The Jordaan

The Jordaan, Amsterdam's most famous neighbourhood

The Jordaan may well be the most famous and romantic neighbourhood in Amsterdam. This neighbourhood lies within the centre of our Dutch capital. In the old days, it was a typical working-class area and it has a colourful past. Because of the picturesque canals, small shops, and cute little streets and alleys, it is now one of the most popular neighbourhoods for residents and visitors alike. In the Golden Age, this neighbourhood was the home of labourers and artists, including Rembrandt van Rijn. There is even a theory that the Dutch version of Punch and Judy was based on a real and always bickering couple living in this area.

Apartments for people with medium and higher incomes

The Jordaan lies between the Brouwersgracht, the Lijnbaansgracht, the Prinsengracht, and the Leidsegracht. Over 19,000 people live in this lively Amsterdam neighbourhood, of which about three-quarters are single households. The area is particularly popular with students, young working people, and singles. Around 63% of the residents are people with middle and higher incomes. Over three-quarters of the housing market consist of rental apartments, the other quarter consists of owner-occupied houses or apartments. Noticeable is the large number of apartments that take up one floor of larger houses that have been split into separate apartment rights. Most of them were built in the 19th century, but many additional apartment buildings were added in the 1970s and 1980s as well.

Amenities

The Jordaan has a wide array of sociable pubs, cafés, and trendy eating places. Many of them can be found along the canals, which fits right in the sociable and accessible Jordaan lifestyle. The area is also known for its historic courtyards, the so-called ‘hofjes’, of which the St. Andrieshofje is the oldest. There are several weekly markets: the Saturday market on the Lindengracht, the Monday morning and Saturday market on the Noordermarkt, and on Monday morning as well on the adjacent Westerstraat.

Greenery and accessibility

In this part of Amsterdam, the canals are always just a stone's throw away. The neighbourhood is rather built-up and doesn't have many green spaces, but a local group of residents is actively working on getting more greenery in the area. There are several courtyards with some greenery and small private gardens. Supermarkets and shops are all within walking distance and the neighbourhood is easily accessible by car, although finding on-street parking space can be a bit of a challenge. Public transports links, on the other hand, are plentiful and it only takes minutes to get to Amsterdam Central Station.

Sociable living in the city's most popular neighbourhood

All in all, this neighbourhood within the city centre is a highly attractive area for people from out of town. And especially for people from abroad, the Jordaan is a great area to live in. It is sociable and lively, down-to-earth, and wonderful for expats, students, and singles.