Best Neighborhoods for Families in Amsterdam

Summary: If you're moving to Amsterdam with kids, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Amsterdam for families.

Amsterdam, with its vibrant culture, historic charm, and excellent quality of life, is an attractive city for expat families and digital nomads. Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial for a smooth transition. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for families to live in Amsterdam.

Oud-Zuid

Oud-Zuid is a picturesque and affluent area, perfect for families seeking a safe and elegant neighborhood. It's home to the Vondelpark, the city's largest urban park, offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and bike paths. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are also nearby, providing educational and cultural experiences. Families can enjoy leisurely walks along the elegant streets lined with beautiful mansions and upscale shops.

Location: South of the city center, easily accessible by tram and bike.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,000, a 3-bedroom around €2,500. Purchase prices vary greatly, with averages around €500,000 for a 2-bedroom and €700,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The British School of Amsterdam (ages 3-18, UK curriculum) and The International School of Amsterdam (ages 2-18, IB curriculum) are nearby.

Where to Eat: De Pijp Market offers a variety of food stalls. Restaurants like De Knijp and Ron Gastrobar are family-friendly.

Interesting History: The Concertgebouw, a world-renowned concert hall, is a historic landmark in Oud-Zuid.

Parks: Vondelpark is the most popular, offering extensive recreational facilities.

De Pijp

De Pijp is a lively and multicultural neighborhood, ideal for families who enjoy a vibrant atmosphere. It's known for its independent boutiques, cozy cafes, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market. Sarphatipark offers a green space for recreation. Families can explore the Heineken Experience or enjoy performances at the Royal Theatre Carré.

Location: South of the city center, bordering the canal belt.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,800, a 3-bedroom around €2,200. Purchase prices average around €450,000 for a 2-bedroom and €600,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The International School of Amsterdam is nearby.

Where to Eat: Bazar for Middle Eastern cuisine, and The Pantry for Dutch classics.

Interesting History: The Heineken Experience is a historic brewery turned museum.

Parks: Sarphatipark is a popular neighborhood park.

Plantage

Plantage is a green and spacious neighborhood, perfect for families who appreciate nature and cultural attractions. It's home to Artis Royal Zoo, the Hortus Botanicus, and the Hermitage Amsterdam museum. Families can enjoy picnics in the park or explore the historic architecture of the area.

Location: East of the city center, near the Amstel River.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,700, a 3-bedroom around €2,100. Purchase prices average around €400,000 for a 2-bedroom and €550,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The International School of Amsterdam is a short commute away.

Where to Eat: Dignita Hoftuin for brunch and De Plantage for dinner.

Interesting History: The Hermitage Amsterdam is a historic building showcasing rotating exhibitions from the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Parks: Wertheimpark and Oosterpark are popular green spaces.

Jordaan

Jordaan is a charming and historic neighborhood, known for its narrow streets, picturesque canals, and vibrant markets. Families can enjoy strolling along the canals, exploring the local markets like Noordermarkt, or visiting the Anne Frank House. The area is also known for its lively courtyards and playgrounds.

Location: West of the city center, part of the canal belt.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,900, a 3-bedroom around €2,400. Purchase prices average around €450,000 for a 2-bedroom and €650,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The International Community School Amstelveen (ages 4-11, IB curriculum) is a short commute away.

Where to Eat: Moeders for traditional Dutch food and Winkel 43 for apple pie.

Interesting History: The Anne Frank House is a historic museum dedicated to Anne Frank's life and diary.

Parks: Westerpark is a large nearby park with various recreational facilities.

Oud-West

Oud-West is a diverse and family-friendly neighborhood, offering a mix of urban living and green spaces. Families can enjoy the Ten Katemarkt for fresh produce, or relax in the beautiful Rembrandtpark. The area is also known for its vibrant food scene and cultural events.

Location: West of the city center, bordering Vondelpark.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,800, a 3-bedroom around €2,200. Purchase prices average around €400,000 for a 2-bedroom and €550,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The British School of Amsterdam is nearby.

Where to Eat: Foodhallen for a variety of food stalls and De Hallen Amsterdam for dining options.

Interesting History: The area has a rich industrial history, with former tram depots now serving as cultural hotspots.

Parks: Rembrandtpark is a popular green space with a petting zoo and playgrounds.

Amsterdam-Noord

Amsterdam-Noord is an up-and-coming neighborhood, offering a mix of urban and rural living. Families can enjoy the IJ-hallen flea market, visit the A'DAM Tower for panoramic views, or explore the architectural landmarks. The area is also known for its waterfront developments and recreational facilities.

Location: North of the city center, accessible by ferry.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,600, a 3-bedroom around €2,000. Purchase prices average around €350,000 for a 2-bedroom and €500,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The International School of Amsterdam is a commute away.

Where to Eat: IJ-kantine for waterfront dining and Hotel de Goudfazant for French cuisine.

Interesting History: The area has a rich industrial past, with former shipyards now serving as cultural and residential spaces.

Parks: Noorderpark is a popular green space with various recreational facilities.

Oost

Oost is a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood, known for its beautiful parks and lively markets. Families can enjoy the Dappermarkt for fresh produce, relax in Oosterpark, or explore the Tropenmuseum. The area is also known for its international dining scene and cultural events.

Location: East of the city center, bordering the Amstel River.

International Schools: The International School of Amsterdam is a short commute away.

Where to Eat: Bazar for Middle Eastern cuisine and Wilde Zwijnen for Dutch classics.

Interesting History: The Tropenmuseum is a historic building housing an ethnographic museum.

Parks: Oosterpark and Park Frankendael are popular green spaces.

Zuidas

Zuidas is a modern and dynamic neighborhood, known for its high-rise buildings and international business district. Families can enjoy the Beatrixpark for recreation, or explore the various shopping and dining options. The area is also known for its excellent transportation links and international community.

Location: South of the city center, near the A10 ring road.

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,000, a 3-bedroom around €2,500. Purchase prices average around €500,000 for a 2-bedroom and €700,000 for a 3-bedroom.

International Schools: The British School of Amsterdam and The International School of Amsterdam are nearby.

Where to Eat: The College Hotel for international cuisine and George Marina for Mediterranean dishes.

Interesting History: The area has a rich history as a former agricultural zone, now transformed into a bustling business district.

Parks: Beatrixpark is a popular green space with various recreational facilities.