The Jordaan Amsterdam

The Jordaan in Amsterdam is a beautiful neighborhood located in the west part of Amsterdam, known for its small streets, charming canals, and historic buildings. It is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Amsterdam, attracting both locals and tourists alike. In this district, you can find the Anne Frank house museum, trendy shops, and cozy cafes. Jordaan is a great area to explore on foot, taking in the scenery, and experiencing the nice atmosphere.

Where is the Jordan neighborhood in Amsterdam?

Jordaan is located in the western part of Amsterdam’s city center, adjacent to the Prinsengracht canal. The neighborhood is bounded by the Lijnbaansgracht canal and the Brouwersgracht canal. This area It is easily accessible by bike, foot or in some areas by public transportation.

Short history about the Jordaan area in Amsterdam

The Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. Originally, it was a working-class area, with many residents employed in the city’s booming shipbuilding industry. The neighborhood was built on land that had been reclaimed from the sea, and it was originally designed as a grid of streets and canals.

During the early 17th century, when Amsterdam was undergoing a major expansion, the Jordaan neighborhood was established as a residential area for the city’s working-class and immigrants. The population of the neighborhood increased dramatically over the following centuries due to an increase of political refugees, including Protestant Flemings, Spanish and Portuguese Jews, and French Huguenots, who settled predominantly in the Jordaan.

Unfortunately, the Jordaan neighborhood was characterized by poverty, and most residents lived in small, cramped houses and slums, with large families and many children. The area was considered a ghetto with open sewers, and the canals were used for transportation as well as sewerage, and running water was not available. By the year 1900, the Jordaan had approximately 80,000 inhabitants, now around 20,000.

In the 20th century, the Jordaan underwent significant changes. As the city of Amsterdam grew, many of the working-class residents moved to newer neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Many of the small apartments were combined into larger homes, and the area became known for its charming architecture and tall houses next to the canals.

Today, the Jordaan is one of the most popular and vibrant neighborhoods in Amsterdam, attracting both locals and tourists alike. It is known for its trendy shops, small restaurants and cozy cafes, and it remains a hub of cultural activity in the city. Despite its transformation over the years, the Jordaan has managed to retain its character and sense of community, making it a beloved part of Amsterdam’s rich cultural heritage.

Staying in the Jordaan District:

The Jordaan area is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful and desirable places to stay during your stay in Amsterdam. There are several reasons why the neighborhood is such a popular choice among travelers:

Firstly, the Jordaan is known for its beautiful canals and charming small streets. Many of the buildings in the area have a unique architectural style, with narrow, tall houses and iconic bridges over the canals. This creates a distinctive and beautiful landscape that is unique to Amsterdam!

Secondly, many popular attractions and must-see places are located in this area. Some examples are the Anne Frank Museum (where the Jewish girl Anne Frank and her family hid during the second world war. The Secret Annex behind the bookshelf can still be visited here).

Also, the Westerkerk and the Noordermarkt (market in Amsterdam) are located in this area. The famous 9 straatjes shopping district (with lots of small and cute (jewelery) boutiques, vintage stores and cafes) is located in the Jordaan district.

Finally, the Jordaan is well-connected to the rest of Amsterdam and as it is located in the city center, many other places are reachable by foot. This makes it easy for you to explore the rest of the city while still enjoying the charm and character of the Jordaan.

Good Hotels in the Jordaan area:

If you’re planning to stay in the Jordaan area, there are several excellent hotels to choose from. Here are five hotels in the area that have received good reviews from guests:

1. Hotel Mercier – 4 star hotel

This boutique hotel is housed in a historic building and features stylish rooms with luxurious facilities. The hotel is located in the heart of the Jordaan, close to many popular restaurants and cafés.

2. Hotel The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren – Boutique hotel

This upscale boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with a classic, romantic decor. The hotel is housed in two historic buildings and is located on one of the most beautiful canals in Amsterdam.

3. Mr. Jordaan Hotel – 3 star hotel

This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms with modern amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The hotel is located in a quiet corner of the Jordaan, close to many popular restaurants and cafes.

4. Hotel Sebastian’s – 4 star hotel

This trendy hotel features contemporary rooms with unique design features, such as brick walls and colorful accents. The hotel is located in the heart of the Jordaan, close to many popular attractions.