Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Introduction

You can explore the diverse character of Amsterdam-Zuidoost, a borough that blends residential life with major commercial hubs. You will find a variety of local atmospheres across its four residential neighborhoods: Bijlmermeer, Venserpolder, Gaasperdam, and Driemond.

Beyond these residential areas, your visit can take you to the Amstel III/Bullewijk Business Park or the Amsterdam Arena district, where you can experience a dedicated center for shopping and entertainment.

Before you go

Before you visit Zuidoost, understand that this district functions as a separate entity from Amsterdam with its own distinct character. Developed in the 1960s and 1970s as a residential utopia of apartment blocks and green spaces, the area—also known as De Bijlmer—is a vibrant multicultural district and the home of the Ajax football team.

To ensure your safety while exploring, stay within well-populated areas during daylight hours. While crime has lessened considerably over the last two decades, you should avoid walking alone in the dark or approaching groups of youth. You can find relative safety near Bijlmer ArenA station and along the Bijlmerdreef; however, the area becomes less safe as you move further away from these spots, particularly around Holendrecht. While some may share outdated stories about the neighborhood, it is often safer for tourists than the city center where pickpocketing is common.

Getting there

If you are traveling by car, Zuidoost is situated southeast of the A10 ring motorway and west of the Weespertrekvaart waterway. The A9 motorway runs through Bijlmer from Haarlem to connect with the A1 for eastern destinations.

You can reach the area by train at the architecturally-acclaimed Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station, which serves the Bijlmermeer neighborhood and provides access to the rest of the Netherlands. If you arrive via Schiphol Airport, the train station is located directly beneath the airport; you can reach it by walking through Schiphol Plaza from the arrivals hall. Additionally, metro lines 50, 53, and 54 link Bijlmer to other parts of Amsterdam. The two primary stations in Zuidoost, Bijlmer ArenA and Holendrecht, are served by both metro lines and Sprinter train services.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred style of stay and proximity to transit hubs. For those seeking a more rustic experience, the capital's largest campsite is located in the Gaasperplas area. If you prefer a hotel setting with amenities like an on-site restaurant or late-night bar, options are available near the Gaasperplas and along the riverside.

For a more urban experience, several hotels and hostels are situated near the Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena station. These locations offer convenient access to major motorways and excellent metro connections into the city center. You can find no-frills accommodations or larger hostel facilities in these areas, which were revitalized in a former office building to provide practical lodging with free parking and wifi.

Food & drink

Explore a diverse culinary landscape that reflects the multicultural spirit of the Bijlmer. You can enjoy Surinamese and Indonesian cuisine, including popular dishes like Moksi Meti, or visit a dedicated Ghanaian snack bar for West-African specialties such as Kenkey. For those seeking Mediterranean flavors, an up-market Turkish option provides high-quality food and service in a modern building. If you prefer plant-based options, a local collective offers Surinamese Caribbean vegan dishes. You can also find traditional French and European fare at a restaurant dedicated to the circular economy, which features second-hand furnishings and serves as a gallery for local artists. For a different atmosphere, visit a Swedish-style coffee house that serves organic lemonade and cake while showcasing local art.

The local drinking scene offers a unique experience compared to the city center. You can sample eccentric brews at a tasting hall run by a monastery or visit a large cafe located under a nearby hotel. While the area has historically faced a shortage of legal drinking premises, newer options provide a lively and colorful environment. For those seeking a coffee shop, you can find the first establishment in Zuidoost located near the station building.

What to see and do

Explore the diverse cultural landscape of the Bijlmer, where you can visit the Bijlmermuseum to experience the original 1960s modernist urban vision of the area. You can walk beneath a brutalist metro viaduct or explore the surrounding parks and high-rise flats. For those interested in contemporary culture, OSCAM serves as a platform for art, fashion, and design with a focus on young subcultures. If you prefer to be active outdoors, visit Gaasperpark, a nature reserve featuring a lake where you can enjoy water sports like canoeing and sailing, or head to the Kraaiennest Outdoor Gym to work out at permanent stations while chatting with locals.

Experience the local atmosphere through various landmarks and entertainment venues:

• Visit the Bijlmermonument, which features a tree that survived a crash and mosaics laid by survivors.
• Attend a concert at AFAS Live or the Ziggo Dome, both of which host large-scale music events.
• Catch a film at Pathé Arena, one of the largest cinemas in the country featuring IMAX movies.
• Experience the local sports culture at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, home to AFC Ajax and the Dutch national team.
• Find your flow at the skatepark in Bijlmer Park, which features two large bowls.

Three days in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Zuidoost. You can explore the local area and experience the cultural atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Day two, you can travel to the Bijlmer area. You can visit the Amsterdam Bijlmer Arena or take time to wander through the surrounding streets.

Day three, you can enjoy the diverse culinary scene by sampling Surinamese, Indonesian, or Ghanaian dishes.