When it comes to the Oost neighbourhood in Amsterdam, there’s a lot to love. For one, it’s a super green area of the city. You’re not far from the Oosterpark and other beautiful outdoor spaces that really bring the community together. The architecture here is some of the best in Amsterdam! There’s not a lot of modern buildings, so enjoy the sight of stunning and rich houses. You can feel the stories of generations along the streets. With that said, Oost is still a vibrant and trendy district. All over the area you’ll find plenty of tasty dining options, trendy bars, and shopping areas to keep you busy no matter how long you stay.
Looking for a museum to spend the day? The Oost neighbourhood has you covered. The Tropen Museum is one of the largest in all of Amsterdam, and has over 300,000 items. Safe to say you should set aside a few hours for a visit. What’s at the Tropen Museum? Luckily it’s a mixture of everything - the 8 exhibits highlight different cultures from around the world, taking you on a journey through all of humanity. While the inside is filled with fascinating artifacts, the building itself is a sight worth seeing!
If you’re a fan of delicious foods from all over the world, look no further than the Oost neighbourhood. Volendammer Vishandel may look like your average fish shop, but it’s so much more than that. They’ve got a cosy dining area in the back where you can chow down on yummy calamari. If you’re looking for more of an Asian vibe, Vegan Sushi Bar has a huge meny of plant-based rolls to gorge out on. For an extra special meal, head to Wilder Zwijn - you’ll get a 3-5 course meal, but it’s always rotating, so you never know what you’ll get. Plus, it’s an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs while they create their masterpieces.
If you think the food scene is good here, wait until you visit the bars! Oost has a great selection of rooftop bars where you can get a great view of the whole city. The two best options are Sky Lounge and View Lounge. If you’re a sucker for tradition, there’s nothing more Dutch than enjoying a beer next to a giant windmill. At Brouwerij Het lj that’s exactly what you can do. If you’re a night owl who wants to dance the night away, Doka is a nightclub in the basement of the Volkshotel. Bonus points if you decide to stay at the hotel, save the time and go to sleep right upstairs from the dance floor!
Sustainability is a key aspect in all of Amsterdam. You’ll often find many stores that pride themselves on being sustainable, locally sourced, and ethical. At Het Faire Oost, the store highlights the best sustainable brands in the city. It’s a great place to stop for gifts and souvenirs. As with the rest of Amsterdam, Oost has its own outdoor market. The Dappermarkt is the neighbourhood’s iconic 100 year old market, going on everyday with fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you want a break from the bustling city life, Oosterpark is the perfect escape. The park is a great place to go for a walk, stop for a picnic, or just enjoy a moment of peace and fresh air. Oosterpark was the first large public park created by the municipality of Amsterdam, and today the English-style green space welcomes visitors daily. You can also find various monuments and sculptures throughout the green garden area.
If you feel like it’s too soon to leave the Oost neighbourhood behind, we don’t blame you. Lucky for you, there’s one hotel in the district that is the perfect place to rest your head - and get some awesome entertainment. The Volkshotel is part hotel, part rooftop bar and restaurant, part basement club. Plus - there’s three hot tubs and a sauna. If that hasn’t completely sold you, they’ve also got a designated creative hub that offers yoga, sport classes, and other fun cultural events. A stay at the Volkshotel is worth a visit to Oost within itself!
Want to explore more of Amsterdam? Check out the rest of our neighbourhood guides and make the most out of a trip to the Dutch capital.