Jordaan

The Basics

The Amsterdam neighborhood of Jordaan attracts travelers looking to experience authentic Dutch culture while visiting essential landmarks and street markets. Travelers have many options to explore Jordaan on a half-day or full-day group tour, or on a walking or biking tour. Stops usually include essential attractions such as the Anne Frank Museum and Woonbootmuseum, a museum inside a 1914 freighter converted into a houseboat. Jordaan is also a great place to stroll, eat, and drink.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Jordaan is suitable for travelers of all ages.

• The neighborhood is perfect for exploring like a local, which means by bicycle. Choose a guided cycling tour for ease or rent a bike to explore on your own.

• When walking through Jordaan, be mindful of the bike paths; do not walk on the paths marked for bikes only.

How to Get There

Jordaan is accessible by taxi, bicycle, and public transportation. Take tram No. 13 or No. 17 to the Westermarkt stop at the center of the district.

When to Get There

For smaller crowds, the best time to visit Amsterdam is between April and May or September and November—before or after the summer high season. On Saturdays, go early to beat the crowds at Lindengracht market to shop for cheese, fresh fish, flowers, and handcrafted items. On Monday mornings, Westerstraat market features food stalls and all manner of clothing, from up-market brands to vintage.

Statue Spotting

As you stroll the picturesque canals, in between jaunts to coffee shops and markets, pay attention to the statues scattered throughout the neighborhood. They commemorate various local heroes such as Dutch patriot Johnny Jordaan and folk singers who helped to make Jordaan the Greenwich Village of Amsterdam—people such as Tante Leen and Manke Nelis whose likenesses stand at the corner of Prinsengracht and Elandsgracht.

Ways to explore

Jordaan is one of the Dutch capital’s most popular enclaves, and there are plenty of ways to explore. Stops on tours of the neighborhood usually include essential attractions such as the Anne Frank House and Woonbootmuseum, a museum inside a 1914 freighter converted into a houseboat. Most boat rides on Amsterdam’s canals float through Jordaan, while many area food tours focus on its cutting-edge culinary scene. Meanwhile, Amsterdam bike and walking tours often combine a visit to Jordaan with other top city attractions such as historic Prinseneiland and Amsterdam Central Station.

Accessibility

Jordaan’s uneven pavements and narrow streets can pose challenges for travelers with limited mobility. Accessible canal cruises offer a barrier-free way to explore.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bring a tote bag to store your purchases from Jordaan’s wealth of boutiques and souvenir stores.

What to wear

Flat and sturdy shoes are a must for walking over the cobbles of this Amsterdam neighborhood.

Not allowed

Drinking and smoking in public areas

Amenities

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, ATM, stores

Address

Jordaan is accessible by taxi, bicycle, and public transportation. Many canals also intersect it, so it’s a lovely place to admire from the water during a canal cruise.

Driving

Due to limited parking and high pedestrian traffic, driving is not recommended in Jordaan. It’s much better to explore on foot or by bike.

Public transportation

Take tram 13 or 17 to the Westermarkt stop at the center of the district.

Best times to visit

This beloved neighborhood tends to attract large crowds, so come in the early morning before other tour groups arrive.

Best days to visit

On Saturdays, Lindengracht Market sells cheese, fresh fish, flowers, and handcrafted items. On Monday mornings, Westerstraat market features clothing stalls, from upmarket brands to vintage.

Best months to visit

The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best times to avoid the peak season crowds.

Special events

At the end of April, orange-clad revelers pack Jordaan for riotous King’s Day celebrations. Many locals rent boats for a party cruise down the canal.