Wandering down the streets of Jordaan District in Amsterdam will lead you to a visual journey back in time. So if you’re tired of the urban scene, this offbeat neighborhood might be right up your alley. From Anne Frank House, to Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Lindengracht Market, this Amsterdam district is filled with history, art, and culture. Read on for everything you need to know about where to go and dine in this lovely neighborhood, as well as some Amsterdam travel recommendations.
Jordaan District Amsterdam Overview
The Jordaan (pronounced your-darn) is a delightful neighborhood that’s perfect for exploration, especially if you’re a fan of narrow streets and small canals. There are a few theories about how the Jordaan in Amsterdam got its name. Some say it’s from the French word for garden, “jardin,” because the area’s earliest settlers were Protestant Huguenots who fled here to escape persecution in the 16th and 17th centuries. Others believe it’s a corruption of the Dutch word for Jews, “joden,” who also sought refuge in the Jordaan. Whatever the truth is, the Jordaan developed from open countryside into a crowded, cosmopolitan quarter beyond the reach of respectability.
In this neighborhood, you’ll find a mix of different architectural styles here, from modest modern terraces to seventeenth-century canal homes. In the past, the Jordaan was mostly populated by working-class citizens, but nowadays it’s full of middle-class residents—making it one of Amsterdam’s most sought-after neighborhoods to live in.
By the late nineteenth century, the Jordaan had become one of Amsterdam’s poorest and most crowded neighbourhoods, home to the city’s industrial working class. Unsurprisingly, it was a highly politicized area, where protests against poor conditions were frequent. In the postwar period the slums were either cleared or renovated, but rising property prices in the wealthier parts of the city pushed middle-class professionals into the Jordaan from the early 1980s.
Google Map To Jordaan Amsterdam
10+ Must-Do Things In Jordaan Amsterdam
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Immerse yourself in the subtle fragrance and vibrant beauty of tulips in Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Located near the Anne Frank House, Amsterdam Tulip Museum is not hard to spot. At here, you can learn about the history of the tulip, from its origins to its place in Dutch culture today. You can also find out about different types of tulips!
Lindengracht Market
No matter what the weather is like, you can always count on a lively crowd and fresh produce at the 232 market stands at Lindengracht every Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. You’ll find everything from hot food to charming apparel to various trinkets, so there’s something for everyone!
Noordermarkt
If you want to browse more markets after Lindengracht Market, Noordermarkt can be your next stop. The Noordermarkt is an attractive and vibrant market with an international appeal. It has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Much like Lindengracht Market, you can find everything from fresh produce to vintage items, making it a great place to shop for both everyday needs and special occasions.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a museum dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who spent two years in hiding during the N.a.z.i occupation of the Netherlands. The museum is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam. At the Anne Frank House, you can learn about her life through audio guide, photos, videos and original items. Everything is laid out in a way that makes it feel as if Anne’s story is happening right in front of you.
Distortion Records
Certainly, the on-going popularity in sales for vinyl records shows a sign of their revival in the music industry. For that reason, a store like Distortion Records not only holds many sentimental values, but also has an aesthetic appeal that you can’t help but notice.
Haarlemmerpoort
Above all, the Haarlemmerpoort has a long history as a defensive gateway to the city. This neoclassical structure is modeled after Roman temples with Corinthian pillars, making this a unique view for pictures when combined with the Western Canal.
Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Starting with the first floor of the shop, this is a cheese paradise, with plenty of free samples for visitors to enjoy. Down in the basement, there’s a mini museum with a few exhibits on the history of cheese making in Holland, as well as some traditional clothing you can try on and take a photo in.
Galerie Fons Welters
Galerie Fons Welters has been presenting exhibitions by contemporary artists since 1984, when Fons Welters first opened a gallery space in the Jordaan area. The gallery has since become established nationally and internationally, with a particular focus on installation art and sculptural approaches—a presence that is still strongly embedded in the gallery’s program today.
Pianola Museum
Above all, this is a pretty special place, filled with early 1900s pianolas. The museum houses over 50 pianolas, albeit only a dozen are on show at any given time, as well as approximately 30,000 music rolls and a player pipe organ.
Electric Ladyland
Electric Ladyland is the first museum of fluorescent art in the world. Here, you can see both naturally luminescent rocks and owner Nick Padalino’s psychedelic sculpture work. This is a truly unique experience that hipsters won’t want to miss! At the moment, you can only visit this museum via appointment.
Houseboat Museum
Above all, this charming and unique museum, a 23 meter long sailing barge from 1914, offers visitors a wonderful sense of how cozy life can be on the water. It’s exciting to visit the houseboat and experience life on it’s deck. Overall, the boat is charming, cozy, and pristine.
Johnny Jordaanplein
Johnny Jordaan was a popular musician in the 1900s who sang levenslied, a type of romantic ballad. The hut in the shady little square painted with colors and displays one of his song lyrics: ‘Amsterdam, wat bent je mooi’ (Amsterdam, how beautiful you are). Behind the hut, you’ll find a statue of Johnny and members of the Jordaan musical hall of fame cast in bronze. On King’s Day, this public square turns into the stage for some of the most enjoyable live music shows you can find in Amsterdam.
Where To Eat And Drink Like A True Local In Jordaan Amsterdam?
REE7
This quaint and charming café would make the perfect place to start your morning with pancakes and eggs benedict. The main pastel hue gives off a calming and relaxing vibe, and you can be sure to get some great Instagram photos here! And their freakshake is a must-try!
Monte Pelmo
Now this a stop for gelato lovers. Highly recommended by the locals, Monte Pelmo has a great range of flavors. If you’re up for a challenge, you can try their cinnamon gelato. If not, you can always count on them for the classic like pistachio or stracciatella.
Waldo Chocolade & Patisserie
This place is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with their various menu of pastries. From lemon pie to carrot cake, everything you need for a delightful evening by the canal is here.
Oldenhof
Located in the Jordaan district, Bar Oldenhof is a stylish cocktail bar with a list of innovative drinks to match its chic decor. With live jazz playing in the background and bartenders working their magic, it’s easy to strike up a conversation while enjoying the ambiance.
’t Smalle
This Amsterdam establishment has its roots in the 1700s when it served as a distillery and tasting room for jenever, a Dutch gin. Of course, you can still sample the gin here today! With their terrace on the canalside, it’s perfect for sightseeing!
Rosario Cocina Mexicana
If you’re craving for some authentic Mexican dishes, this lovely restaurant is the place to be. The restaurant is located on one of the prettiest streets in Amsterdam and serves a fixed menu of 7 small courses. The food is presented impeccably and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Salmuera
At this Pan-Latin American fusion restaurant, you can enjoy delicious dishes prepared by two Argentinian-Dutch brothers. The restaurant has a chic, atmospheric dining room, and the bar is fully stocked with mezcal for tequila fans who want to try something new.
Het Papeneiland
This atmospheric café opened in 1642, a great place for some good drinks, food and quiet conversation. And the view over the canal makes it even better.
Winkel 43
Winkel43 is a popular Amsterdam eatery located in a beautiful traditional Dutch home on the corner of Westerstraat and Noordermarkt. Thanks to its great location, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch on their sunny terrace all year round. Their apple pie is a local favorite!
Maloe Melo
Every night of the week, passionate music fans and talented musicians alike come together to share their love for good sounds. It’s a diverse mix of genres, so you can expect to hear anything from blues tunes to rock, ska, and country.
10 Essential Tips For A Fun And Safe Trip In Amsterdam
- Do not stand or walk in the bike lane
- Always have some form of identification on you
- Book your hotel early
- If you want to buy souvenir, avoid touristic areas
- Considering buying I Amsterdam City Pass as it could save you money
- Learn some Dutch phrases
- Bring cash
- Watch out for bikes at all times
- Prepare for all weathers
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