Zeedijk, Amsterdam

Curling along the northern perimeter of the Red Light District, you'll find Zeedijk, originally conceived as a protective dike against the encroaching sea. Today, it thrives as a bustling thoroughfare, though not too long ago, it was plagued by drug addiction and deemed unsafe after nightfall, rendering it off-limits. Nevertheless, diligent efforts have transformed it into the vibrant epicenter of Amsterdam's relatively compact yet lively Chinatown.

Zeedijk hosts an array of Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese eateries, as well as a prominent Buddhist temple, the flamboyant Fo Guang Shan He Hua, located towards the southern end at #106. Up north, the street neighbors the Prins Hendrik Hotel, where the legendary Chet Baker drew his final breath. Beyond these attractions, do not miss the opportunity to behold Amsterdam's last-standing wooden houses, a unique sight found exclusively in this vicinity.

Certainly, there's a wealth of enjoyable experiences to explore in and around this neighborhood, engaging your senses of sight, sound, smell, and taste. Notable establishments include Nam Kee, a Chinese restaurant at #111-113, renowned for its exceptional cuisine and prompt service; Bird Thais Restaurant at #72-74, consistently packed and rightfully so, as it draws patrons from far and wide with its authentic Thai dishes; Cultureel Eetcafé 'Skek at #4-8, managed by students and offering hearty salads to gourmet burgers; and In't Aepjen at #1, a historical bar dating back to the era when Zeedijk was a haunt for sailors, trading rather than using currency while gambling away their last guilders.