Exploring Amsterdam: Jordaan

Jordaan is undoubtedly one of the most famous district of Amsterdam. This authentic, local neighbourhood with a colourful past has now become a home for many artists, students and entrepreneurs. It’s the kind of place where you can really feel the atmosphere, as you trace the footsteps of famous people like Aunt Leen, Manke Nelis, Rembrandt van Rijn and newer faces such as René Froger and Lil ‘Kleine. It’s also perfect for a stroll, alongside the canal and picturesque streets as well as for discovering tucked-away shops and cafes.

In Jordaan you can find several markets, including the Lindengracht market on Saturdays, the one on Westermarkt on Monday mornings and the Noordermarkt held on both days. The Noordermarkt, is best known for being ‘the most authentic market’ in Amsterdam, as it is called by residents. This almost 400-year-old market is held in front of the Noorderkerk in one of the most beautiful squares in Amsterdam. Peruse countless stalls for antiques and curios. Market days can get quite busy however, and finding a parking space is difficult, but that doesn’t have to be a problem: just request a ride with us to get around or home from the market. Your driver can get you and your shopping bags exactly where you need to be, without any hassle or time loss.

Jordaan also has plenty to offer for museum enthusiasts and culture lovers. If you want to know more about the history of the neighbourhood, a good place to start is the Jordaan Museum on Vinkenstraat, where you can climb the Westertoren to admire the neighbourhood from above. From the tower, you might also be able to spot some of Jordaan’s many hidden courtyards, which are worth hunting down. You may already know that Jordaan is also home to the world-famous Anne Frank House. This museum on the Prinsengracht gives you an interesting, yet shocking, insight into the life of Anne Frank, who hid in Jordaan with her family during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam.

There used to be a grocery store, bakery or butcher shop on every street in Jordaan. Whilst these may have disappeared due to the arrival of supermarkets, Jordaan is now a shopper’s paradise, home to all kinds of colourful shops and art galleries. If you’re fond of vintage clothing stores and unique boutiques, Jordaan is an absolute treat! In addition to shopping, there are also many cozy cafes and restaurants for when you need a lunch break. If you and your friends are ready to head back home for the day – with piles of clothes, presents and other purchases in tow – why not request a super-sized uberXL? That way you, your friends and your new stuff can all fit comfortably in one ride and get home safely.

For more than 40 years, the annual Jordaan Festival has been held at the Appeltjesmarkt. If you’re a fan of authentic, local Amsterdam folk music, and traditional Dutch cosiness then you might want to check out this event. Keep an eye on the schedule for the next Jordaan Festival, which takes place annually in September, and start training your vocal cords!

At the end of the day, the real soul of Jordaan is its pubs and cafes – if you’re in Jordaan, you just have to visit an original Jordaan café. Step into the heart of the neighbourhood’s history at Café Nol or Loewietje and enjoy a young jenever with some old-fashioned Amsterdam hospitality. If you’re lucky, you may catch a spontaneous mini-performance by a well-known local artist – and you might even get the chance to sing along like a real Jordaan local…