This neighbourhood is where we first laid our hats in Amsterdam, and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Little did we know when we panic-signed the contract on our first apartment shortly before moving over that we’d lucked out in one of the loveliest parts of the city – a gorgeous district of leafy residential streets, hipster coffee bars, concept stores and charming neighbourhood restaurants.

Sometimes called Hallenkwartier (Hallen Quarter) due to the fact that De Hallen lies at its heart, Amsterdam Oud-West (Old West) stretches roughly south west from the canal ring from De Clercqstraat in the north to Vondelpark in the south. See the map below for a clearer idea.

You’ll find much of the shopping and dining action along the Bilderdijkstraat, Kinkerstraat, De Clercqstraat, the Overtoom (interior design stores galore!) and the Jan Pieter Heijestraat, although to be honest you’ll find something to please on virtually every corner of this beautiful neighbourhood.

Oud-West food & drink tips

• De Hallen
• HappyHappyJoyJoy West
• Cafe Toussaint
• Edel (technically more De Baarsjes than Oud-West but literally just across the water from the end of the Kinkerstraat)
• Kanarie Club
• De Liefde
• Gollem’s Proeflokaaal – BEER
• OT301 – former squat turned arts centre, gig venue and club
• De Ebeling – large, lively bar
• Lot Sixty One coffee roasters

Find out more about Amsterdam Oud-West on I amsterdam or watch this funky little video for an overview of the area:

Posted by: Jayne