De Pijp: the liveliest neighbourhood in the city

Do you want to see more than just the classics in Amsterdam – or are you returning to our beautiful canal city? Then come with us to the beautiful trendy neighbourhood of de Pijp!

What you are guaranteed to find in de Pijp is the finest food and drink. Although you can find this everywhere in Amsterdam, there is no neighbourhood with a higher density of charming bars. Especially in summer, everyone comes out of their chic little flats and meets in the bar next door for a little wine or beer. But even now, during the cold winter months, the charm of de Pijp is not lost. Simply swap your sunglasses for heat lamps and your flip-flops for winter boots and you’ll be ready to cosy up on the winter terraces!

In addition, de Pijp is generally known for its many small boutiques and retail outlets. Away from the Kalverstraat (the main shopping street) in Amsterdam, you will find one or two cosy shops in de Pijp that invite you to browse. And in style: the people of Amsterdam are known for their good taste. Whether you have to follow every trend is up to you to decide. One thing is certain: If you are looking for a nice little souvenir, you are guaranteed to find it here.

The history of the trendy neighbourhood “de Pijp”: Hip from the start

Compared to the centre, whose foundations were laid in the 13th century, de Pijp could be described as an almost young district. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the city was extended southwards along the Amstel. Just like the Jordaan district, de Pijp (or Buurt YY, as it used to be called) started out as a working-class neighbourhood. With the onset of industrialisation, the city expanded at an incredible pace. De Pijp quickly became the city’s entertainment hotspot.

No wonder, when you look at who lived and socialised there: De Pijp used to be a colourful neighbourhood that was mainly home to low-income earners and people in the minor arts. Think students, artists and the odd sex worker. This also shows that the lively character of the neighbourhood has prevailed from the very beginning: In the end, it is always the residents who give a neighbourhood its unique charm. Even then, rents were high and the people described above could only afford to sublet. As a result, de Pijp acted early on as a bridge between noble personalities and ordinary people, all looking for the excitement of a wild night of music, laughter and dancing.

All of this can still be found there today. With increasing modernisation, the whole of Amsterdam became a hotspot for good entertainment and the trend spilled over the banks of de Pijp. To this day, however, it remains THE address for an eventful day and an even more eventful night…

Where and how can you best spend it? Find out below! If you’re interested in the origins of the city, the disreputable history of the Red Light District, the picturesque Jordaan neighbourhood or the touching story of Anne Frank, you should definitely come on an Amsterdam Love Tour. ❤️

Our 5 favourite places in de Pijp

1) Coffee lovers: Coffee & Coconuts

The best coffee in the (southern) city can be found in the charming café Coffee & Coconuts, which is housed in an old cinema. Anyone who follows our blog will know that Amsterdam is a true master of transforming buildings with history into something modern. Coffee & Coconuts is no exception. If you’re thinking “Surely it’s totally dark in an old cinema”, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The glass façade lets in plenty of light and illuminates the large, open-plan space throughout the day. By the way, it’s not just the coffee that’s good here: Come by for the delicious little cakes too!

2) Seele-Baumler: Sarphatipark

Sarphatipark could also be described as the smallest central park in the world. But what it loses in size, it certainly makes up for in atmosphere! Sarphatipark is a charming park with a small lake in the centre, which is perfect for romantic picnics, for example. The meadows next to it offer enough space to relax, or even for the odd game of badminton – or even a snowball fight (Amsterdam optimism ;)). The park is also located on the lively Ceinturbaan street. So grab a tasty pizza on the way or a hot coffee while you stroll through Sarphatipark.

3) Flea market rummager: Albert Cuyp market

In de Pijp in Amsterdam, there are 2 main streets that lead towards the centre: The Ferdinand Bolstraat and the van Woustraat. If you stroll through de Pijp, you will inevitably end up on one of them – and so there is no way around the beautiful market in between. The Albert Cuypmarkt takes place every day (except Sundays) and you can buy lots of delicious little things there (very good and fresh stroopwaffles, for example!), but also food and small souvenirs. The market is also lined with vintage shops – the perfect place for a little shopping spree!

4) Beer gourmet: Troost Brewery

Beer belongs to Amsterdam like wine belongs to France. So there’s no way around it! Our beautiful capital is known for its many small, independent breweries (e.g. Troost, Brouwerij ‘t Ij, Oedipus), all of which offer their own creations. The Dutch tongue mainly focuses on IPA’s and strong flavours, but you can also find delicious pilsner here. The Troost brewery is located at the southern end of de Pijp and has one of the largest selections of the breweries mentioned. So if the weather doesn’t play ball, make a detour there and enjoy a delicious speciality beer in combination with classic brewery treats.

5) Shopping queens & kings: boutique hunting in de Pijp

Yes, de Pijp in Amsterdam is definitely the right place for any shopping marathons. Just like the Jordaan neighbourhood, de Pijp also boasts smart retail stores that reflect the Amsterdam style very well: modern, casual (but also chic for the right occasion), with some cool accessories thrown in. Although Amsterdam is known for its high prices, you can also find nice shops for every budget. Take a look at Things I Like, Things I Love or Anna + Nina, for example!