The South is a district of Amsterdam. The South includes a number of interesting neighborhoods, such as the Museum Quarter, home to some of the best museums in the world; De Pijp, a typical Dutch working class area with a lively street market; the Zuidas, Amsterdam's central business district with plenty of modern architecture; the Rivierenbuurt, a middle-class area composed of Amsterdam School-style buildings; and Buitenveldert, a leafy middle-class district. The South is a vast district and just viewing a map of all the tram lines that go through it can make you dazzle. But it's not that complicated if you know the few lines that are interesting for visitors. From Central Station, the fastest tram to the Museum Quarter (and the Vondelpark) is line 5, get out at either Hobbemastraat, Van Baerlestraat or Museum Square (Museumplein). For De Pijp, take either tram line 16 or 24 (stops: Stadhouderskade and Albert Cuypmarkt). After a while they will also reach the Museum Square, but they are noticeably slower. The Museum Quarter boasts some of the best museums of the world, notably the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. A trip to Amsterdam is not complete if you haven't been to at least one of these museums. Are you visiting several museums? Consider buying a Museumkaart for €65, valid for a whole year for most museums in the whole country. In the South, only the Molen van Sloten [1] is open for visitors. The Molen van Sloten at Akersluis 10, about 10 minutes walk from the terminus of tram line 2, open daily from 10:00AM to 4PM. Other windmills:The population of the South is a mixed bag and that becomes most apparent when you're going shopping. Most visitors to the area at least head out for the Albert Cuyp Markt, a typical street market that is iconic for the "De Pijp" area and its lower-class inhabitants. It is touted as the largest and busiest street market in Europe. There is something for everyone here, whether you're looking for delicious Dutch treats, clothes or second-hand cameras. There's also a wide array of stores that cater for the city's Surinamese, Antillean, Turkish and Moroccan inhabitants, giving the market and neighbourhood a strong multicultural feel. The other end is the P. C. Hooftstraat, the wealthiest street of the country where Dutch celebrities from the Grachtengordel go to find a new pair of designer shoes. Better bring a filled wallet if you're planning on buying something here. The Beethovenstraat is voted as one of the top five shopping streets in The Netherlands. De Pijp is an excellent area for getting ethnic food that belongs to former Dutch colonies, such as Indonesian or Surinamese cuisine. Koreans have congregated in the area known as Buitenveldert, so that's an excellent location for Korean cuisine. Due to the area being cheaper than the center, the South has become the most popular location for budget and mid-range hotels. Stayokay Vondelpark, Zandpad 5 (Tram Stadhouderskade), ☎ +31 20 589 8996 ([email protected], fax: +31 20 589 8955), [x]. checkin: early check-in begins at 7:30AM, rooms available at 2PM; checkout: 10:30AM. Fairly large youth hostel, very clean and professional, operated by the Dutch affiliate of Hostelling International. Credit cards are accepted. Next to the pleasant Vondelpark, puts you on the southern side of downtown and just a few blocks from the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Also a short stumble away from the partying Leidiesplien. The breakfast is filling and has a social atmosphere. This location is popular with school groups. Bring a padlock for your locker, or purchase one at the desk. Also available are bath towels and shower shoes. Wifi and internet kiosks are available. Musuem tickets available at the desk. . . . . avoid the long lines to purchase tickets at the museum. Free city maps available at the desk. All in all a safe, clean place to stay. Dorms €17+, privates €50+.  edit