The Jordaan is a former working-class district just west of the Canal Ring, now beloved for its narrow streets, independent shops, cosy brown cafés and small galleries. It feels calmer and more intimate than the centre while remaining within easy walking distance of the main sights, making it a favourite for couples and repeat visitors.
Jordaan at a glance
- Distance to the Rijksmuseum
- About 1.8 km as the crow flies, roughly 22 min on foot.
- From the city centre
- About 1.4 km as the crow flies.
- Nearest station
- Westermarkt (tram stop), about 240 m from the centre of the area.
- Source
- Distances computed from OpenStreetMap coordinates (© OpenStreetMap contributors), checked 2026-09-07. Straight-line figures — walking routes are longer.
Bordered roughly by the Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht, it's a maze of small lanes and courtyards near the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk. Days are relaxed with local shopping and café culture; evenings are gentle and neighbourhood-focused, with intimate bars rather than big nightlife.
Getting around
The centre and the Rijswmuseum are an easy 15–25 minute walk or a short tram ride, and trams run along the district's edges. Schiphol (AMS) is reached via Central Station or a tram-plus-train connection in around 30–40 minutes.
Before you book this area
- Vibe
- Quaint, residential and creative — charm over spectacle.
- Nightlife
- Cosy cafés and small bars rather than clubs.
- Markets
- Weekly street markets like the Noordermarkt add local colour.
Frequently asked
Is Jordaan a good area to stay in Amsterdam?
Yes, especially for couples and repeat visitors who want charm and quiet — it's calmer and more intimate than the centre while still within easy walking distance of the main sights. Those after big nightlife or clubs should look elsewhere, as evenings here are gentle and neighbourhood-focused.
How far is Jordaan from the Rijksmuseum?
The Rijksmuseum is about 1.8 km away in a straight line, roughly 22 minutes on foot.
What's the nearest station and how do I get around Jordaan?
The nearest stop is Westermarkt, a tram stop about 240 m from the area's centre, and trams run along the district's edges. Schiphol (AMS) is reached via Central Station or a tram-plus-train connection in around 30–40 minutes.
Is Jordaan central?
It's just west of the Canal Ring, about 1.4 km from the city centre in a straight line, so it feels calmer while remaining within easy walking distance of the main sights.
Is Jordaan quiet at night?
Yes, evenings are gentle and neighbourhood-focused, with cosy brown cafés and small bars rather than clubs or big nightlife.
Comparing areas? See the full Amsterdam area guide →
Other areas near Jordaan
Sources
- OpenStreetMap — area location, distances and nearest station (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), checked 2026-09-07
- ReasonStay methodology — how areas are chosen and facts are verified
An independent guide to Jordaan, Amsterdam — honest orientation, no invented data.