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One day in Oud West Amsterdam

ByAmbra

Oud West is Amsterdam’s most loved neighborhood. Located right on the west side of the canal’s area, if you live in Oud West Amsterdam, you are never really too far away from anything. Its wide canals, stylish restaurants, and unique vintage stores make it easy for Oud West to win the competition for the best neighborhood. Whether you are considering living there or visiting the city for the weekend, come with us to discover Oud West Amsterdam.

Oud West is one of Amsterdam’s oldest neighborhoods (the name says it, too: Oud West means Old West). Built in the 19th century to answer the demand for new housing, Oud West was initially developed for the city’s working-class population. After a period of decline and renewal characterized by an influx of diverse immigrant populations, Oud West Amsterdam saw a strong gentrification in the 1990s.

It is now home to many of Amsterdam’s top restaurants, hip bars, cozy cafes, and cultural institutions. Read this guide to find out our top picks on how to spend a great day in Oud West Amsterdam. Oud West is located next to Bos en Lommer, check our one day series continued there.

Best Coffee in Oud West Amsterdam

Louf

Louf opened its doors just two years ago, but since then, it has become a staple of Oud West. Grab an oat cappuccino and one of their delicious pastries and sit on the bench outside. You can’t go wrong; all their baked goods are absolutely amazing.

Selma’s

People in a cafe sitting at a table

Scandinavian-inspired cafe Selma’s is an excellent place for a low-key coffee date with a friend. The vibe is cozy and welcoming, and please do yourself a favor and order one (or more) of their cardamon and cinnamon buns. You won’t regret it!

Best Brunch places in Oud West Amsterdam

Staring at Jacob

One of Amsterdam’s most beloved brunch spots, Staring at Jacob is famous for its American-style dishes like chicken and waffles. The staff is super friendly, and portions are generous, making Staring at Jacob a great option for a weekend brunch.

Hannah’s

Just at the beginning of Admiraal de Ruijterweg, we love Hannah’s for its super tasty Mediterranean dishes and cute setting. Everyone is so nice at Hannah’s that we would gladly spend our entire day there (they are open for dinner, too!).

Bar Brothers

It’s not exactly a brunch place, but it’s still a great option for an amazing lunch, especially if you are British. Every Sunday (excluding summer), these guys serve an amazing Sunday Roast with all the trimmings (vegetarian option available). This is our favorite place when we want to have a big family meal!

5 smiling people in Bar Brothers in Oud West Amsterdam

Best Dinner spots in Oud West Amsterdam

Café Binnenvisser

Polaroid picture of five people

Super trendy restaurant and wine bar, Café Binnenvisser’s chefs always blow our minds with their innovative dishes, perfectly paired with natural wine. Intimate setting, delicious food, and great wine list—what else is needed?

Branie

We like to head to Branie for dinner when we have a dinner + movie night (since the restaurant is just outside de Film Hallen). Their dishes are inspired by world street food, and they are masters at making cocktails.

Bloody Mary Cocktail with cucumber garnish

Best Drinks in Oud West Amsterdam

Ramona

Ramona is a super cozy bar with a laid-back atmosphere. We like to go there after work for a drink or two (and perhaps some snacks) and to unwind after a long week. The vibe is very easygoing, but you still get a great selection of drinks, including good cocktails.

Polaroid picture of four people on a table with glasses

Bar Centraal

Bar Centraal is our go-to for a drink on a Saturday afternoon (including a little borrel with olives and cheese). They have an extensive list of wines and beers, and if you are able to get a table, you can even have one of the best dinners you’ll have in Amsterdam!

Green Trees line a blue canal

Top Activities in Oud West Amsterdam

Oud West is a good neighborhood to live in. There are fewer attractions than in other parts of Amsterdam, but if you want to know how locals live and where they eat and shop, you should come to Oud West.

Coffee dates

Oud West is Amsterdam’s most beloved neighborhood for coffee dates: at every corner, you will find a cozy café or a lovely sunny terrace where people meet up for an oats cappuccino and croissants. Below is a list of my favorites, but you can follow the smell of freshly baked goods to find one!

  • Louf
  • Fort Negen
  • Ulmus Bakery
  • Cafecito
  • White Label Coffee
  • Salvo

Attractions and Activities

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  • Comedy: The best comedy club in Amsterdam is Boom Chicago. Join one of their improv shows for a night full of laughter and drinks. Great for a group or a date night.
  • Shopping: Enjoy a day of shopping along Kinkerstraat and Overtoom. In Oud West, you will find amazing vintage stores. Our favorites are Vintage Jungle, We Are Vintage, and Halfway There.
  • Markets: two of Amsterdam’s most popular food markets are in Oud West, and just one close to the other. On a sunny day, walk along Ten Katenmarkt and stop for fresh produce or one of the best sandwiches you’ll ever have at Boergeert. If the weather is not the best, you can always find shelter in De Food Hallen, where you can find an extensive selection of food stalls and enjoy your food alongside a beer at one of their shared tables.
  • Parks: Officially located in Zuid but just on the border with Oud West, Vondelpark is Amsterdam’s most famous park. You can easily walk around the park in less than one hour, and there are many places along the path where you can stop for a slice of café and a coffee.
Pink flowers and a bike on a bridge overlooking Kinkerstraat in Amsterdam

Where to stay in Oud West Amsterdam

There is a wide variety of hotels in Oud West, and most have a great money-for-value ratio.

  • Conscious Hotel Amsterdam City—The Tire Station: Conscious Hotels are one of our favorite hotel chains; their rooms are so comfy, and the service is impeccable.
  • SWEETS: If you are looking for something different than the usual hotel or Airbnb, SWEETS offers the chance to sleep in one of its renovated 28 bridge houses. The suites are perfectly insulated and offer lovely views.
  • Huygens Place Amsterdam: Located on the corner of Vondelpark, Huygens Place is just a five-minute walk from Amsterdam’s beloved Rijksmuseum and Moco Museum.

For who is Oud West Amsterdam

  • Young couples wanting to enjoy all the best that Amsterdam has to offer fully
  • Visitors looking for an authentic local experience
  • People not minding the busyness of the city and looking for inspiration

Oud West is truly a fun and dynamic neighborhood. With plenty of food, drinks and hanging out options, Oud West never gets boring and allows you to see how the hippest Amsterdammers live.

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Ambra, born and raised in Italy but living abroad for more than 10 years. Along the way, She put roots in United Kingdom, Spain and lastly, the Netherlands for the past 6 years. One of my first childhood memories was creating a bucket list of all the places I wanted to travel to: from the cenotes in Tulum to The Village in New York, from Table Mountain in Cape Town to the Ghats in Varanasi. I keep crossing off the list, but it's not getting shorter!
Apart from fulfilling my childhood dream of traveling across the globe, you will find me enjoying the expat life in Amsterdam, between a class of yoga or Pilates and soaking up the sun at every chance alongside the beautiful Amsterdam canals.