The popular De Pijp neighbourhood of South Amsterdam has undergone a number of transformations in its history. The present day inhabitants of ‘The Pipe’ form an interesting melting pot of University students, working professionals, families, retirees and market traders. Here we step inside De Pijp and provide you with an up to date guide
Two ladies walking along a street in the De Pijp neighbourhood of Amsterdam © Complete Amsterdam
Known as Amsterdam’s Latin quarter or quartier latin – there is an undeniable buzz and energy as you walk through the streets of De Pijp. The area is split into three districts, De Oude Pijp, Diamantbuurt and Nieuwe Pijp.
With its own underground metro, a couple of stops and you’re in one of Europe’s main transportation hubs, Amsterdam Centraal Station. De Pijp is no stranger to innovation and bold ideas – esteemed Dutch physician and city planner Samuel Sarphati originally planned for the idyllic green space, Sarphatipark, to be the central railway station for Amsterdam, the municipality at the time rejected the ambitious plans.
Many similarities can be drawn between De Pijp and another of Amsterdam’s most well known neighbourhoods, the Jordaan. Both world famous neighbourhoods owe their existence to rapid expansion and a population boom in the city of Amsterdam. De Pijp was a community, built through poverty, as the city borders began to grow, both De Pijp and Jordaan became home to immigrants and those on low incomes looking for cheap accommodation. In modern day De Pijp, a two bedroom, 90m2 apartment in De Pijp commands a rent in the region of €3,500, similar prices to it’s neighbour in the west.
The world famous Heineken Brewery, Amstel river, Hotel Okura and Ruysdaelkade form a well known perimeter to De Pijp. One of the strengths of Amsterdam is the ability to respect and cherish the history and the future. Amsterdam centrum is a 10 to 15 minute bike ride away from De Pijp, just 3.7km from Amsterdam Central station if you’re cycling along the picturesque Amstel river.
The area also serves the major universities of the city well, VU Amsterdam De Boelelaan campus is a 15 minute bike ride away. The University of Amsterdam Roeterseiland campus is a 27 minute tram ride away whilst the Homeschool Van Amsterdam Wibautsraat building is a 15 minute walk from the centre of De Pijp. The location of the neighbourhood means that property developers who specialise in student accommodation have built hundreds of rooms here, Social Hub Amsterdam for example offers both university students and travellers a place to stay.
The food and drink scene in De Pijp is arguably one of it’s biggest draws, it is positively thriving. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cuisine from around the world.
Miri Mary Indian restaurant is a popular spot on Van Der Helstplein, offering brunch, dinner and drinks. Food envy is not a thing here, the ethos is sharing the dishes amongst your group. The restaurant offers a selection of yummy cocktails to accompany your meal, our tip is to try the Cucumber cooler!
One of our favourite haunts is Mana Mana which offers classic and original Israeli dishes on Eerste Jan Steenstraat.
The Seafood bar was created in 2012 in Amsterdam and now has restaurants in De Pijp, Utrecht, Spui and more recently Soho London. The restaurant offers a casual blend of tasty fish dishes, served fresh with a smile.
If old brown cafes are your type of scene, then Cafe Gollem is a must visit. This delectable creation has a sizeable beer menu and the interior has been immaculately maintained.
A fantastic left field venue not to be overlooked is Cinetol, this intimate 150 capacity creative space has a wonderfully rich diverse programme. Fortunately the venue consistently has an event on every day of the week.
Fancy a cruise along the Amstel and dropped off in De Pijp? The 75 minute highlights cruise allows you to do this, you can book your place here
The streets may not be paved with gold but they are named after revered Dutch artists such as Van Gogh, Hals and Jan Steen. The Four storey, 19th century neatly stacked houses are the most prevalent sight as you walk around the neighbourhood.
Both the New Pijp and the Southern tip, Diamantbuurt are classic examples of Amsterdam School Architecture, owing much to the influence of Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage and a 1920 housing complex such as De Dageraad does immediately catch your attention.
The immaculately maintained neo-Gothic house of gnomes or Huis met de Kabouters is a striking 19th century building which holds Rijksmonument status is an example of remarkable architecture in De Pijp and is a must see.
The biggest daily market on the European continent now attracts millions of locals and visitors every year and one of Amsterdam’s most loved open air experiences. The wondrous concept now boasts up to 250 street vendorswas conceived in 1904 – located on Albert Cuyp Street and named after the famous golden age Dutch painter, Aelbert Cuyp. The market ticks every box if street food, art, fashion, creativity and Dutch entrepreneurialism is your thing.
The market is easily accessible and served well by tram lines 4, 16 or 24. If you’re jumping on the metro, then from Central station, you can get the M52 in the direction of Zuid. If you’re cycling, then you’ll be there in 10 minutes if you head along Rokin to Rembrandtplein and then towards Frederiksplein. Albert Cuyp is open Monday to Saturday, from 0930am until 5pm, it is closed on Sunday.
