During the holidays in Amsterdam, few neighborhoods can offer such an authentic and relaxed atmosphere as Jordaan.
Once a working-class and popular neighborhood, today it is a maze of cobblestone streets, inner canals, hidden courtyards, and artisan shops. This guide proposes an afternoon itinerary to discover its truest soul, away from the crowds of the city center.
Why Jordaan is Special
Jordaan does not have large museums or monumental attractions. Its beauty lies in the details: the smell of coffee wafting from a brown café, the silence of a hofje (courtyard) that once served as a refuge for elderly women, the facade of an independent art gallery. It is the neighborhood where Amsterdammers want to live, and strolling through it means breathing in the authentic city.
Brief History of the Neighborhood
Built in the first half of the 17th century to house workers and immigrants (Flemish, Huguenots, Jews), Jordaan was a poor and densely populated area, with narrow houses and inner courtyards. The name likely derives from the French "jardin" (garden), referring to the many gardens that once lined the canals. Today it is one of the most sought-after and expensive neighborhoods, but it has retained an independent and community spirit.
Afternoon Itinerary in Jordaan
A walking route that covers the highlights, lasting about 2-3 hours (excluding stops).
Starting Point: Prinsengracht at the Level of the Anne Frank House
We start from the western end of Prinsengracht, right in front of theAnne Frank House. Even though you can't enter (reservations are needed months in advance), it's worth seeing the exterior and the canal. From here, turn left towards the heart of the Jordaan.
First Stop: The Westerkerk and its Bell Tower
Just before the Anne Frank House stands theWesterkerk(Western Church), the tallest in Amsterdam with its 85-meter spire. The imperial crown of Maximilian I at the top is a city symbol. Inside, you can admire the wooden vaults and Rembrandt's grave (in an unmarked grave, as the artist died poor). The bell tower chimes every 15 minutes. If you climb up (only at certain times and with a guide), the view of the city is spectacular.
Second Stop: The Brouwersgracht (Brewers' Canal)
From Westerkerk, head north for a few minutes to theBrouwersgracht. This canal is considered one of the most beautiful in Amsterdam, thanks to the 17th-century red-brick houses with neck and bell gables reflecting in the water. It was once the area of breweries (hence the name). It's the perfect spot for a photograph.
Third Stop: A Walk in the Maze of Streets
Leave the Brouwersgracht and enter the network of streets that connect the inner canals. Wander aimlessly, but keep an eye on:
Tweede EgelantiersdwarsstraatandTweede Anjeliersdwarsstraat: filled with vintage shops, galleries, pottery workshops, and design stores.
Hofjes(hidden courtyards): the most famous are theHofje van Woningen(with red social housing) and theRaepenhofje(with a well-kept garden). They are often open to the public. Enter quietly, respecting the privacy of the residents.
Fourth Stop: The Noordermarkt Market (if on Monday or Saturday)
The walk leads to theNoordermarkt, a small square with theNoorderkerk(Northern Church), a 17th-century Protestant church in the shape of a Greek cross. Depending on the day:
Saturday morning: organic market (Boerenmarkt), with stalls of bread, cheese, honey, and plants. Ideal for a quick lunch.
Monday morning (until 1:00 PM): flea market (Lapjesmarkt), with fabrics, vintage clothing, books, records, and curiosities.
Other days: the square is quiet, with a few bars and an independent bookstore.
Fifth Stop: The Lauriergracht and the Galleries
Continue south along theLauriergracht, a less famous but very photogenic canal, with houseboats and a painted bridge. The side streets (Laurierstraat, Eerste Laurierdwarsstraat) are rich in contemporary art galleries, restoration shops, and vintage furniture stores.
Sixth Stop: The Van Loon Museum (optional, at the southern end)
If you feel like a short detour outside of the Jordaan (leaving the neighborhood), a 10-minute walk south leads to theMuseum Van Loon, a patrician house on the Keizersgracht canal, still furnished as it was in the 17th century, with a magnificent garden. It is not in the Jordaan but is a valid cultural addition.
What to Do During the Walk
The Jordaan is experienced calmly, stopping in the right places.
Entering a Brown Café
Thebrown cafésare traditional Dutch bars, with sawdust floors, walls blackened by centuries of pipe smoke, old lamps, and a warm atmosphere. They are the perfect place for a local beer or a coffee. There are many authentic ones in the Jordaan: look for those with few tourists and many locals.
Browsing the Shops
The Jordaan is famous for independent shopping. You can find:
Cheese shops(but not chain ones, rather the historic dairies).
Dutch design shops(home goods, lamps, ceramics).
Bookstores(especially those with used and illustrated books).
Vintage clothing: quality second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Tasting a Warm Stroopwafel
The famous caramel waffles are even better when they are warm and freshly made. In the Jordaan, there are stalls or small shops that prepare them on the spot.
When to Visit the Jordaan
Spring and summer:the markets and courtyards are in full swing, the days are long.
Morning (9:00-11:00):the streets are empty, shops open late (from 11:00 onwards). Ideal for photography.
Afternoon (from 14:00 to 17:00):maximum liveliness, shops open.
Saturday:the organic market makes the area very crowded but festive.
Monday morning:If you love antiques, it's the best day.
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE JORDAAN NEIGHBORHOOD
How long does it take to visit the Jordaan?
For a walk that covers the main points (Westerkerk, Brouwersgracht, Noordermarkt, some hofjes and galleries), 2-3 hours is enough without stops. With stops at cafes, shopping, and the market, it can take half a day (4-5 hours).
What is the best way to explore the Jordaan?
On foot. The streets are narrow, with many twists and dead ends, and the bicycle (while being the local mode of transport) can be uncomfortable for those unfamiliar with the area. It's best to walk leisurely.
What are the most beautiful and publicly accessible hofjes?
Hofje van Woningen(Karthuizersstraat): small red houses around a garden.
Raepenhofje(Eerste Anjeliersdwarsstraat): one of the largest, with centuries-old trees.
Suylerhofje(Eerste Leliedwarsstraat): very small and quiet.
Most are open from about 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Enter quietly, do not photograph the residents.
Are there guided tours of the Jordaan?
Yes, several local agencies offer 1-2 hour walking tours of the Jordaan, often focused on history, architecture, or cafes. They can be easily found online or at tourist information desks. Some tours are pay-what-you-want (free tours), but a tip is expected.
Is the Jordaan suitable for children?
Yes, but the walk could bore them if it's too long. The hidden courtyards (hofjes) are pleasant to explore. The markets (Saturday and Monday) are fun. There are some playgrounds in the neighborhood, but they are not marked. It's better to limit the walk to 1-2 hours and then go to Vondelpark.
Where can I eat something typical in the Jordaan without spending much?
At the markets (Noordermarkt on Saturday, Albert Cuypmarkt is outside the Jordaan but nearby) you can find herring, fries, and poffertjes. The brown cafés serve sandwiches with cheese or meat. Some dairies sell sliced cheese and bread.
What is the difference between Jordaan and De Pijp?
Jordaan is more historic, with narrow canals, hofjes, and a bourgeois-bohemian atmosphere.De Pijpis a neighborhood from the late 19th century, more lively, multicultural, with the Albert Cuypmarkt and many ethnic restaurants. Both are authentic, but Jordaan is quieter and more picturesque, while De Pijp is more vibrant and youthful.
Can I visit the Anne Frank House while I'm in the Jordaan?
Yes, the Anne Frank House is located on Prinsengracht, at the western edge of the Jordaan. But entry isby reservation only(online, weeks or months in advance). You cannot enter without a reservation, so if you want to visit, you need to plan separately.
The Jordaan neighborhood
An afternoon in the Jordaan is like entering a parallel dimension of Amsterdam, slower, more intimate, more real. It is the neighborhood where you can forget the to-do list and simplybe, wandering aimlessly, entering a hidden courtyard, ordering a beer in a brown café. During thevacation in Amsterdam, reserving at least half a day in the Jordaan means bringing home not just photographs, but memories of small discoveries and silences that stay in the heart.
To best plan each stop of your trip, consult our complete guide to discovering Amsterdam.
Review date:November 15, 2025