The historic center of trade and industry in Amsterdam is called the Eastern Islands. (“Oostelijke Eilanden”) And the Czaar Peter Neighbourhood (Czaar Peter kwartier) is covering those same Islands, and moreover includes Czaar Peterstraat and that great mill “of the East”. This area rocks; because of “then and now”.
Let us take you on a private tour in this maritime area. By bike, by footbike, on inline skates or on foot. In German, French, English and, of course we also offer the “Lexperience” in Dutch.
We finish this page with a blog-post of the (cool!) local event in this area of September 21, 2024.
In Dutch: rondleiding Oostelijke Eilanden
By the way: the Eastern Islands private experience is covered on this ⇓ page, and this ⇒ is the link to the tour of the Amsterdam Eastern Docklands. (“Oostelijk Havengebied” in Dutch ) Reason to tell you here: Those two areas are mixed up a lot.
Lex and the City creates — and spreads — fun on every group outing through the streets of Amsterdam.
Surprising walking tour of the Eastern Islands: sights & sounds
A private guided tour of the Eastern Islands in Amsterdam, where maritime and industrial history meets the sustainable, tech-driven and creative city of now. Familiar places, told from a slightly unexpected angle.10 highlights with themes: 2.5 hours
- Start: VOC Quay (Inntel Hotel) or at “Roest” — introduction: why Amsterdam has always been a harbor city and how Oostenburg has played a mayor role. An explanation of what Oostenburg means, why it is the eastern part of the Eastern Islands, and why it is not part of Amsterdam-East for over 135 years anymore.
- Werkspoor Hall — industrial monument showing the transition from heavy industry to a vibrant neighborhood full of makers.
- Timeline along the railway — a visual story of Oostenburg: from shipyards to machine factories to today’s creative living spaces. Attention for VOC treasures like “Lijnbaan”.
- Van Gendt Halls — raw architecture, maker culture, and a great spot for an anecdote.
- Pakhuis Oostenburg — 18th-century warehouse: a tangible link to the VOC era and a striking contrast with modern buildings.
- Nieuwe Oostenburgerstraat — 19th-century workers’ housing showing the social history of the island.
- Roest & creative hotspots — recently reopened; a nice example of adaptive reuse and local vibrancy. (15 years it used to be a so-called (very popular) “fringe”.)
- Wittenburg: with Oosterkerk, Markerhuisje and it’s private boats history.
- Break: Bar Guzzo (Kattenburgerplein) — drinks and a snack/bitterball; convenient stop near the Maritime Museum and Marineterrein. (You pay for your own drinks directly with the waitress)
- Maritime Museum — don’t miss the hidden patio for a unique, intimate experience.
- Marineterrein — from a former defense area to a city innovation hub; optionally conclude at Scheepskameel for dinner or drinks.
Ask Lex and the City to arrange a group outing on the Eastern Islands that fits your group.
Maritime and industrial heritage, sustainability and creativity today.
“Slightly different” from what you might be used to in Amsterdam.
Do you have more time? Then add:
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- Czaar Peterstraat (Czaar Peter street)
- Windmill of the East and brewery (with tasting room) ’t IJ
- Funenpark
- Kromhoutwerf
⇓
The “Oostelijke Eilanden” (Eastern Islands) history briefly described here.
Some insights before the private guided tour of Czaar Peter Neighborhood and Eastern Islands of Amsterdam:
The Eastern Islands (Oostelijke Eilanden) consist of Kattenburg, Wittenburg and Oostenburg. They were created in the so-called “Golden Age”; the 17th century. The island of Kattenburg was created mostly for the admirality. That part consisted especially of water. Warships for protection of VOC and others were built over there. Nowadays it has been transmitted into the Marineterrein. Kattenburg is place of the Maritime Museum as well. (since 1972) Wittenburg, known for it’s Oosterkerk, was meant for private ships as well.
Oostenburg became the central spot for Dutch East India Company. (VOC.) We, Lex and the City, consider this part of the Eastern Islands, together with the Marine-terrein, as the most inspiring and interesting part to show you.
Oostenburg will feature a nice mix of sustainable rental housing, owner-occupied flats, self-built houses, leisure spots, restaurants and businesses.
Please take your time for this unexpected and unusual tour in Amsterdam.
What we mean by this heading? Look at a chat with Lex and a secretary of a large organization in Amsterdam:
Your current schedule is too tight. I say based on what I see.
If you have an appointment together at 15:45 to walk to the meeting point, chances are that at least 1 person will be later.
Besides, it’s a 18-minute walk without stopping for a moment.
Also, an arrival at 5pm is just barely ‘starting the walk at 5pm’ anyway.
My question is to create some more space for this example of an unusual tour of Amsterdam. At the front or at the back (end).
Otherwise the walk will be shorter than 2 hours. Especially also because you talk about ‘no later than 6pm’. That would be a shame, wouldn’t it?
Starting and finishing in front of xxxx seems practical to me for your group (see picture).
Would love your feedback.
Lex
Pricing and conditions of the guided private tour of the Oostelijke Eilanden and the Czaar Peter Kwartier in Amsterdam.
Rates of Lex and the City private and custom tours in Amsterdam
Reviews of uncommon private Lex and the City tours
“Tour de Czaar” & Open house of van Gendt halls on Oostenburg, in the Czaar Peter Neighbourhood in 2024
Lex and the City blog-post
Question of a blogging friend: Was it worth it? Me, Lex: More than! (And I haven’t even finished.) One has to do with the other. ;)
Dit bericht op Instagram bekijken
More information about the Eastern Islands and more “surprising Amsterdam tours” with Lex and the City.
- Audiotour in Dutch (by the local entrepreneurs, not us.)
- About Lex and the City local private guide, spirit and the team
- Unusual tours of Amsterdam by the unusual; Lex and the City
- Lex and the City starting page of uncommon Amsterdam experiences in English
- Lex and the City sustainable, eco-friendly tour of Marineterrein, Kattenburg. (and in Eastern Docklands)
Image by Lex and the City private tour guides. September 2024