In the heart of the city, bordering the spectacular Grachtengordel<\/a> (Canal Belt), you will find the cosiest and prettiest neighbourhood in Amsterdam: the Jordaan<\/a><\/strong>. If you could visit only one place in Amsterdam, this should definitely be it<\/strong>! Spending a day in Jordaan will help you experience the life in the city as a local, even if it\u2019s not a remote neighbourhood, like one would expect, but right in the city centre. Its charm is attracting tourists and locals alike, and, while it can be a crowded place during the weekends, if you go there in the morning, it\u2019s unbelievably serene. <\/p>\n However, even when it\u2019s crowded, it has a different vibe compared to the one of Amsterdam\u2019s city centre<\/a>. Jordaan Amsterdam has a residential feel to it; it\u2019s the place where locals go to the market on Saturday<\/a>, where they go for a beer after work in one of the brown caf\u00e9s<\/a>, or for a dinner at one of the many restaurants. The streets of Jordaan are not packed with tourist traps and souvenir shops (like the ones surrounding the Dam Square); they are green and romantic and peppered with interesting boutiques, art galleries and local caf\u00e9s.<\/p>\n This page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra costs to you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Jordaan neighbourhood was initially built for poor people<\/strong>, in the 17th century: workers and immigrants coming to the city found their home here. The housing conditions were not great, to say the least, with large families crammed in the small houses that we consider so charming nowadays. It was the place where many would find refuge, from poor artists to people who were leaving their country because of persecution. Along the years, the living conditions became worse in this part of the city, because of the lack of maintenance. For a bit of perspective, it was estimated that, in 1900, around 80.000 people lived there, in the tiny houses, without a sewage system. Nowadays it is estimated that only about 20.000 people live in the same area (and it still feels crammed!). After the World War II there were even discussions to demolish the Jordaan and build new houses there. Luckily, it was saved and transformed into the lovely area that is today. From a poor neighbourhood, it became a hip and expensive one. To find accommodation in the Jordaan is hard and very expensive. But, luckily, we can visit any time we want, for free!<\/p>\n From a tourist perspective, there are quite a few points of interest in the Jordaan. There are museums and churches to visit, and you can choose the ones that are more appealing to you.<\/p>\n As you can see, there are enough things to do in the Jordaan, apart from simply enjoying the charm of the narrow streets and cosy architecture. <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The best thing to do in Jordaan is to walk around, soaking up the view and the atmosphere<\/strong>. I\u2019ve been a local for many years, and I could never get enough of those streets and canals. Saturday morning at the Noordermarkt<\/a>, coming back home with my arms full of flowers and groceries, was for me like going out for a baguette is for French people. The warm summer evenings, waiting in line on Tweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat to buy an ice cream from Monte Pelmo, then watching the sunset above the small canals, were magical moments as well. Jordaan is where you feel the life of this city, where posh shops haven\u2019t completely replaced the shabby ones, where locals mix with tourists in a nice symphony. <\/p>\n When you go for a walk in the Jordaan, you could start along the Brouwersgracht <\/strong>for one of the most beautiful streets<\/a> in the city, then head towards Prinsengracht<\/strong> (don\u2019t miss the view from the Lekkeresluis Bridge<\/strong>), and then wander through the narrow streets and canals. Lijbaangracht<\/strong> is another gorgeous street, along a canal, with entrances bordered by roses and wisteria (as many are in the Jordaan) and piles of planting pots on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n The space might be scarce, but the locals\u2019 love for gardens<\/a> is obvious on every street of this neighbourhood. Some say the name Jordaan comes from the word \u201cjardin\u201d \u2014 garden in French. That would make sense, seeing how green the place is nowadays. Although it\u2019s more likely that the name comes from the Jordan-river, because of the many Jews that fled to Amsterdam and lived in the area.<\/p>\n Egelantiersgracht and Bloemgracht are two of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam.<\/strong> Stroll along these canals<\/a>, admire the buildings, sit on a bench and watch the swans and boats passing by. They are perfect instagrammable spots as well. <\/p>\n You should not miss the Karthuizersstraat either<\/strong>, a hidden street that is very green, and where you can find a hidden garden, a hofje<\/em>, at number 61-71. There are many hofjes<\/em> in Jordaan, but not all of them are open for visits (except during the Open Garden Days<\/a>). If you have kids with you, you can then make a stop at the playing ground De Noorderspeeltuin<\/strong>, that is next to it.<\/p>\n Another hofje that is accessible is Het Raepenhofje on Palmgracht 28<\/strong>. And since you\u2019re in the area, check out the Driehoekstraat<\/strong> (Triangle Street), a beautiful hidden street where you will find an old distillery<\/strong> and you\u2019ll feel transported back in time. It\u2019s so well hidden that I only found out about it two years ago, when a friend took me there. <\/p>\n If you happen to be in Jordaan on a Saturday, you MUST visit my favourite markets in the city<\/strong>: the biological market at Noordermarkt<\/strong> and the neighbouring Lindengracht<\/strong> market. Here you will find some of the best vegetables and fruit in the city, fresh herbs, as well as bread and other produce. Even if you\u2019re not interested in groceries, you might be interested in some tasty market food, like mushroom sandwiches made on the spot, oysters, loempias<\/em> or poffertjes<\/em>. After that, you can browse the antique stalls looking for some old photos of the city or some other interesting objects.<\/p>\n Many people who visit the market make a stop at Winkel 43<\/strong>, the caf\u00e9 on the corner of Westerstraat, advertised as serving the best appeltaart<\/em> (apple pie) in town. This is not a tourist trap, the appeltart is indeed one of the best you\u2019ll find in the city. You won\u2019t regret standing in line to get your piece of pie! But if you think the queue is too long, or you just have something against the (too) well-known places, you can have your coffee and appeltaart<\/em> at the caf\u00e9 on the other corner (with Boomstraat): Caf\u00e9 Hegeraad<\/strong>, a typical brown caf\u00e9 where locals stop for their drinks. The appeltaart<\/em> is as delicious as it can be, and the ambiance is more authentic Amsterdam.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in the mood for some art, check out the art galleries<\/strong> in the neighbourhood, like Keren de Vreede Art Gallery, Kahmann Gallery, Looiersgracht 60, Gallery WM, etc.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are many caf\u00e9s and restaurants in the Jordaan, but I\u2019ll mention here only my favourites.<\/p>\n For breakfast and lunch<\/strong>: there are way too many caf\u00e9s to be able to mention them here. My advice is to find one that has outside sitting, because that\u2019s the best way to experience eating in the Jordaan.<\/p>\n For coffee<\/strong>, I like to stop by Tazzina<\/strong>. For ice cream<\/strong>: Monte Pelmo<\/strong>. <\/p>\n One of the best pizza in Amsterdam: Pizzeria La Perla<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n For dinner<\/strong>: Long Pura<\/a><\/strong> (Indonezian restaurant), Moeders<\/a><\/strong> (Dutch cuisine), Toscanini<\/strong> (Italian), Shah Jahan<\/a><\/strong> (Indian).<\/p>\n Brown caf\u00e9s<\/strong>: Caf\u00e9 De Nieuwe Lelie, The Papeneiland Caf\u00e9, Cafe Thijssen, Caf\u00e9 Nol, Caf\u00e9 Lowietje, Caf\u00e9 Chris, De Twee Zwaantjes, \u2019T Monumentje, Festina Lente<\/strong>, to name just a few.<\/p>\n Various<\/strong>: Bar Brandstof<\/strong> (I have many lovely memories with friends from here, but I have yet to visit the new location), Waterkant<\/strong> (can become very loud), Soundgarden<\/strong>, Caf\u00e9 George<\/strong> (fancy) and wine bar diVino<\/strong>.<\/p>\n De Weldaad<\/a><\/strong> for antiques and interior design.<\/p>\n Moooi Amsterdam<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 spectacular brand store (it\u2019s pretty expensive, but because it has so many interesting items, a visit to this place is almost like a visit to an art gallery).<\/p>\n Terre Lente<\/strong> \u2013 a shop for Italian delicacies.<\/p>\n Lavendula<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 for organic cosmetics and body care products.<\/p>\n Pompom flower shop<\/strong> \u2013 for beautiful flower bouquets.<\/p>\n La Savonnerie<\/strong> \u2013 for soap and gifts.<\/p>\n The Jordaan remains one of Amsterdam\u2019s most captivating neighbourhoods, a place where history, creativity, and everyday life blend effortlessly. The Jordaan invites you to slow down and enjoy the city at its most authentic. It\u2019s a neighbourhood that rewards curiosity and offers beauty in the small details, making it a memorable stop for anyone exploring Amsterdam.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Stay tuned for more and follow Amsterdamian on\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0for more stories about life in the Netherlands. Please share this post if you liked it! <\/p>\n Check out my photo book:\u00a0Amsterdam Through the Seasons<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n Love what you\u2019re reading? Support my work with a small donation<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Jordaan](\"https:\/\/amsterdamian.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/P5045259-1024x684.jpg\")
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The history of the Jordaan neighbourhood Amsterdam<\/h2>\n
Things To Do in Jordaan \u2013 Like A Tourist<\/h3>\n
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Jordaan like a local<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\nPlaces to eat and drink in Jordaan Amsterdam<\/h3>\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\nShops:<\/h4>\n
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