Jordan
On Amsterdam Now, you'll find an overview of what to do, eat and experience in the Jordaan - one of Amsterdam's most characteristic neighborhoods. The Jordaan lies west of the ring of canals, bounded by the Brouwersgracht, the Prinsengracht, the Rozengracht and the Lijnbaansgracht.
The neighborhood originated in the seventeenth century as a crafts district and has since developed into a densely built-up district with its own rhythm and recognizable streetscape. For a complete list of addresses and calendar, see the Amsterdam city guide on Amsterdam Now.
Character
The Jordaan has narrow streets, small canals and a high density of independent entrepreneurs. The neighborhood has a village feel, despite being in the middle of the city - with neighborhood residents who know each other, cafes as meeting places and weekly markets that reinforce the sense of community. At the same time, the neighborhood is internationally oriented, with a mix of long-term residents, creative entrepreneurs and expats. This gives the Jordaan a character that is hard to copy.
Markets
The Jordaan has two regular weekly markets. The Noordermarkt on the square around the Noorderkerk is a flea market on Monday mornings and a farmers' market with organic produce on Saturday mornings. The Lindenmarkt on the Lindengracht is a busy goods market nearly 900 meters long with more than 230 stalls. Both markets are a regular part of weekly life in the neighborhood. For more markets in the city, see amsterdam to do on Amsterdam Now.
Stores
Shopping in the Jordaan is concentrated on Westerstraat, Lindengracht and the cross streets in between. Vintage, fashion, design, art and specialty stores alternate. Large chains are scarce - the offer consists largely of independent entrepreneurs with their own profile. See also our overview of amsterdam stores for more options by neighborhood.
Hospitality
The hospitality industry in the Jordaan ranges from brown pubs and eateries to restaurants with international cuisine and wine bars with a compact menu. Nowhere in the city is the concentration of brown pubs higher than here. At the same time, gastronomic gentrification is creating a growing range of newer catering concepts that cater to a younger and more international audience. Check out our overview of restaurants in Amsterdam and amsterdam bars for specific addresses in the area.
Courtyards and architecture
The Jordaan has a number of courtyards - enclosed courtyards surrounded by small houses - a handful of which are open to the public. The Sint Andrieshofje and the Venetiaehofje are the best known. They give a different perspective of the neighborhood than the busy streets around them. The Westertoren is visible from almost every street in the Jordaan and serves as a spatial anchor of the neighborhood.
Accessibility
The Jordaan is easily accessible by streetcar via Marnixstraat and Rozengracht, and is within walking distance of the center. The complete overview of what to do in the Jordaan can be found via the Amsterdam city guide on Amsterdam Now.