Amsterdam East is known for its strong mix of old and new, rich culture, and stunning innovations in design and architecture. If you are at The Plug East, you are surrounded by attractions that will easily soak up a day. Here are the top five picks:
Oosterpark
Established in the late 19th century as Amsterdam’s first large municipal park, Oosterpark is a shady green oasis in the center of a residential neighborhood. The Park is great for walking and picnicking, and even hiking, with 30 acres of winding walkways, quiet ponds, open lawns & an array of blooming trees of all colors is sure to make you wonder if it even is a city! The park is also home to some impressive monuments, such as the National slavery Monument, and some eye-catching sculptures. It’s a hot spot for joggers, for families, and people like me who like to crack open a book, or simply relax by the water with a coffee from one of the cafes off to the side. And in summer it is a lively site for music festivals, culture, and street performers – so a year-round favourite for natives and tourists alike.
Tropenmuseum
The Tropenmuseum is housed in a beautiful historic building in Amsterdam Oost and is one of the Netherlands' most well-known Ethnographic Museums. Its wide-ranging collection brings together artistry from some of the world’s largest continents & extends to cultures from Africa, Asia, Latin America & the Middle East via immersive displays, unique objects, interactive galleries & award‑winning photography. Visitors are free to wander through topics as diverse as world music, dress, and colonial history, so it is a must for those with an interest in the culture, history, and art of the world.
Dappermarkt
Dappermarkt Dapperstraat & Eerste Van Swindenstraat The Dappermarkt in Amsterdam East is more than 100 years old and still ranks as one of the Netherlands’ favourite markets. This lively open‑air market with over 200 stalls lining. Dapperstraat sells everything from fresh produce, flowers, and clothes to fabrics and household goods. It’s an excellent spot for sampling multicultural street fare, from Dutch poffertjes and fresh herring to Surinamese snacks and Turkish pastries. Dappermarkt is Bustling and cheap; it's an excellent place to get some souvenirs and to peer into the community.
Artis Zoo
Artis was founded in 1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, as well as a green haven within minutes of the city centre. The oldest zoo in the Netherlands is complete with more than 700 animal species, several botanical gardens, an aquarium, and a planetarium, and provides a full day’s worth of discovery for families, animal-lovers, and photography-hounds. The zoo’s notable collection of architectural gems homes shaded grounds, and many of its historically significant buildings are perfect for exploring the world’s wild wonders—a series of events and educational programs offering the entire family something new to see and do all year long.
Java Island
For a change of scene, travel to Java Island in Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands – a modern residential neighbourhood first created in the 1990s, where modern architecture houses are lining beautiful canals. Streets on the island are all connected by four pedestrian bridges, creating a peaceful environment to walk or bike around. Go in the early evening for stunning views, as the sun reflects off the water.
Complement a trip to The Plug East with these nearby hotspots, and you’ll get a peek at both the cultural highlights and personality of laid-back Amsterdam Oost.