Living in Amsterdam-Zuidoost: With Tips on the Best Local Spots [2025]

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Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Amsterdam-Zuidoost is undergoing major development, with a huge amount of new housing being built. Thanks to excellent public transport links, the city centre is easy to reach; though honestly, everything you need is already here. Welcome to one of Amsterdam’s most multicultural districts!

Where Is Amsterdam-Zuidoost?

Amsterdam-Zuidoost is part of the municipality of Amsterdam in North Holland, although it’s geographically separated from the main city by the municipalities of Ouder-Amstel (Duivendrecht) and Diemen. Until 2014, it even had its own place name.

The district is divided by the railway line into east and west. The four main neighbourhoods are:

  • Bijlmer (largest and best-known)
  • Gaasperdam (including Holendrecht, Nellestein, Reigersbos and Gein)
  • Venserpolder (further north)
  • Bullewijk (a commercial area with offices, the Amsterdam Arena, and the Amsterdam UMC hospital)

Recent development aims to blend living and working spaces, breaking away from older zoning patterns.

Living in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Amsterdam-Zuidoost is growing fast, with plans to rival Nijmegen in size. Alongside new housing, mobility is being improved to create a more pleasant living environment for all.

As of 2020, Zuidoost had around 90,000 residents; a lively mix of over 130 nationalities.

Rental prices are still relatively affordable, averaging €20/m².

  • Studio: approx. €1,100/month
  • Two-bedroom apartment: around €1,300/month

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Working in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Coworking Spaces:

  • Regus – At Arena Boulevard 65–71, near the Johan Cruyff Arena. Known for its bright colours and accessibility.
  • Tribes Amsterdam – Located in the Oval Tower, near the Arena. Includes three meeting rooms and a full catering floor — perfect for focused work.

Shopping in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Shopping Centres:

  • Villa Arena – The largest home & interior shopping centre in the Netherlands, with over 50 stores.
  • Amsterdamse Poort – 156 shops including major chains, restaurants, jewellers, salons, and butchers. Plan to spend at least a few hours here if you love shopping.

Markets:

  • Tuesday: near WKC Kameleon (Kraaiennest)
  • Wednesday: Reigersbos
  • Saturday: Ganzenpoort (Ganzenhoef)
  • Other days: Anton de Komplein

Upcoming market policy changes may centralise the Saturday market at Anton de Komplein.

Amsterdam-Zuidoost with Children

Schools:

Playgrounds:

  • Nelson Mandelapark – Playground and skatepark.
  • Gaasperpark – Great water play area for hot days.
  • Bijlmerweide Petting Zoo – With animals and an adjacent playground.
  • Speeltuin Emerald – A new playground designed by local children.
  • Ballorig – Indoor play centre for children up to 12 — perfect for rainy days.

Sports & Youth Activities:

  • Practically every sport is available here — find an overview at Zuidoost Beweegt.
  • The Stadspas helps subsidise youth sports memberships for those under 18.

Leisure in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

Attractions & Cultural Spots:

  • Johan Cruyff Arena – Home to Ajax matches and major concerts.
  • Bijlmer Parktheater – Local theatre in Nelson Mandelapark with excellent access.
  • Pathé Arena – Multiplex cinema.
  • OSCAM – Contemporary art museum in the heart of Amsterdamse Poort.
  • Kwaku Festival – A multicultural summer event that’s not to be missed.

Green Spaces:

  • Nelson Mandelapark – Formerly Bijlmerpark. Great for walking, cycling, sports, and barbecues.
  • Bijlmerweide – Scenic park with a café and petting zoo.
  • Gaasperpark – Surrounding the Gaasperplas lake, with barbecues, day camping areas, and water play zones. A major makeover is planned.
  • De Hoge Dijk – Recreational park with walking paths, swimming areas, and a golf course.

Food & Drink in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

  • Kam Yin – A fusion of Chinese and Surinamese cuisine ("Surinese" as they call it). Also available for delivery.
  • Elixir – Run by Eva and Valentijn, this sustainable restaurant uses second-hand furniture and supports local social projects. Think rustic dishes with local produce.
  • De Proefzaak – Home of Kleiburg beer (brewed in a monastery). A great spot for lunch, dinner, and drinks.
  • Oma Letje – A cosy place serving comfort food with heart. No frills, just good, honest meals.

A Night Out in Amsterdam-Zuidoost

  • World of Food – A buzzing food hall offering delicious street food from around the globe.
  • Pathé Cinema – A classic night out with popcorn and blockbusters.
  • AFAS Live (formerly Heineken Music Hall) – A top venue for concerts and events with two halls, including a 6,000-person main room.
  • Ziggo Dome – Major artists perform here — the “Las Vegas of the Amstel.”

Getting to and Around Amsterdam-Zuidoost

By Public Transport:

  • Metro:
    • Line 54 runs from Amsterdam Centraal through East to Gein (Gaasperdam).
    • Line 50 connects Amsterdam Zuid to Gaasperplas.
  • Bus: Multiple lines connect all parts of the city to Zuidoost.
  • Train: Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA station has direct trains to Schiphol and Utrecht.

By Car:

  • During rush hour or major events, Zuidoost can be difficult to reach by car.
  • From outside the city, take the A10, then A1 or A4.
  • Use exit s112 to drive from the city centre into Zuidoost.

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