A Day in the Oud-Zuid Neighbourhood, Amsterdam (tips by a local)

Welcome to Oud-Zuid (Old South), Amsterdam’s not-so-hidden treasure! Straddling the balance between city buzz and cosy corner, this neighbourhood is a local’s delight. Imagine a residential neighbourhood, with shops, parks, markets and cafes, but with a posh look & feel that is different from the rest of Amsterdam. This affluent neighbourhood sits right outside the city centre and includes the famous Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Van Gogh Museum, as well as one of Amsterdam’s most popular parks: Vondelpark. It stretches all the way to the Zuider Amstelkanaal on the south and the Boerenweteringkanaal on the east, reaching close to the Amsterdamse Bos (the Amsterdam Forest) and including the Olympic Stadium Amsterdam.

It’s incredible to think that up to the 1800s, this area was covered in marshlands, yet today it attracts the wealthiest residents due to its very expensive housing.

Interestingly, when people refer to Oud-Zuid, they mainly think of the very posh Museumkwartier (Museum Quarter). However, there are actually three distinct neighbourhoods within Oud-Zuid, each with its own unique character: Museumkwartier and Willemspark, Apollobuurt and Stadionbuurt. As you walk through these areas, you’ll notice the distinct architecture.

Side note: The exact borders and divisions of the area are somewhat more complicated (the beautiful De Pijp, which we treated separately is part of this large borough), but for this article’s purposes we’ll stick to the three ones above. If you want to know more you can check out the Wikipedia page.

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Oud-Zuid neighbourhood history

The construction of Oud-Zuid began in the late 19th century when the city needed to expand beyond its canal belt. Intended as a wealthy residential area, Oud-Zuid was designed with wide streets, stately mansions, and green parks. The architecture reflects the grandeur of the time, with influences of Neo-Renaissance and Neoclassicism adorning the streets. he beautiful Vondelpark was built in the English landscape garden style and the architect Pierre Cuypers was commissioned to design the Rijksmuseum (a building that was not very loved when it was first built!).

Over the years, the area expanded even more, with a large-scale project in the early 20th century – the Apollobuurt and Stadionbuurt. It was a time when architects were very much oriented towards creating beautiful reasidential areas, trying to provide practical but at the same time interesting living spaces. Most of the architecture in this neighbourhood is Amsterdam School style – think brick, rounded organic shapes, decorative glass, and wrought ironwork.

Things To Do in Oud-Zuid – Like A Tourist

The heart of Amsterdam’s museum life is in the Oud-Zuid: Museumplein area, with five museums that attract hordes of tourists every year and every day. This is the place to be if you love art and it has something for everyone: the old masters at the Rijksmuseum, the contemporary talents at Stedelijk, the amazing work of Van Gogh and the funky art at Moco. Also, Museumplein is a large, open space, where you can relax on the grass if the weather allows it. There is a Museum Market taking place here every month, and festivals from time to time.

• The Rijksmuseum — the national museum of the Netherlands. It’s a timeless repository of Dutch history and art, which houses an impressive collection, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The museum’s crown jewels revolve around the Dutch Golden Age, with masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals adorning its walls. With its stunning Gothic-Renaissance architecture and considered one of the world’s top museums, the Rijksmuseum offers an immersive journey, allowing visitors to traverse through centuries of exquisite art. The highlights of the museum are: the Gallery of Honour (an extended corridor directed towards a clear focal point: the Night Watch Gallery; on view in the side alcoves are masterpieces by the great artists of the seventeenth century), the Special collections (patriotic relics, porcelain, armoury, musical instruments etc), the three antique dolls’ houses (amazing miniaturist works) and the Cuypers Library (the oldest and most extensive collection of art history texts in the Netherlands).

• Stedelijk Museum — Amsterdam’s Museum of Modern Art. Designed with an innovative blend of old and new architectural elements, and with the new part of the building looking like a bathtub, the Stedelijk Museum hosts one of the richest modern art collections in the world, counting almost 90,000 objects which comprise paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, films, graphic and industrial design, etc. Various famous names are shown here, from Vincent van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Kandinsky to Mike Kelley, Marlene Dumas and Dutch modern photography. A very interesting part to see is also an exhibit on the history of Dutch design, and, of course, the temporary exhibitions all year-round.

• Van Gogh Museum – a tribute to the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists in history, Vincent van Gogh. Housing the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, the museum offers an introspective journey into the artist’s turbulent life through his vivid, emotional paintings and letters. The museum also presents works by his contemporaries, offering broader insights into the 19th-century art scene. Buy your tickets in advance or book a guided tour.

• Moco Museum – is a modern art museum. This boutique-style museum is known for its eclectic exhibits that range from pop and street art to digital and interactive installations. The Moco Museum hosts works by trailblazing artists who have pushed the boundaries of conventional art, including Banksy, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein.

• Diamant Museum Amsterdam – for those interested in diamonds and jewellery.

• Rijksmuseum gardens – surrounding the Rijksmuseum’s building, the gardens are a peaceful, beautiful green spot right in the middle of the city. The perfect place for a break, these gardens invite you to relax watching the flowers, the fountain or the pieces of art that change every year. Entrance is free.

• Vondelpark. A stone’s throw away from Museumplein, you’ll find one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Although sometimes frowned upon as being taken over by tourists, Vondelpark is an important green space for the locals in this area. You’ll see people jogging, cycling or having a picnic in the park when the weather is good. The park feature a few open areas, a pond, charming bridges and statues. There are spaces for children as well.

• Hunt for Amsterdam School architecture in Apollobuurt and Stadionbuurt. Amsterdam School architecture flourished during the early 20th century, coinciding with a period of significant urban expansion in Amsterdam. The movement was driven by a group of architects who sought to break free from traditional architectural styles, integrating art and design into their building concepts. Apollobuurt and Stadionbuurt, part of the larger Plan Zuid or South Plan designed by famous Dutch Architect H.P. Berlage, were developed during this era. Thus, they became natural canvases for this architectural revolution. Characterized by intricate brickwork, decorative detailing, and whimsical forms, the Amsterdam School can be found in many buildings, bridges, or other pieces in these neighbourhoods.

• ARTZUID – a temporary exhibition taking place in the summer on Apollolaan and Minervalaan, every two years. The exhibition trail features around fifty sculptures, and it’s free for visitors to enjoy.

Oud-Zuid like a local

• Vondelpark Open Air Theatre. In the summer months, from June to September, Vondelpark becomes a cultural hotspot, offering an eclectic mix of entertainment: concerts, dance shows, stand-up comedy, and children’s theatre. These performances reflect a wide spectrum of styles, genres, and cultures, ensuring appealing experiences for all audiences.

• Beatrixpark – is a smaller, quiet park in the southern part of Amsterdam, close to the RAI congress centre. It’s named after Queen Beatrix and was built in 1938 in a romantic, English-style park with a small lake and open landscape. It was designed by Jakoba (Ko) Mulder, a leading Dutch landscape architect and it is one of the oldest modern city parks in Amsterdam.

• Go for a concert at Concertgebouw – Opened in 1888. Concertgebouw has gained a reputation for its exceptional acoustics and grand architectural design. This iconic building overlooking the Museumplein is home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and hosts a diverse range of performances, from classical to jazz, attracting world-class musicians and artists from around the globe. A visit to the Concertgebouw gives you the chance not only to listen to exquisite music but also to admire the splendid interior.

• Zuidermarkt and organic food market Minervaplein. These are two organic markets that serve the neighbourhood. Zuidermarkt takes places every Saturday, while the market at Minervaplein is there every Friday (this is a smaller market, but enough for the locals to stock up with fresh products).

• Shopping – the Oud-Zuid offers a varied collection of shops, high-end or boutique style.

• Zuidas Botanical Garden — is a botanical garden belonging to Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Only one hectare in size, this small garden was established in 1967 for education and research for the Biology faculty. With over 6,000 species in the collection and highlights like the largest collection of cactus plants in the Netherlands, the garden offers a pleasant escape into the plants world for the visitors.

• Zuiderbad – an indoor swimming pool. The architect Jonas Ingenohl built the building in 1897, and was a modern building for that time. It’s protected as a national monument since 1996.

• Skating at Museumplein. Every winter, a seasonal ice skating rink appears in Museumplein, offering the opportunity to enjoy this winter activity in open air. They offer skating lessons for children, and is suitable for beginners or more advanced skaters.

• Cycle to Amsterdam Forest. Situated right at the edge of this neighbourhood, Amsterdamse Bos, or the Amsterdam Forest, is so close that you can cycle to it. In the spring, Amsterdamse Bos is host to the Cherry Blossom festival, with its cherry garden becoming a buzzing spot where people come to enjoy the delicate cherry flowers. In the summer, it is host to open air cinema and other festivals and markets. But the forest also offers respite from the hustle of the city and a peaceful area to clear your mind. If you’re hungry, head towards the Boerderij Meerzicht (Meerzicht Farm), where you can see a little animal farm and eat Dutch style pancakes (pannenkoeken).

• Relax in the cosy cafes and restaurants. The Oud-Zuid neighbourhood Amsterdam is a great place to find cosy bars and restaurants, where you can meet and mingle with the locals.

Places to eat and drink in Oud-Zuid Amsterdam

This neighbourhood boasts a diverse and delectable culinary scene. Whether you’re in search of a cozy café for a morning coffee, a trendy spot for lunch, brunch, or an elegant restaurant for dinner, Oud-Zuid offers an array of options to satisfy every palate.

For lunch and brunch: Loetje, Moods, Brasserie Margaux, Le Pain Qotidien, Conservatorium Brasserie. For coffee: Cafecito, LOT61, Sticky Fingers, Esthétique cafe to name only a few.

Restaurants in Oud-Zuid: Brasserie Vandam, Neni, Restaurant Oud-Zuid, Tozi, Made’s Warung, Hilton Amsterdam, De Vondeltuin, Jules & Juliette.

Shops in Oud Zuid

There are too many shops for me to even try to narrow it down to a couple of recommendations. I’ll only point out the main shopping streets (but make sure to browse through and find the hidden gems as well, the little boutique shops hidden at street corners).

Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping area, with big names like Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Hermes, can be found on PC Hooftstraat in the Oud-Zuid, with the adjacent Van Baerlestraat and Hobbemastraat.

Another important street for shopping is Beethovenstraat, with women’s, men’s and children’s chic shops, bookstores and more. Van Rossum bookstore is a reader’s paradise, frequently organising events as well for readers and writers.

Cornelis Schuytstraat, known for its high end and stylish stores specialising in exclusivity and trendy goods.

In conclusion, Oud-Zuid, the fabled vintage heart of Amsterdam, offers a treasure trove of experiences that caters to everyone’s tastes. From the art-rich museums and lush parks to the vibrant hum of its local markets and bustling cafés, this charming district is bound to offer you a special experience. Whether you’re there for a day or a decade, every moment spent in Oud-Zuid unfolds like a captivating chronicle, inviting you to be part of its unfolding story. So, put on the walking shoes, let curiosity be your guide, and embrace the rhythm of Oud Zuid – a quintessential Amsterdam experience.

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