This is the district that Amsterdammers like best.
With its tight network of narrow streets and houses,
its nicotine- stained ‘brown cafes’,
little coutyards full of flowers, tiny shops, and
colourful bird market, it’s here that the
very soul of Amsterdam lies. The district was built
outside the city walls in the 17th century to house
working class labourers and craftsmen. Although
somewhat gentrified these days, it retains its
own language and folklore, which become intensely
live during the Jordaan festival in September.
Anne Frank’s House
If you’re not put off by the long queues,
you can visit the achterbuis, or ‘house behind’ ,
where the teenage Anne Frank lived hidden away
with the rest of her family. Her personal diary,
which gives a poigant account of this time, has
been publised in almost 50 different languages.
The money raised from sales of the book is partly
used to fund the Anne Frank foundation, which combats
racism.
Opening hours: Open everyday 9am-5pm
April to Aug. 9am-9pm
Tel: 556 71 00
Bloemgracht
In the 17th century the ‘canal of flowers’ was
inhabited by cloth –dyers. Today it’s
one of the smartest canals in Jordaan, lned with
beautiful gabled houses baring coats of arms identifying
the trade of the occupants.
Sint Andrieshofje
Step through the door beneath the coat of arms
and, at the end of a corridor with a Delft tiled
floor, you’ll be surprised to find a very
small garden full of flowers surrounded by tiny
houses. This former Beguine convent, founded
in 1616, is today one of the most saught-after
places in the city and a house here is extremely
expensive.
‘t Smalle
This café has been a popular venue in the
Jordaan district since 1780. Note the pretty enamelled
stained glass windows and polished tables and chairs.
Queen Beatrix herself came to sample the cosy atmosphere,
but she stayed outside on the floating terrace.
Opening hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-1am
Sat and Sun. 10am-2am
Tel: 623 96 17
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