Amsterdam, Netherlands
Destination Guides Luxury Real Estate

Local Luxury: Your Guide to Living in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Discover what makes Amsterdam a desirable destination for homebuyers and tour a collection of luxury properties available in its high-end real estate market

Known for its historic canals, world-class museums and art galleries, and lively nightlife, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. 

Originally founded as a fishing village, the city became a major world port during the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, and is now considered one of northern Europe’s greatest planned cities with its elaborate canal system.   

Discover our guide to living in Amsterdam and explore our exclusive listings in the city’s high-end luxury real estate market.

What Is the Architecture in Amsterdam? 

Amsterdam architecture

Amsterdam has a rich architectural history offering a range of different styles, from 17th-century residences and 18th-century classicism to Art Deco and modern buildings.

The oldest building in Amsterdam is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which was built in the 13th century and has since transformed into an art institute.

The modern buildings and bridges on Amsterdam’s Eastern Harbor Islands offer a stark contrast to the historic structures that dominate the old city center. 

What to Do and See in Amsterdam? 

The grachtengordel (girdle of canals) is a great way to explore the old city center by boat. Amsterdam is also one of the most bicycle-friendly capitals in the world, offering numerous bike paths and storage garages for cyclists.  

With a strong social atmosphere, Amsterdam is a delight to visit any time of year. The city’s cafés are always bustling with activity, and there’s more than 90 annual events that draw residents and visitors alike, including the Holland Festival – one of the oldest performing festivals taking place every June – and the Roots Music Festival. 

Popular Cuisine  

Outdoor cafe in Amsterdam

Notable restaurants include Ferilli’s (Italian), Secret Garden (fusion based on Nikkei cuisine), and Bougainville, a Michelin-star restaurant in Hotel Twenty Seven. 

Museums 

A number of museums also offer the chance to delve into the city’s past. The Amsterdam Museum maps the last eight centuries of urban evolution with archaeological finds like 700-year-old shoes.

Another popular attraction is the Van Gogh Museum, with 200 paintings and 500 drawings produced by the artistic genius, as well as Japanese paintings and works by his one-time collaborator Gauguin.

Moreover, the Rijksmuseum houses more than 8,000 works of art from Dutch and European history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh.  

Shopping 

Shopping in Amsterdam

Luxury shopping in Amsterdam includes the famous P.C. Hooftstraat, which draws comparisons to Bond Street in London and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Luxury brands such as YSL, Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany’s are located there. 

Notable Listings

Read on to explore luxury listings in Amsterdam from our exclusive affiliate and area expert, R365, on the market now.  

Home in AmsterdamDining room in AmsterdamPrivate canal boat dock in Amsterdam

Situated in the heart of Amsterdam, this renovated waterfront apartment features a mooring for a boat and impeccable views of the Reguliersgracht canal. The home features herringbone wood flooring and authentic ceilings that give the space a warm feel.  

The living room is located on the bell floor at the front and is separated from the dining room by beautiful doors and built-ins. The dining room has access to the open kitchen by Pieter Laureys and French doors leading to the terrace overlooking the water.

On the garden floor there are two spacious bedrooms including the rear bedroom, which has French doors opening to the beautifully landscaped garden. In addition, there is a study, a bathroom with a large walk-in shower and double sink, and more functional amenities.

GardenLiving roomKitchen

On Amsterdam’s most prestigious canal, between the Brouwersgracht and the Leliegracht, stands this magnificent double-wide monumental building from 1760, “Residence Lebrun.”

Behind the sandstone facade is the unique four-story rear house with detached guest and garden residences. The house features an original period room with library, a kitchen, a bedroom, en suite bathroom, and walk-in closet.

The guest house has a living room, an open kitchen and an independent workspace/atelier, as well as a mezzanine floor with a gym and bedroom. 

House in AmsterdamGarden in Amsterdam

This beautiful canal house features a large garden within one of the most sought-after locations of the canal belt, between Amstel and the lively Utrechtsestraat.

It has four spacious bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms; a quiet study overlooking the canal; two spacious living floors on the ground and bell floor; and a 35-meter-deep garden.

Completely renovated, the property boasts a new foundation and a large basement with an air-conditioned wine compartment. During the renovation, the original details were restored and combined with modern living comforts.  

Popular shops, restaurants, markets, cafes, and cultural facilities such as the Stopera and the Royal Theater Carré are nearby. Meanwhile, with a boat at the door (boating license required), the entire center is easy to navigate. 

Home in AmsterdamDining room in AmsterdamRooftop terrace in Amsterdam

With an open layout, this unique loft overlooks the canal of the Lauriergracht and features a private rooftop terrace that is accessible by elevator.  

The apartment is located in the former monastery complex ‘De Voorzienigheid.‘ The wing on the Lauriergracht side features historic classrooms and a vintage staircase with authentic tiling that has remained intact in the building’s transformation to housing.  

Furthermore, Lauriergracht 37 has become very well known for the book Max Havelaar by Multatuli, the pseudonym of Eduard Douwes Dekker. The facade plaque with “Last and Co, Brokers in Koffij” is a reference to this.  

Amsterdam homeKitchen in AmsterdamRoof terrace in Amsterdam

Located between the Herengracht and the Singel, a stone’s throw from the Brouwersgracht and the Haarlemmerstraat, this completely renovated property consists of five floors with a new foundation and indoor parking on the first floor.  

The charming residence features four bedrooms, a cozy living floor with an open kitchen, and two outdoor spaces including a roof terrace.

Discover more luxury listings in Amsterdam, Netherlands from our collection here.