Amsterdam-Oost, an underrated neighbourhood in the Dutch capital, offers a vibe reminiscent of Brooklyn, New York, according to a travel writer who stayed there during a long weekend. The district, reachable via a one-hour flight from London City Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol, impressed with its 19th-century architecture, bustling restaurants, and postcard-worthy settings.
Brooklyn Vibes in Amsterdam-Oost
The neighbourhood's Oosterpark, with lush green lawns and packed with cyclists and joggers, was compared to Central Park. The writer noted that Amsterdam-Oost felt like a less-crowded, jet lag-free version of Brooklyn, adding to the city's reputation as the 'Venice of the North'.
The stay was based at The Manor Amsterdam, a hotel that began life in 1891 as one of the Netherlands' most advanced civilian hospitals. The property now showcases a modern, chic design while preserving original features, including restored staircases.
Historic Hotel and Culinary Delights
The hotel's lobby houses Pepe Nero, an authentic Italian restaurant and bar by Daniele Lauritano, where the writer enjoyed aubergine parmigiana and bruschetta topped with eggplant, basil, Parmigiano DOP and melted smoked scamorza, complemented by a Hugo Spritz. The former hospital was also the birthplace of legendary Ballon d'Or-winning Dutch footballer and manager Johan Cruyff in 1947.
Rooms at The Manor Amsterdam start from £163 per night based on two adults sharing, bookable at leonardohotels.com.
Cycling and Local Food Scene
The hotel's location in the heart of Amsterdam-Oost made it an ideal base for exploring. A cycle route plotted out by a hotel staff member took in the historic De Gooyer Windmill, Oosterpark's peaceful central pond fringed by weeping willows, and a free glimpse at the flamingos at Artisplein, a public square next to the ARTIS Amsterdam Zoo.
Lunch at Buurtcafé De Tros featured a selection of small plates, with sharing lasagna and bitterballen with mustard dip as particular favourites. The writer also highlighted stroopwafels, thin waffle biscuits filled with caramel syrup, available warm at market stalls with customisable toppings, and bitterballen, a deep-fried snack usually filled with beef and cheese, as must-try local specialties.
The final day included breakfast at The Cottage, a cosy restaurant combining British-inspired comfort food with Dutch produce, with an idyllic al-fresco seating area. The writer concluded they only scratched the surface of Amsterdam and plan to return to the neighbourhood.
