Built in the 17th century to house workers and small artisans, the Jordaan district is now the soul of Amsterdam, with its cafes, art galleries and independent shops adorning every corner.
On foot or by bike (like Amsterdammers), a stroll through the quaint streets and canals promises to delight professional and amateur photographers, who will marvel at this quintessentially postcard backdrop. Here are 10 essential stops to stroll through the hippest neighborhood of the Dutch capital!
1. Anne Frank House
It was here, in the small outbuilding of this house, that young Anne Frank lived with her family for two years, escaping Nazi soldiers during World War II. In this small room, Anne also wrote her famous diary before she was deported to a concentration camp and met a tragic fate. A visit to this place steeped in history, which has served as a museum since 1957, promises to be moving.
– Westermarkt 20, annefrank.org
UNSPLASH / Teresita Biafore
2. Noé – organic bakery and confectionery
This bakery has a few locations in Amsterdam (and Aix-en-Provence, France), including this one which is a short walk from the Anne Frank House. This is the project of a Dutchman and a Frenchman whose mission is to offer their customers delicious and natural products. It’s therefore the ideal place to stop for a coffee and a pastry en route while admiring the magnificent houses that line the neighborhood’s canals.
– Bloemgracht 2, bakerynoe.com
3. Almost summer
As soon as you step through the door of this small, independent boutique, you will be charmed by its colorful decor and warm atmosphere. It’s impossible not to be seduced by an Almost Summer t-shirt or sweater. Each model is made in a small batch in Amsterdam and then transported to the facility by bicycle. If you are looking for some cute party favors for your sister, your best friend or your mini, look no further!
– Nieuwe Leliestraat 6, fast-Sommer.com
4. The Little Deli
With its extravagant showcase and delicious brunches, this French patisserie is the favorite haunt of Instagrammers. Do you have a sweet tooth? You will inevitably fall for the chocolate eclairs, the cream puffs, the macaroons and the famous “Red Velvet” cake. Are you in the mood for the party? Swap the coffee for a glass of wine or sparkling wine to add a festive touch to this sweet break. In short, this colorful eatery and its charming owners will put a smile on your face!
– Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 16, lepetitdeli.nl
5. West Church
The largest Protestant church in the Netherlands is not worth a visit for its architecture, but for the pretty panorama that its 85-metre high bell tower offers you over the city. As you prepare your visit, don’t forget to book your timeslot so you can enjoy these magnificent views of Amsterdam’s rooftops and canals at your leisure.
– Prinsengracht 279, westerkerk.nl
6. Angle 43
Any good stay in the Dutch capital is inevitably accompanied by a visit to Winkel 43, an institution that many say serves up the best apple pie in town. While enjoying this comforting dessert with whipped cream, take the opportunity to watch passers-by strolling along Westerstraat and Noordermarkt, where a flea market takes place every Monday morning.
– Noordermarkt 43, winkel43.nl
7. Cafe Parlotte
Parlotte is the small, relaxed wine bar where you can reserve a table for a romantic chat for two or a festive evening with friends. Here conversation mixes with good music, small plates to share, oysters and bottles of natural wine. All the ingredients are there to spend an unforgettable moment.
– Westerstraat 182, parlotte.nl
Photo from the Facebook page of Café Parlotte
8. Tulip Museum
The Dutch people’s favorite flower steals the show in this small museum on the Prinsengracht. In a colorful exhibition, you will learn about the history of the tulip through the ages, the local people’s passion for this flower and how to grow it. Before leaving the museum, stop by the museum shop and treat yourself to a colorful bouquet of flowers that will brighten up your hotel room or Airbnb.
– Prinsengracht 116, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com
9. Moeders
This restaurant, which serves home cooking, including several Dutch classics, is popular with locals and visitors alike. While enjoying a “stamppot” or “stew,” pay attention to the decor of the place. Moeders, which means ‘mothers’ in Dutch, the team wanted to pay tribute to the customers’ mothers by decorating the walls with hundreds of photos.
– Rosengracht 251, moeders.com
10. Cafe Hegerad
No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without discovering a “brown cafe” (“bruine kroeg”). Traditionally decorated with wood and antiques, these eateries are numerous in the Jordaan district and a visit promises you a pleasant journey back in time. Make it an aperitif like the Amsterdammers do and toast to a good local beer in a friendly atmosphere at Café Hegeraad.
– Noordermarkt 34, cafehegeraad.eu
useful information
Would you like to leave your suitcases in the Jordaan to continue your discovery of the district? Book a room at Mr. Jordaan Hotel (Bloemgracht 102, mrjordaan.nl) for a prime location and relaxed atmosphere, or treat yourself to a dream experience at Pulitzer Amsterdam (Prinsengracht 323, pulitzeramsterdam.com ), a 5-star hotel with a view the most famous canal of the capital.