This part of Amsterdam attracts many tourists, which is not surprising given its turbulent history and charming streetscape.
As one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the centre of Amsterdam, it is bursting with historic buildings. Moreover, it makes your cultural heart beat faster. From the Hermitage to the Hortus Botanicus botanical gardens and from ARTIS zoo to Carré theatre: the choices are abundant.
Speaking of ARTIS, a large part of this neighbourhood is part of the park. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, and many Amsterdammers visited every year of their youth. If you live in Plantagebuurt, you might be awakened by trumpeting elephants instead of ringing trams.
The iconic ‘skinny bridge’ over the Amstel river connects Weesperbuurt with the rest of the canal district.
A turbulent history
Many Amsterdam Jews were deported from the historic Plantagebuurt during World War II. Most of them through the Hollandsche Schouwburg on Plantage Middenlaan – which will become an official commemorative site from 2024 onwards. Near this memorable building is the Wertheimpark, the oldest public park in Amsterdam. Since 1993, it has been home to the Auschwitz Monument by artist Jan Wolkers, also known as the ‘Mirror Monument’ or ‘Never Again Auschwitz.’ Additionally, the park is adorned with several monumental trees that have been there since the nineteenth century.
On Weesperstraat, the Holocaust Names Monument, designed by Daniel Libeskind, was unveiled in 2021. It features the first and last names of more than 102,000 Holocaust victims who never given a proper burial. It is a place where relatives can commemorate their families.
‘Interested in living in the Weesperbuurt? I can assist you with the purchase.’
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Buying and selling real estate agent
