De Wallen in Amsterdam

What are the highlights of De Wallen in Amsterdam?

Unusually, De Wallen has many interesting landmarks and mainstream attractions surrounded by the naughty nightlife for which the area is most famous.

The Oude Church is a stunning landmark from the 13^th century that’s generally considered the oldest surviving building in the city. You can use this as a reference point as you explore the warren of side streets in De Wallen. The church now holds cultural events like concerts and theatre performances, so check the noticeboard to see what’s on while you’re in Amsterdam.

Not far from De Wallen, you’ll find Dam Square, a popular plaza in the city with a royal palace at the far end and plenty of statues on plinths. In the summer months, this is a great spot to see locals going about their day. Damrak, one of Amsterdam’s best shopping streets, leads off the square. The somewhat cheesy but entertaining Sex Museum is also close by.

If you want to spend an afternoon shopping, head to Nieumarkt, a popular square on the east side of De Wallen, which is home to farmers' markets and book fairs throughout the summer. It’s lined with several coffeeshops and all sorts of niche stores. You’ll find new-age fashion, smoking paraphernalia, eccentric fetish shops, and everything in between.

Where to eat and drink in De Wallen in Amsterdam?

Considering De Wallen has a high concentration of coffeeshops, it’s no surprise there are plenty of eating options as well. Fast food is popular here, from kebabs and falafel in pitta to typical burger franchises, you certainly won’t go hungry.

Warmoesstraat runs north to south through the neighbourhood and has a huge choice of dining and nightlife options. Famous spots like The Grasshopper, Café Hill Street Blues, and Slainte Irish pub can be found here. For a high-end meal, head to Waag. This fine-dining restaurant serves classic European cuisine in an ancient gatehouse.

Good to know about De Wallen in Amsterdam

To find De Wallen, head for Centraal Station in the centre of town. This is also the hub of Amsterdam’s tram network making it convenient if you’re using public transport. You can also take the subway to Nieumarkt station.

Renting a bicycle for the day is a great option for exploring the city, but do pay attention to the bike lanes as there are a large number of bicycle users in the city, and – unlike cars – bikes are silent so you need to keep your eyes open and your attention on the road.