Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam

Nieuwmarkt is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. The historic district is centred around the Nieuwmarkt Square, a commercial and social hub since the 17th century when an open canal was filled in to create the square. Today, the marketplace still hosts weekly farmers' markets. But the biggest draw is the collection of lively bars, cafés and restaurants surrounding the square.

The Nieuwmarkt district is also home to Amsterdam's old Jewish quarter and the city's bustling Chinatown. Getting there is easy as it's only a short stroll from Amsterdam Centraal railway station and the Nieuwmarkt Metro stop. So, when you're next in Amsterdam, be sure to explore Nieuwmarkt for a few hours. You won't be disappointed by its vibrant vibe, historical attractions and dozens of fun local places to eat and drink.

What are the highlights of Nieuwmarkt?

A highlight of Nieuwmarkt for locals and visitors is a public square that shares its name. During the day, you'll find locals relaxing and socialising at one of the terrace restaurants, such as Café Fonteyn. At night, have a pint at the Temple Bar Irish pub and cocktails and salsa dancing at Cuba Cafe.

In the northern end of Nieuwmarkt Square lies the charming 15th-century De Waag. The 'weigh house' was originally a city gate and major entry point into the city. Today, the beautiful building is a great spot to snap photos and enjoy coffee at Café In de Waag.

Another top highlight in Nieuwmarkt is the Rembrandt House Museum. The famous Dutch painter's studio and living quarters resemble how it looked when he lived there between 1639 and 1658. The incredible collection of paintings and etchings are alone worth a visit.

What else can you do in Nieuwmarkt?

Shoppers can find a series of markets on the Nieuwmarkt Square throughout the year. A small market offers cheese, vegetables and flowers from Mondays to Fridays. The Boerenmarkt (farmers' market) takes place on Saturdays, featuring local vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as local snacks. On Sundays (May to November), you can buy toys, bric-a-brac, and vintage clothing at the Nieuwmarkt antique market.

A few blocks away, you'll find Amsterdam Chinatown. The area dates back to 1910 and is one of the oldest Chinese neighbourhoods in Europe. The colourful district is an exciting place to discover Asian food, culture and shopping. You can find authentic Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian and Tibetan delicacies. The heart of Chinatown hosts the impressive He Hua Buddhist Temple, Europe's largest Buddhist temple. It is open to the public and offers tours and meditations.

Amsterdam's old Jewish quarter is also in the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood. Landmark buildings worth visiting include the Jewish Historical Museum, the imposing Portuguese Synagogue and the Hollandsche Schouwburg. With just one ticket, you can discover all about Dutch Jewish culture, history and traditions.

Good to know about Nieuwmarkt

Nieuwmarkt is centrally located, making it convenient to explore nearby tourist attractions and surrounding neighbourhoods. In the Plantage neighbourhood, visit Europe's oldest zoo, ARTIS Zoo to see a fantastic range of habitats and wildlife, including big cats, primates, elephants and an aquarium. Adjacent to the zoo is Wertheimpark, where you can stroll through botanical gardens and see the Auschwitz Memorial Monument. A few blocks north is the world-class NEMO Science Museum with its fun interactive exhibitions for children and adults alike.

Nieuwmarkt is next to De Wallen, the red-light district of Amsterdam that's always buzzing with activity. West of Nieuwmarkt lies the famous Dam Square. The massive plaza is surrounded by notable buildings and monuments, like the Royal Palace, National Monument, and the 15th-century New Church. For shopping, head to the de Bijenkorf department store. For all things weird and wonderful, visit Ripley's Believe It or Not in the middle of Dam Square.