Things to Do in De Pijp Amsterdam

Things to do in De Pijp | A Cool and off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of Amsterdam 

There’s a bit of a mystery surrounding the name of this southern district of the Dutch capital. Maybe it refers to the narrow streets looking like pipes or to the gas company that used to supply the district with power. Or even the ditch which used to bisect the area, now filled in and renamed “Albert Cuypstraat”.  

De Oude Pijp and Nieuwe Pijp 🎨 

You’ll find the area of Amsterdam known as De Pijp in the south of the central canal district and east of the city’s most famous museums, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum.  

This area actually consists of 2 distinct neighborhoods: De Oude Pijp and Nieuwe Pijp. 

This district was developed in the 19^th and 20^th centuries to create more housing for the overflowing district of Jordaan while still allowing easy access to the center of Amsterdam. Originally, students, poor artists and other bohemian types looking for a cheap room to rent in the city preferred it. Even thought it was considered an undesirable place to live in Amsterdam for a long time, in the last couple of decades, it’s transformed into a popular and very hip neighborhood. 

Things to do in Oude De Pijp 

#1 Heineken Experience 🍺 

Start exploring De Pijp at the Heineken Experience just across the last ring of the canal district. At this interactive museum, you can learn about the Netherland’s most well-known export and you can get a real taste of their golden elixir. Proost! 

#2 Albert Cuyp Market 🍒 

The nearby Albert Cuyp Market is also worth checking out as one of Amsterdam’s oldest and largest markets. Find anything you want over there: from fresh fruit and vegetables to souvenirs, flowers, clothing and famous Dutch cheeses. 

#3 Sarphatipark 🥘 

Heading south, you’ll cross through the lovely Sarphatipark, named after Samuel Sarphati, a Dutch philanthropist, physician and Amsterdam city planner who lived in the Netherlands in the early 19^th century. Designed in an English landscape style, this is perhaps one of the most peaceful and lovely parks in the whole city. 

On the other side of the park, you’ll find yourself in Nieuwe Pijp which is famous for 2 things: its impressive range of world cuisine and its unusual architecture. Places focusing on the Middle Eastern, North African and Caribbean cuisine are mostly there, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find some excellent spots to eat that serve exciting and unique dishes. Enjoy! 

#4 Diamantburrt 🧱 

Find Tucked Diamantburrt, a small neighborhood built in the 1920s, tucked away in the far southeastern corner of Nieuwe Pijp. Wandering around, you’ll notice that the layout and style is strikingly different than the rest of the district and the city in general. 

Take a look at the wide streets, round-shaped buildings and complicated masonry and learn more about the area and its architectural philosophy at the Dageraad Visitors Centre for free.