Oud Zuid is becoming increasingly popular among residents due to its quieter streets and larger houses. It has always been an affluent area but it is slowly developing more character and you will see lively bars and restaurants scattered around. Prices are rising though so don’t expect to find a bargain in this area.

Apartments in Oud Zuid are slightly larger but this is reflected in the price. The style of the houses comes from the Dutch School of the early 20th century. Around Vondelpark many of the homes are now businesses, as they are just too expensive for private accommodation. De Pijp is a popular area for the young and hip, while those with families may want to consider Rivierenbuurt.

You’ll find a good variety of shopping opportunities in Oud Zuid. Upmarket and designer shoppers should go to Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstraat (p.289) and Beethovenstraat (p.287). For the biggest and most diverse market in Amsterdam head to Albert Cuypstraat (p.292). Oud Zuid is not lacking in amenities - you’ll find everything you need close by. There are also many furniture and computer stores located near De Pijp.

Just off the Museumplein is Zuiderbad, one of Amsterdam’s few public pools. Of course, the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum are also to be found there. Just across the road is the Concertgebouw (p.360), for classical music lovers. Oud Zuid is a lovely area to wander around and the famous Vondelpark is a favourite for many throughout the year.

Just as in other areas of Amsterdam there are GPs and chemists throughout. Check with your local chemist to find out which chemists are open for emergencies, as the rota changes weekly. If you need to get to a hospital, Onze Lieve Vrouw Gasthuis is closest (020 599 91 11, www.olvg.nl) in the Oost district.

The British School of Amsterdam (p.120) is located in Oud Zuid, as is the Amsterdam International Community School (p.120). This is a small international school which is very popular among expats. There are many day care centres throughout the area as it’s popular with families. Combiwel has nurseries in five locations through Oud Zuid, for information see p.118.

Parking is easier in Oud Zuid: the streets tend to be wider, and obtaining a parking permit is not usually a problem. The area also has great public transport services and is not too far from the city centre to walk.

Oud Zuid is quite a safe area. You should keep an eye out for pickpockets in the busy Albert Cuypstraat Markt though. A metro line is being built through De Pijp, along Ferdinand Bolstraat, and the area is expected to be a construction site until 2011.