Is Amsterdam Oost a good place to stay in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam Oost is a good base if you want a relaxed, green neighbourhood and better-value hotels, with the centre a short ride away. Oosterpark, the Wereldmuseum and the Dappermarkt are on your doorstep, Artis zoo is close by, and trams, the metro and local stations connect you to the rest of the city. It suits families, repeat visitors and travellers on a budget.

The area is a mix of old and new Amsterdam. Around Oosterpark the streets are lined with handsome 19th-century houses, while the Dappermarkt fills Dapperstraat with stalls selling fruit, fabric and snacks from across the world. Javastraat in the Indische Buurt has Turkish and Moroccan bakeries next to new cafés, and Brouwerij 't IJ pours its beer beside the De Gooyer windmill.

The downside is that you're outside the historic centre. The Dam, the Jordaan and the Canal Ring all need a tram ride or a long walk, the area has few sights of its own, and evenings are quiet compared with Leidseplein or De Pijp. Some streets further east feel plainer and more residential than visitors expect.

What makes Oost worth considering is how relaxed it feels. You can start the day with a walk in Oosterpark, browse the Dappermarkt, drink a beer under a windmill and still be in the centre quickly, from a hotel that costs much less than one on the canals.