The Jordaan, Amsterdam

The Jordaan, Amsterdam

Originally created in the 17th century for the working class and immigrants as part of Amsterdam's Derde Uitleg expansions, the central neighborhood of Jordaan became gentrified in the 20th century to become one of the most posh districts in the city.

Originally created in the 17th century for the working class and immigrants as part of Amsterdam's Derde Uitleg expansions, the central neighborhood of Jordaan became gentrified in the 20th century to become one of the most posh districts in the city. It is home to old houses with inner courtyards, modern art galleries, quaint boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants, offering a good mix of the old and the new.

Jordaan is bordered by the Lijnbaansgracht canal to the west, the Prinsengracht to the east, the Brouwersgracht to the north, and the Leidsegracht to the south. Explore the area on a walking tour or bike tour to admire the historical houses, several of which have a stone tablet on the façade that shows the profession or family sign of the inhabitants. The narrow streets of Jordaan have 19 preserved hofjes (inner courtyards), many of them with restored houses and peaceful gardens. The oldest preserved courtyard is the Sint Andrieshofje (1614) at 105 Egelantiersgracht. Other famous hofjes are the Huiszittenweduwenhof (1650) at 21 Karthuizersstraat, and the Hofje De Zeven Keurvorsten (1645) at 197 Tuinstraat.

At the east end of Jordaan on 263-267 Prinsengracht is the Anne Frank House Museum, which tells the story of life under Nazi occupation through the eyes of the famous diarist. The Westerkerk at 281 Prinsengracht was where Rembrandt van Rijn was buried, as the famous painter was a resident of Rozengracht in Jordaan. The Woonbootmuseum at 296K further down the road takes you aboard a 1914 freighter converted to a houseboat. The Pianola Museum, another popular museum in the area, has various automatic pianos for music lovers. Boom Chicago, Electric Ladyland, Het Muizenhuis winkel & werkplaats, Rockarchive, and Kahmann Gallery are art destinations.

The artsy neighborhood has several markets where you can pick up souvenirs, antiques, and curios. De Looier on Elandsgracht is one of the largest indoor art and antique markets in the Netherlands. On Monday mornings, Noordermarkt and Westerstraat have flea markets. On Saturdays, Westerstraat and Lindengracht host food markets.