I have been living in Amsterdam for the past 3 years and have explored all of the city thoroughly. Though all my explorations, I’ve always found the Jordaan area as my favorite. I think it is the most beautiful area of the city with so much to do!
Guest post by Samantha Karen (more about them in authors bio in the end of the post)
Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and it’s full of exciting things to do and see. There really is something to do for every type of visitor. Guests of the city are often overwhelmed with the number of things to do in Amsterdam. They have a hard time choosing the perfect activity. And since most people plan a weekend trip to Amsterdam for a limited amount of time, chose is even harder.
But it doesn’t have to be difficult. There are a few experiences in Amsterdam that really stand out. The best experience in Amsterdam is something that is suitable for all types of travelers and consistently is regarded as one of Amsterdam’s top things to do. This activity is exploring the historic Jordaan area of Amsterdam.
The Jordaan is a neighborhood in Amsterdam that is home to some of the nicest canals and architecture in the city. Amsterdam is separated in about five main neighborhoods, all with their own unique things to do and see. Out of them, Jordaan is considered the best.
Exploring the Jordaan
The Jordaan is a famous area in Amsterdam that is located right beside the city center. It’s well known for its unique houses, magical canals, and unusual shopping streets. Not only is this area a wonderful place to explore but it is also one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam. This area has some of the finest boutique hotels in the area. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the city to wake up in and explore as the first thing in the morning. More so, The Jordaan is located on the famous Canal belt of the city, and it is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
Walk the streets
Seeing the magical streets of the Jordaan and discovering all the amazing things you can do within the small area will blow you away. It will surely be your best experience in the city. The main thing that visitors love to do in the Jordaan is to simply walk along the streets and the canals. It opens up the view of the picturesque, postcard-perfect houses. The whole area is magical, and if you are a photographer who wants to capture some amazing photos of the city – this is the area to do so.
Walking around here is amazing both during the day and at night. The day allows you to see the houses and canals in full light, while at night, the lights illuminate the water, and the bridges are lit up with white bulbs. Both are magical experiences, however, walking around the Jordaan at night is much more romantic.
Gain a Cultural Appreciation
Beyond exploring the streets, you can also gain a more cultural and historical appreciation of the city. One of the most famous museums is located in the middle of the Jordaan, and it is called the Anne Frank house.
The Anne Frank house is a moving and powerful museum. It tells the story of a young girl who was hidden in an attic during the times of World War II. The stories told within this museum will touch you and show you a side to Amsterdam that is easily forgotten. The Anne Frank house is one of the highlights within the Jordaan and a must-see for visitors. However, you must plan the visit far in advance as tickets sometimes sell out for months forward.
Go Shopping
In addition to this, the Jordaan is home to some of the best boutique shopping streets in the city. Within this area, there is a section that they call the nine streets, which are nine streets full of tasty cafés and local boutiques. It is the best area for shopping, and in eating in all of Amsterdam and will give you the perfect authentic Amsterdam experience.
If you are looking for a unique café or restaurant – you should look around this area. Some of my favorites are Pluk, The Hoxton, and Van Puffelen. More so, if you are a fashion lover, this is a great area for you to spend some time. There are so many accessory, jewelry, and vintage shops, accompanied by boutiques with cute Dutch fashion items.
As you can see, exploring Jordaan is an experience you do not want to miss in Amsterdam. There is so much culture, history, and beauty packed in the small neighborhood that makes it a must. If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, consider staying in this neighborhood so you can really immerse yourself in the Jordaan’s atmosphere.
Author bio
Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel bog Sam Sees World. She is a millennial traveler on a mission to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and getting some good Instagram photos along the way.
You can follow her on her TRAVEL BLOG / PINTEREST / INSTAGRAM
Join my community!
I love working on Engineer on tour, but it is a time-consuming thing to make. I am always improving and trying to bring you the best from photography and travel.
Currently, my main platform is my Facebook Photo Page. I will be happy to see you among my followers’ families and engage in a friendly discussion. Let me know how I’m doing and feel free to suggest some topics to write about.
You can also find me on other social media:
FACEBOOK 2 (blog updates only) / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / INSTAGRAM 2 (only Finland) / PINTEREST
Pinterest:
