Oost is a hip neighborhood with great architecture and a beautiful park.
Oost has an above average violent crime rate and an above average property crime rate for Amsterdam.
While everybody was expecting the western neighborhoods of Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes to boom, it actually happened first in Oost. Within a matter of a few years this rather uninspiring and even unpopular part of town saw an explosion of hip bars, restaurants, and small specialty shops.
It was long overdue, as the area is close to central Amsterdam, offers some excellent architecture, and is wonderfully green. The older streets around Oosterpark and the side streets off the Amstel river are especially lovely. The same can be said about the recently developed Oostpoort, a pleasant shopping district with comfortable apartments and townhomes overlooking the Ringvaart canal.
But it wasn’t long ago that Oost had its fair share of problems. Crime, poverty, rundown homes — many parts of Oost were a no-go zone. The city tried to sweep it clean on numerous occasions.
This wasn't always done in a good way, as the abundance of 1970s and 1980s social housing projects around the popular Dapperstraat market clearly show. And some streets, just below the train tracks for instance, are still not as nice as other parts of the neighborhood. But in general it’s safe to say that Oost has a lot to offer and is very much past the "up and coming" stage.
Oost’s diversity means that housing comes in all shapes and sizes. Prices differ, too, and are much lower than in neighboring Plantage, for instance. But don’t expect huge bargains, as the entire area is popular with families, young professionals, students, and…well, everybody else.
Oost is bordered on the north by De Plantage, on the east by Indische Buurt, on the south by Watergraafsmeer, and on the west by De Pijp.
Oost LOCAL schools
Oost Local Flavor 
There has been a bar at this location since 1702 — it even says so on the big windows. No wonder this Amsterdam staple tells stories of Amsterdam’s political, artistic, intellectual, and even logistical history.
The bar's name means "icebreaker". Back in the day an icebreaker moored here would crush the ice on both the Amstel and Vecht rivers to secure the water supply for the city. Later it was the hangout of key figures in the Dutch social liberal labor movement. Today it’s a place for everyone. The recently redesigned interior is stunning, as is their massive terrace. Good food, great wines, nice beers. A must see.
Foodies, cheese lovers, and gastronome’s flock here from all over town. The proprietor, Erik, makes his own cheese, sells marvelous wines, and stocks sweet and savory treats. If you want, he can make you a sandwich with fresh bread by the renowned bakers at Vlaamsch Broodhuys around the corner.
This very pretty park is the perfect spot for a family picnic or an afternoon nap in the sun. Recent renovations have opened it up a bit more, allowing for more light to shine in between the trees. Some of the owners of buildings along the park have torn down dividing walls and fences, thus adding to the already vast space. There are cycle lanes, open air gyms, playgrounds, dog runs, and many benches and picnic spots. At night, a more ominous crowd takes over so caution should be used.
This recent development was once a derelict industrial area that housed a large Goodwill store, an animal shelter, and several warehouses and storage units. Now it’s home to some of the best shopping in town.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @danielle.vandaan, @kidandcoe, @filachan, @marijegee, @davidbenjaminmusic, @giorgiafusco84, @amsterdive, @eelcokaper, @elliebee2793, @wiebehoukes, @joakimsamuel, @getmuffins, @madeleinevanrossum, @mamadoughamsterdam, @johandejoode, @jcskielboe, @mauritskoelewijn81, @thomapostamsterdam, @_goetzilla_, and @oost_amsterdam for your great photos of this neighborhood!
