Westerpark

Westerpark – Cultural Playground

The Westerpark area is close to the center.  In this neighborhood lies a unique urban park on the former ‘Westergasfabriek’ (Gas factory) area from the 19th century. Nowadays a lot of cultural activities take place after the factory was abandoned in 1990. There is always something to do in the Westerpark, because there are so many cafés, hotspot restaurants, a jazz club, cinema and a trendy club. During the summer it is a great spot for leisurely picnics! It is not only a perfect place to relax in the natural surroundings of the park, but also a venue for digital art and culture. With a (mostly) young public and an avant-garde atmosphere this is a very interesting place to be.

Food, Jazz & Sunday Market

A popular place is the ‘Westergasterras’ with a beautiful terrace, a restaurant and club. Opposite lies the ‘Gashouder’, a location for trendy house parties. Start your day with a nice breakfast in ‘de Bakkerswinkel’, also good for an afternoon high tea and finish with a dinner in ‘the Pacific bar’. On Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant is transformed into a sort of club where live bands perform. ‘The Noth Sea Jazz Club’ opened its doors in 2011 and many locals and tourists enjoy the music, food and drinks in a warm, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Every first Sunday of the month a special Sunday market is organized at the ‘Westergasfabriek’. Designers and creatives sell their unique products: design, fashion, retro, kids’ stuff, illustrations, paintings, jewelry, ceramics and much more…

Great for kids

‘Westergasfabriek’ is also a great place for kids. In the summer they can enjoy a cool dip in the large (natural) swimming pool. During the winter an ice skating ring is set up to glide over the ice and throughout the whole year the petting zoo behind the ‘Westergasfabriek’ is open.

Best Shopping Street – Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk

Close to the Westerpark is a popular shopping street & hip area which was proclaimed as the best shopping street in the Netherlands in 2012. The Haarlemmerstraat & Haarlemmerdijk attract many (young) people looking for bargains because of the big variety of shops and these shops are less expensive compared to the shops in the city center.

Other places of interest:

• Museum Het Schip

 Hotels in Westerpark Area