Would you like to visit the capital of the Netherlands? Discover everything there is to know about the fantastic district of Binnenstad in Amsterdam!
Binnenstad is a district of Amsterdam whose geographical definition corresponds to the old historic city of the Dutch capital. Yes, the pictures of canals, colourful bicycles and scarlet windows of the Red Quarter were taken here! But Binnenstad, it’s not just the den of the festivities and lovers of magical cigarettes. There is also the famous Dam Square, the city's emblematic flower market and museums. Historical monuments and buildings can also be admired when visiting Binnenstad. For example, did you know that it was possible to visit the Royal Palace or discover the fabulous Anne Franck Museum ?
Young and less young, tourist or not, everyone finds his account by visiting the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam. Winter as summer, he knows how to unveil his crazy charm: what do you expect to explore it?
The district of Binnenstad in a few words
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tobias Arhelger
When you visit the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam, you are always surprised to learn that it was originally a small fishing village. The city has never ceased to develop over the centuries, focusing on the development of maritime trade. But it is during the Golden Century that it imposes itself as a great European city. Indeed, it was during the 17th century that the colonial traffic managed by the country extends over half of the planet. Yes, at that time Binnenstad is home to the headquarters of the East India Company whose power defies Spain, Portugal and England! During the cultural revolution, the city is industrialized by focusing on the size of diamonds, then the financial services.
The Dutch capital, now rich, made the Binnenstad district its tourist symbol! This one has changed little since that time.
What to see and what to do in Binnenstad?
The old centre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Neirfy
Visiting the district of Binnenstad in Amsterdam is having the chance to stroll around the city’s iconic monuments. At the turn of each of the beautiful paved streets is a marvel of the city's heritage. Most of the monuments of Amsterdam (mainly religious): The Oudekerk, the Royal Palace, Den Waag or the Beguinage, to name only them, are essentials of the city. There are also commercial and trendy arteries such as Warmoesstraat and Kalverstraat, ideal for enjoying the joys of shopping.
Want a cultural outing? Amsterdam is known for its museums, particularly concentrated in Binnenstad. The Amsterdam History Museum, the Tussaud Museum but also... the museum of eroticism or torture are famous addresses. Before leaving, we advise you to discover the amazing market with floating flowers, roaming on the Singel. This is an unmistakable tourist reference!
The Red Quarter
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Resul Muslu
The Red Lights District, Red Quarter in French, is the hottest place in the city. Some tourists a little apart come from all of Europe to share. Prostitution is indeed legal on site, and visitors can also enjoy the free circulation of cannabis, sold in the famous coffee-shops . Let's call the Jolly Joker, the Baba and the Greenhouse, who will delight lovers. The Red Quarter has a sulphurous reputation but is sure of day and night thanks to a substantial police presence. It is also the place where you can party in pubs and nightclubs, and enjoy a snack at any time.
No matter what we think of the place, it would be a shame to visit the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam without taking a ride to the Red Quarter. And to know everything about the area, go to the Secrets Museum Red Quarter, very exciting.
Chinatown
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sergei Afanasev
It’s pretty amazing as a recommendation, don’t you think? And yet, Chinatown is a very nice neighborhood located in Binnenstad. The city has experienced a massive influx of Asian population, sometimes from its former colonies, and now live peacefully in Chinatown. When visiting the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam, it is easy to recognize the area.
In addition to typical Asian colourful shops, there is the famous Buddhist temple He Hua, located on the Zeedjik, a famous street in the city. The Asian presence is so important that street names are registered in Dutch and... in Chinese!
Guided tours to be made in the district of Binnenstad
Guided walking tour of the Binnenstad district
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Volodymyr Dvornyk
The ideal to visit the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam is obviously to walk. Its modest size allows you to explore the old centre of the city, and the guides understood it well. For example, you can take advantage of two-hour guided tours to discover the main monuments of the neighborhood. You will follow the picturesque channels of Binnenstad by listening to the explanations of your guide, from the Royal Palace to the New Church. Every channel, bridge and lock has a story! Several guided tours exist, you will also be able to opt for a discovery of the gourmet Binnenstad, for example. Cherry on the cake: given the number of French on site, many guides master the language of Molière.
Guided boat tour of Binnenstad district
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vladimir Zhoga
Why not enjoy a boat ride on the canals of the city ? This is the restful and romantic solution par excellence! During a guided tour of an hour and a half, you will take a place on a comfortable and clean boat (electric motor) to see the city otherwise. An aperitif will be served on board and you will only have to admire the Binnenstad district quietly. Unusual anecdotes and historical facts will be presented to you with a French-speaking guide.
In order not to spoil anything, the price is most reasonable: count about 30 euros per adult, and half less for children. It is therefore a fun and ideal option when you come to visit the Binnenstad district of Amsterdam with family.
Guided cycling tour of Binnenstad district
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vladimir Zhoga
When you think of the sublime city of Amsterdam, you automatically have the city’s emblematic bikes in mind. This quiet, clean and simple urban transport is like the Dutch culture, and tourist guides have not been mistaken. Some offer you to discover their city in two wheels to admire the treasures of local architectural heritage. In addition to Dam, the Jordaan sector or house of Anne Frank are all major cultural places for the country. For a modest price, the Little Queen is an ideal way to visit the Binnenstad district of Amsterdam without taking the lead.
Our advice: enjoy a cool beer at the end of the visit, the city is renowned for its breweries!
The best hotels in Binnenstad
Very touristic, the Binnenstad district is easily accessible and has many cultural points of interest. This financial manna has not escaped the hotel sector: many establishments offer to spend the night, regardless of its budget. In the Red Quarter, St Christopher’s Inn is undoubtedly one of the best typical hostels. With its pretty rooftop terrace, it is the logical choice of all hair festivities, which enjoy a good value for money.
Quiet, more classy, the Hotel V Nesplein is a four-star sleek design, offering spacious rooms in the heart of the old centre. Not far, the Manikomio is a small B & B without pretension but ideally placed and held by a small care team.
Winter as summer, it is very easy to stay on site, given the offer provided!
Where to eat in the Binnenstad district?
It is only too little to know when visiting the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam but the city is renowned for its gastronomy. From street-food shops to conventional restaurants, you'll find nothing to catch on!
We especially recommend you Mr Crab , a restaurant that is no longer present, serving tasty fish and ultra-fresh seafood. We are close to the North Sea, let’s not forget it! The restaurant Bougainville is also an institution, just like Restaurant Olivar provided that you book well in advance. Then why don't you get tempted by the Asian restaurants in Chinatown? Some, like Hoi Tin or Nam Kee , are references in this matter!
How do I get to Binnenstad?
It is very easy to access the area and then visit the Binnenstad district in Amsterdam. He's very close to the station!
- ♪ metros 53 and 54 stop in Nieuwmarkt, the closest stop.
- For trams, 4-9-16-24-25 all stop in Dam-Nieuwmarkt.
- And the bus 359 and 361 also serve the sector.
But what we recommend is to use the bike! The city is of a reasonable size and it is much cleaner and pleasant to move on a bicycle.
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