Amsterdam is a city that is hard not to fall in love with. Historic canals, world-class museums, and a café on almost every corner sit alongside a modern, international way of life. It’s a compact city where you can cycle almost everywhere, and with Schiphol Airport close by, the rest of the world is easy to reach.
Every part of Amsterdam has its own feel. In the historic Centrum and the Jordaan, you live among canal houses and cosy brown cafés. De Pijp and Oud-West are lively and full of restaurants and shops, while Oud-Zuid and Rivierenbuurt are calmer and greener. Oost is diverse and relaxed, Westerpark combines city life with a large park, and Noord, just across the IJ, offers more space, modern housing, and a creative scene.
Amsterdam is a city that is hard not to fall in love with. Historic canals, world-class museums, and a café on almost every corner sit alongside a modern, international way of life. It’s a compact city where you can cycle almost everywhere, and with Schiphol Airport close by, the rest of the world is easy to reach.
Every part of Amsterdam has its own feel. In the historic Centrum and the Jordaan, you live among canal houses and cosy brown cafés. De Pijp and Oud-West are lively and full of restaurants and shops, while Oud-Zuid and Rivierenbuurt are calmer and greener. Oost is diverse and relaxed, Westerpark combines city life with a large park, and Noord, just across the IJ, offers more space, modern housing, and a creative scene.
Not sure which area suits you? Click an area on the map below to read its guide, from the atmosphere and daily life to transport, housing and typical rents. You’ll also find the areas just outside the ring, where rents are lower.
Schematic map, not to scale. Colours show typical rent levels relative to the rest of the region.
Inside the ring
Outside the ring
Area guides
Click an area on the map, or choose one from the list, to read its guide and see typical rents for a 1- and 2-bedroom apartment.
The darker the blue, the higher the rent. The dashed line shows the A10 ring road: many of the areas in the lighter blue sit outside it.
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Amsterdam Centre is the historic heart of the city and one of the most desirable locations in the Netherlands. Known for its iconic canals, rich history, and vibrant urban lifestyle, it offers residents an unmatched combination of culture, convenience, and architectural beauty. Living here means being surrounded by world-famous landmarks, while still enjoying everyday neighbourhood life with cafés, shops, and local amenities just around the corner.
Due to its central location and limited housing supply, demand for properties in Amsterdam Centre remains consistently high, making it one of the most competitive rental markets in the city.
Amsterdam Centre has a unique atmosphere defined by its historic canals, narrow streets, and UNESCO-listed canal belt architecture. The area blends tourism, culture, and residential living in a way that is unmatched anywhere else in the city.
While certain streets are lively and internationally known, many side canals and residential pockets remain quiet and peaceful. Here, residents enjoy a more authentic local experience, with hidden courtyards, boutique shops, and traditional brown cafés contributing to a strong sense of character.
The centre offers a constant contrast between energy and calm, where daily life unfolds alongside centuries of history.
Living in Amsterdam Centre means having everything within walking distance. The neighbourhood offers an exceptional range of cafés, restaurants, cultural venues, and everyday conveniences.
Residents can enjoy everything from local bakeries and coffee spots to high-end dining, cocktail bars, and international cuisine. Cultural life is equally strong, with museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and the Hermitage all within easy reach, along with theatres, galleries, and live music venues.
Daily life is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with canals, bridges, and historic streets creating one of the most picturesque urban environments in Europe. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or cultural exploration, everything is close by and easily accessible.
Amsterdam Centre is the most connected area in the city, offering direct access to all major transport networks.
Despite being the busiest part of the city, most neighbourhoods within the Centre are highly walkable, making car use largely unnecessary.
Housing in Amsterdam Centre is among the most historic and distinctive in the city. The majority of properties are traditional canal houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, featuring original wooden beams, tall windows, and characteristic narrow façades.
Many buildings have been carefully renovated, combining historic architecture with modern interiors and high-quality finishes. Apartments often feature unique layouts due to the original structure of canal buildings, making each home different in character and design.
Due to extremely high demand and limited availability, housing in Amsterdam Centre is highly competitive. Properties are often rented or sold quickly, particularly those with canal views or renovated interiors.
Amsterdam Centre is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam’s most well-known and desirable neighbourhoods, located in the western part of the city centre. It offers a unique combination of historic charm, central convenience, and a strong neighbourhood identity, making it a popular choice for both local and international residents.
The Jordaan is known for its intimate, village-like atmosphere within the city. Narrow streets, traditional canal houses, and small bridges create a distinctive and picturesque environment. Despite being centrally located, the area feels calm and residential, with a strong sense of community.
The neighbourhood has a long history as a working-class district, which has gradually evolved into a vibrant residential area with a mix of long-term locals, young professionals, and creatives.
Residents in the Jordaan benefit from a highly walkable environment. Daily amenities such as supermarkets, bakeries, cafés, and specialty stores are all within easy reach. The area is also known for its independent boutiques, local markets, and traditional “brown cafés.”
The Jordaan is also known for its local markets, which are an important part of neighbourhood life. The Noordermarkt, with a history of around 400 years, is one of the most well-known examples. Today, it operates as a weekly market offering fresh produce, organic goods, antiques, and artisanal products. Together with the nearby Lindengracht market, it provides residents with easy access to local shopping in a traditional Amsterdam setting.
The Jordaan is located within Amsterdam’s city centre and offers excellent access to the rest of the city. Amsterdam Central Station is within walking or cycling distance, and multiple tram and bus connections serve the area.
Cycling is one of the most common modes of transport, and most parts of the city can be reached within 10-20 minutes.
Housing in the Jordaan primarily consists of traditional canal houses and renovated apartments. Properties often feature characteristic architectural details such as high windows, exposed beams, and narrow façades.
Due to its popularity and central location, the Jordaan is considered a high-demand residential area, with limited availability and generally higher rental prices compared to other parts of Amsterdam.
The Jordaan is well-suited for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Oud-Zuid is one of Amsterdam’s most established and sought-after residential neighbourhoods, located just south of the city centre. It is known for its elegant architecture, cultural landmarks, and well-maintained streets, making it a popular choice for residents seeking a refined and comfortable urban lifestyle.
Oud-Zuid offers a calm and sophisticated residential environment. Spacious streets, classy townhouses, and green, tree-lined avenues characterise the neighbourhood. It has a more spacious and orderly feel compared to the historic inner city, while still maintaining a strong connection to central Amsterdam.
The area is also home to some of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions, including Museumplein, creating a blend of residential comfort and cultural significance.
Residents in Oud-Zuid benefit from a high level of convenience and quality of life. The neighbourhood offers a wide range of cafés, delicatessens, bakeries, and high-end boutiques, particularly around Cornelis Schuytstraat and Beethovenstraat.
In addition, the proximity to Vondelpark provides easy access to green space for walking, cycling, and recreation, which is a major advantage for daily life in the area.
Oud-Zuid is well connected to the rest of Amsterdam. The city centre is easily accessible by bicycle or tram, and Amsterdam Zuid station offers fast train connections to Schiphol Airport and other major Dutch cities.
Despite its central accessibility, Oud-Zuid remains relatively quiet and residential, especially compared to more densely packed inner-city districts.
The area is known for its high-quality housing stock, including spacious apartments, well-maintained townhouses, and luxury residential buildings. Properties often feature generous layouts, large windows, and classic architectural details.
Oud-Zuid is considered one of Amsterdam’s premium residential areas, with strong demand and relatively limited availability.
Oud-Zuid is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
De Pijp is one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after and centrally located neighbourhoods. Known for its vibrant street life, diverse food scene, and strong local identity, it attracts a wide mix of residents, from young professionals to long-term Amsterdammers. Its popularity also means that finding housing here is often highly competitive.
De Pijp has a lively, urban feel with a strong sense of community. The neighbourhood is characterised by its narrow streets, classic 19th-century architecture, and an energetic mix of cafés, restaurants, and independent shops.
Despite its central location, De Pijp also offers a quieter and more residential side. Charming side streets, independent cafés, creative studios, and local galleries give the neighbourhood a distinctly local feel away from the busiest areas. This unique balance of lively city energy and residential charm is one of the reasons De Pijp remains one of Amsterdam’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
Living in De Pijp means having almost everything within walking distance. The area is widely known as one of Amsterdam’s main food and social hubs, offering a wide range of brunch spots, international restaurants, cocktail bars, and local boutiques.
At the heart of the neighbourhood is the famous Albert Cuyp Market, the largest open-air market in the Netherlands. Here, residents can find fresh produce, street food, clothing, and everyday essentials at accessible prices, all contributing to the neighbourhood’s lively daily rhythm.
De Pijp is extremely well-connected and centrally positioned within Amsterdam.
Whether commuting or exploring the city, most destinations are only a few minutes away.
Housing in De Pijp is highly desirable and often difficult to secure due to strong demand and limited availability.
The neighbourhood mainly consists of traditional Amsterdam apartment buildings, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These properties often feature high ceilings, large windows, and classic architectural details.
While the majority of homes are older builds, renovated apartments and modernised interiors are increasingly common. However, competition remains high, and the hardest part of living in De Pijp is often simply getting accepted for a rental property.
De Pijp is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Oud-West is one of Amsterdam’s most popular residential neighbourhoods, located just west of the city centre. Known for its lively atmosphere, attractive architecture, and excellent amenities, the area offers a balance between urban energy and residential comfort.
Oud-West combines the charm of historic Amsterdam with a modern and vibrant character. The neighbourhood is characterised by attractive 19th-century architecture, tree-lined streets, and a diverse mix of residents.
The area has a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, with a strong local identity and plenty of activity throughout the day. Its central location makes it popular among both Dutch and international residents.
Residents in Oud-West enjoy easy access to a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and independent shops. One of the area’s most popular destinations is De Hallen, a former tram depot that has been transformed into a cultural and culinary hotspot featuring food halls, boutiques, and a cinema.
The neighbourhood is also located next to Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest and most famous city park, offering ample opportunities for recreation, exercise, and relaxation.
Oud-West benefits from a highly central location and excellent transport connections. The city centre can be reached within minutes by bicycle or tram, while many daily amenities are within walking distance.
Its convenient location makes it easy to travel throughout Amsterdam while enjoying a neighbourhood atmosphere away from the busiest tourist areas.
Housing in Oud-West mainly consists of traditional Amsterdam apartment buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many properties feature characteristic details such as large windows, high ceilings, and decorative façades.
The area’s popularity has contributed to strong demand for housing, making it one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after residential neighbourhoods.
Oud-West is particularly suitable for residents who value:
It is especially popular among young professionals, couples, and international residents seeking a vibrant and well-connected place to live.
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Westerpark is one of Amsterdam’s most popular residential neighbourhoods, offering a unique combination of green space, cultural attractions, and city living. Located just west of the Jordaan and within easy reach of the city centre, the area has become a favourite among young professionals, couples, and families looking for a vibrant yet relaxed place to call home.
Westerpark is known for its welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. The neighbourhood combines beautiful residential streets with one of Amsterdam’s most beloved parks, creating a balance between urban convenience and outdoor living.
At the heart of the area is Westerpark itself, a large green space where residents gather to exercise, relax, and socialise throughout the year. Adjacent to the park is the Westergas area, a former industrial site that has been transformed into a cultural hotspot filled with cafés, restaurants, creative workspaces, and regular events.
The neighbourhood has a lively yet laid-back character, making it attractive to residents who enjoy city life without the intensity of the busiest central districts.
Living in Westerpark means having access to both excellent amenities and plenty of outdoor space. The neighbourhood offers a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, local shops, and supermarkets, all within walking or cycling distance.
The nearby Westergas district hosts cultural events, food markets, festivals, exhibitions, and outdoor activities throughout the year, giving the area a dynamic and creative atmosphere.
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, Westerpark provides ample opportunities for running, cycling, sports, and relaxing outdoors. The combination of green space and urban amenities makes daily life both convenient and enjoyable.
Westerpark benefits from an excellent location close to Amsterdam’s city centre.
Its central location allows residents to enjoy a quieter residential environment while remaining closely connected to the rest of Amsterdam.
The housing stock in Westerpark is diverse, ranging from classic Amsterdam apartment buildings to modern residential developments. Many streets feature attractive early 20th-century architecture, while newer developments provide contemporary housing options with modern amenities.
Properties in the area are highly sought after due to the neighbourhood’s popularity, central location, and proximity to green space. As a result, available rentals often attract significant interest.
The combination of historic charm and modern living options makes Westerpark appealing to a wide range of residents.
Westerpark is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Rivierenbuurt is a highly sought-after residential neighbourhood located in Amsterdam Zuid. Known for its wide streets, attractive architecture, and family-friendly atmosphere, the area offers a quieter and more spacious living environment while remaining close to the city centre. Its excellent transport connections and strong local community make it one of Amsterdam’s most desirable places to live.
Rivierenbuurt is characterised by its calm, residential feel and well-planned urban layout. Unlike some of Amsterdam’s busier neighbourhoods, the area offers a more relaxed atmosphere with broad avenues, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.
The neighbourhood is largely built in the Amsterdam School architectural style, giving it a distinctive character with elegant brick buildings and well-preserved residential blocks. While primarily residential, Rivierenbuurt still offers plenty of local cafés, shops, and amenities that contribute to its welcoming neighbourhood feel.
Residents of Rivierenbuurt enjoy a balanced lifestyle with everything needed for daily living close at hand. The area offers a wide selection of supermarkets, specialty food stores, cafés, bakeries, and local restaurants.
The neighbourhood is particularly popular among families and professionals thanks to its quieter environment, quality schools, and abundance of green space. The nearby Amstel River provides opportunities for walking, running, and outdoor recreation, while Beatrixpark and Martin Luther Kingpark offer additional green areas for relaxation and leisure.
Despite its peaceful character, Rivierenbuurt remains close to some of Amsterdam’s most vibrant districts, including De Pijp and the city centre.
One of Rivierenbuurt’s biggest advantages is its excellent accessibility.
For professionals working in Amsterdam’s business district, Rivierenbuurt offers an ideal location between the city centre and Zuidas.
The housing stock in Rivierenbuurt mainly consists of well-maintained apartments built during the early 20th century. Many properties feature spacious layouts, large windows, balconies, and characteristic architectural details associated with the Amsterdam School movement.
Compared to more densely populated central neighbourhoods, homes in Rivierenbuurt often offer slightly more space and a quieter living environment. As a result, the area is particularly attractive to families, couples, and professionals looking for long-term housing.
Demand for housing remains consistently high, and available properties are often rented or sold quickly due to the neighbourhood’s popularity.
Rivierenbuurt is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Amsterdam Oost is a diverse and increasingly popular residential area located east of the city centre. Known for its green spaces, cultural diversity, and mix of historic and modern housing, Oost offers a balance between urban convenience and a relaxed residential atmosphere.
Oost is characterised by its wide streets, attractive parks, and varied neighbourhoods. The area has a vibrant and multicultural character, reflected in its wide range of restaurants, cafés, and local businesses.
Compared to some of Amsterdam’s busier central districts, Oost offers a slightly calmer atmosphere while maintaining a lively and dynamic feel.
Residents enjoy access to a wide variety of amenities, including cafés, restaurants, local markets, and recreational facilities. Popular destinations such as Javastraat and the Dappermarkt contribute to the neighbourhood’s lively atmosphere and diverse food scene. A well-known local hotspot is Linnaeusstraat, where you’ll find numerous cafés that are especially popular among locals and offer a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
Oost also has a strong cultural offering, with several museums nearby, including the Scheepvaartmuseum, NEMO Science Museum, and the Wereldmuseum. There are also several hotel bars and social venues that contribute to the neighbourhood’s vibrant evening life.
For outdoor leisure, residents can enjoy green parks, including Oosterpark and Flevopark, as well as open-air swimming facilities in and around the city, making it easy to stay active during the warmer months.
Amsterdam Oost is well connected to the rest of the city through an extensive network of trams, buses, and trains. The city centre can be reached quickly by bicycle or public transport, making Oost a convenient location for both work and leisure. It is also easily reachable on foot from many parts of Oost.
Its strategic location also provides easy access to major roads and neighbouring districts.
The housing stock in Oost is diverse, ranging from traditional Amsterdam apartments and early 20th-century buildings to modern residential developments. This variety creates housing opportunities for a wide range of residents and lifestyles.
Plantage Middenlaan is a notable street in and around Oost, known for its leafy character and cultural surroundings, including Artis Zoo, summer concerts, and Café-Restaurant De Plantage.
The Entrepotdok area is another distinctive part of the neighbourhood. It was originally used as a warehouse storage for imported goods, but has now been transformed into unique residential apartments in historic waterfront buildings.
Overall, many properties feature spacious layouts and are located on broad, tree-lined streets, contributing to the area’s residential appeal.
Amsterdam Oost is particularly suitable for residents who value:
It is especially popular among young professionals, families, students, and international residents looking for a vibrant neighbourhood with a strong community feel and excellent everyday amenities.
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Amsterdam Noord is a rapidly developing residential area located across the IJ river from the city centre. It is known for its open spaces, modern housing developments, and evolving urban character, making it an increasingly popular choice for residents seeking more space within easy reach of central Amsterdam.
Noord offers a more spacious, less densely built environment than central Amsterdam. The neighbourhood combines former industrial areas, waterfront zones, and new residential developments, creating a diverse and evolving urban landscape.
In recent years, Noord has developed a strong creative and cultural identity, reflecting its transformation from an industrial district into a modern residential and cultural hub. The best-known example is NDSM Wharf, which has its own guide: read the NDSM guide.
Residents in Amsterdam Noord benefit from a growing range of amenities, including cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and local services. The area continues to expand, with new developments adding modern conveniences and residential facilities.
At the same time, Noord offers easy access to green spaces and waterfront areas, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and a more relaxed daily rhythm than in the city centre.
Amsterdam Noord is well-connected to the rest of the city. Frequent ferries operate 24/7 between Noord and Amsterdam Centraal, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to reach the city centre within minutes. The ferry service is free of charge.
In addition, the North/South metro line provides a fast, direct connection to Amsterdam Zuid and other key areas of the city, significantly improving accessibility across Amsterdam.
The housing stock in Noord is varied, ranging from modern apartment complexes and new-build developments to converted industrial buildings and renovated properties. Many new projects focus on spacious layouts and contemporary design, often with a strong emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and energy-neutral construction, including buildings with high energy labels and properties designed without gas connections.
Due to ongoing development, Noord offers more availability and newer housing options compared to central districts, often with a focus on modern living standards and environmentally conscious design. This includes a growing number of gas-free buildings, reflecting the area’s shift towards future-proof and low-carbon housing.
Amsterdam Noord is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
NDSM is a former shipyard on the north bank of the IJ that has become one of Amsterdam’s best-known creative and cultural areas. It combines an industrial setting with an artistic atmosphere and a growing residential community, just a short ferry ride from the city centre.
NDSM reflects the transformation of Amsterdam Noord from an industrial district into a modern residential and cultural hub. Large shipyard halls, cranes, and open waterfront views give the area a raw, spacious character that is very different from the historic inner city.
NDSM is sometimes referred to as “Klein Berlijn” (Little Berlin), due to its industrial character, creative atmosphere, and strong arts and nightlife culture.
Residents live close to artist studios, street art, waterfront cafés, and regular markets and events. Places such as the STRAAT street art museum and the NDSM Kunststad studios make culture part of everyday life, while the open waterfront is popular for walking, cycling, and relaxing outdoors.
Despite its location on the other side of the IJ, NDSM is easy to reach.
The ferry is free for pedestrians and cyclists, which makes the daily trip to the centre simple and affordable.
Housing at NDSM ranges from converted industrial buildings to modern new-build apartments with spacious layouts and contemporary design. Many newer projects focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
As elsewhere in Noord, availability is generally better than in the central districts, although the most distinctive homes attract plenty of interest.
NDSM is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Nieuw-West is the large western district of Amsterdam, outside the A10 ring road. It is known for its green, spacious neighbourhoods and offers more space for the money than the inner city.
Nieuw-West is residential and relaxed, with wide streets, plenty of green space, and a strong sense of community. Neighbourhoods such as Slotervaart, Osdorp, and Geuzenveld are built around parks, water, and local shopping areas.
Daily life revolves around local shopping centres, markets, and green spaces such as the Sloterplas, a large lake that is popular for walking, running, and cycling. The district is also home to a diverse community, reflected in its restaurants and shops.
Nieuw-West is connected to the city centre by tram, bus, and metro, and Station Lelylaan and nearby Station Sloterdijk offer train connections. The A10 ring road is close by for those travelling by car, and cycling to the centre is a comfortable ride.
Housing in Nieuw-West mainly consists of post-war apartment buildings and family homes, complemented by newer developments. Homes are generally more spacious than in the central districts, and rents per square metre are among the lowest in Amsterdam.
Nieuw-West is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Amsterdam Zuidoost, also known as the Bijlmer, is a diverse and green district in the southeast of the city, outside the A10 ring road. It offers some of the most affordable rents in Amsterdam, with fast metro and train links to the centre.
Zuidoost is one of the most multicultural parts of Amsterdam. The Bijlmermeer area was designed in the 1960s with high-rise apartment blocks surrounded by large green areas, and many neighbourhoods have since been renovated and modernised.
The district is known for its lively markets, international food, and large events. The Johan Cruijff ArenA, AFAS Live, and Ziggo Dome are located here, along with the Amsterdam UMC hospital and the Amsterdamse Poort shopping centre. Gaasperplas and the surrounding parks offer plenty of green space for sports and relaxation.
Station Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA combines train and metro connections, and the city centre can be reached in roughly 15 minutes. Several metro lines run through the district, and the A2 and A9 motorways are close by.
The housing stock mainly consists of renovated high-rise apartments, modern new-build developments, and family homes. Zuidoost generally offers more space for the price than the inner city, with rents per square metre among the lowest in Amsterdam.
Zuidoost is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Diemen is a small, green town directly east of Amsterdam, just outside the A10 ring road. It combines a quiet, family-friendly environment with a short journey into the city.
Diemen has a relaxed, residential feel with a mix of older neighbourhoods and modern developments. It borders Amsterdam Oost and Zuidoost but feels more like a small town, with its own centre and amenities.
Residents find supermarkets, local shops, restaurants, sports facilities, and schools within the town, with green areas and recreation spots close by.
Diemen has train, tram, and bus connections to Amsterdam, and the city centre can be reached in roughly 15 minutes by public transport. Motorways are close by, and cycling into Amsterdam Oost is easy.
Housing in Diemen includes apartments and family homes, many of them in modern developments. Rents per square metre are broadly similar to Amsterdam Oost and to nearby cities such as Amstelveen.
Diemen is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Amstelveen is a modern, green city immediately south of Amsterdam, just a short ride from Amsterdam Zuid. It is a favourite among international families and professionals thanks to its spacious housing, international community, and excellent amenities.
Amstelveen is calm, spacious, and well organised, with wide streets, plenty of green space, and a strong international character. It is home to many international residents and companies, and English is widely spoken.
The Stadshart shopping centre offers shops, restaurants, and a theatre, while the nearby Amsterdamse Bos, a large forest park, is ideal for walking, running, cycling, and relaxing outdoors.
Tram and metro lines connect Amstelveen with Amsterdam Zuid and the city centre, and Schiphol Airport is close by. The A9 and A10 are easily accessible by car.
Amstelveen offers a wide range of modern apartments and family houses, often with more space, parking, and outdoor areas than in Amsterdam. It is popular among families, expats, and professionals working around Zuidas or Schiphol.
Amstelveen is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Want to know more? Read our full Amstelveen guide.
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Zaandam is a lively city just north of Amsterdam, known for its industrial heritage, its green surroundings along the River Zaan, and some of the most affordable rents in the region.
Zaandam combines a modern city centre with historic green wooden houses and windmills in the surrounding Zaan region. The Zaanse Schans, with its traditional windmills, is nearby.
The city centre offers shops, restaurants, and cultural venues, with the distinctive Inntel Hotels Amsterdam-Zaandam building as a well-known landmark. The surrounding area offers plenty of cycling routes and green spaces.
Zaandam station has frequent direct trains to Amsterdam Centraal, taking roughly 12 to 15 minutes. Bus connections and nearby motorways make it easy to reach the rest of the region.
Zaandam has a mix of modern apartments in the centre and family homes in residential neighbourhoods, often with more space for the price than in Amsterdam.
Zaandam is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Want to know more? Read our full Zaandam guide.
Area guide, housing & lifestyle
Haarlem is a historic city west of Amsterdam, with beautiful canals, a lively centre, and the North Sea coast nearby. It offers a charming alternative to Amsterdam with a similar mix of culture and city life.
Haarlem has a distinct character, with its medieval centre, the Grote Markt, and the Sint-Bavokerk, surrounded by canals, historic almshouses (hofjes), and quiet side streets. It feels more relaxed than Amsterdam while still lively, with many cafés, boutiques, and restaurants.
Haarlem is known for its independent shops, museums such as the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum, and its busy markets. The dunes and beaches of Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort aan Zee are close by.
Haarlem has direct train connections to Amsterdam Centraal, taking around 15 minutes, and frequent bus connections link the city with the surrounding region.
Haarlem offers canal-side apartments, historic townhouses, and family homes. Rents per square metre are lower than in Amsterdam, but the city is popular, so availability can be limited.
Haarlem is particularly suitable for residents who value:
Want to know more? Read our full Haarlem guide.
Amsterdam is the most expensive city in the Netherlands to rent in. According to Pararius, new tenants in the free sector paid an average of €28.56 per m² in Q3 2026, compared with €20.92 across the Netherlands. Prices are highest in the centre and the neighbourhoods around it, and get lower the further out you go. These are typical monthly rents for apartments in Amsterdam and the surrounding area, excluding utilities.
| Apartment size | Centrum, Jordaan & Oud-ZuidDarkest blue on the map | Other areas inside the ringDe Pijp, Oud-West, Westerpark, Rivierenbuurt, Oost, Noord & NDSM | Outside the ring & nearby citiesNieuw-West, Zuidoost, Diemen, Amstelveen, Zaandam & Haarlem |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | €2,000 – €3,200 | €1,350 – €2,500 | €1,200 – €2,100 |
| 2 bedrooms | €2,800 – €4,500 | €1,800 – €3,500 | €1,600 – €2,800 |
| 3 bedrooms | €3,800 – €5,500 | €2,600 – €4,000 | €2,200 – €3,400 |
Rents depend on the neighbourhood, size, condition and whether the home is furnished or unfurnished. Ranges are indicative and rounded, based on market reports from Pararius and Huurwoningen.nl and on current listings. Last updated: November 2026.
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