Jordaan

The Jordaan is Amsterdam's most photogenic neighbourhood: narrow canals, former working-class lanes now lined with galleries, brown cafés, and boutiques. It's charming and a bit gentrified, but still one of the city's most beloved areas. Anchor points are the Noordermarkt, Westerkerk, and the courtyards (hofjes).

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What are the hofjes and can I visit them?

Hofjes are hidden almshouse courtyards tucked behind the Jordaan's street façades, quiet gardens ringed by historic cottages. Several can be entered during daytime hours if you're respectful, since people still live there. Keep your voice down, don't picnic, and treat them as the private homes they are.

Jordaan or Nine Streets for shopping?

The Nine Streets are denser and more concentrated for boutique browsing, while the Jordaan spreads its galleries and specialty shops across a larger, quieter area. They're a short walk apart, so do both: Nine Streets for focused shopping, Jordaan for atmosphere and markets.

Is the Jordaan worth visiting?

Yes, it's one of the most rewarding areas to simply wander, with the prettiest canals outside the main ring and a genuine café culture. It has gentrified from its working-class roots, but the scale, architecture, and neighbourhood feel remain intact. Skip the guidebook checklist and just walk.

Where is the Anne Frank House and is it in the Jordaan?

The Anne Frank House sits on Prinsengracht at the Jordaan's eastern edge, right by the Westerkerk. It's a short walk into the neighbourhood proper. Tickets are timed and sell out well in advance online, so book before you travel rather than hoping to walk up.

Is the Jordaan expensive?

It's one of the pricier areas to shop and eat, reflecting its upscale turn. That said, the brown cafés and market stalls keep things affordable if you choose well. Boutiques and canal-side restaurants command a premium, so budget accordingly or graze the market instead.

When is the Noordermarkt open?

The Noordermarkt, on Prinsengracht by the Noorderkerk, runs mainly Saturdays and Mondays. Saturday is the lively organic farmers' market with produce, bread, cheese, and flowers; Monday features a secondhand and fabric market. Get there in the morning, as both wind down by early afternoon.

What's the best thing to do in the Jordaan?

Aim your visit at a Saturday Noordermarkt, then spend the afternoon drifting the side canals and settling into a brown café. Add a hofje or two and the Westerkerk tower if it's open for climbs. The neighbourhood rewards slowness more than a rushed hit-list.

How do I get to the Jordaan from Centraal Station?

Take tram 13 or 17 from Amsterdam Centraal to Westermarkt, at the neighbourhood's edge, about 8 minutes. Tram 17 continues to Elandsgracht for the southern end. It's also an easy 15-minute walk from the station if the weather cooperates.

Nearby in Ask Amsterdam

• WesterkerkAttraction0.09 km · 1 min walk
• Anne Frank HouseAttraction0.15 km · 2 min walk
• Café de ReigerRestaurant0.19 km · 2 min walk
• Café 't SmalleBar0.21 km · 3 min walk
• MoedersRestaurant0.46 km · 6 min walk