Amsterdam Oost: multiculturalism, brewery and history

The next neighbourhood we don’t want to withhold from you is the beautiful Amsterdam Oost. Apart from students (because the campus of the University of Amsterdam is located in the east), often only returning visitors or locals get lost in the east of the centre – we want to change that!

The eastern part of the city is a wonderful neighbourhood that is known for its diversity. Above all, however, Amsterdam Oost is known for its multicultural character, just like Amsterdam in general. You’ll also find one of the city’s most beautiful parks, independent breweries and fantastic food from all over the world. Find out where exactly and why it’s worth taking a little trip away from the tourist crowds here.

The story behind Amsterdam Oost

After the centre of Amsterdam was expanded in the Golden Age, the city was enlarged in all directions a little later. This also included the east. The construction of the east began not far from the centre in the Oosterparkbuurt and the Dappermarktbuurt. This was followed by the residential area along the Amstel, which today is one of the most beautiful residential areas in Amsterdam.

The polder (= drained marshland) east of the Amstel was increasingly developed at the end of the 19th century and built on in the typical style of the time: The colonial style. In no other part of Amsterdam is this more evident, as can be seen from the individual streets and neighbourhood names. The former colonial building (now home to the Wereldmuseum, more information below) is located directly next to the beautiful Oosterpark and is still a reminder of the difficult history that brought so much money to the Netherlands and suffering to the colonies.

This history is also evident in the newer neighbourhoods towards the Eastern Docklands and the IJsselmeer. For example, we have the “Indische Buurt” and the later-built residential islands “Javaeiland” and “Borneoeiland”. Nowadays, these are mainly home to chic office buildings and even more modern residential complexes. More and more restaurants and bars are also discovering the culinary value of these new neighbourhoods – so it’s definitely worth a detour!

If you want to discover other exciting districts of Amsterdam away from the classic travel guide locations, why not take a short trip to Amsterdam Noord or the Jordaan neighbourhood in the west of the city? 😊

Spend a great day in Amsterdam Oost:

1) Stroll through the dapper market

Start the day with a leisurely stroll through the lively Dapper Market. Located in the centre of the ‘Dapperbuurt’, you can pick up some delicious snacks, food and souvenirs at the market. This market is almost exclusively known among locals, which means you get a super authentic insight into Amsterdam’s culture – and it is characterised by diversity! No market in Amsterdam has more multicultural character than the Dappermarkt, which gives it a very special flair and a lot of energy. Let yourself be drawn into this colourful world and try one or two delicacies…

2) Discover colonial history in the Wereldmuseum and stroll through the Oosterpark

Where there is culture on the label, there must also be culture inside. One of the most important museums, the Wereldmuseum (formerly the Tropenmuseum), is also located in Oost. The museum also has a very special (and sometimes terrible) history. Opened in 1926, the Tropenmuseum was housed in the magnificent former colonial building of the city of Amsterdam – the largest building in the city at the time. Even back then, the aim was to exhibit cultural artefacts and provide information about other cultures. However, the way in which the objects came to the Netherlands at that time and the way in which indigenous peoples were presented must be clearly criticised. From today’s perspective, the colonial era was a dark time for both the global South and the global North. It is true that it is the reason why the Netherlands became rich – but at what cost? Exploitation, slavery and racism were the order of the day and must therefore be critically analysed today.

The Wereldmuseum has made this its mission today. Today it specialises in cultural diversity: People and their different customs take centre stage here. Here you can learn all about different cultures, their customs, history and contexts.

3) Enjoy great food: The best falafel in town

If you haven’t already feasted your way through the dapper market, you can now take the opportunity to try one of the best (perhaps THE best) falafel in the city – and for little money. Tigris and Eufraat is a small general shop on one side and falafel magic happens on the other. You simply go to the till in the shop and tell them what you want (we recommend the classic falafel wrap or the one with halloumi). Then you pay (€4-6), get a small token and use it to pick up your delicious falafel on the other side. A real insider tip!

4) Visit independent breweries and try (almost) all speciality beers

Afterwards, you’re bound to be thirsty: no problem, because Amsterdam Oost is also known for its small, independent breweries. Here you will find two of Amsterdam’s best-known and most popular breweries, which send their speciality beers all over the Netherlands: Oedipus Brewery and Brouwerij ‘t Ij. Oedipus Brewery really is just a stone’s throw down the street from the Falafelladen shop. Have a good time on the spacious terrace and try the refreshing best-selling Mannenliefde beer. If you haven’t had enough after that, you can continue on to Brouwerij ‘t Ij, which is a little further away but is a real treat. It is the only brewery in Amsterdam that is housed in an old windmill right on the water. It doesn’t get more authentically Dutch than this! Incidentally, tourists rarely stray here either – but we’d like to make it clear that it’s worth the trip.

5) Take a stroll along the Amstel and let your mind wander

By far one of the most beautiful walks you can take in Amsterdam is along the Amstel to the south. Walking enthusiasts can set off from the city centre and follow the river that gave Amsterdam its name far to the south. Along the way, you will pass numerous cute cafés, bars and terraces that invite you to take a breather. In summer, you can also go for a swim in the Weesperzijde (see below) and cool off in typical Amsterdam style – heavenly!