Tourist maps of Amsterdam highlight some of the most popular neighborhoods:
Old Town: This area is home to all the main sights such as Dam Square, Amsterdam's oldest market Nieuwemarkt, the Royal Palace, and the Old Church.
The Red Light District (De Wallen): Every tourist visiting Amsterdam is obliged to come here! The famous name is not accidental – in medieval Amsterdam, the streets were completely dark at night, so passers-by lit their way with lanterns.
The city's respectable citizens, to ensure that their wives and daughters wouldn't be mistaken for light ladies in the darkness, required the ladies of the night to use red glass lanterns. This is how the red lantern became a symbol of Amsterdam's prostitutes. Interestingly, there are plenty of hotels in this district on the Amsterdam map, and during the day, De Wallen is no different from the rest of the city.
The 9 Streets district, or De Negen Straatjes: This is the most famous place on the Amsterdam map for shopaholics. Here, you'll find numerous stores featuring local brands as well as world-renowned brands like Fornarina, Laundry Industry, French Collection UK, Vivienne Westwood, Dirk Bikkembergs, and many more.
Jordan: This is considered the best neighborhood in central Amsterdam, with an abundance of restaurants and cafes, typical Dutch street mazes, and picturesque houses along the canals.
Oud-West, Pijp: These neighborhoods offer plenty of inexpensive shops and cafes, as well as the Albert Cuyp Markt. Additionally, there's Rivierenbuurt, where respectable Amsterdamers reside, although it's a bit farther from the center.
While there are no inherently dangerous neighborhoods in Amsterdam, there are areas that may be unfavorable for tourists. It's advisable to avoid the western part of the city, particularly in the evening, including neighborhoods like Bos en Lommer, Osdorp, Slotervaart, and Geuzenveld. These areas are often considered less tourist-friendly and are predominantly inhabited by people from Africa.
