The case for the Oud-West
Quite by chance I recently found myself residing in the Oud-West district of Amsterdam in a wonderful Airbnb, owned by a Dutch writer with a penchant for colour-coded bookshelves. Pitched as a quiet residential area, in an area known as De Baarsjes, I had low expectations yet little did I know that Amsterdam West is having a bit of a moment.
Once dubbed an industrial badland, the area is now thriving with students and young professional attracted to the area’s cheap rents; you only have to walk along the streets of Jan Pieter Heijestraat and Admiraal the Ruijterweg to find an interesting mix of independent stores and foodie hotspots housed in stunning examples of Amsterdam School architecture.
Perhaps one of the most diverse neighbourhoods in Amsterdam, organic delis and trendy concept stores fraternise with Turkish mini-marts and Surinamese takeaways. It’s got a community-orientated laid-back vibe that’s hard to beat. There’s plenty a terrace to sit out on and watch stylish Amsterdammers whizz past on their bikes. Only a 15-minute tram ride from Leidseplein and the Jordaan, it feels miles away from the hectic city centre.
Here’s my top picks for Oud-West, Amsterdam:
WHERE TO EAT
De Foodhallen
Located in a former tram depot, this hugely popular indoor food market draws in the crowds with its top-notch selection of street food stalls. My favourites eats were at Fento; Dim Sum Thing; Taqueria Lima; I-Scream Waffle; and Petit Gateau.
Bellamyplein 51, Amsterdam
Faam
Tucked behind the Admiraal de Ruijterweg, on the corner of Reinier Claeszenstraat and Maarten Harpertszoon Trompstraat, is a cosy Italian restaurant with a simple yet interesting menu of antipasto and pizza.
Reinier Claeszenstraat 10, Amsterdam
Bar Kaufmann
On the same street you’ll find another great spot with a terrace, where you can enjoy craft beers with falafel, salads and other snacks.
Reinier Claeszenstraat 4, Amsterdam
WHERE TO DRINK
Bar Spek
Lovely spot overlooking Kostverlorenvaart canal with a large terrace, this bar is packed on a sunny evening.
Admiraal de Ruyterweg 1, Amsterdam
Cafe Thuys
Another prime people watching spot, this informal pub-style bar has a great selection of local beers with seats next to the canal; perfect on a hot summer’s day.
De Clercqstraat 129, Amsterdam
White Label Coffee
A second office for many local entrepreneurs and for serious coffee drinkers, there’s no better place in the ‘hood to get your caffeine fix.
Jan Evertsenstraat 136, Amsterdam
WHERE TO SHOP
Misc Store
One for stationery fetishists, this well-curated shop has a great collection of notebooks (including Traveller’s Notebook), pencils, ceramics and cards.
De Clercqstraat 130, Amsterdam
Things I Like Things I Love
Concept store selling vintage, second-hand items and new clothing ranges, as well as stylish accessories for the home and garden.
Jan Evertsenstraat 106, Amsterdam
Stach
Fantastic deli, with four stores in town, their assortment of chocolate bars is to die-for! Also good for organic food, pastries and fresh take-out meals.
Admiraal de Ruijterweg 77, Amsterdam
Bilder & De Clercq
A concept store selling ready-to-cook meals and a selection of fine wines, fresh bread, desserts, kitchen equipment and a variety of organic products such as jam and olive oil.
De Clercqstraat 44, Amsterdam
WHERE TO RELAX
Het Massagehuys
A gem of a massage house this; offering a tailored and intuitive range of massages, from deep tissue to pregnancy massage, using natural massage oil blends. All massage treatments cost just €58.50, including the matching oil and a complimentary pot of organic tea to enjoy afterwards.
Jan Evertsenstraat 110, Amsterdam
Millennium Coffeeshop
Extensive menu and quality products from friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Jan Hanzenstraat 109, Amsterdam
WHERE TO SLEEP
Hotel de Hallen
A design hotel next to the popular indoor food market De Foodhallen.
Bellamyplein 47, Amsterdam
There’s also a limited selection of accommodation to rent via Airbnb.
De Foodhallen