During vacations in Amsterdam, many tourists focus on the canals of the city center and Jordaan, but few venture south to the vibrant neighborhood of De Pijp.
Once a working-class neighborhood from the late 19th century, today it is one of the trendiest, multicultural, and authentic areas of the city. This guide explores its streets, markets, architecture, and unique atmosphere, away from the crowds of the museums.
Why De Pijp is Special
De Pijp was the first neighborhood in Amsterdam built outside the historic canals in the late 19th century to accommodate the growing working class. Its streets are narrow, the houses tall and often dilapidated (once), but today it has become a melting pot of cultures: students, artists, immigrants (especially Moroccans, Turks, Surinamese), young professionals, and families. The atmosphere is lively, noisy, and authentic. There are no large museums, but you can breathe in the true Amsterdam.
Neighborhood Features
Architecture:five-story houses with narrow facades and wrought-iron balconies (Dutch neoclassical style). Many have been renovated.
Multiculturalism:signs in Turkish, Arabic, Hindi, along with Dutch and English.
Street Life:cafés and restaurants have outdoor tables even in winter (with blankets).
Market:the Albert Cuypmarkt, the largest daytime market in the city, runs through the neighborhood from east to west.
What to See and Do in De Pijp
1. Albert Cuypmarkt (The Beating Heart)
The market occupies the street of the same name for about a kilometer, from Wednesday to Saturday (from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). It is the perfect place for:
Eatingherring, fries, poffertjes, hot stroopwafels.
Buyingcheeses, spices, fabrics, low-cost clothing, non-kitsch souvenirs.
People watching:Dutch families, tourists, students, elderly.
Tip:go early in the morning (9:00-10:00) to avoid the crowd; Saturday is the busiest day.
2. Sarphatipark (The Neighborhood Garden)
A small English-style park (landscape style) with a pond, century-old trees, a rose garden, and a playground. It is the green lung of De Pijp, frequented by mothers with strollers, joggers, and picnickers. Very quiet, even though it is close to the market. Dedicated to Samuel Sarphati, a Jewish doctor and philanthropist who improved the sanitary conditions of the neighborhood in the 19th century.
3. The Diamond Factory (Gassan Diamonds)
Not exactly in the heart of De Pijp (it is on the border with Oud-Zuid), but just a short walk away. It offers free tours (in many languages) of diamond processing, with demonstrations of cutting and polishing. There is no obligation to purchase. It is an indoor activity, useful in case of rain.
4. Heineken Experience
The former Heineken brewery (closed in 1988) has been transformed into an interactive attraction. It is not a traditional museum, but an experiential journey: it tells the story of the brand, you 'experience' the bottling process, and there are beer tastings (two glasses included in the price). It is very touristy, crowded, but fun for groups of friends.
Attention:online reservation required, high prices (over 20 euros). Not suitable for small children (the tasting area is prohibited for those under 18).
5. Street Art and Vintage Shops
Walking through the streets perpendicular to the market (Quellijnstraat, Eerste van der Helststraat), you will encounter:
Street art:murals and graffiti on the side walls of buildings.
Vintage shops:clothing, furniture, vinyl records, used books.
Dutch design boutiques:small galleries and craft workshops.
Where to Eat (Low Cost and Authentic)
De Pijp is famous for its ethnic offerings at low prices:
Surinamese:rotti (bread stuffed with chicken curry), bara (savory pancakes). For example inEerste van der Helststraat.
Turkish:kebab, pide (Turkish pizza), baklava.
Moroccan:tagine, couscous, pastilla.
Indonesian:rijsttafel (rice table with small dishes), but for that it's better to go to dedicated restaurants (average prices).
Street food:the stalls at Albert Cuypmarkt.
How to Get There
Subway:line 52 (Noord-Zuidlijn), stopDe Pijp. Exit to the surface 2 minutes from the market.
Tram:lines 3, 12, 24 (stop Albert Cuypstraat or Van Woustraat).
Bike:from the center (Museumplein) it takes 5 minutes.
On foot:from the Rijksmuseum, cross Museumplein and continue straight (10-15 minutes).
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions Neighborhood
De Pijp
What is the difference between De Pijp and Jordaan?
Jordaanis older (17th century), with narrow canals, hidden courtyards (hofjes), a bohemian and quiet atmosphere, antique shops, and art galleries.De Pijpis younger (late 19th century), without canals, more multicultural, lively, with a large market and ethnic restaurants. Jordaan is more "postcard-like", De Pijp is more "real".
Is the Albert Cuyp market open every day?
No, it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Open from Tuesday to Saturday (from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Saturday is very crowded.
Is De Pijp safe in the evening?
Yes, it is generally safe. The main streets (Albert Cuypstraat, Ceintuurbaan) are well-lit and busy until late. Side streets may be darker, but not dangerous. As in any big city, maintain normal precautions.
Are there accommodations in De Pijp?
Yes, many hotels and apartments. It is a convenient area for those who want to experience authenticity and is well connected (subway and tram). Prices are lower than in the center, but not cheap (mid-high range).
Can I visit the Heineken Experience without a reservation?
No, online reservation is mandatory, often with days in advance. Tickets are purchased on the official website. It is not possible to buy them on-site.
What is the best time to see the market?
Tuesday and Wednesday morning(9:00-11:00) are the least crowded times. Saturday is the most chaotic but also the most festive day. Avoid peak hours (12:00-14:00) if you hate crowds.
Are there parks besides Sarphatipark?
TheSarphatiparkis the only park within De Pijp. A short distance away is theMuseumplein(meadow) and theVondelpark(10 minutes on foot).
De Pijp is waiting for you.
De Pijp is the neighborhood that best represents contemporary Amsterdam: multicultural, vibrant, authentic, far from the clichés of canals and gabled houses. Strolling through the Albert Cuypmarkt, sitting in Sarphatipark, tasting a kebab or a herring, browsing vintage shops: it’s an experience that enriches yourvacation in Amsterdamwith a true, everyday, and global side. Don’t limit yourself to the center: De Pijp is waiting for you.
To discover all the authentic neighborhoods of the Dutch capital, read our complete guide to Amsterdam.
Revision date:November 15, 2025