Wyck

Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands

Every city in Holland is made up of charming neighbourhoods that each have their own special character. Some boast vibrant shopping streets or up-and-coming restaurant scenes, others are home to creative communities and repurposed historic buildings. What ties them all together is an inspiring blend of old and new, as innovative locals breathe new life into their favourite corners of the cities, transforming historic infrastructure in the process.

Katendrechtse Lagedijk

Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands

Since Katendrecht’s days as Rotterdam’s Chinatown, the neighbourhood has evolved into a foodie district. Innovative restaurateurs cater to growing demand for exciting dining concepts, from sustainable seafood to authentic Middle Eastern. Interior design stores, antique shops and gourmet delis are perfectly positioned for post-lunch or pre-dinner browsing. The Fenix Food Factory showcases local farmers, bakers and cheesemakers in a market-meets-food-hall set up. Kantine Walhalla with its sunny terrace is another popular spot.

Strijp-S

Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands

Once known as Eindhoven’s ‘forbidden city’, Strijp-S was an industrial area only accessible to Philips employees. Since Philips’ production moved out of Eindhoven, the factories have been used as creative workspaces, apartments, art galleries and restaurants. The STRP technology and culture festival takes place in Strijp-S, and the neighbourhood plays an important role at Dutch Design Week every October. The shops seamlessly blend streetwear and high fashion with the industrial surroundings and edgy aesthetic. Restaurants like Radio Royaal also play with the pairing of haute cuisine and factory fixtures.

Wyck

Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands

Maastricht’s elegant Wyck neighbourhood on the eastern bank of the Maas River is a hive of new restaurants, designer shops and galleries. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Bonnefantenmuseum, which displays Old Masters alongside contemporary artists, while the Brouwerij Bosch is a museum dedicated to traditional brewing. Wyck is also excellent for shopping, offering concept stores, vintage and design. When you’ve shopped up an appetite, a host of upscale restaurants will satisfy your cravings for afternoon tea, brunch, French cuisine and Dutch fine dining.

28 NDSM-Plein
Amsterdam, NH

With its colourful street art, shipping containers-turned-apartments and local artistic community, NDSM in Amsterdam Noord has a vibrant character that entices visitors across the IJ River. The neighbourhood comes alive in summer, when high-profile festivals like DGTL and Over het IJ take place on its sandy riverbank. Arguably Amsterdam’s best district for vintage shopping and antiques, NDSM is home to the IJ-hallen flea market – one of the largest in Europe. Local restaurants Pllek and Noorderlicht provide a beachy atmosphere, complemented by their crowd-pleasing cuisine and sun-drenched terraces.

Leeuwarden

Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands

The city centre of Leeuwarden is a charming neighbourhood that abounds with interesting shops, restaurants and culture. A selection of Dutch design stores, fashion boutiques and pop-up shops are clustered around Kleine Kerkstraat and Nieuwestad, which also hosts a weekly market in front of the Fries Museum, dedicated to Frisian culture. Restaurants like By Us serve traditional Frisian dishes, Sems offers modern fine dining and Leeuwarden Lounge is a local favourite for exotic eastern flavours.

Utrecht

Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

The Stadhuiskwartier in Utrecht is a favourite among savvy shoppers on the hunt for one-of-a-kind fashion items and art. Find family-owned businesses and authentic Dutch and Scandinavian brands, specialty tea houses and stores selling rare books and antique jewellery. The shopping streets are dotted with breakfast spots and cafes, many of which have expansive terraces for enjoying a glass of wine. Cultural institutions like Theater Kikker and Schiller Theater entice visitors to stay into the evening.

Haarlem

Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands

Haarlem was a prominent city during the Dutch Golden Age, and the spirit of commerce continues to run through its Gouden Straatjes (golden streets). The seven streets around the Grote Markt (including Warmoesstraat, Zijlstraat, Koningstraat and Kleine Houtstraat) are regularly proclaimed the best shopping district in Holland and feature a mixture of designer boutiques and independent shops selling gifts, artwork, homeware and accessories. There’s also a high concentration of restaurants and bars, offering everything from Mediterranean cuisine to tapas, burgers and traditional Dutch cuisine.

Katendrecht

Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands