When most people think of Amsterdam, they picture canals, bicycles and narrow houses leaning slightly towards the water. What many don’t realise is that some of the city’s most charming streets, best cafés and hidden corners are all tucked away in one neighbourhood: the Jordaan.
Originally built as a working-class district in the 17th century, the Jordaan has transformed into one of Amsterdam’s most desirable neighbourhoods while somehow managing to retain much of its local character. Wander through the area today and you’ll find quiet canals, independent cafés, historic pubs, hidden courtyards and some of the prettiest streets in the city.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam, make sure you set aside at least half a day to explore the Jordaan properly.
Start at the Anne Frank House
No visit to the Jordaan is complete without seeing the Anne Frank House.
Located on the Prinsengracht canal, this is one of Amsterdam’s most important historical sites. The museum tells the story of Anne Frank and her family during the Second World War and includes the famous secret annex where they spent more than two years in hiding.
Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, so book ahead if visiting is a priority.
Even if you don’t go inside, the surrounding canals are worth exploring and provide a good starting point for discovering the rest of the neighbourhood also you can spot the Anne Frank Monument outside the Westerkerk.
The Anne Frank Monument
The Westerkerk and One of Amsterdam’s Best Photo Spots
Just around the corner stands the impressive Westerkerk, one of Amsterdam’s most recognisable churches.
The church tower dominates the skyline and can be seen from all over the city. Rembrandt is believed to be buried here, although the exact location of his grave remains unknown.
For photographers, one of our favourite viewpoints is the junction of Eerste Leliedwarsstraat and Nieuwe Leliestraat. Looking towards the church from here creates a classic Amsterdam scene, with bicycles, canal houses and the Westerkerk tower framed perfectly at the end of the street.
It’s one of those places that somehow feels more Amsterdam than Amsterdam itself.
Westerkerk Toren is visible all over the Jordaan
Wander the Canals and Hidden Streets
The best way to experience the Jordaan is simply to get lost.
The neighbourhood is packed with narrow streets, tiny bridges and beautiful canals. Around almost every corner you’ll find flower-covered bicycles, historic facades or small cafés tucked into old buildings.
One of our favourite spots is the bridge at the intersection of Bloemgracht and Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat.
The Bloemgracht is often called one of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam, and standing on the bridge here gives you a perfect view of the canal stretching away between rows of traditional Dutch houses.
If you’re into photography, this is one location you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Keep an eye out for the area’s street art as well. The Jordaan isn’t known as a graffiti district like Amsterdam Noord, but you’ll still find murals, stickers and small pieces of urban art hidden throughout the neighbourhood.
Typical Amsterdam views
Visit Rembrandt’s Final Home
Many visitors know about the famous Rembrandt House Museum in the city centre, but fewer realise that the painter spent the final years of his life in the Jordaan.
After financial difficulties forced him to sell his grand residence, Rembrandt moved to a more modest house on Rozengracht.
Today the building remains a private residence, but a memorial plaque marks the location and offers a small glimpse into the artist’s later years.
It’s an easy stop while exploring the neighbourhood and a nice reminder that some of Amsterdam’s greatest history is hidden in plain sight.
Where to Eat in the Jordaan
One of the best things about the Jordaan is the food.
Unlike some parts of central Amsterdam, the neighbourhood still has plenty of places that cater to locals rather than tourists.
Kessens
If you’re looking for breakfast or lunch, make your way to Kessens.
Known for excellent sandwiches, fresh ingredients and great coffee, it’s one of our favourite places to eat in the area. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food is consistently good and it feels very much like a neighbourhood spot rather than a tourist attraction.
Kafenion
For coffee, head to Kafenion.
This small Greek-inspired café serves excellent coffee and is the kind of place where you can easily lose an hour watching local life drift by outside the window.
Have a Drink at Amsterdam’s Oldest Pub
If you’re in the mood for a beer, make your way to Café Chris.
Founded in 1624, it is often considered Amsterdam’s oldest pub.
Despite its age, it remains refreshingly unpretentious. You’ll find locals chatting at the bar, traditional Dutch beers on tap and an atmosphere that feels a world away from the city’s more touristy drinking spots.
It’s one of those places that reminds you Amsterdam was a living city long before it became a popular destination.
Great food and Drink in the Jordaan
Visit One of Amsterdam’s Original Coffeeshops
No guide to the Jordaan would be complete without mentioning Paradox Coffeeshop.
Located just a short walk from the canals, Paradox is one of Amsterdam’s original local coffeeshops and has been part of the neighbourhood for decades.
Unlike some of the larger tourist-focused coffeeshops in the city centre, Paradox has always maintained a more local atmosphere.
If you’re lucky, you’ll meet Ludo. He’s a walking encyclopedia of Jordaan history and can tell you stories not only about the coffeeshop itself but also about the building, the surrounding streets and how the neighbourhood has changed over the years.
Even if you’re simply curious about Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture, it’s worth stopping by for a chat.
The best (and most authentic) Coffeeshop in the Jordaan
Why We Always Return to the Jordaan
The Jordaan isn’t home to Amsterdam’s biggest attractions or busiest shopping streets, and that’s exactly why we love it.
This is where you’ll find the Amsterdam of canals lined with bicycles, hidden courtyards, historic pubs, local cafés and quiet streets that seem untouched by time.
Whether you’re visiting the Anne Frank House, photographing the Westerkerk, enjoying lunch at Kessens or simply wandering along the Bloemgracht, the Jordaan offers a side of Amsterdam that many visitors never properly discover.
If you only have time to explore one neighbourhood in Amsterdam, make it the Jordaan.
