Jordaan

Amsterdam

The former working-class quarter west of the Canal Ring: narrow canals, hidden courtyards, galleries, brown cafés and Saturday markets.

Best for First visit · Families

Transport: 3/5
Sights: 4/5
Value: 3/5
Quiet: 4/5
Food: 4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$280/night · 10 min to Dam Square

See hotels in Jordaan

Why stay here

Quiet canals and pretty streets
Markets, galleries and brown cafés
Walk to the Anne Frank House and the Dam

Who should stay here

Couples and return visitors
Families who want calm streets
Travellers who like local life

Not ideal if…

You want a big hotel with facilities
You want to be next to a metro station
You want lively nightlife

What it's like

The Jordaan was built for workers and immigrants in the 17th century and is now one of the city's most desirable areas. Its small canals, such as Bloemgracht and Egelantiersgracht, are quieter than the big ring, and its streets are full of galleries, vintage shops and old brown cafés.

It's a lovely place to stay if you want Amsterdam at a slower pace, with the Noordermarkt and Lindengracht markets on Saturdays and the Anne Frank House at its edge. There are few hotels, many of them small, so book early; nights are calm apart from a few lively bars.

Best streets and sub-areas

Westerstraat
Main street, with the Monday and Saturday markets.
Bloemgracht & Egelantiersgracht
The prettiest small canals.
Haarlemmerstraat
Food shops and cafés along the northern edge.

Getting around

Nearest stations: Trams at Westermarkt and Marnixstraat, and a 10–15 minute walk to Centraal or the Dam.
To Dam Square: About 10 minutes
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: About 30 minutes: train to Centraal, then a 15-minute walk or a tram to Westermarkt.

Nearby attractions

Noordermarkt
Saturday organic market and Monday flea market by the church.
Hidden courtyards
Hofjes such as Karthuizerhof, open quietly to visitors in the daytime.
Anne Frank House
On Prinsengracht at the Jordaan's eastern edge.

Where to eat and drink

Winkel 43
Café famous for its apple pie, by the Noordermarkt.
Brown cafés
Café 't Smalle and others on the canals.
Haarlemmerdijk
Restaurants and bakeries along the northern edge.

Where to stay in Jordaan

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Boutique pick

Linden Hotel

Why we like it: Small, simple hotel on Lindengracht in the heart of the Jordaan.

Typical mid-range rate in Jordaan: ~$280/night

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