For many, the Western Canal Ring is the area of Amsterdam that perfectly encapsulates the city’s relaxed yet stylish air. Construction of the Grachtengordel, Amsterdam’s 17th-century ring of three fashionable canals, began here, with the marshy area just beyond reserved by city planner Hendrick Staets for workers and their unpalatable industries; Huguenot refugees who settled here – like others fleeing religious persecution – were said to have named itjardin (garden), later corrupted to Jordaan, and today it is one of Amsterdam’s most fascinating – and bohemian – districts. Its narrow streets and oblique canals might seem random, but they followed the course of old paths and drainage ditches. North of the charming Brouwersgracht lies the recently revitalized district of Haarlemmerbuurt, and, further afield, the Western Islands, Bickerseiland, Prinseneiland and Realeneiland, created in the mid-17th century to provide much-needed warehousing.
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Recently enlarged, this thought-provoking museum encompasses theachterhuis , secret hideout of Anne Frank and her family, as well as background information on the plight of Amsterdam’s Jews and racial oppression.
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In a town which doesn’t quite have the 24/7 American mentality, this late-night store can be a Godsend – even if it is a little pricey. General groceries and a good range of alchohol.
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Jools Holland and even Mick Jagger have popped into this new and second-hand record/CD shop specializing in jazz, soul, funk and R&B. Rare collector’s items to be had.
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The sister of Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands, is a regular diner at this well-priced restaurant offering some of the best Indian food in town.
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Fashionable footwear for folk with big feet.
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If you stand at the breezy junction of Brouwersgracht and Prinsengracht you will get terrific views in all directions, and a sense of the sea not far away. Today, Brouwersgracht, with its pretty bridges and picturesque houseboats, is a romantic delight, but a 17th-century brewery (brouwer ) worker would be astonished to find that the spout-gabled warehouses of this once reeking industrial canal had now been converted into the smartest of private housing – particularly fine examples of which you can see at Nos 188–194.
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Algerian-born Jean-Christophe Royer started out washing dishes. Today’s he’s one of the finest chefs in the Netherlands: his Mediterranean establishment has a coveted Michelin star.Trés cher .
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Beads and then even more beads – from gaudy plastic ones to real pearls, amber and semiprecious stones – and also lots of jewellery accessories.
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The charm and ambience of this canalside restaurant more than make up for the somewhat variable quality of the food.
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Unable to wait for Saturday’s organic market? Then head to this friendly organic store. Pulses, grains, candles, soaps, fresh fruit and vegetables, plus a good selection of wine and beer.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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Jumping AmsterdamAmsterdam RAI hosts Jumping Amsterdam, the city's annual international horse show. An enormous and varied programme features high-level jumping and dressage competitions. Read more
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Amsterdam Fantastic Film FestivalThe Fantastic Film Festival is something of a cult annual institution in Amsterdam, screening European and international thriller, cult, horror and science-fiction movies at the Filmmuseum Cinerama... Read more
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Queen's Day in AmsterdamThroughout the Netherlands, the Dutch celebrate the (previous) Queen's birthday, known as Queen's Day, with a full-on party. Amsterdam holds an internationally-renowned street party, which goes on... Read more
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Vrijmarkt AmsterdamHeld every year as part of the Queen's Day celebrations, Vrijmarkt (which means free market) is a massive open-air car boot sale that sprawls across Amsterdam's city centre. Read more
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