amsterdam and is opened daily for all visitors.

The population of Zuid is mixed and that becomes most apparent when you're going shopping.

• Albert Cuyp MarketLargest street market in Amsterdam, and the best-known street market in the country. It is iconic for the "De Pijp" neighborhood and its working class inhabitants. There is something for everyone here, whether you're looking for delicious Dutch treats, clothing or second-hand cameras. There's also a wide array of stores that cater to the city's Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish and Moroccan inhabitants, giving the market and neighborhood a strong multicultural feel. Can get very crowded, so watch out for pickpockets.

• Pieter Cornelisz HooftstraatProbably the wealthiest street of the country where Dutch celebrities go for a new pair of designer shoes. Better bring a filled wallet if you're planning to buy something here.

De Pijp is an excellent area for getting ethnic food that belongs to former Dutch colonies, such as Indonesian or Surinamese cuisine. Koreans have congregated in the area known as Buitenveldert, so that's an excellent location for Korean cuisine.

Budget

• Albina

  address: Albert Cuypstraat 69
  It's cheap and very good. If you arrive around dinnertime you probably have to wait for a table. The surroundings are depressing but the food is so good you will come back anyway.

• Tijns Exotische Broodjes

  phone: +31 20 404 2175
  address: Willem van Weldammelaan 55, 1082 DD
  Tasty, great value Surinamese take-out.Sandwiches. Located a short walk from the Zuidas area hotels. A few tables are also available to eat in.

Mid-range

• Sari Citra

  phone: +31 20 675 41 02
  address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 52
  Located just off the far end of the De Pijp neighborhood's famous the Albert Cuyp Market, Sari Citra is one of the most delicious and most affordable Indonesian restaurants in town. Be sure to try several of the selections as the friendly staff builds a plate for you. Don't show up right at 5PM unless you feel like waiting in line behind a lot of hungry locals just getting off work. Open during the week from 2PM-9PM, and from 3PM-9PM on weekends.

• CTaste

  phone: +31 20 675 2831
  address: Amsteldijk 55, 1074 HX Amsterdam
  Dining in the dark. All waiters are blind, and serve you dinner in a completely dark restaurant. A very weird, but actually quite fun experience.

• FRNZY

  phone: +31 6 506 332 21
  address: Eerste Jacob van Campenstraat 27 H
  Small restaurant with indoor and street seating. Serves good noodle salads and sandwiches with a Vietnamese influence.

Splurge

Nightclubs

• OCCII

  address: Amstelveenseweg 134
  A rock venue for cutting edge music (punk, noise, riot grrrl, etc).

Coffeeshops

• Club MediaCompletely organic menu, fair selection, good prices, lovely staff, free fruit!

• KatsuJust around the corner from Media, good prices + nice atmosphere.

Bars and beer gardens

• 't Blauwe Theehuis

  address: Vondelpark 5
  Basic bar and beer garden

Cafes

• De Roos

  address: Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat 183
  Quite tea house with small garden.

Due to the area being cheaper than the center, Zuid has become the most popular location for budget and mid-range hotels.

Budget

• Flying Pig Uptown

  phone: +31 20 400-4187
  address: Vossiusstraat 46
  A bit loud and boisterous for travelers looking to relax but perfect for those looking to meet people from all over the world and get the true "Amsterdam Experience". Lockers require lockpads, which are not available for rent, only sale for €5.

• Hostel Cosmos

  phone: +31 20 625-2438
  address: Frans van Mierisstraat 69a
  Friendly youth hostel.

• The Poet Hotel Amsterdam

  address: Jan Luijkenstraat 44
  A new boutique hotel in Zuid, just around the corner from Museumplein.

• Sphinx Hotel

  phone: +31 20 6273680
  address: Weteringschans 82, De Weteringschans
  From single rooms to five people sharing, steep stairs and no lift, shared or private bathrooms (quite small), very close to the museums.

• Van Ostade Bicycle Hotel

  phone: +31 20 679 3452
  address: Van Ostadestraat 123
  A walk or short tram ride from the centre of the action, yet far enough away to feel safe. Surrounded by fantastic architecture with reasonable rates, even on peak. Rooms from single to quadruple and optional en suite. Comes with free coffee, breakfast and wireless internet access. Great for students.

Mid-range

• ibis Styles Amsterdam City

  phone: +31 20 675 05 53
  address: Stadhouderskade 135
  The hotel offers the latest requirements of 3 star hotel. All the floors are reachable by elevator. All rooms have their own private bathrooms.

• Hotel Flipper

  phone: +31 20 676 19 32
  address: Borssenburgstraat 5
  Hotel Flipper Amsterdam is very attractive with its peaceful location in a quiet residential area in the southern part of Amsterdam.

• Hotel City Garden

  phone: +31 20 672 79 19
  address: P.C. Hooftstraat 162
  The hotel has 70 rooms with stylish interior and a beautiful view.

• citizenM (Amsterdam City)

  address: Prinses Irenestraat 30
  Second property by citizenM hotels, opened in 2009. Located on Beethovenstraat in Oud-Zuid. Rooms include free WiFi and movies, a rainshower, and an XL kingsize bed with luxury linens.

• Gresham Memphis Hotel

  phone: +31 20 673 31 41
  address: De Lairessestraat 87

• Holiday Inn Amsterdam

  phone: +31 20 646 2300
  address: De Boelelaan 2
  Ticks all the main boxes for facilities but about due for a refurbishment.

• Park Plaza Vondelpark Amsterdam

  phone: +31 20 664 61 11
  address: Koninginneweg 34-36
  Ideally situated right by the Vondelpark, Museum Quarter within walking distance. Close to Amsterdam's famous upscale shopping street, PC Hooftstraat and the business district Zuidas and the RAI Congress Centre.Free Wi-Fi in public areas.

Splurge

• Bilderberg Garden Hotel

  phone: +31 20 - 570 56 00
  address: Dijsselhofplantsoen 7
  Five star hotel just off the Apollolaan and only a short walk to the city centre.

• Hilton Amsterdam Apollolaan

  phone: +31 20 710 60 00
  address: Apollolaan 138
  Site of John Lennon's and Yoko Ono's bed-in. Located in an upscale, older neighbourhood outside of the city centre (Oud-Zuid) but close to the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark. Nationally famous for being the site where Dutch artist Herman Brood committed suicide by jumping from the roof.

• Hotel Okura

  phone: +31 20 6788 300
  address: Ferdinand Bolstraat 333
  Five star Japanese-owned and operated hotel with an excellent range of Japanese food, clothing, and book shops in the basement, and wireless internet in the lobby, bar, and conference rooms. The only drawback is that it's relatively distant from the central station (15 minutes by tram), but worth considering if work is paying and you don't mind taking cabs.

• Park Hotel Amsterdam

  phone: +31 20 671 12 22
  address: Stadhouderskade 25
  Bang in the middle of Amsterdam between Leidseplein, Rijksmuseum and P.C. Hooftstraat. Four star hotel spread over several historical buildings. Parking. Very friendly staff.

• Conservatorium Hotel

  phone: +31 20 570 00 00
  address: Van Baerlestraat 27
  Located in the heart of Amsterdam is the brand new five-star hotel and Amsterdam's best kept secret up to date. The Conservatorium offers 129 luxurious guest suites spread throughout 8 floors. Opening soon...

• Hotel JL No76

  phone: +31 20 3485 555
  address: Jan Luijkenstraat 76
  Hotel JL No76 is a luxury boutique hotel near the Vondelpark.

The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum have free Wi-Fi throughout the museum, and the Stedelijk Museum has Wi-Fi and laptop connections available in the reading room of its library. Bagels & Beans branches also offer unlimited free Wi-Fi access, and can be found in the Ferdinand Bolstraat (near the Albert Cuyp Market and Heinekenplein), Van Baerlestraat (near the P.C. Hooftstraat and Vondelpark) and the Pernassusweg (near the Zuidas).

If you haven't had enough of the museums, go to the Hermitage in Plantage and the Anne Frank House in the Canal District. The Canal District also has some quality dining and shopping options.
If you want to go completely off the beaten track, visit the urban forest Amsterdamse Bos in Amstelveen. It's three times the size of New York's Central Park and visited by 4.5 million visitors annually (mostly locals). You can have a walk, hire a bicycle or go rowing or riding. If you're with children, visit the pancake restaurant or the petting zoo.