Buildings of Amsterdam

Amsterdam as a city is perhaps one of the most expat-friendly and modern of all cities in Europe. However, it is also a city that has a very rich heritage and history. The construction of canals, influence of Dutch vikings, proximity to ports (Dutch Golden age) - all of these contributed to the present-day city of Amsterdam.

The pretty houses by the canal are almost 300 years old. This is impressive, considering that they are now used as apartments. (I won't lie - I'm curious how ownership of these houses works).

Generally, the older buildings in central Amsterdam are more than a hundred years old. Some, centuries old. Cycling through the inner lanes of Amsterdam is like taking a peek into Dutch Architecture.

Skinny houses adjacent to each other, sometimes when the curtain is open, you get a quick peek into the lower-level homes.

Cycles are an integral part of an Hollander's life.

Alleys in Leidseplein - one of the many squares in Amsterdam.

This street especially stood out, it seemed more expensive. This area is right next to Vondelpark.

Walking in Van Eeghenstraat near Vondel Park.

Houses perhaps reserved for the rich? (Van Eeghenstraat). The area was impeccable.

Outdoor dining/coffee is very common in Amsterdam, Cornelis Schuytstraat

Houses are skinny, 2 or 3 floors high, bricked and seem fairly well maintained. They serve as an integral part of the beauty of Amsterdam. Lifts in these buildings, owing to their age, are non-existent. So, if you need to holler a piano or a heavy wardrobe, you need to use a crane or the pulley which is present at the very top of these buildings to carry the item to the 2/3rd floor.

All homes are near a park - this is something that the government pushes for. Additionally, more areas are starting to be earmarked for only electric cars. This is on top of the dedicated cycle lane throughout the city.

I loved the building architecture and stopped every few seconds to admire the structure and design.

Residential unit - Reitlandterras

Exquisite wood paneling.

Flowers are everywhere, and the climate is perfect for both wild and manicured flowers.

Coming from a desert, seeing such lush greenery was a balm for my chapped lips.

Typical 2-3 floored homes - likely built in the 15th-16th century. You can see a small fixture at the very top, that serves as a pulley system.

A friend of ours owns a house in Amsterdam and confirmed what we only assumed. Houses in central Amsterdam are quite small - and the ones that are 2 or 3 floors are quite expensive to buy. There are apartments such as the one in Reitlandterras above that are less expensive but are smaller in space compared to the ones in the outskirts of the city - where buildings are less old - built circa 1950s.

Real estate analysis just to understand prices of various areas, types of houses, age, size etc. has become a new and growing interest of mine. Ranging from 350k Euros near Sloterpark (a lovely lush green neighborhood but not in central Ams) to a few million Euros in prime areas - I would reckon that Amsterdam is a great place to buy a lovely house. I may, might, say this about every city I visit - without any exceptions. Hanoi - check. Bangkok - check. Bali - what is there to ask? Shimla - check. Munnar - where do I pay the deposit?

Another interesting and a little surprising aspect was the definition of outskirts - for example, when we imagined that we were traveling to the outskirts - I expected a long commute and got ready to doze off on the tram. The proximity of this 'outskirts' gave me no sleep. 20 minutes and we had reached. So even if you are staying as far as what a local would consider far, you're still quite near which makes it perfect for buying a home there.

I recall this was near a square called Barcelonaplein - I quite liked this building, or rather the view, of one of the main canals with a few docked boats and yachts.

Cycling through the inner areas gives you a great glimpse of these lovely houses. It's almost like every house had a small boat parked upfront.

Every building had ample park space in front or adjacent.

Some graffiti on this house.

As a general rule, in most residential areas that are not considered outskirts, the houses were 2-3 floors only.

Such charming entrances.

A row of very pretty houses. Loved those roof windows.

Amsterdam is just as picture perfect as in those postcards and photos that I had seen as a little girl and the green parks are just little cherries on a very delicious cake. Until next time!