Neighborhood highlights
The neighborhood where the houseboat is located, is pretty unique! Located on the south side of the Amstel River, this is a very quiet area with a lot of green. By bike you will reach the city center in less than 15 minutes.
Staying along Ouderkerkdijk in Amsterdam offers a unique balance between tranquility and accessibility — a rare combination in a city known for its vibrant pace.
This riverside stretch, set just beyond the busiest urban streets, lets visitors experience the calm of the Amstel River while keeping them within easy reach of Amsterdam’s cultural and culinary heart. From here, the historic center, the lively De Pijp neighborhood, and the world-renowned Museum District closeby, making it an ideal base for exploring both the energy and the serenity that define the city.
Situated along the southern banks of the Amstel River, Ouderkerkdijk captures a side of Amsterdam that many visitors never see. The gentle flow of the river, dotted with rowers in the morning mist and small boats gliding past in the evening, creates an almost village-like atmosphere. Yet this sense of retreat doesn’t come at the expense of convenience. Within a short cycle or tram ride, the full spectrum of Amsterdam’s offerings unfolds — from bustling markets to grand art collections and fine dining.
Just across the river lies the De Pijp district, one of Amsterdam’s most characterful and dynamic areas. Known for its blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair, De Pijp is home to the famous Albert Cuyp Market, where the scent of fresh stroopwafels mingles with spices from around the world. The streets here are lined with cafés, independent boutiques, and a thriving restaurant scene — from classic Dutch brown cafés to modern plant-based bistros. Whether it’s brunch at a trendy spot on Ferdinand Bolstraat or a quiet coffee along Sarphatipark, the area hums with local life and creativity.
A little further to the northwest lies the Museumplein, Amsterdam’s cultural powerhouse. Here, visitors can delve into the artistic heritage of the Netherlands at the Rijksmuseum, admire the modernist genius of the Stedelijk Museum, or experience the enduring appeal of Van Gogh’s masterpieces. The green expanse of the square itself is a meeting place for locals, families, and travelers alike — perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic under the open sky.
The city center, with its iconic canals, narrow houses, and lively shopping streets, is also remarkably close. A scenic cycle along the Amstel or a direct tram ride connects Ouderkerkdijk to the heart of Amsterdam in less than twenty minutes. This proximity allows for spontaneous exploration — a dinner in the Jordaan, a late-night canal walk, or a visit to the floating flower market — all without losing the luxury of returning to a quieter riverside setting at the end of the day.
What makes this area particularly special is its blend of local authenticity and modern comfort. The rhythm of daily life still revolves around the river: joggers tracing the embankment at dawn, residents greeting one another on their bikes, the occasional heron gliding over the water. It’s a side of Amsterdam that feels lived-in and real, offering a welcome contrast to the tourist bustle found closer to Dam Square.
Moreover, the location provides excellent connections beyond the immediate city. The Zuidas business district, Amsterdam’s financial hub, is only a few minutes away, as are major transport links like Amstel Station and RAI Station, making travel to other parts of the Netherlands both easy and efficient.
In essence, staying along Ouderkerkdijk places you at the crossroads of two worlds: the peaceful rhythm of the Amstel and the cultural, culinary, and artistic pulse of central Amsterdam. It’s a place that reflects the city’s best qualities — openness, beauty, and a perfect harmony between the old and the new — all within reach of its most iconic neighborhoods.
AMSTERDAM DE PIJP
Find out more about De Pijp - a hip and happening neighborhood with a large concentration of restaurants, cafés and bars catering to just about every class and taste.
De Pijp is starkly different from the picturesque canal district, but that is made up for by the lively and eccentric people that grace its streets. Here academics continue to mingle with artists in countless cafés, and the flourishing nightlife continues to draw people from all over the city.
The vibrant heart of De Pijp: Albert Cuypmarkt
De Pijp is perhaps most famous for the Albert Cuypmarkt. This market has been offering its wares for more than a century and vendors sell everything from fresh seafood, meat and cheese to flowers, clothes and jewellery. Stroll past the colourful stalls and sample the street food for a real Pijp experience.
Amsterdam and international drinks & dining
With its multitude of restaurants, cafés and bars, de Pijp will leave you spoiled for culinary choice. From Middle Eastern and North African cuisine to high-end teppanyaki and Vietnamese street food, the neighborhood’s cultural diversity shines through in its restaurants. Throw the area’s cocktail bars and beery brown cafés into the mix and you have a delicious evening planned! Beer fans also won't want to miss a tour of the former Heineken brewery, now better known as the Heineken Experience, to get a taste of the area’s brewing history.
Innovative architecture
Architecture enthusiasts can see some of the finest examples of Amsterdam School structures on and around P.L. Takstraat, with its complex of working-class flats known as arbeiderspaleizen (‘workers’ palaces’). These flats were designed in the early 20th century to provide housing for the labourers who worked in the nearby diamond industry and brewery.
Hanging with the cool crowd
De Pijp was also the territory of physician, urban planner and philanthropist Samuel Sarphati, who is commemorated in Sarphatipark with a statue. This park is a green oasis in the heart of De Pijp, pulling in the punters with delicate vistas and impressive foliage. Complete with a dog park, children’s playground and outdoor gym area, hip mothers natter alongside the city’s bright young things penning their memoirs, making it a fantastic place to picnic with your market-bought food finds when the sun breaks free.
De Pijp experienced a new wave of cool places that opened the doors. It’s one of the older neighborhoods of Amsterdam. This is the place where hipsters like to shop at one of the trendy boutiques, healthy food lovers can eat at one of the many organic cafes and on the weekends this is the neighborhood to be for drinks with friends at one of the many bars.
Did you know De Pijp is great for shopping too? Most shops are located around the trendy Gerard Doustraat, Van Woustraat and the Ferdinand Bolstraat. And last but not least: Experience the typical Dutch folks culture at the Albert Cuyp Market. They have the best traditional ‘stroopwafels’ there!
AMSTERDAM RIVIERENBUURT
The Rivierenbuurt is not as hot as De Pijp, but this residential area has some really nice places we like to share with you. This cozy neighborhood is located between the Scheldestraat and the Amstel River. When you know the right places, we are sure you will appreciate the calm feel of the Rivierenbuurt.
The most important and lively streets there are the: Maasstraat, Rijnstraat and Scheldestraat. Enjoy the French cuisine in Cotignac or check the cool restaurant Old-School. Are you a meat lover? Visit The Roast Room next to the RAI or Loetje! Fancy a drink? Strand Zuid and Cafe Vrijdag are worth a visit! Check first for availability.
