Word of South

Stroll along leafy avenues and unwind in the tranquil parks of Zuid, a scenic neighbourhood that combines bohemian charm and cosmopolitan elegance.

From age-old art to high-end chic, the stately museums and upmarket boutiques of Oud-Zuid lend the district a luxurious edge. Cross the canal, and these leafy boulevards transform into the buzzing streets of Amsterdam’s Latin Quarter, De Pijp, exuding beatnik charm that has pulled in young creatives for centuries.

Streets of luxury

The crown jewel of Oud-Zuid is undoubtedly Museumplein, where the Rijksmuseum presides, flaunting 800 years of Dutch art history. It’s also home to the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum and Royal Concertgebouw. Just off Museumplein, you’ll find an array of designer shops and luxury hotels sprinkled along the flashy P.C. Hooftstraat

Surrounded by gorgeous villas and tranquil curving streets, the nearby Vondelpark – created in an English landscape garden style – is the city’s most popular playground. A magnet for picnickers, visitors flock in their droves during the warmer months to the numerous outdoor performances at the Open Air Theatre or simply to enjoy the sun-drenched terraces of Parkzuid, De Vondeltuin, and ‘t Blauw Theehuis

Culinary adventures

The bohemian neighbourhood of De Pijp oozes village-like charm and is a popular haunt for foodies, young internationals and revellers drawn in from across the city each evening. Along the bustling Albert Cuyp Market, trendy brunch spots and noodle bars are positioned behind stalls selling fruit and veg, rugs, ceramics and quirky souvenirs. Head to Little Collins for stand-out Aussie brunches, Ranchi Amsterdam for Japanese katsu sandwiches, Miri Mary for sizzling Indian plates and Ladybird Fried Chicken for New York-style comfort food. The area is also a lively after-work hangout, with late-night cocktail bars such as Mokum and Bar Hachi or trendy natural wine bars such as La Dilettante or Glouglou next to old-school bruine cafés where the terraces spill out onto the streets.

‘De Pijp has a special place in my heart. My favourite place is the terrace of Café Krull at Sarphatipark, but I also really like to walk around the Albert Cuyp Market.’

Lies Mensink (29), works in marketing