Amsterdam Jordaan City Guide
*Updated in 2024
Amsterdam's Jordaan neighborhood is equally charming and photogenic, its centuries-old character lives on in scenery that feels like you’ve stepped back in time with iconic 17th-century houses that resemble gingerbread cookies, ivy-covered façades flower-filled windowsills, as scenic canals.
Amsterdam’s Jordaan is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore. The narrow streets and scenic canals with boats slowly drifting by n the historic are picture-perfect. I love going for photo walks here, either early in the morning or later, around a golden hour, when this area is less busy. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, the Jordaan is super busy, especially in peak summer and weekends.
Originally a working-class district in the early 1600s, the Jordaan has transformed dramatically over the centuries into one of Amsterdam's most sought-after neighborhoods. Today it’s filled with cozy cafés, independent boutiques, art galleries, and a rich cultural scene that reflects its creative roots. Once celebrated for its artistic vibe and bohemian spirit, today you're likely to find many oat milk-adoring hipsters waiting for ages in line to snap a photo of their coffee and pastries for social media. But those who instead choose to quietly explore the hidden hofjes and secret courtyards will discover the Jordaan's unique character and are in for an even better treat than any flakey croissant can provide.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN AMSTERDAM JORDAAN
Small World Catering has been a local favorite since 1998 thanks to its thick sandwiches, veg-friendly options, salads, soups, and sweet baked goods. Run by a friendly Australian and welcoming staff, it's the perfect spot for an afternoon turkey and bacon sandwich or a slice of pecan pie.
Café 't Papeneiland dates back to 1642. This traditional Bruin café on the iconic corner of Brouwersgracht is the definition of gezellig with a cozy wooden interior and Delft blue tiles. Get a slice of Dutch appeltaart or try
jenever, a Dutch spirit, in this historic family-owned spot.
Café Thijssen another historic bar and cafe that’s a fun spot to pause for a drink and enjoy a canal view, they have a spacious terrace on Brouwersgracht (just a block behind ‘t Papeneiland).
Bonjour Càphê is a small cafe offering a delicious mix of Vietnamese flavors, including teas, fresh juice and light bites like bánh mi or rice noodle salad.
Box Sociaal Launched by two friends from Sydney, Box Sociaal serves Australian-style boozy brunch, dinner, and cocktails at their charming new location along Bloemgracht. My pick: Kim's Tacos with homemade mango-passionfruit kombucha.
G’s Brunch Boat I remember in my early Amsterdam years, G’s was the first spot to kick-off Amsterdam’s brunch scene. More than a decade later, they serve hearty brunch on a boat, with 0-minute canal cruise departing from Herengracht.
Saint Jean a popular plant-based bakery offering French-inspired pastries, matcha, and specialty coffee. My favorites are almond milk flat whites and double-baked almond croissants. Their vegan treats are worth the wait, and seating is limited, so plan to get it to-go and then wander the cute neighborhood, for savory snacks check out Saint Jean Deli, across from the bakery.
La Perla bakes wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza with fresh Italian ingredients. Be prepared for lively crowds of locals and tourists who are willing to stand in line for a taste.
Winkle 43 serves breakfast and lunch but are best known for their thick slices of apple pie with slagroom (whipped cream), and if you have enough time, it’s worth the wait.
Cafe Sonneveld is an adorable Dutch cafe with a red awning on the corner of Egalantiersgracht.
Inside 't Papeneiland
What are your favorite spots in Amsterdam Jordaan? Let me know in the comments below or join the conversation on Instagram.
LOCAL FAVORITESIN AMSTERDAM JORDAAN
Noordermarkt has been held in the square at Noorderkerk for over 400 years. On Mondays, it hosts a flea market with vintage goods, and on Saturdays, it hosts a popular organic farmer's market, including local honey, baked goods, seasonal produce, flowers and more.
Flesch Records & Books has an obsecure offering my vinyl and books enticing patrons from around the globe.
Harlemmerstraat is a lively shopping street full of cafes, restaurants, bakeries, coffee spots and lots of shops. Some of my favorites include Six and Sons, a sustainably focused concept shop full of unique gifts and home goods; Marbles Vintage, for its curated collection of second-hand threads, and The Darling, a boutique with contemporary and vintage clothes and accessories.
Lindengracht Market A few blocks down from Noordermarket, vendors sell produce, flowers, food, and diverse everyday goods, also on Saturdays..
Open Monument Day Every September, 4,000 notable monuments across the Netherlands, including dozens in Amsterdam, will open their doors for visitors. A must-see for history and architecture fans!
Jordaan Opentuinen Dag is an annual summer event that gives visitors the rare opportunity to explore some of the Jordaan’s most beautiful secret gardens.
