This is the nicest neighborhood in Amsterdam

The big, bad Amsterdam. Will I feel safe there? Can I make a home there? That's how I actually looked at it, at that city. I took a walk to explore a bit. I felt just like Freek Vonk, although I didn't have binoculars with me yet. I stopped by a playground, which I had actually imagined filled with stoned, long-haired skaters. It was certainly full, packed even, but with happy toddlers. The Schinkelbuurt as known as Oud-Zuid as known as the nice side of Vondelpark. Now I live there and believe me: it's the nicest neighborhood in Amsterdam.

This neighborhood is one where born and raised Amsterdammers live, where yuppies stick their first stork on the window AND it's a neighborhood for imports like me. With a rent price without frills, that's quite a thing too. Really, if you're reading this and looking for a home in Amsterdam, just do a little Freek Vonkje. No ambition to live in the Schinkelbuurt, but curious about where you exactly want to be there? Here are the five addresses you must not miss:

Foodbar 63 Graden

Speaking of hidden gems. Typical of a place you stumble upon. From now on, no more, because you just set your Google Maps to Foodbar 63 Graden. To have drinks, to eat or to terrace.

Woestduinstraat 63, 1058 TB Amsterdam

De Gouden Tent

Just that name. Gold. From the outside, you can't quite see what they sell on the inside. You might think of a tanning studio here, but you get hummus, falafel, Baba Ganoush, and Muhammara. We are fans.

Zeilstraat 37, 1075 SB Amsterdam

The Happy Bull

I understand that when you read that name, you don't necessarily walk in. That's why I'm mentioning it. Fries with the skin still on, burgers on brioche bread, and smoky mayonnaise. You want to go there, right?

Hoofddorpweg 9H, 1059 CS Amsterdam

Gent aan de Schinkel

When a terrace is filled with light strings full of colored lights, I quickly find myself calling for Chardonnay. Gent aan de Schinkel is at the back of Vondelpark. Summer evenings pub quizzing with craft beer. I'll see you there.

Theophile de Bockstraat 1, 1058 TV Amsterdam

Dignita Amsterdam

I intentionally forgot that in my 5x brunching in Amsterdam, because actually, I preferred to keep that to myself, because it's already so packed there. No, I'm not going to reveal what's on the menu. Go see for yourself.

Koninginneweg 218, 1075 EL Amsterdam

Image: Instagram Foodbar 63 Graden, De Gouden Tent, The Happy Bull, Gent aan de Schinkel, Dignita Amsterdam