Renting a room in the Indische Buurt: affordable and multicultural

The Indische Buurt is part of Amsterdam-Oost, east of the Singelgracht and north of the Middenweg. The name (literally "the Indies neighbourhood") refers to streets named after former Dutch colonies in Asia: the Javastraat, Sumatrastraat, Borneokade and Molukkenstraat are well-known names in the area.

It is a neighbourhood with a rich history, initially a working-class area, later a long-neglected part of the city for decades, and recently growing in popularity as prices rise elsewhere. The Indische Buurt has a vibrant streetscape, a large number of small independent businesses, and a mix of residents you won't find anywhere else in Amsterdam.

What makes the Indische Buurt unique as a residential area?

The Javastraat is the beating heart of the neighbourhood. Here you find greengrocers, coffee bars, Turkish bakeries, Surinamese eateries and coworking spaces side by side. The Javaplein and Flevopark are popular meeting points for residents.

The neighbourhood is well connected. Tram 14 runs via the Javastraat to the centre and Amsterdam-West. Metro 53 and tram 3 take you to Amsterdam Centraal. By bike you are in the city centre in 20 minutes.

The atmosphere is different from neighbourhoods like Oud-West or De Pijp, less hip and more mixed. For many renters that is actually a plus: it feels like a real neighbourhood where people live and go about their lives, not an extension of the touristy inner city.

What does a room cost in the Indische Buurt?

This is one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Amsterdam for free-market renters. A room of 12 to 18 m squared in a shared house costs an average of EUR 700 to EUR 950 per month, sometimes less if you get lucky with an older, stable landlord.

In comparison with the rest of Amsterdam: the room prices by neighbourhood overview shows that the Indische Buurt is on average EUR 200 to EUR 300 per month cheaper than the Jordaan or Oud-West. That makes a big difference on an annual basis.

The neighbourhood also has a relatively large number of social-housing units through corporations like Ymere and De Alliantie. Registration times via Woningnet are slightly shorter here than in the centre, but still measured in years.

How is transport from the Indische Buurt?

Excellent for public transport. Tram 14 (Javastraat heading towards Slotermeer) and tram 3 (Flevopark heading towards Lelylaan) run through the neighbourhood. Metro 53 stops at Muiderpoort station on the edge of the area. From Muiderpoort station you reach Amsterdam Centraal in 5 minutes.

For students at the UvA (Roeterseiland), the Indische Buurt is ideal: 10 minutes by bike. The Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA, the city's main university of applied sciences) at the Wibautterrein is also nearby. VU Amsterdam is further away, but reachable by metro and tram.

What are the pros and cons of living in the Indische Buurt?

Pros:

• Lower rental prices than in most other popular neighbourhoods
• Excellent public transport connections
• Vibrant and multicultural character
• Close to the universities in Oost
• Good basic amenities: supermarkets, markets, sports

Cons:

• Less greenery than neighbourhoods like Watergraafsmeer or IJburg
• Can feel less calm in the evening on some streets
• Less pronounced "cool" image than De Pijp or Oud-West

For more context on house hunting in Amsterdam, read our complete guide to room hunting in Amsterdam.

How do you find a room in the Indische Buurt?

Platforms like Huismaatje and Kamernet regularly have listings in the Indische Buurt. Because the neighbourhood is less in the spotlight than trendy areas, competition is slightly lower, but demand is climbing as the area becomes better known.

Apart from platforms, neighbourhood-focused searching is effective. Check residents' groups on Facebook and Nextdoor for the Indische Buurt. Notice boards in the Javastraat and Flevopark sometimes also carry room ads.

At viewings, pay attention to the condition of the building, the supply varies enormously. There are well-maintained homes, but also older buildings with deferred maintenance. Know your rights as a tenant before signing.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Indische Buurt safe?

The neighbourhood has been on a positive trajectory in recent years. It is a normal part of the city with the usual nuances of a multicultural metropolitan area. As in any neighbourhood, the atmosphere varies street by street.

Are there students in the Indische Buurt?

Yes, increasingly so. The proximity to UvA and HvA attracts students. It is not a classic student neighbourhood with lots of student houses, but it is a neighbourhood where more and more young people are living.

Which supermarkets are there in the Indische Buurt?

There are several Albert Heijn branches in the area, a Dirk supermarket on the edge, and plenty of smaller neighbourhood supermarkets and specialty shops on the Javastraat. Grocery shopping is well covered.

How much does a room cost including service charges in the Indische Buurt?

Reckon on around EUR 750 to EUR 1,000 all-inclusive per month. Always check what is included in the service charges, these typically cover utilities, internet, and shared maintenance, but exact contents vary by landlord.

Is the Indische Buurt popular with expats?

Increasingly so. The affordability and good transport links make the neighbourhood attractive to international renters. There are also plenty of English-speaking amenities, restaurants and bars for those who are still learning Dutch.