DK Travel : Amsterdam : Western Canal Ring

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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Foodism

A great little place tucked away in this narrow street. Delicious, healthy food, including a wide range of vegetarian options.
Gambit

A whisky-laced hot chocolate in one hand, and a bishop in the other … when the heavens open, hole up in this delightful chess café for a few hours and checkmate your opponent.
GO Cantina

Every so often a dining table is set up within this art gallery space and GO goes gourmet.
Haarlemmerbuurt

In recent times, the bustling streets of this stalwart residential neighbourhood have seen the arrival of all manner of shops, mixing bric-a-brac withhaute couture , New Age with funky furniture and specialist food with local groceries. On Haarlemmerstraat is Westindisch Huis, once the headquarters of the Dutch West India Company. To the west is Haarlemmerpoort, a gateway – now converted into flats – built in 1840 for the entry of William II. Beyond it lies peaceful Westerpark, and Westergasfabriek, former gasworks turned arts centre.
Huis met de Hoofden

An eye-catching extravaganza, the House with the Heads is named for the six heads on its elaborate step-gabled façade representing Classical gods – Apollo, Ceres, Mars, Minerva, Diana and Bacchus. Built in 1622 for a successful merchant, its Dutch Renaissance design is attributed to Hendrick de Keyser. Today it is occupied by the body in charge of Amsterdam’s public monuments. The ground floor has scarcely changed.
Jordaan

Quirky and characterful, with an intimate, easy-going atmosphere all its own, the Jordaan is a dense patch of small-scale streets and canals peppered with interesting shops and galleries, charminghofjes and inviting brown cafés. Bounded by Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht to east and west, and Brouwersgracht and Looiersgracht to north and south, it was built for workers at the same time as the Grachtengordel.
Jordaan Festival

The “Jordaaners” are fiercely proud of the accordion-laden oompah songs unique to this area. Over one weekend mid-September, outdoor stages are set up on this filled-in canal, and the beer and bellowing flow freely.
Kitsch Kitchen

Ample to spice up your kitchen and accessorize the cooks. Pop across the nearby Rozengracht to number 183, where “Kitsch Kitchen Kids” has a range for the little people.
Mechanisch Speelgoed

A fascinating, nostalgia-inducing collection of mechanical toys and good old-fashioned children’s playthings. Simply put: life before Gameboy.
Mediterranee

This small, rather plain French-Moroccan bakery and coffeeshop, serves irresistable croissants and cakes.

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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.
- under €20
- €20–€30
- €30–€45
- €45–€60
- over €60