As the sun rises on a Sunday morning in East Amsterdam, the vibrant energy of Javastraat fills the air. Amidst the bustling fruit stands, a group of trendy locals can be seen chatting and soaking up the sunshine outside a charming Turkish patisserie. The real estate landscape in the city center has become increasingly expensive in recent years, prompting many first-time homebuyers and innovative startups to venture eastward, giving rise to a thriving community in what was once considered a dubious part of the Dutch capital.
Exploring East Amsterdam offers a plethora of exciting experiences. From the eclectic boutiques and eateries of Javastraat to the meticulously curated galleries and independent art studios, there is always something new to discover. Notably, the area has experienced a revitalization due to the influx of creative minds and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, injecting a sense of vibrancy and opportunity into this dynamic neighborhood.
Whether you're savoring delectable treats at the Turkish patisserie or immersing yourself in the local art scene, East Amsterdam has emerged as a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation.
In contrast to the picturesque townhouses of the Old Centre and the boutique-lined canals of Jordaan, East Amsterdam offers a unique blend of low-slung housing blocks and reclaimed industrial land. Flanked by the Amstel Canal on the west and the Jewish Quarter on the north, this area has long been a melting pot of residents from diverse backgrounds.
As the neighborhood has evolved, it has embraced a vibrant mix of establishments. Cutting-edge concept stores coexist with cozy Ethiopian coffee houses, and high-end dining establishments stand alongside stalls serving zesty Indonesian street food. East Amsterdam's nightlife scene has undergone a renaissance, thanks to local entrepreneurs at the 3wo group. They have created a vibrant array of venues, including the popular Basquiat and Bukowski bars.
If you're exploring East Amsterdam, be sure to visit the newly manicured Oosterpark, a green oasis that adds to the neighborhood's charm. Additionally, the Jewish Quarter to the north offers a rich history and cultural experience. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll along the Amstel Canal, soaking in the picturesque views.
An emerging coterie of boutiques has bolstered the area's shopping credentials, clustering on Javastraat, Middenweg and Czaar Peterstraat and luring in visitors from across the city. The bustling stalls at Dappermarkt remains a trading post for daily essentials while at the other end of Javastraat, vintage markets organised by the founders of mid-century specialists Jansen Vintage showcase up to 20 local businesses, helping turn Javaplein - already a hub for design enthusiasts - into an alfresco treasure trove.
Other local gamechangers include innovative arts spaces such as independent cinema Studio/K, theatre space Oostblok and expansive gig venue Q-Factory, all of which have forced the area onto the radar of the city's tastemakers. And this year, several high-end accommodation openings are set to bolster the existing options, further confirming Amsterdam Oost's unlikely revival as the city map is redrawn in the vision of a new wave of creative Amsterdammers.
Where to eat in East Amsterdam
Tropical Grand Café
Located within the magnificent grounds of the Tropenmuseum, the Tropical Grand Café offers a delightful brunch experience complemented by stunning views of the Oosterpark.
Visit us at: Linnaeusstraat 2, Amsterdam
Contact us at: +31 20 568 2000
Explore more: amsterdamdetropen.nl
De Jonge Admiraal
With its mismatched second-hand furniture, this snug café feels more like a friend's living room. Kick back on a Seventies sofa with a drip-brewed, almond-milk coffee in a retro teacup and a hunk of still-warm carrot cake.
Address: De Jonge Admiraal, Javastraat 149HS, 1094 HE Amsterdam
Telephone: facebook.com/dejongeadmiraal
Experience a Journey of Flavors at Bar James
Welcome yourself into the most invigorating and extraordinary vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Amsterdam - Bar James. This spot, known for its diverse collection of flavors, does cater to meat-eaters as well. Embrace the meticulously lined wall ornate with jars of pickled vegetables while settling in a stylish banquette. Their menu primarily shelters Indonesian-fusion items - one bite of their summer rolls embedded with peanut sauce, artistically combined vibrant salads, hearty tempeh satay, and fries will make you come back for more. Enhance such a deeply satisfying meal experience with their locally sourced, precisely fermented draft beers.
Locale: Bar James, Javastraat 49, 1094 HA Amsterdam
Contact: barjames.nl
The captivating aura and brilliant food quality managed to put Bar James on the map as a favorite in East Amsterdam, for vegetarians, meat lovers, and food critics alike. This restaurant stays committed to keeping its roots grounded whilst offering an innovative gastronomical adventure, a combination loved by the masses.
Gallizia
A local favourite Gallizia serves up generous antipasti, homemade pasta and a winning wine list in a sleek industrial setting.
Address: Gallizia, Javastraat 67, Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 20 370 6204
Website: gallizia.nl
Wilde Zwijnen
Step into the refined simplicity of Wilde Zwijnen and savor the innovative twists on classic Dutch cuisine - ranging from savory wild boar to artisanal cheese assortments and luscious grilled octopus.
Location: Wilde Zwijnen, Javaplein 23, Amsterdam
Contact Number: +31 20 463 3043
Official Site: wildezwijnen.com
Immerse yourself in the ultimate Dutch vibe of gezelligheid, a descriptor for tranquility and comfort, at this quaint cake shop adorned with soft-toned walls and rich, dark-wooden floors. It's a sanctuary of homemade indulgences; their chalkboard menu offers a rainbow of macarons, tangy lemon tartlets, red-velvet cupcakes, and raw cacao brownies.
Location: Majesteit Taart, Javastraat 5, 1094 GX Amsterdam
Contact Information: majesteittaart.nl
The best bars in East Amsterdam
Rum Barrel: A Taste of the Caribbean
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean at the Rum Barrel. Their cocktail menu is brimming with indulgent rum-based smoothies to quench your thirst. Test out their ever-changing Daiquiris, laden with sweet mango and spicy cinnamon, or perhaps apricot brandy and tangy lime. They also serve a range of scrumptious snacks such as chicken-and-pineapple quesadillas, perfect as late-night nibbles.
Location: Rum Barrel, Javastraat 143, 1094 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Contact: Visit their website at rumbarrel.nl for more information.
Brouerie T'IJ Brewery
Lying beneath the silhouette of the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, this award-winning microbrewery prides itself on a remarkable variety of handmade beers.
Location: Brouerie T'IJ, Funenkade, Amsterdam
Contact Number: +31 20 528 6237
Online Presence: brouwerijhetij.nl
Bar Bukowski
Bar Bukowski, a pioneering establishment in the emerging wave of eastside bars, offers a remarkable variety of gins and exudes a relaxed ambiance, setting the stage for an ideal beginning to any evening.
Address: Bar Bukowski, Oosterpark 10, Amsterdam
Telephone: +31 20 370 1685
Website: barbukowski.nl
Bar Basquiat
Discover a unique blend of cultural culinary delights like sandwiches packed with luscious falafel or pita-inspired Lebanese pizzas garnished with a luxurious truffled mascarpone, all at this idyllic corner location. Make sure to secure a spot at their alfresco trestle tables, an excellent vantage point for observing the bustling city life. The drink selection is as diverse as the city itself, encompassing everything from invigorating cold-pressed juices to artisanal craft beers.
Location: Bar Basquiat, Javastraat 88-90, 1094 HM Amsterdam
Contact: barbasquiat.nl
The Q-Factory Experience
Transitioning from a tranquil café during daylight to a vibrant concert location after sunset, the Q-Factory serves as the perfect venue for enjoying live performances from emerging local talents to world-renowned artists.
Location: Q-Factory, Atlantisplein 1, Amsterdam
Contact Number: +31 20 760 6780
Visit our site: q-factory-amsterdam.nl
Where to stay in East Amsterdam
The Unique Appeal of Volkshotel
The Volkshotel, once a bustling newspaper headquarters, now captures the heart of East Amsterdam with its quirky interior design details and fascinatingly distinct rooms. Its vibrant schedule of cultural events also adds to its charm. The crowning glory of this establishment, however, is its rooftop that boasts an exhilarating spa, a top-tier restaurant, and the popular Canvas nightclub. This space offers breath-taking panoramic views of the city, providing a memorable experience. For those looking to experience the unique charm of the Volkshotel, or perhaps find other special hotel deals in Netherlands at hotels-in-netherlands.com, the options are plentiful. Whether it's a chic boutique experience or a comfortable budget-friendly room, there's something to suit every traveler's needs and preferences across the vibrant landscapes of the Netherlands.
Location: Volkshotel, Wibautstraat 150, Amsterdam
Phone: +31 20 261 2100
Online Presence: volkshotel.nl
Did you know? The Volkshotel building was once the headquarters of a Dutch newspaper and it has successfully preserved this cultural heritage in its current form. Next to its regular features, the rooftop of this establishment offers unique facilities such as hot tubs and sauna, making it a truly special place to visit when in East Amsterdam.
Accommodations at Volkshotel
The Arena Hotel
The grandeur of the Arena Hotel, once an asylum, cannot be overstated. Its magnificent gothic structure, enhanced by design collaborations, offers luxury suites. Ideally located, it overlooks the lush green Oosterpark.
Location: The Arena Hotel, 's-Gravesandestraat 51, Amsterdam
Contact: +31 20 850 2400
Online presence: hotelarena.nl
This incredible establishment ensures that your visit to East Amsterdam will be filled with luxury and aesthetic delight. In addition, it's worth mentioning that the Arena Hotel is only a few steps away from various restaurants and shops, providing you with all the convenience you need while staying here.
The best shops in East Amsterdam
The Charms of 'All the Luck in the World'
Managed by a dynamic mother-daughter duo, this concept store, 'All the Luck in the World', perfectly combines a relaxing coffee bar with an exciting showcase of handcrafted furniture. The shop also features a diverse array of desireable home accessories such as stylized text art and unique jewellery pieces.
Each piece in the store tells its own story, from the craftsmanship of the furniture to each uniquely designed piece of jewellery. The specialty brewed coffee served here complements the wonderful ambiance they have created, making it a must-visit spot.
Location: All the Luck in the World, Linnaeusstraat 20, Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Learn More: Visit Website
DIV
Javastraat, a popular street in East Amsterdam, boasts several retail spaces dedicated to menswear and womenswear, thanks to the founders of DIV. Their curated selection combines the works of local designers with trendy streetwear labels, yielding a unique shopping experience.
Some unknown facts about the Javastraat, it was a humble service street in the early 1900s but it is now home to trendy bars, hip coffee joints, and stylish boutiques such as DIV. It's a testament to the transformation of this part of East Amsterdam.
Location: DIV. Herenkabinet is found at Javastraat 8 and DIV. Damesboudoir stands at Javastraat 100, Amsterdam.
Contact number: +31 20 694 4084
Their site: divamsterdam.com
The Delight of Hartje Oost
Once you leave the cozy café, with its delicious coconut açaí bowl and energizing smoothie of avocado, banana, and dates, you will venture into an exquisitely assembled selection of women's apparel and home ornaments. Here you will find enchanting handmade trinkets and insightful design books, elegantly arranged on wooden showcases.
For a fact, did you know that the term 'Hartje Oost' translates to 'Heart of the East'? It's a fitting name for a place that is at the heart of Eastern Amsterdam culture and style. Another interesting aspect is the growing popularity of this district among young professionals.
Location: Hartje Oost, Javastraat 23, Amsterdam
Contact Number: +31 20 233 2137
Website: hartjeoost.nl