Amsterdam West
Amsterdam West: from Westerpark and De Hallen to the Baarsjes and Bos en Lommer
Amsterdam Now keeps track of the offerings in Amsterdam West - from restaurants and coffee bars on Overtoom and Kinkerstraat to markets, parks and cultural venues like De Hallen and the Westergasterrein. West is Amsterdam's most populous district, made up of four former boroughs that merged in 2010: Oud-West, Westerpark, De Baarsjes and Bos and Lommer. Each of these districts has its own character and audience. For an up-to-date list of addresses and agenda, see the amsterdam city guide on Amsterdam Now.
Oud-West and the Kinkerstraat
Oud-West is the part of West closest to the center, bounded by the Vondelpark to the south and the Singelgracht to the east. Kinkerstraat is the neighborhood's main shopping street, with a mix of daily stores, specialty stores and restaurants. The Jan Pieter Heijestraat and the Overtoom have a growing selection of restaurants and cafes. Central in Oud-West is De Hallen - a former streetcar depot site converted into a complex of cinema, library, Foodhallen, stores and a hotel. Right next door is the Ten Katemarkt, a daily market with fresh produce, clothing and street food. Check out our overview of amsterdam stores and restaurants Amsterdam on Amsterdam Now for specific addresses.
Westerpark and Westergasterrein
Westerpark is the largest park in the district and also serves as an event venue. The adjacent Westergasterrein - a former gas factory with monumental industrial buildings - is home to restaurants, cultural institutions and event venues. Awakenings, Milkshake Festival and Rollende Keukens take place here annually. The combination of greenery and repurposed industrial heritage makes the Westerpark area one of the most varied places in the city. See also amsterdam festivals on Amsterdam Now for a current overview.
The Baarsjes
De Baarsjes borders the western side of Oud-West and has a more diverse and informal character. Jan van Galenstraat and Admiraal de Ruijterweg are the main streets, with a wide range of neighborhood restaurants, tokos and international stores. De Baarsjes has a high population density and a multicultural composition that is visible in the catering and shopping offerings. For neighborhood-specific addresses, see the amsterdam restaurants guide on Amsterdam Now.
Bos and Lommer and Spaarndammer neighborhood
Bos en Lommer is further from the center, along Bos en Lommerweg and Bos en Lommerplein. The neighborhood has its own character that is less known to people from outside West, but has a growing supply of coffee bars, restaurants and independent entrepreneurs. The Spaarndammerbuurt in the north of West is architecturally striking: Michel de Klerk's Schip, built in 1919 in the style of the Amsterdam School, is one of the city's most unusual residential blocks. For more about amsterdam to do and art and culture Amsterdam, see Amsterdam Now.
Accessibility
Amsterdam West is easily accessible by streetcar via multiple lines along Overtoom, Kinkerstraat and Admiraal de Ruijterweg. From the center it is also easy to bike. The complete overview of what to do, eat and experience in Amsterdam West can be found via the amsterdam city guide on Amsterdam Now.