Things to do in Bos en Lommer & De Baarsjes
Boasting cool cultural establishments, spectacular parks and a diverse crowd, Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes are two neighbourhoods in Amsterdam-West with a lot to offer. The array of hip restaurants, music venues, canalside terraces, quirky boutiques and some of the best green spaces in the city makes these up-and-coming areas well worth exploring.
Spend the night in a tram cart
If the last room you slept in was dull, we highly recommend sleeping in a tram cart or behind a secret bookcase. Hotel Not Hotel offers those and a dozen other unique not-rooms, like the mini Spanish villa or the elevated crow’s nest. Downstairs, you’ll also find an incredible food and cocktail bar called Kevin Bacon, which, much like the actor, has zero pretension, always delivers and consistently ensures everybody has a good time.
People watch from a beautiful terrace bar
For a calmer evening, consider heading to a terrace bar and quietly enjoying some good food and pedestrian action. Cafe Cook is a bit of a hidden gem in De Baarsjes, with a great terrace that extends onto the square outside the spectacular Jeruzalemkerk. Head there for a vintage pub vibe (and a great spot to work in the daytime). And just as vintage – this one is housed in a former jeweller school – but sometimes a bit louder, Daalder Streetfood serves a strong line-up of snacks with a fantastic outdoor space at the intersection of the canal. Meanwhile, De Neef van Fred, perched on a sunny corner of the Admiralengracht, arguably has one of the best people-watching terraces in town.
Unwind in Rembrandt Park
Sunshine (when available), sculptures and open lakes, families, kids and pets: the sprawling Rembrandt Park is one of the top outdoor spots in the city. It’s sometimes quiet, sometimes loud, but always beautiful to walk through and perfect to relax in. The park has plenty of amenities too, including exercise areas and a very popular petting zoo featuring a friendly cast of goats, sheep, pigs and geese. What more could you want?
Smell the roses in Erasmus Park
Alternatively, head to Erasmus Park to wander the expansive rose gardens or relax with a coffee in Terrasmus Cafe. The park comes alive in the summer when flocks of youngsters, dog walkers and local families head over to picnic on the lawns or chill out with a few beers by the canal. There’s even an outdoor swimming spot along the Erasmusgracht if you’re brave enough to jump in. You might have to dodge the ducks as you swim, but fortunately, there are ladders to help you get back out again - those canal walls are deceptively high!
Shop and eat your way along Jan Evertsenstraat
Architecture lovers should make a beeline to the beginning of the Jan Evertsenstraat (or Jan Eef as the locals like to call it), where Amsterdam School-style undulating façades form a kind of city gate. A recent influx of latte liberals to this former working-class area has provided fertile feeding ground for the kinds of concepts that appeal to this hip young crowd, like culty sourdough bakery Fort Negen, trendy kids’ boutique Knotsknetter, bistro-bar De Neef van Fred, cheese store Caseus, ramen joint Sapporo Ramen SORA, tea lovers’ paradise T’s Teabar and concept store Things I Like, Things I Love. Of course, there are also long-established Turkish grocers and local (discount) chain stores here.
Check out some cultural hidden gems
This part of Amsterdam-West has a solid creative community, with many new venues and exhibition spaces popping up in recent years. Check out a stage show or music performance at Podium Mozaïek or catch an art exhibition at No Man’s Art Gallery. Our culture guide has a full rundown of the best cultural hotspots in Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes, whilst the events calendar will keep you abreast of what's going on in the area during annual festivals like Amsterdam Dance Event or Kings Day.
