10 Most Popular Streets in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city in the Netherlands full of rich history, culture, and unique places to visit. With picturesque canals crisscrossing historic streets, old-world architecture, and plenty of charm, you’re almost sure to fall in love with Amsterdam’s most popular streets.

Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing stroll through a neighborhood full of history and photogenic architecture, or a lively urban road with great shopping and local eateries, Amsterdam has it all. Learn about some of the most famous streets and neighborhoods to visit on your trip to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Hotels

1. Nieuwe Hoogstraat

One of the city’s most popular shopping streets

Good for: Couples, Families

Nieuwe Hoogstraat is a fun and bustling Amsterdam shopping street, favored by locals and tourists alike. Located in Amsterdam-Centrum, Nieuwe Hoogstraat connects the Oude Hoogstraat with the Sint Antoniesbreestraat. The architecture is charming and the street is a lovely mix of high-street brands and independent retailers.

Nieuwe Hoogstraat has existed in Amsterdam since the middle ages and nowadays features various shops and boutiques, trendy restaurants, cafes, and hangouts popular with the locals. The street is not open to cars, but be careful to leave the center lane clear for numerous bicycle riders. Read more

2. Javastraat

Traditional Dutch gifts to delight

Good for: Families, Shoppers

Javastraat, or Java Street, is a main shopping street in the Indische Buurt in Amsterdam East. The street is an extension of Eerste van Swindenstraat, and connects Celebesstraat to Javaplantsoen.

Javastraat offers a great mix of traditional Dutch staples and modern shops and eateries, from local bakeries and greengrocers to chic espresso bars, cocktail lounges, and international restaurants. Plenty of streetside cafes and restaurants here offer outdoor seating, making it a popular spot for locals to socialize. You’ll happily get lost in the variety of options during your time here. Read more

3. Brouwersgracht

Eclectic shops line a historic thoroughfare

Good for: Families, Photo

Brouwersgracht is a historic street and canal that connects the Singel with the Singelgracht on the border of the Amsterdam canal belt. Full of historic buildings and old-world charm, the street was once voted “The most beautiful street in Amsterdam” by readers of Het Parool.

Brouwersgracht’s picturesque appeal is carried over from functional warehouses and former breweries, now converted into attractive residential homes. Several interesting bridges span the Brouwersgracht canal, including iron lift bridges, a West Indian House bridge, and a Paper Mill Lock. Read more

4. Lindengracht

A street with great monuments and heritage

Good for: Families, Shoppers, History, Photo

The Lindengracht is a former canal in Amsterdam, now a historic street in the Centrum district of the Jordaan neighborhood. There’s plenty of notable history to be found in the area, from famous former residents to city riots, with 21 unique national monuments located along the Lindengracht.

Lindengracht is a lively center of commerce, with a variety of charming neighborhood shops, restaurants, and homes. A popular weekly market is held here every Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, offering a range of fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, bakery items, gifts, and crafts. Read more

5. Prinseneiland

Secret islands begging to be explored

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Prinseneiland is one of 3 islands located in the Centrum district of Amsterdam, known as the Westelijke Eilanden, or Western Islands. Often referred to as secret islands, the atmosphere in Prinseneiland is quiet and peaceful, and the area is a great place to enjoy a scenic stroll.

Many of the unique homes and apartments in Prinseneiland are in converted spaces within former industrial warehouses, many dating back to World War II. The neighborhood’s vintage charm draws artists and visitors from near and far to enjoy the unique sights. Read more

6. Gerard Doustraat

Photogenic historic landmarks aplenty

Good for: Families, Photo

Gerard Doustraat is a historic one-way street in Amsterdam-Zuid, within the Pipe district. The street is unusual for its archaic planning style, built in the 19th-century to be a long and incredibly narrow street lined with unusually deep and narrow houses.

The city has sought to preserve the character of Gerard Doustraat through a multi-phase renovation, so visitors to the area will see a combination of original and restored buildings. Municipal and national monuments are prevalent throughout the area, including a Jewish synagogue, a Sikh temple, and a unique corner building nicknamed The Point. Read more

7. Amstelveenseweg

A medieval route to Holland’s south

Good for: Families, History, Photo

Amstelveenseweg is a road that connects Amsterdam and Amstelveen, with early origins that can be tied back to the 13th century. This historic throughway has grown and served as an integral connecting road to the south of Holland and beyond for many decades.

Amstelveenseweg today is a bustling center of commerce and culture, with a wide range of historical sites to explore and public art pieces, monuments, and unique architecture to see. History enthusiasts may enjoy checking out the Electric Museum Streetcar Line Amsterdam, whose streetcar line runs through the area. Read more

8. Overtoom

A popular street for shopping and dining

Good for: Families, Shoppers, Food

Overtoom is a main thoroughfare in Overtoombuurt, in the Amsterdam-West district. The area is easily accessible by public transportation, and Streetcar 1 runs right through the middle of this popular street.

Overtoom is popular with locals and visitors alike, with various quaint cafes, international restaurants, organic grocery stores, local shops, and boutiques. The area is also known for charming architectural features and historic sites, including the former Wilhelmina Gasthuis hospital. Keep your eyes open because there are lovely sights all around. Read more

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9. Oudezijds Voorburgwal

Canalside adult entertainment

Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife

Oudezijds Voorburgwal encompasses a street and canal in De Wallen in central Amsterdam and is often referred to as OZ Voorburgwal. Incredibly, this historic canal’s early history can be tied back to the 14th century.

Today OZ Voorburgwal is one of the most famous streets within the famous Red Light District, with destinations ranging from sex shops and peep shows to bars and cannabis coffee shops. The area is also packed with historic sites, captivating architecture, and famous buildings for you to enjoy. Read more

10. Herengracht

See treasured canal homes along the water

Good for: Families, History, Photo

The Herengracht is one of the canals that make up the Amsterdam canal belt and sits between the Singel and the Keizersgracht. Named in the year 1612, the canal is lined with some of the most prestigious canal homes in the city, particularly along the Golden Bend.

Herengracht is a great place to explore, full of historic buildings and elaborate architecture in monumental canal homes by the water. You’ll also find elaborate landmark gardens, a range of museums and cultural centres, as well as unique bridges across the canal. Read more

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