This neighborhood on the IJ River offers an abundance of cool housing and has become an architectural destination.
Oostelijke Havengebied has a below average violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for Amsterdam.
Amsterdam never really treated the IJ river, the wide body of water separating the city proper from the north, as an asset. Central Station was built with its back facing the IJ and tracks leading to it closed off the river and its shores and docks even more. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the city council started revamping the shoreline and the docklands, realizing their massive potential.
Renowned architects and city planners have turned this into an area of modern apartment buildings, family homes, refurbished old warehouses, and historic houseboats. They succeeded so well that the area, dubbed Oostelijk Havengebied (Eastern Docklands) attracts architecture lovers from all over the world.
The ever-present water, big views, proximity to town, and modern homes make this a very popular place to live. People that set up home here know that the train tracks in fact are just a psychological barrier and love the space they get for crossing it.
Before the reclassification of Amsterdam’s councils, the Eastern Docklands were part of Zeeburg. This name is still used for pretty much all of the 1019 zip code area. It got its name from a dyke and island with the same name. Many street names still have ‘Zeeburg’ in it, like the Zeeburgerkade; a quiet quay with remodeled warehouses bearing names of the days of the week. The island, further east, was created in the early 20th Century with dredged mud from the IJ river. For many years it was used as a military training site and airport for seaplanes. Currently, it’s being prepared to become a residential area.
People wanting to live in the Eastern Docklands have many options to choose from. There are large apartment buildings lining the shore, lofts in old warehouses, custom-built family homes along modern canals and a large stock of more modest townhouses, often with patios and roof terraces. The more daring can try to find a converted 19th Century freighter ship to live in.
In all cases, be prepared to pay a lot, and also note that you are likely not the only one interested. The area is very popular with families with kids, despite it being planned as an area for artists, young professionals, and people working from home.
Oostelijk Havengebied is bordered on the north and east by the IJ River, on the south by Indische Buurt, and on the west by Oostelijke Eilanden en Kadijken.
Oostelijk Havengebied LOCAL schools
Oostelijk Havengebied Local Flavor 
Amsterdam’s answer to New York’s Ellis Island, the Lloyd Hotel was built as a hotel for new immigrants and people leaving Holland for greener pastures. Both would either arrive or leave with the many boats docking in front of it. Shipping company Royal Dutch Lloyd commissioned the building, giving its name to the building ever since. In it's long history it's served as a prison, artist studios and a refugee shelter. With the revamping of the area in the 1990s, the building got historic monument status and was refurbished as a hotel and creative hotspot. Great place for lunch or dinner too!
This small ferry sails to the Zamenhofstraat in Amsterdam North. Worth a trip for a stroll in the garden village around Vogelplein, but also to get a great view of the refurbished shorelines. And it's free! Check the website for sailing times. If you miss the last one back, there are other ferries and buses going back to town.
This upscale venue in a revamped storehouse has a huge terrace boasting great views over the Entrepot harbor. When it first opened, the entire Amsterdam "it" crowd flocked here to meet and mingle. It still exudes an air of distinct class, and makes you wish you wore your white suit or Louboutins. Parking is ample, but it’s also a short bike ride if you're inclined.
This former cooling warehouse is now a cultural hub dubbed an "independent platform for inspiration, creation and innovation in the city." They host a variety of events, workshops, conferences and talks dealing with city life, global trends, and multicultural society to name just a few of the many subjects. The restaurant has a menu offering fresh, local products.
This remarkable building is located on the western tip of the Piet Heinkade. Part of its foundation sits in the water, creating a large overhang, and a bit of a gap between the higher main street and the building. An open and narrow bridge takes visitors to the main entrance (those with a fear of heights can also walk down to the quay and enter there). Inside, you'll be wowed by the wonderful view of the river through the immense glass façade. The Muziekgebouw offers a diverse programming of classical music, jazz, pop and world music. Check out their kids programming too!
Photo Credits: Thanks to @bodiljane, @sarahzogheib, @dylan_van_eijkeren, @aaronvanbindsbergen, @koenism, @typhoonhospitality, @christaromp, @netteplet, @phebew, @waltvanderhoeven, @sonicoplus, @drfiller.nl, @maartenw, @edgar.kuipers, @sasha_osipova, @asosharsin, @willemijndijkdrent, @chuo911, @bimhuis, @thijsdelangefotografie, @simplybyaldo, @inoostmetmik, @luckylizzz for your great photos of this neighborhood!
