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Jordaan

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Amsterdam's Charming Historic District

The Jordaan neighborhood in Amsterdam stands out as a compact area filled with narrow streets and historic buildings. Many small shops line the pathways, selling everything from books to handmade crafts. The area is known for its relaxed atmosphere compared to busier parts of the city. Local cafes provide spaces where residents gather over coffee or light meals. Canals run nearby, adding to the quiet charm. Historic churches and art galleries are easy to find on foot. Walking through Jordaan feels like experiencing everyday Dutch life away from main tourist routes.

Neighbourhood in Amsterdam
Climate zone: Mild oceanic

Mild oceanic: Marine-influenced climates with cool summers, mild winters and frequent precipitation year-round, typical of western coasts at mid-latitudes.

See climate table
Ticket price: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
Safety: 8.0
General Safety:8
Accessibility:8
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Tourist English: 5/5
English is widely spoken in Amsterdam, especially in Jordaan, where locals and business owners are well accustomed to international visitors.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Jordaan Summary
Excellent for historic neighborhoods and cafés. Wander narrow canals, browse boutique shops, visit small galleries and enjoy cozy restaurants and lively local bars.
Netherlands – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type F:
Diagram of a Type F power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Euro (EUR)
£1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
The Netherlands is highly cashless, with almost all businesses accepting card payments. Contactless payments and mobile apps are widely used, and cash is not always necessary.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory in the Netherlands. In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is standard. Taxi drivers usually expect a small tip or rounding up, and hotel staff appreciate small tips.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed in most places in the Netherlands, including parks and on the streets. However, there are some restrictions in specific areas or during festivals.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned indoors in public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and public transport. Smoking areas are designated in many public places.
King's Day
(April)
A national holiday with celebrations, parades, and festivals. Expect large crowds, especially in cities like Amsterdam.
Christmas
(December)
Festivities are widespread, but cities can be crowded, and prices for accommodation may rise.
Sinterklaas
(December)
Celebrations for the Dutch Christmas tradition, expect family-oriented events and high demand for accommodation.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt, Ola
Other: The Netherlands has a well-developed infrastructure and public transport system. Be prepared for high bike usage in cities like Amsterdam, and expect occasional rain throughout the year.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Jordaan, Netherlands
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High season: April - Sep.
Shoulder season: March, Oct., Dec.
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Noordermarkt: flea market Monday mornings, organic farmers market Saturdays, year-round

Jordaan began as a working-class neighborhood in the 17th century and has since transformed into one of Amsterdam’s most desirable and picturesque districts. Its reputation for strong local community bonds, art galleries and charming canal-side streets gives it a unique character.

The neighborhood is home to cultural highlights like the Anne Frank House and several museums celebrating Amsterdam’s history and art. The quaint canals, lined with houseboats and flower boxes, invite peaceful strolls or canal cruises.

Markets such as Noordermarkt and Lindengracht offer fresh produce, antiques and street food, perfect for experiencing local flavors. However, Jordaan can get crowded during weekends and holidays, so visitors should be prepared for busy streets and higher prices in some restaurants.

Jordaan’s blend of traditional charm and contemporary culture makes it an essential Amsterdam visit, offering both relaxed exploration and vibrant city life.

Why travel to Jordaan?

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 Anne Frank House
  • 2 Westerkerk
  • 3 Noorderkerk
  • 4 Pianola Museum
  • 5 Houseboat Museum
  • 6 Amsterdam Tulip Museum
  • 7 Henri's Little Cheese Museum
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Bloemgracht
  • 2 Egelantiersgracht
🎈Events
  • Open Garden Days
  • Market Days Saturdays

Knowledge before you go

  • Wander on foot; tiny canals and lanes reward slow exploring.
  • Visit on Monday or Saturday for Noordermarkt; arrive early for the best finds.
  • Book Anne Frank House tickets well ahead; nearby slots sell out quickly.
  • Look for hidden hofjes (inner courtyards); some open only during special garden days.

How to travel to Jordaan

Jordaan is centrally located west of Amsterdam Central Station and can be reached easily on foot, by tram or bicycle. Visitors arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can take direct trains or buses to the city center and then use local public transport or walk to Jordaan.

Access summary

  • From Schiphol Airport (AMS): Train to Centraal, then tram or walk, ~30–40 min.
  • From Amsterdam Centraal: Tram or 15–20 minute walk along canals to Jordaan.
  • From Rotterdam: Train to Amsterdam Centraal (~40–60 min), then tram or walk to Jordaan.

Where to stay near Jordaan

Accommodation in Jordaan ranges from boutique hotels to charming guesthouses, offering an authentic and cozy stay within walking distance of many attractions.

Packing recommendations for Jordaan

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Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

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+24 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 24% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
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The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety
8
Amsterdam’s Jordaan neighborhood remains one of the city’s safest areas, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. Visitors should stay alert in crowded markets, avoid poorly lit alleys after dark and keep valuables secure to maintain peace of mind.
Accessi­bility
8
The Jordaan is highly accessible: wide, smooth pavements, many wheelchair‑friendly cafés and public transport stops. However, narrow cobblestone alleys can be tricky for mobility aids and some historic buildings lack ramps or elevators. Plan routes in advance to avoid steep steps.
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