With its winding canals, world-class museums, exceptional dining and a reputation for a progressive spirit, Amsterdam remains a top destination for travelers worldwide. The city expects roughly 20 million visitors this year, far exceeding its population of just under 1 million residents. Despite its small population, Amsterdam is highly diverse — people from about 180 nationalities live here.
You can easily spend hours or days exploring Amsterdam’s historic center, crossing canals and wandering narrow streets to find something new around every corner. To get a more local perspective, venture into the city’s distinct neighborhoods.
Oud-Zuid, or Old South, is one of Amsterdam’s most elegant areas, filled with chic boutiques, major art museums and open green spaces that invite visitors and residents alike. Oud-Zuid is about a 30-minute tram ride from the historic center.
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“The thing I like most about living in Oud-Zuid is its vibrant yet laid-back vibe,” said Keith Jenkins, founder and publisher of Velvet Escape, an award-winning luxury travel blog. Jenkins has lived in Oud-Zuid for 14 years and in Amsterdam for more than 30 years.
“It’s a cosmopolitan neighborhood with a wide variety of backgrounds and nationalities, which shows up in the range of shopping and dining options,” he added. “You’ll find family-owned stores and up-and-coming local designers alongside high-end brands; friendly neighborhood pubs and popular cafes; and everything from street food to Michelin-star restaurants such as Bolenius and RIJKS.”
The Museum Quarter can be lively, drawing visitors to the Rijksmuseum — which presents centuries of art — as well as the Stedelijk and Van Gogh museums, and to concerts and gatherings at Vondelpark. Each late August, the Uitmarkt festival marks the start of the Netherlands’ cultural season with more than 300 performances on some 30 stages.
But Oud-Zuid also offers quieter, more intimate corners. “Turn a corner and you’ll find a peaceful canal, a shaded park or a small square filled with cafes that mostly attract locals,” Jenkins said. These calmer pockets make Oud-Zuid appealing for both residents and visitors who want a more relaxed side of Amsterdam.