Jordaan and Anne Frank

Stroll at leisure through the Jordaan neighbourhood in Amsterdam. Visit Anne Frank’s tiny bedroom in the Anne Frank Museum, discover charming ‘hofjes’ often hidden from sight, go shopping in the 9-Streets, mix with the locals over a beer, throw in a Houseboat Museum and an open air market and you will understand why the Jordaan quarter is one of the most popular districts in Amsterdam.

Wolvenstraat in the Jordaan – one of the Nine Shopping Streets

Jordaan History

Jordaan neighbourhood is famous for gabled houses, brown cafés, numerous shops from high-end fashion to second-hand vintage but most of all the Jordaan it is known for its relaxed atmosphere. Built in the 17th century to accommodate the ever growing middle class the Jordaan is a maze of narrow lanes and streets. After the 1960s the neighbourhood became popular among students and artists. Today the district is popular with upward mobile professionals and young families who happily mingle with elderly Amsterdammers known for their spontaneity, jovial character and colourful language

Jordaan Highlights

Westertoren (West Tower) topped with the Imperial Crown dominates the district. Anne Frank’s hiding place was in the shade of the tower. On 11 July 1942 Anne wrote in her diary: ‘Daddy, Mummy and Margot can’t get used to the sound of the Westertoren bells which tells the time every quarter of an hour. I can. I loved it from the start, and especially at night. It’s like a faithful friend.’ 

Tip from the Amsterdam-Now editor: Join the Anne Frank walking tour!

Westerkerk in the Jordaan neighbourhood

Negen Straatjes Shopping Area

Negen Straatje, Nine Streets, so called because nine boutique-filled narrow streets are intersected by canals are the shopping area for anyone who likes fashion, retro, vintage, books, antiques and more. Every Saturday is market day on Lindengracht, Farmers’ Market and Second-hand Market at Noordermarkt.

Jordaan Hofjes

Take a peek at hofjes and their garden, secluded courtyards surrounded by small houses where widows and poor people lived. Today there are very popular among students and singles.

Jordaan Bars and Restaurants

Jordaan is peppered with intimate cafés and restaurants. No matter what food is your favourite, you will find it in the Jordaan Quarter from Thai to Mexican, from Indonesia to French and from snackbar to vegetarian.

photo credit Marianne Crone