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When Amsterdam is mentioned, what springs to mind? Canals & bicycles, selfies at the Dam, coffee shops & “cookies”, the Red Light District & Sex Museum or Van Gogh & Anne Frank’s houses?

They’re all quintessential Amsterdam “must-dos” but once they’ve been ticked, head south from Central Station to the former working-class neighbourhood of de Pijp.

A memorial in Sarphatipark commemorates physician, philanthropist and urban planner, Samuel Sarphati. In 1866, with the grandeur of Paris and Vienna in mind, he presented council with plans for de Pijp.

His vision for large apartment blocks, spacious villas and wide avenues was rejected over housing labourers from the nearby diamond industry and brewery in cheaply built flats on long narrow streets.

De Pijp is a very different neighbourhood today. Artists, students, executives, singles and families create a melting pot of personalities and nationalities. This bohemian district commonly referred to as the Latin Quarter is perfect for paraphernalians to #eat #drink #explore & #shop.

A visit to de Pijp is not complete without browsing Albert Cuypmarkt. Stretching the length of Albert Cuypstraat, up to 300 market vendors set up Monday to Saturday.

Although Albert Cuypmarkt is a tourist destination, locals shop the stalls for some of the best-priced produce in Amsterdam. You’ll find everything from bread, cheese, vegetables and seafood to clothing, jewellery, crockery and flowers.

Parallel on Gerard Doustraat, start planning that new kitchen fit-out. The funkiest of contemporary ovens, sparkly espresso machines and all your crockery needs are met.

Fancy expanding your kitchen skills? Esther’s Cookery offer workshops embracing gluten-free, Vegetarian and Jewish cooking traditions.

At Anna + Nina, the entire collection of eclectic clothing, accessories, furniture, bed & table linen changes monthly ensuring regular clientele are never bored.

For 50’s vintage reproductions head into The Girl Can’t Help It. It’s not all polka dots and petticoats, expect a little sass.

Should the need for connectivity arise, Stroom on Ferdinand Bolstraat has you covered. With free Wi-Fi, great coffee, brunch and lunch, our de Pijp blog post might even get written onsite. (Who are we kidding? There’s far too much to see and do.)

Step into Barrique for locally sourced produce, much of it from around the corner at Albert Cuypmarkt. Savour house made Foie Gras, Dutch cheeses and international wines by the glass. The open kitchen allows easy banter with the chefs. They’ll share menu and wine list highlights while divulging tales of de Pijp’s ascent.

If you’re serious about oysters, fish and bubbles then stop at Brut de Mer because they are too. The marble bar has been specially designed to support cages of today’s best oysters, shucked on the spot so you can have as many or as few as you like. Pair them with their extensive vinos and bubbles or try the Côte de Poisson, a weekly special for 2 using the best seafood on offer with citrus, chilli, coriander, ginger and garlic.

Not to be missed is Brouwerij Troost. Located in an old monastery, Brouwerij Troost is now the only onsite brewery in de Pijp. Also distilling gin from Troost beer they have a changing cocktail selection highlighting both.

For a refreshing libation order the Hoptimus Lime: IPA, Gin, lime and mint. For something with a bit more grunt, the Smokin’ Bacon is a show-stopper. Smoked porter, whisk(e)y, and maple syrup garnished with a crispy bacon rasher.

Troost bread contains the beer’s spent grain, pickled cauliflower on the “Dutch Plates” is beer infused and surprisingly, Troost beers are served in bottles and on tap for your drinking pleasure. 😉

Another Amsterdam stalwart you may recognise is Heineken. Originally brewed onsite in de Pijp the brewery now operates as a museum. Tours trace the 240-year history of Heineken. The “bottle run ride” takes you through a bottle of beer’s complete production run and you’re the bottle! You can even invest in a VIP private tasting with a fully fledged Heineken beer connoisseur. It’s enough to create a thirst!

Lastly, don’t forget Sarphatipark on a beautiful spring day. Gather a picnic from the stalls at Albert Cuypmarkt, throw in a bottle of wine or some beers and contemplate Samuel Sarphati’s original vision of de Pijp. Somehow, we think he’d be rather pleased with the way it turned out.

For spectacular deals, check out our personalised accommodation booking page! There’s no need to leave our site. Simply enter Amsterdam, start sliding and the perfect accommodation will be offered live. Hotels, B&Bs, serviced apartments; they’re there for the taking.

Amsterdam’s De Pijp: it’s a place we love….