Neighbourhoods
Nieuwmarkt
A lively central square crowned by the medieval Waag, Nieuwmarkt is full of café terraces, market days and history, where the old centre meets Chinatown's Zeedijk. A characterful, well-placed spot to sit and eat.
- Historic
- Lively
- Foodie
Built around a broad square crowned by the turreted medieval Waag (weigh house), Nieuwmarkt is one of the city's most characterful central spots — buzzing with café terraces, weekend markets and history, where the old centre meets Chinatown.
See & do: Admire the Waag, Amsterdam's oldest surviving non-religious building, once a city gate; browse the square's market days; and explore the surrounding lanes toward the Oude Kerk and Lastage. It's a great base for the centre. Eat & drink: The square is ringed with terraces, and the adjoining Zeedijk is Chinatown — dim sum, Thai, Vietnamese and more. See Eat & Drink. Who it's for: Anyone who wants a lively, historic square to sit, eat and watch the city go by.
Best for
- Café terraces & people-watching
- Chinatown food (Zeedijk)
- Market days
- A central, atmospheric base
Avoid if you want
- Quiet
- Budget prices
- Big green space
Where to eat
A warm spot for modern Dutch cooking with seasonal, regional produce.
Knusse Koreaanse kantine in een Wallen-steegje — sundubu jjigae, zoet-pittige kip en QR-bestellen, geliefd bij locals én bezoekers.
Cosy Korean canteen in a Wallen side alley — sundubu jjigae, sweet-spicy chicken and QR ordering, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
An izakaya-style Japanese near Nieuwmarkt — sashimi, gyoza and skewers.
Vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls and pho in Chinatown.
Nam Kee
A Zeedijk Chinatown institution, famous for oysters in black bean sauce.
What to see
De Dokwerker
A statue commemorating the 1941 February Strike against the persecution of Jews.
De Waag
A medieval city gate and weigh house on Nieuwmarkt square.
Joods Museum
The heart of the Jewish Cultural Quarter, on Jewish life and history in the Netherlands.
Montelbaanstoren
A picturesque 16th-century defence tower on the Oudeschans.
Mozes en Aäronkerk
A grand church on Waterlooplein in the old Jewish quarter.
Museum Het Rembrandthuis
Rembrandt's restored 17th-century home and studio, where he lived and worked for two decades.
Nightlife in this neighbourhood
Café 't Mandje
A historic Zeedijk bar, one of the city's first openly gay cafés, founded in 1927.
De Sluyswacht
A leaning 17th-century lock-keeper's house turned cosy bar near the Rembrandt House.
Hiding in Plain Sight
The speakeasy that started Amsterdam's cocktail wave — dim, theatrical and worth hunting down on the Rapenburg.
In 't Aepjen
A characterful bar on the Zeedijk in one of Amsterdam's last wooden houses.
Rosalia's Menagerie
A hidden gem on one of the oldest canals, pouring cocktails and locally made spirits.
Getting there
Directions from the nearest transit hubs to Nieuwmarkt.
Amsterdam's main station — intercity, sprinter, metro 51/52/53/54, most tram lines and city ferries all depart here.
Walk or metro from Centraal
Frequently asked
- What's the Waag?
- Amsterdam's oldest non-religious building, once a city gate.
- Is there a market?
- Yes, on certain days.
- Near Chinatown?
- Yes — the Zeedijk runs off it.