It’s easy to spend hours, if not days, in Amsterdam’s historical center, crossing canals and meandering narrow alleyways to find something new right around the corner. To experience Amsterdam like a local, however, branch out into the city’s neighborhoods.

Oud-Zuid, or Old-South, is considered one of Amsterdam’s most elegant neighborhoods, brimming with chic boutiques, art museums and open green spaces that make everyone feel welcome. Oud-Zuid is a 30-minute tram ride from the city’s historical center.

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“The thing I like most about living in Oud-Zuid is its vibrant yet laid-back vibe,” said Keith Jenkins, founder and publisher, Velvet Escape, an award-winning luxury travel blog. Jenkins has lived in Oud-Zuid for 14 years and Amsterdam as a whole for more than 30 years.

“It’s a cosmopolitan neighborhood with a great diversity of backgrounds and nationalities, which in turn is reflected in the broad variety of shopping and dining experiences,” he continued, “from family-owned stores and budding local designers to high-end brands; friendly neighborhood pubs to buzzing Instafamous cafés; and street food to Michelin-star restaurants (like Bolenius Restaurant and RIJKS).”

The neighborhood can get quite busy in its Museum Quarter, where travelers flock to the Rijksmuseum, showcasing 800 years of art history; the Stedelijk and Van Gogh museums; and live music at Vondelpark. In late August the Uitmarkt festival marks the national opening of the Netherlands’ cultural season with more than 300 performances played out on 30 stages.