The Zuidas

Behind Amsterdam's A10 ring road lies the Zuidas. Characterised by contemporary high-rise buildings, this business hub serves as the commercial heart of Amsterdam. Leading law firms, numerous consulting firms and the headquarters of Dutch banks have their home base here. As soon as you step out of the Amsterdam Zuid station, you will detect a noticeable shift in clothing style, from your everyday outfit to formal bespoke suits... An array of luxury restaurants and cocktail bars provide a sophisticated ambience, while the distinctive architecture contributes to an atmosphere of style and prestige.

The origins of the Zuidas date back to the implementation of Hendrick van Berlage's Plan Zuid, which included the creation of a Zuider station as an important pillar. However, the true rise of the Zuidas did not get underway until the late 1980s. The headquarters of the Nederlandse Middenstandsbank and the creation of the World Trade Centre marked the birth of Amsterdam's financial heart. By looking at the photos, it becomes clear how much the original polder landscape on which the Zuidas was created has been transformed into the sprawling area it is today.

The Zuidas is a dynamic environment. Almost 80,000 people are active in the Zuidas every day, while during the academic year around 30,000 students visit the Free University. With more than 2,600 established companies, the Zuidas is a thriving centre of Amsterdam's business world.