This month, serviced apartments Cityden Amsterdam West opened up at on Bos & Lommerplantsoen close to the Erasmusgracht.
Bos & Lommer is not the first place newly arrived internationals think of when booking their temporary accommodation. New arrivals may be unfamiliar with the location so let’s take a look at what is around.
Good Transport Connections
Bos & Lommer and the Erasmusgracht may look far out on a map, but actually have very good transportation links.
Sloterdijk is a short ride by public transport, with it’s expanding commercial district and direct connections to other Dutch locations including Haarlem, The Hague, Schiphol, Zaandam, Rotterdam and Hoofddorp. The stop for Tram 7 is very close to the apartments, running between Azartplein in Amsterdam East to Sloterdijk, via Ten Katestraat (De Hallen), Leidseplein and Spiegelgracht. There are several bus routes connecting to various parts of the city, and Metro Station de Vlugtlaan is around 5 minutes walk.
Cityden West is very close to the exit for the highway and parking can be booked in advance at an additional cost.
The Erasmuspark
The Erasmuspark is a short walk across Hoofdweg from the Cityden apartments.
The most central part of Erasmuspark is closed at night, but the walking paths including some of the bridges stay open 24 hours. There are works of art, children’s playgrounds and adult exercise areas spread around the park. Erasmuspark is one of the few Amsterdam parks where it is still permitted to barbecue. Swimming and small boats are allowed on the waters around the park making it a popular destination on hot days.
Tula Yoga
There is a gym at Cityden West but very closeby is Tula Yoga’s Bos & Lommer studio, located on Bos & Lommerplein, up the steps and around the corner from the Cityden apartments.
Tula offers a range of class types including Aerial yoga, Vinyasa, Yin, beginner classes and a several teacher training courses. During Corona restrictions, classes took place both outside and online for a reduced fee. Covid guidelines are in place at Tula for physical indoor classes after the 1st July reopening of sports schools. Monthly subscriptions, strip cards or paying per class options are available, or you can practice at Tula through either ClassPass or OneFit.
Mountain Network Amsterdam
If you climb, then Cityden West is in an amazing location for temporary housing. Mountain Network Amsterdam is a very short walk, just the other side of the Erasmusgracht. This gym, located on the 6th floor of an apartment building, offers indoor climbing and bouldering walls. There is also a small outdoor area which opened the summer of 2020.
Mountain Network offers monthly membership or you can choose for a single entry climb or bouldering session. OneFit members can also climb or boulder at Mountain Network. For top-rope and lead climbing, it is necessary to show your proficiency. Courses are available. Equipment including harnesses and shoes can be rented.
Food and Drink in the area
Cityden West has its own restaurant, Lucy’s Kitchen. But if you want to eat out then you’re a short walk from 2 great pizza locations and some very popular home- made fries.
Eetwinkel Buurman and Buurman is located on the corner of Mercatorstraat right next to the Erasmuspark. They claim to have the best pizza in town, and many of their customers would agree. There are several vegan options. The pizzas area available for takeaway and eating onsite, plus they offer catering for parties. Their menu is unusual, and some topping combinations may upset more tradition- loving diners.
Another location for pizza lovers is Wilde Westen, right next door to the Cityden apartments. The topings here are more traditional, but they also offer vegan alternatives. During the day, bar and restaurant Wilde Westen is a popular place to work either independently or in the co-working space of entrepeneurs Moma & Co. In addition, Wilde Westen hosts events ranging from bet festivals to corporate dinners and can accommodate large groups or parties.
If you enjoy a burger or home-made artisan fries then food kiosk Zwagers on the bridge at Hoofdweg is not too be missed. This small snacks is extremely popular with locals.
For those wanting to cook at home, supermarket chains Dirk, Vomar and Albert Heijn are all a few minutes walk from the Cityden apartments. Ordering groceries online is also an option. GreenSwapp are one of the grocery companies delivering in the area, offering next day carbon-neutral items from a range of stores including a local fruit and vegetable market. Contactless delivery is standard. Unlike some of the other grocery apps, you can pay using a credit card or PayPal on GreenSwapp without needing to already have a Dutch bank account.
Podium Mozaïek
If you’re looking for culture, Podium Mozaïek is an international theatre and café-restaurant located in a former church on the Bos en Lommerweg. The programme largely focuses on performances where language is irrelevant. This can include world music, theatre, dance, exhibitions, and spoken word from national and international artists. The building also contains offices, studios and workshop spaces, and is available for conferences, company presentations and parties.
Other Temporary Accommodation in the area
If CityDen West are full, then they are not the only complex offering short stay apartments in this area. The Student Hotel West is also in the neighbourhood with Amsterdam ID Aparthotel and The Citadines closeby at Sloterdijk.