Brouwersgracht: It one of the beautiful canals in Amsterdam. It joins Prinsengracht and this confluence is regarded as the most appealing spot in the city. The canal known as 'Brewers' Canal' owes its name to the 16th and 17th century brewery. The bronze statue of Peter Stuyvesant, old governor of Nieuw Amsterdam has been placed in the courtyard of West India House located off Brouwersgracht.
Poezenboot (Singel 40, Ph: 625 87 94): It is an unusual flea market of the city. It is the only animal center in the Netherlands. In 1960s, it began as a home to large number of homeless cats. Located on a houseboat it is the main cat center and draws in plenty of tourists from far and wide. It is now a registered charity where one can pat and pet the feline here for a small donation.
Old Center: The Old Center of the city that is surrounded by antique streets and narrow canals holds many of the architectural highlights. This is regarded as the place where the city of Amsterdam began as a fishing village. The place that is filled with bars, shops, restaurants and coffee shops make the city active and also invites more people to it. This is a place where people prefer to visit during the evenings.
The Red Light District: Locally known as the "De Walletjes" (Small Walls), it is located east of Damrak. It covers a large are in the old part of the city. The area is regulated by government and also ensures access to medical care. Formed five centuries ago, it is a place where the locals satisfy their sexual needs. As prostitution is legal in the city, people from all parts of the city reach here. Outside the window brothels are always seen crowded with people enjoy the live sex acts happening inside. There are also many sex shops and the district is in a festive mood during the busy hours especially in the evenings.
Grachtengordel: Also known as 'Girdle of canals, it was dug in the 17th century to expand the boundaries of Amsterdam in order to accommodate the growing population. Many buildings were built in the area complying with the restrictions imposed by the city council for the usage of land. It has become a tribute to the architectural tastes of the middle class people in the city. It has now developed and is one of the charming parts of the city. Its waterways, 17th century canal houses and beautiful bridges add to its attraction.
Jordaan: It is district for the working class and emigrants. The area built during the 17th century, was a poor district occupied with small houses and slums. It was heavily populated with around 20, 000 people and has open sewers and canals served for both transport and ewer. Running water was also not available in the district. After its renovation, it began to be occupied by artists, students and young entrepreneurs. Markets can also be seen in this area and the area now has beautiful houses available for nominal rents. The district has art studios, courtyards and museums that attract tourists to it.
Westerdok: It is the oldest part of the set of artificial islands. As it lies along the south side of IJ Bay, it is home to majority of the cities maritime facilities. Its warehouses are now equipped with residential quarter with smart apartments. Westerdok is also worldly known for the gay parade it holds. It is the stating point of the parade.
Old Jewish Quarter: The Jewish Quarter also known as the Jodenhoek in Amsterdam gives an idea about the Jewish life in the city. It was one of the busiest parts of the town throughout the 19th century. Besides this, it is regarded as the place where the first stall of the city's market set up in 1783. The Jewish Historical Museum is the main attraction of the place. It is also a beautiful locality and worth visiting.
Plantagebuurt: It was developed in the 19th century in an attempt to build good-quality houses for the city's middle-class people. Though it was not as beautiful as Grachtengordel, the elegant villas and spacious terraces made it the first sub urban port of call. It is now one of the prosperous parts of the city. The main attractions of the district are the Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens and the Verzetsmuseum.
Oosterdok: Located north of Plantagebuurt, the district has a network of artificial islands. It is now one of the beautiful districts in the city. The Nederlands Scheepvaartmuseum (Netherlands Maritime Museum) is the main attraction of the area that lures in plenty of tourists to it.
Gouden Bocht: Bounded by Vijzelstraat and Leidsestraat, the area also known as 'Golden Bend' contains some of Amsterdam's rich Golden Age architecture. It also has many attractions such as "the most beautiful house in Amsterdam," No. 475 a Louis XIV-style mansion designed by Hans Jacob Husly in 1703, No. 485 Jean Coulon, 1739, No. 493 and 527 built in the Louis XVI style and No. 284 Van Brienen House, 1728.
Museum Quarter: The leading museums of the city are located at a small area around the Museum Quarter or the Museumplein. This is the main attraction of the area. It lies south to Stadhouderskade to Van Baerlestraat and is regarded as the largest open space in the city. The war memorial here commemorates the women of the wartime concentration camps and the Concertgebouw that lies at the end of Museum Quarter is the most prestigious classical music concert hall in the city.
Outer Districts: The outer districts of the city can be easily accessed from the city center. In the south lies the most interesting De Pijp quarter, home to the Heineken Experience. The eastern part holds most of the multicultural attractions and home to Tropenmuseum. The northern part, the Amsterdam Noord that lies across IJ Bay is a residential area and is suitable for cycling. Free ferry ride from behind the Central Station is the main highlight of the area. The western side of it has nothing special to do and is of course not relevant.
