De Bijlmer

Amsterdam


This reinvented high-rise housing estate, built in a hexagonal formation in 1966, was once known for crime and deprivation, and in 1992 was partly destroyed when a 747 jet crashed into two of its blocks. After this, the larger blocks were demolished, and investment led to the area becoming known as a centre for entertainment, shopping and innovative architecture. It's accessible by metro, and you arrive via the dramatic Nicholas Grimshaw–designed Bijlmer ArenA station, opened in 2007.

To the west lie Johan Cruijff ArenA, the AFAS Live and Ziggo Dome. To the east is the Amsterdamse Poort shopping complex. De Bijlmer holds the city's largest Surinamese population, along with immigrants from West and North Africa.

Transportation

  • metro: Bijlmer ArenA

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Amsterdam attractions

1. Riekermolen

2.39 MILES

Like a scene from another century, just outside Amstelpark's south edge, on the west bank of the Amstel River, stands this 1636 windmill. In a field…

2. Amstelpark

2.47 MILES

Pastoral haven Amstelpark has particularly creative garden layouts and many different species of flowers – it was originally created in 1972 for the bloom…

3. Frankendael House

2.61 MILES

This area was rolling countryside several centuries ago. In the 18th century, wealthy Amsterdammers would pass their summers and weekends in large country…

4. Park Frankendael

2.66 MILES

These lovely, landscaped gardens are the grounds of a former country estate; the mansion, Frankendael House, is still standing and there are walking paths…

5. De Dageraad

3.22 MILES

Following the key Housing Act of 1901, which forced the city to rethink neighbourhood planning and condemn slums, De Dageraad housing estate was developed…

6. Slavery Memorial

3.31 MILES

Slavery was abolished in the Dutch colonies of Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles in 1863, and Surinamese sculptor Erwin de Vries was commissioned to…

7. Flevopark

3.31 MILES

Formerly a Jewish cemetery, this area was bought by the city in 1956, when it was turned into a park. It has a wilder, more rambling feel than Amsterdam's…

8. De Schreeuw

3.31 MILES

A wavy profile shouting into the sky, this tall silver sculpture in Oosterpark honours free speech – it's also a tribute to controversial filmmaker Theo…

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