Zuidoost Travel Guide

Amsterdam

Amsterdam Southeast which includes boating and a river or creek
Amsterdam Southeast which includes cycling as well as a couple
Amsterdam Southeast showing boating and heritage architecture
Amsterdam Southeast which includes night scenes and shopping as well as a large group of people
Amsterdam Southeast featuring a garden

For big entertainment, visit this multicultural district, home of the Amsterdam ArenA, Heineken Music Hall and the forested Gaasperpark where you can enjoy watersports.

In Zuidoost, catch a headlining international act at Heineken Music Hall, go horseback riding, canoeing or sailing at Gaasperpark or watch a football game at the Amsterdam ArenA. Zuidoost (Southeastern) is one of the most multicultural districts in Amsterdam and has recently become a hub for shopping and entertainment.

During the 1960s, Zuidoost was the site for a trial development of modern high-rise apartments surrounded by parks and plenty of public space, a very different aesthetic from the historic crowding of 19th-century townhouses. However, its distance from the city centre and its cheap real estate meant that it was largely populated by migrants. It became a sort of ghetto. Visit today to appreciate how reinvestment has rehabilitated the area, providing economic and living centers in the southeast, particularly along ArenA Boulevard.

Here find the Heineken Music Hall, where some of the best international acts, from Beyoncé to Radiohead, perform. Watch an IMAX movie at the Pathé cinema or cheer on the teams playing in the Netherlands’ largest football stadium, Amsterdam ArenA. Soccer aficionados can even take a 1-hour tour of the stadium.

Shoppers will love exploring Amsterdam’s largest market area, the open-air Amsterdamse Poort mall, open Monday to Saturday. On Mondays and Thursdays in the car park, mingle with the multicultural crowd and taste street food at the stalls of the fashion, electronics and farmers’ markets. Next to the Heineken Music Hall, find the huge centre for interior design and furniture, Villa ArenA Woonmall.

The whole district has pockets of greenery and parkland, but the best for recreation and forest walks is the 410-acre (166-hectare) parkland surrounding the artificial lake Gaasperplas. In the Gaasperpark nature reserve, try horseback riding and watersports, such as canoeing, fishing and sailing. Typical for the Netherlands, there are many bicycle tracks. During summer, camp overnight in the park.

Time your visit to enjoy one of the festivals held regularly in Zuidoost in warmer months, showcasing everything from hip hop to jazz. Don’t miss the huge Kwaku festival which features football, performances by famed DJs and even literature awards.

Zuidoost is a 20-minute train ride from the centre of Amsterdam.


Popular places to visit



Other neighbourhoods around Zuidoost

Default Image

Amsterdam East

4/5(480 area reviews)

Amsterdam East is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and Blijburg Beach. See more of Amsterdam by jumping on the metro at Molukkenstraat Stop or Soembawastraat Stop.

Amsterdam East
Default Image

De Pijp

4.5/5(133 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in De Pijp. Top attractions like Albert Cuyp Market and De Dageraad are major draws, and you can catch the metro at v. Hilligaertstraat Tram Stop or Cornelis Troostplein Stop to see more of the city.

De Pijp
World Trade Center showing city views and a city

Amsterdam South

4/5(159 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Amsterdam South. Spend some time visiting top spots like Van Gogh Museum, and catch the metro at Boelelaan - Vrije Universiteit Stop or Parnassusweg Stop to see more of the area.

Amsterdam South
Skinny Bridge

Weesperbuurt

While you're in Weesperbuurt, take in top sights like Royal Theater Carre or Magere Brug, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Weesperplein Station or Korte 's-Gravesandestraat Stop.

Weesperbuurt
Leidseplein which includes road cycling, street scenes and motorbike riding

De Weteringschans

While you're in De Weteringschans, take in top sights like Paradiso or Holland Casino, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Vijzelgracht Station or Weteringcircuit Stop.

De Weteringschans
Heineken Experience showing interior views

Oude Pijp

While you're in Oude Pijp, take in top sights like Albert Cuyp Market or Heineken Experience, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Marie Heinekenplein Stop or 2e van der Helststraat Stop.

Oude Pijp

Zuidoost Travel Guide