Jewish Quarter and Plantage
The Jewish Quarter and Waterlooplein complete the most south eastern part of the Oudezijde (old side). Before World War II a large Jewish community were living in this area. Those days have passed and a lot of architectural changes have taken place in the Jewish Quarter over the years. However, the history of the district remains and there are many enjoyable things to do and see in and around this area.
Search for a bargain on the daily Waterlooplein Flea Market right next to the impressive Amsterdam Music Theatre, known locally as the Stopera. The huge church nearby is the Mozes and Aaronkerk. Don’t miss the house of one of Amsterdam's most famous residents, Het Rembrandthuis and at Gassan Diamonds you can learn more about the history of diamonds in Amsterdam. Then as you head slightly to your east you have three absolute highlights of the Jewish Quarter; the Jewish Historical Museum, Esnoga the Portugese Synagogue and for art lovers the Hermitage Amsterdam just along the Amstel River is a must.
Heading further east you enter the district known as the Plantage (Plantation), part of the city that was once green parkland on the outskirts of the old city. The name is not wasted though as it is home to Amsterdam’s excellent Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden) and a small walk away is Artis Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions and nicest zoos you will visit anywhere.
Other notable attractions in the area are Hollandsche Schouwburg, a theater preserved as a memorial to the Jews that were kept here before deportation. Then there are three more museums; The Verzetsmuseum tells the story of the resistance during World War II, the Vak bond museum (Trade Union Museum) and the Tropenmuseum (Tropical Museum) which provides a fascinating insight into many of the world’s most exotic cultures as well as the colonial history of the Netherlands.
