Oost Hotels Amsterdam

Guide to Oost Hotels Amsterdam

On the face of things the Oost is a quiet residential area. However, there are many overlooked delights in this area and the architecture- around Plantage in particular- is of a very different style to most of the city. Start your eastern expedition with a visit to the zoo or the Botanical Gardens, cruise by Plantage Middenlaan for a coffee, then head north to Nemo or the Museum of Architecture.

Getting Around
Those staying in the Oost should give serious consideration to hiring a bicycle. Largely because of the city's unique geography, public transport to anywhere other than the city centre is a little awkward and it is too far for most to walk to areas like Leidseplein from here.

Hotels
For quiet, familiar hotels this area is right up there. Hotel Arena has a particularly good reputation, as do the NH Tropen, and the Intercontinental Amstel. The main advantages of staying in this area are the feeling of being away from the crowds of tourists, and the serenity. However, even though the area is close to the city centre, it is on the entirely opposite side from many of the most interesting parts of town, most of which are in the west or south west.

Shopping
Serious bargain hunters should consider a visit to the often overlooked Dappermarkt. If you are searching for unusual gifts, the Tropenmuseum has a gift shop that merits a visit in itself.

Dining out
Kadijksplein to Entrepotdok, just north of the zoo have many cozy little restaurants with exquisite menus and, in most cases, recommendable wine lists. Kilimanjaro on Rapenburgerplein is a lovely African restaurant: come for the food, stay for the coffee! Around Plantage and the Amstel there are a few very good restaurants, check with your hotel for specific recommendations.

Places of interest in the area
The Hortus Botanicus is amongst the finest botanical gardens in Europe and worth visiting almost year round. Amsterdam's brilliant zoo is a great outing for families. History buffs should seek out the Dutch resistance museum (Verzetsmuseum). This commendably honest collection deals with war time Holland and the dynamics at work throughout the country at the time. The Jewish Historic Museum is on the way into the city and is certainly a point of interest for those staying longer than a day or two. Head from there out to the beautiful Amstel River to which the city owes its name. Further east is the Tropical Museum. This fascinating, huge museum is part of the Royal Tropical Institute and has imaginative temporary exhibitions and a very up to date permanent collection: Recommended for adults and children alike.

Night Life
Oost is great for those looking to have a few quiet drinks and head home. There is no end to the small local establishments where you can happily imbibe a beer or two. Hotel Arena also has a well known night club that often throws outstanding parties. If you are willing to put time into research and exploring, Zeeburg to the north has a few hidden gems but these are not found easily.

Index of hotels near Oost