Which Amsterdam Neighbourhood Suits You? Take the Quiz
Eight quick questions point you to the Amsterdam neighbourhoods that suit you best, from the Jordaan to IJburg.
By Essentially Amsterdam Staff · Updated 25 October 2026
The ten areas compared
| Area | Where | Known for | Households with children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centrum | Inside and around the canal ring | Dam Square, the Nine Streets, busy day and night | 12% |
| Jordaan | Just west of the canal ring | Narrow streets, small squares, the Noordermarkt | 11% |
| De Pijp | South of the centre | Albert Cuyp Market, Sarphatipark, restaurants | 14% |
| Oud-West | West, along the Vondelpark | Foodhallen, Ten Katemarkt, older apartment streets | 18% (West district) |
| Westerpark | North-west of the Jordaan | Westerpark, Westergas, Spaarndammerbuurt | 18% (West district) |
| Oost | East of the centre | Oosterpark, Dappermarkt, Science Park | 24% (Oost district) |
| Noord | Across the IJ, by ferry or metro | NDSM, village streets, new housing, space | 30% (Noord district) |
| Zuid | South of the centre | Museumplein, Beatrixpark, the Zuidas | 19% (Zuid district) |
| Nieuw-West | West, beyond the ring road | Post-war garden cities, the Sloterplas lake | 29% (Nieuw-West district) |
| IJburg | Islands on the eastern edge | Water, modern apartments, a city beach | 44% |
| All of Amsterdam | 23% |
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best neighbourhoods to live in Amsterdam?
It depends on how you live. The Jordaan and Centrum are the most central and historic, De Pijp and Oud-West are lively with markets and restaurants, Oost, Westerpark and Zuid mix calm streets with big parks, and Noord, Nieuw-West and IJburg offer more space and a newer, greener feel further from the centre.
Which Amsterdam neighbourhood is best for families?
Families often look at IJburg, Noord, Nieuw-West, Oost and Zuid, which have more parks, more room and calmer streets than the old centre. On IJburg 44% of households include children, against 23% across the city, according to our analysis of CBS figures. Answer "a family with children" in the quiz to see which area suits you.
Which Amsterdam neighbourhoods are the most lively?
In our view, Centrum, the Jordaan, De Pijp and Oud-West have the most bars, restaurants and markets within walking distance. The trade-off is busier streets and, in Centrum, crowds of visitors. If you want a park nearby as well, Oud-West sits right along the Vondelpark.
Is it hard to find a home in Amsterdam?
It can take a while: the rental market is tight. Read our housing search checklist before you start, and our rental contract checklist before you sign.