Once a crime-ridden public housing area, De Bijlmer today is known for entertainment, shopping and innovative architecture. Hop on the metro to the dramatic Nicholas Grimshaw–designed Bijlmer station , opened in 2007. To the west lies Amsterdam ArenA , the Heineken Music Hall and Ziggo Dome . To the east is the Amsterdamse Poort shopping complex.
When you get off the train, walk toward the Amsterdamse Poort shops. As you continue east you'll pass various mod, glassy office buildings set next to chain stores and exotic little ethnic shops. De Bijlmer holds the city's largest Surinamese population, along with immigrants from west and north Africa.
