Exploring Amsterdam-Oost

Instead of heading into the Jordaan or to the Canal Belt, this time we decided we would explore Amsterdam Oost. The last time we headed into the centrum it felt claustrophobic. The narrow streets were packed with people and it was impossible to just wander and go with the flow while at the same time trying to navigate crowds and oncoming bicycles.

As soon as we got out of Central Station we headed East over the water and past the zoo to Java Street. Along the way we experienced a more spacious and quieter Amsterdam. We passed through various residential areas and parks and when we finally reached Java Street we were surprised to find a neighbourhood that reminded me of the neighborhoods you would find in New York or Toronto. We ended our adventure at Tigris & Euphrates which is a take out place described as a local gem, selling authentic Syrian street food. The shawarma we ate there was so, SO, so good.