University District Information

The south western part of the Oudezijde (Old Side) directly below the Red Light District and Nieuwmarkt is the University District, home to the prestigious University of Amsterdam. It is great to just wander the streets in one of the most laid back and peaceful areas around the centre.

 

There are still lots of sights to see along the old canals. The Oostindisch Huis built in 1605 and once the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company. The Agnietenkapel is a beautiful Gothic Chapel dating from 1470. In the Hash Marijuana Museum you can learn about the history of marijuana. Oudemanhuispoort was formerly the entrance to the Old Peoples Almshouse and is now a passageway with second hand book stalls. Huis aan de Drie Grachten (House on the 3 canals) is exactly that with a perfect location at the junction of the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, Grimburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal canals. There are also some good bars, restaurants and hotels in this very central area.

 

Most people will then make their way east towards the Jewish Quarter through the southern part of the Oudezijde area weaving through the canals and taking in some of the interesting sites along the way. Look out for the Zuiderkerk peaking over the houses, as it is one of Amsterdam’s most noticeable and attractive landmarks. Sofitel Amsterdam the Grand is Amsterdam's oldest and grandest hotel as the name suggests. There are some houses with interesting histories such as the Trippenhuis previously belonging to the Trips, a wealthy and influential family. Also the house of their coachman; Klein Trippenhuis, which is only 2.5 metres wide.

 

Famous view of the Zuiderkerk from the Groenburgwal canal: