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Walk in Amsterdam: Amstel to De Pijp
A favourite walk of ours when the weather is good is along the Amstel river near Amstel station and then heading up into De Pijp, one of Amsterdam's most interesting neighbourhoods. The walk ends at Albert Cuyp street market and is just under 3 km in length. Check out the map at the bottom of the page for route and points of interest. |
Start at Amstel Station which can be reached by metro (lines 51, 53 and 54 from the centre) or train. Have a look at the large murals on the walls inside the station hall.
Then head out of the western end and walk towards the river. You will see a few large office blocks around - including the Rembrandt Tower, which at 115m (33 floors and approaching 150m with its antenna) has been Amsterdam's tallest building since its completion in 1995.
Continue walking north (on the eastern side of the Amstel) passing the Berlage Bridge. There are quite a number of house boats along the way and some fine sweeping views of the river.
After a few hundred metres you will reach the Nieuwe Amstelbrug (bridge) - cross over and head down Ceintuurbaan street with a few interesting shops and cafes. See if you can spot the green goblin. Cross over Van Wou Straat (another main shopping street) and continue walking down Ceintuurbaan.
You will eventually reach Sarphati Park. - this is probably Amsterdam's best small park, a great place to chill out on a warm day. (consider that this was once a proposed site for Amsterdam central station!)
There are some lovely houses surrounding the park. Walk up to the 1e van der Helst Straat - you are now in the middle of De Pijp, which was a working class neighbourhood built in the 19th century. It now has a very Bohemian, multicultural feel with many small shops, cafes and restaurants. Being just a little way outside the tourist centre it has a more local and authentic atmosphere. Spend some time exploring the area.
If you are a caffeine addict then try a coffee at nearby Coffee Company. On a colder day you could try the Soepwinkel (soups and also Illy coffee) - on Eerste Sweelinckstraat.
Have a wander through the Albert Cuyp Markt, which has been Amsterdam's main market for over 100 years. If you like fish then do try some raw herring with onions or gherkins - a real Dutch delicacy. The market is open Monday to Saturday. If you fancy a meal then consider atmospheric restaurant Bazar Amsterdam.
Ferdinand Bol straat is the main shopping street and throughfare of the district. From here it's a short walk or tram ride back to the centre.
Have a look at the route on the map - click on the icons for photos / info.