Amsterdam has become one of Europe’s most popular destinations among digital nomads. The Netherlands was the first country to grant remote working flexibility by law in 2022, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to perfecting work-life balance. Digital nomads are welcome to come and build strong communities across this already exuberant city. Like many digital nomads, I came to Amsterdam to chase my passion for writing while working remotely and found a place where leisure is a way of life.
Since my first backpacking trip in 2020—after which I applied for a long-stay visa—Amsterdam has become one of Western Europe’s premier digital nomad destinations. But despite gaining popularity on the global map, the city still finds unique ways to surprise and add value to the journey of every individual who comes through—whether it’s a friendly resident helping you with the local biking lingo or watching the sun go down over the Amstel.
If you’re considering a remote working trip to Amsterdam, prepare to be charmed by the canal-side architecture, intrigued by the museums and galleries, and engulfed by the beauty of the postcard-perfect waterways as you explore Amsterdam’s best neighborhoods for digital nomads.
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Jordaan
In its tapestry of old industrial landmarks and canal-side walkways dotted with museums, Jordaan has a hip, futuristic feel, accentuated by jubilant marketplaces, CBD cafes, and the Woonbootmuseum—known for being housed in a 1914 freighter—the only houseboat museum in the world.
But the area’s also about quaint, creative coworking spaces perfect for getting some work done, starting with StartDock, a community-driven coworking space loved by entrepreneurs, and Mindspace Herengracht, set in a UNESCO world heritage canal house. While StartDock is more business-driven and the place where you will find both solopreneurs and small startups, Mindspace offers a boutique experience with tastefully designed rooms reflecting the traditions of 17th-century Dutch classicism.
Being the first gentrified working-class locale, Jordaan’s hubbub of cafes and outdoor brunch spots makes it easy to step out on a sunny day and enjoy some people-watching as you work. Whether you’re in search of filter coffee, a steaming platter of Bitterballs, cheese toasties, or a snug window-side seat with a cup of tea, the neighborhood is the heart of Amsterdam’s food and drink scene. Come here to soak up the atmosphere at some of the city’s best cafes including Café De Tuin and the historic Cafe Smalle founded in 1780.
If you have a taste for Surinamese, Italian, or Japanese food, or are just looking for a quick cocktail, you'll find something to satisfy your cravings here. The area can get a bit chaotic during peak hours, so be prepared to dodge some cyclists. Among the neat rows of houses, you’ll discover some of the Jordaan’s unmissable eateries—including the legendary Spanish-style tapas at La Oliva, the middle-eastern fare at the d&a hummus bistro and Moeders, which serves up the best of Dutch cuisine in a quirky setting.
De Pijp
The De Pijp neighborhood began as a largely working-class community, which today has evolved into a rapidly expanding modernized district. Nicknamed the Quartier Latin, today, the residential avenue is well-known as one of the best places for international professionals and remote workers for its proximity to the city’s historical canal belt and famed Albert Cuyp Market.
The main street has several studios and coworking spaces including Buro de Pijp, a masterfully designed workspace where you can work in an open well-lit living room. Werkplek de Pijp is another industrial-style addition to the neighborhood offering workstations and meeting rooms for both individuals and small teams to work in a crafty environment. But more often than not, you will find remote professionals working alongside the energetic rhythm of coffee shops like Cafe Krull or, on the opposite end of the canal, Cafe Binnen Buiten which has vintage-inspired seating and a winter terrace. If you fancy a Nordic-style breakfast, the Scandinavian Embassy also has some of the best-grounded coffee in town.
Looking around at the restaurant scene, you’ll soon discover why De Pijp is sometimes called the “brunch capital” of Amsterdam. Enter Bakers & Roasters and you will discover a boutique, New Zealand-style cafe serving classic American fare that is bound to keep you coming back. Meanwhile, the country’s first omelettery Omelegg serves an unimaginable number of omelet variations paired with as many sides as you like.
Oud-West
The Oud-West neighborhood may be one of the liveliest in Amsterdam—sharing its border with the 19th-century Vondelpark on one side and Singelgracht, the longest canal in the city on another. Home to the Ten Katemarkt open-air market and the Kinkerstraat shopping street, this area is brimming with nightlife, gelaterias, and Dutch boutiques. However, that’s not all that draws a great population of remote workers to the area. It also extends to the cultural De Hallen and the world-renowned LAB111, an independent cult cinema housed in a former pathological anatomy laboratory.
As for coworking spaces, there’s the Kanarie Club, which is like the neighborhood’s living room—imagine a swanky central bar, quiet compartments for virtual or in-person meetings, and a pool bar for post-work drinks. Dubbed the “nest of the west”, the wellness-themed hall also features table-tennis and next door you have a Foodhallen—an indoor food court concept where you can dine, drink, play, or work in a social setting.
In a nod to Amsterdam’s acceptance of the hybrid work culture, cafes in Oud-West welcome professionals with amazing coffee and chill vibes. Nestled on the bustling Kinkerstraat street, the industrial-designed LOT61 Coffee Roasters is a roastery and specialty coffee bar that makes a perfect pit stop to get the morning caffeine jolt. Five Ways Coffee is another neighborhood favorite for specialty coffee where you can not only enjoy a freshly-brewed cuppa but also shop for distinctive beans and blends to take back home.
For light bites, Staring at Jacob offers a selection of items at the counter including chicken and waffles, homemade hashbrowns, and yogurt bowls or summer salads. If you are looking for some Japanese comfort food, OTEMBA exclusively prepares an all-day menu. Featured dishes include spicy Miso ramen with roasted tomatoes and wakame, Amsterdam gyoza, and Japanese soft serves. Just need a quick drink before you head back home? Pop into Bar Centraal to explore one of the city’s best natural wine collections.
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Amsterdam
Discover our hand-picked neighborhoods for remote workers and digital nomads looking for a place to call home.