Built in the 17th century to house workers and small craftsmen, the Jordaan district is today the soul of Amsterdam with its cafes, art galleries and independent shops that adorn every corner.
On foot or by bike (like the Amsterdammers), a stroll through its picturesque streets and canals promises to delight professional and amateur photographers who will marvel at this typical postcard setting. Here are 10 essential stops for strolling around the trendiest district of the Dutch capital!
1. Anne Frank House
It was right here, in the small annex of this house, that young Anne Frank and her family lived for two years to escape Nazi soldiers during the Second World War. It is also in this small room that Anne wrote her famous diary before being deported to a concentration camp and meeting a tragic fate. A visit to this place steeped in history, which has served as a museum since 1957, promises to move you.
– Westermarkt 20, annefrank.org
UNSPLASH / Teresita Biafore
2. Noé – Organic Bakery & Pastry
This bakery has a few locations in Amsterdam (and Aix-en-Provence, France), including this one located a short walk from the Anne Frank House. This is the project of a Dutch and a Frenchman whose mission is to offer delicious and natural products to their customers. It is therefore the ideal place to order a coffee and a pastry to enjoy on the go while admiring the sumptuous houses that line the canals of the district.
– Bloemgracht 2, bakerynoe.com
3. Almost Summer
As soon as you walk through the door of this small independent boutique, you will be charmed by its colorful decor and warm atmosphere. Impossible not to be tempted by a t-shirt or sweater signed Almost Summer. Each model being created in a small batch in Amsterdam and then transported to the establishment by bicycle. If you’re looking for sweet souvenirs for your sister, your best friend or your mini, look no further!
– Nieuwe Leliestraat 6, almost-summer.com
4. The Little Deli
With its flamboyant showcase and its delicious brunches, this French pastry shop is the favorite haunt of “instagrammers”. Do you have a sweet tooth? You will inevitably fall for the chocolate éclairs, 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 bubbles to add a festive touch to this sweet break. In short, this colorful establishment and its charming owners will put a smile on your face!
– Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat 16, lepetitdeli.nl
5. Westerkerk
The largest Protestant church in the Netherlands is worth a visit not for its architecture, but rather for the pretty panorama that its bell tower, 85 meters high, offers you over the city. In preparation for your visit, don’t forget to book your time slot so you can enjoy this splendid view of Amsterdam’s rooftops and canals with complete peace of mind.
– Prinsengracht 279, westerkerk.nl
6.Winkel 43
Any good stay in the Dutch capital is inevitably accompanied by a visit to Winkel 43, an institution that serves, according to many, the best apple pie in town. While you enjoy this comforting dessert served with whipped cream, take the opportunity to observe passers-by strolling along Westerstraat and Noordermarkt, where a flea market is held every Monday morning.
– Noordermarkt 43, winkel43.nl
7. Cafe Parlotte
Parlotte is the small wine bar with a relaxed atmosphere where you can reserve a table for a romantic one-on-one or a festive evening with friends. Here, conversations mingle with good music, small dishes to share, oysters and bottles of natural wine. All the ingredients are there to spend a memorable moment.
– Westerstraat 182, parlotte.nl
Photo taken from the Café Parlotte Facebook page
8. Tulip Museum
The favorite flower of the Dutch steals the show in this small museum in Prinsengracht. Through a colorful exhibition, you can learn more about the history of the tulip over the centuries, the locals’ passion for this flower and how to grow it. Before leaving the museum, stop by the museum shop to treat yourself to a colorful bouquet that will brighten up your hotel room or Airbnb.
– Prinsengracht 116, amsterdamtulipmuseum.com
9. Moeders
This restaurant, which serves comfort food, including several Dutch classics, is a hit with locals and visitors alike. While you savor a “stamppot” or a “stew”, pay attention to the decor of the establishment. Moeders meaning “mothers” in Dutch, the team wanted to pay tribute to customers’ mothers by decorating the walls with hundreds of photos.
– Rozengracht 251, moeders.com
10. Cafe Hegeraad
No stay in Amsterdam could be complete without discovering a “brown café” (“bruine kroeg”). These establishments, traditionally decorated with wood and antique objects, are numerous in the Jordaan district and their visit promises to offer you a pleasant journey back in time. At aperitif time, do as the Amsterdammers do and toast over a good local beer, in a friendly atmosphere, at Café Hegeraad.
– Noordermarkt 34, cafehegeraad.eu
Useful information
Do you want to put your suitcases in the Jordaan to deepen your discovery of the district? Book a room at the Mr. Jordaan Hotel (Bloemgracht 102, mrjordaan.nl) for a prime location and relaxed atmosphere or treat yourself to a dream experience at the Pulitzer Amsterdam (Prinsengracht 323, pulitzeramsterdam.com ), a 5-star hotel overlooking the most famous canal in the capital.