Jordaan Neighbourhood is a special place

One of Amsterdam’s most loved districts

The Jordaan neighbourhood really is one of the must-see parts of any visit to Amsterdam. There is a real history here of close knit communities and beautiful buildings on quaint cobbled streets. The Jordaan district is more gentrified than it used to be and now homes plenty of art galleries, up market shops, coffee shops, restaurants and quirky boutique style shops.

The Jordaan neighbourhood is a place to explore, to relax and to discover. It is in central Amsterdam so very easy to get to, with the biggest major attraction being Anne Frank House.

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Is Jordaan a good area of Amsterdam?

The Jordaan neighbourhood of Amsterdam was built in 1612, it was largely a working class district with emigrants originally settling there from Spanish, French and Jewish communities. Today it is home to bars, restaurants, galleries, street markets and shops.

The area is bordered by the Singelgracht canal and what was once the Rozengracht canal which was filled in in the 19th century.  Today it is the main traffic route though the neighbourhood. Prinsengracht Canal can also consider itself part of Jordaan.

Since the 1970’s the Jordaan neighbourhood has been regenerated and has welcomed many students, artists and entrepreneurs. Many of whom have settled in the district among the charming narrow streets, small canals, boutiques and galleries. Jordaaan has become one of the best loved and most expensive locations in Amsterdam.

How do you get to Jordaan in Amsterdam?

The Jordaan neighbourhood starts at Brouwersgracht and is located between Prinsengracht, Lijnbaansgracht and Leidsegracht. It is centrally located and within walking distance of Centraal Station, Dam Square and Leidsplein.

You can also get there by tram, with tram 13 stopping at Westermarket at the beginning of the Jordaan District and tram 17 which continues to Elandsgracht the west side of the district.

Things to do in Jordaan

There are so many things to see in the Jordaan neighbourhood, from visiting the small boutiques and galleries to sampling the beer in the Brown Cafes. You can relax with a coffee on the street and watch the world go by, visit churches, museums, monuments. You’ll find yourself reaching for your camera every time you turn a new corner.

Amsterdam’s Brown Cafes

A brown cafe is where locals go to drink and snack, much like the traditional English pubs. They are known as Brown Cafes due to their dark interiors and authentic Dutch ambience. Going inside you’ll feel transported to a different Amsterdam, the dark interiors enveloping you and pulling you deeper inside to relax, drink and make friends.

Jordaan Amsterdam Markets

There are four different weekly markets to be found in Jordaan. On Saturday the Lindenmarket is open from 9am, this is a food market which sells cheese, fruits, fish, clothes and other general goods. There is also a food market at Noodermarket from 9am to 4pm where you can sample delicious organic food from local producers.

On Mondays there is a flea market at Noordermarket 9am-2pm, which sells antiques, second hand goods, books, clothes and homeware.

There is also a textile market (Lapjesmarket) on Westerstraat with a number of small stalls selling an array of different fabrics.

Anne Frank House

One of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam is Anne Frank House. We have a dedicated page all about this incredibly moving and important museum. Anne Frank House is not an attraction to tick off your list, but a place to visit that can have a significant affect on you going forward.

If you want to see what other things to do in Amsterdam then check out our Best things to do in Amsterdam page.

Landmarks in Jordaan

Westerkerk

Prostestant Church, Prinsengracht 279 1016 GW

Built between 1620 and 1631 Westerkerk is located at the corner of Prinsengracht and the Rozengracht next to Westermarket. It was built in the dutch renaissance style in the shape of a patriarchal cross. Rembrant spent his last years living in the Jordaan neighbourhood and is buried under a tombstone at Westerkerk in 1669.

The church is also located near to Anne Frank House and is mentioned in Anne’s diary as a source of comfort when she heard the bells ringing.

At present Westerkerk is closed to visitors due to Covid regulations, however on Fridays between 3.30-5pm visitors are invited for private prayer and reflection.

Noorderkerk

Christian Church, Noordermarket 48 1015 NA

Built between 1620-1623 and designed by Hendrick de Keyser, it was one of the first churches built in the Netherlands. The church building is regarded as a national monument after its restoration at the end of the 20th century.

The church is open to visitors every Saturday and Monday morning between 10.30am-12.30pm, where you can worship, sit quietly or enjoy the church music with a drink.

You can also visit the Northern Chapel with its entrance located next to Noodermarket on church Square, where you can sit peacefully or light a candle.

Homomonument

Westermarkt, 1016 DV

This is an important remembrance monument that originally was called for to commemorate the gay men and women who were victims of persecution in World War II. It has gone on to become the commemoration monument for all LGBTI people who have been or are still being persecuted by government regimes.

The Homomonument is a large triangle on the bank of the canal. It’s three points point to Anne Frank House, Dam Square which is home to the National War Memorial and COC Amsterdam. It is still the largest monument in the world dedicated to homosexuality and remembrance.

Tours available in Jordaan neighbourhood

The Jordaan district is a beautiful and popular location within Amsterdam. There is just so much to see, do and discover. Many of Amsterdam’s walking tours will focus on Jordaan, as it is a very picturesque and lovely place to walk around. Choosing to take a guided tour will give you more insights and offer the chance to easily discover those hidden gems you might miss when exploring on your own.