Walk Amsterdam East, Not the Least
We all know Amsterdam East has its charms. Yet, until this email came out not a lot of people know about this little corner of Watergraafsmeer. Whether you’re trying to impress visitors from abroad, want to explore a new part of town, or looking for that first kiss from your date, this route will do the job.
Enjoy your walk!
Distance: 4km
Total Walking Time: 46 min
Calories: 295
Directions: Link or click the top right corner of the map to open full screen in Google Maps
FYI: the technology behind Google Maps is sometimes a bit shaky, so sometimes you need to click the link more than once, or zoom in to get the route view. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Amsterdam East, not the Least Route Highlights
Highlight A: Rechthuis
Currently a high-end restaurant, this place has a curious history. This multi-purpose building served as an inn, restaurant, and court house. Sitting just outside the former city gates, it was a symbolic place for its most momentous event – when the French invaded Amsterdam Napoleon received the city keys in this building.
Highlight: Ringdijk
At the start and end of the walk, you walk along the pretty Ringdijk. To the South of the Ringdijk you find Watergraafsmeer. Today, it’s part of Amsterdam, but it used to be its own town outside of Amsterdam. Fun fact, before the Johan Cruijff Arena was built, Ajax played its games in this area.
Highlight B: Frankendael Park Speeltuin
When you walk into the park, one of the first things you’ll notice is the playground with its characteristic chimney. On some (spring) days, you can see the stork family that lives there fly on and off. Notice the greenhouse in the back. Inside is a high-end restaurant (De Kas) that grows its own veggies!
Highlight C: Huize Frankendael / Restaurant Merkelbach
This is the last remaining outhouses inside the city of Amsterdam. Huize Frankendael was built as a get-away from the busy Amsterdam life, back when this area was still the countryside. It was inhabited well into the 20th century. Today, it’s mainly used for weddings, large events, and art exhibitions.
Highlight D: Hofkerk
This is one of our favorite hidden gems. The houses encircle the Catholic church that sits in the middle. On a sunny day, the streets are filled with playing children. It’s worth walking around the entire church as each side has its own little charms.
Highlight E: Random Cute Square
From the Hofkerk, take the small alleyway to Linnaeusparkweg until it crosses the Hogeweg. There are a few stores around the square that, curiously, doesn’t have a name. Take a second and look around in every direction and take in the late 19th century architecture.
Highlight F: Church of the Apostolisch Genootschap
A real tongue twister! This church is one of the lesser-known ones in Amsterdam. It’s built in the style of late Amsterdam School? and was completed in 1931. Our favorite detail is the red door that leads to the former living quarters of the priest.
Highlight G: Oostergasfabriek
The much lesser-known Oostergasfabriek is the last stop on the route. It should remind you of the Westergasfabriek on the other side of town. Currently, the buildings are in use as a restaurant. The one closest to the chimney towering above them all is a pretty epic gym – TrainMore.
Your Fav Hidden Gems
The above highlights are just some of our favorite spots along the way. If something catches your eye while en route, share a picture with us so we can share with the group next week. Email is best 🙂
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