About
The Jordaan is a neighborhood in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, and it is one of the easiest parts of the city to explore on foot. Its streets are narrow, its houses sit close to the canals, and the rhythm of the place is slow enough that a visit can feel like a stroll rather than a sightseeing list.
What a visit is like
Much of the pleasure here is simply walking. The lanes wind between canal houses, and it is easy to lose the thread of a map and find a new corner every few minutes. Along the way you will pass cafés with small terraces, and boutique shops with a more personal feel than the larger stores in the city centre.
- Wander without a fixed route, and let the canals and side streets guide you.
- Stop for a drink or a meal in one of the neighborhood's cafés.
- Browse the boutique shops at your own pace.
The light in the evening
The description of the Jordaan singles out the evening, when the light falls across the canal houses and gives their facades a particular glow. Many visitors find this the most rewarding time to be here, and the neighborhood's cafés make it easy to linger as the light changes.
Planning your time
Because the Jordaan is compact and best seen on foot, it suits a relaxed half-day or an unhurried evening. It sits within easy reach of the rest of central Amsterdam, so you can combine a walk here with other parts of the city. Come with comfortable shoes, a willingness to get a little lost, and time to sit over a coffee.