City Walk: Jordaan Walking Tour, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2024)

The Northern Church stands prominently at the intersection of Noordermarkt (Northern Market), serving as a notable landmark within the neighborhood. This unadorned church holds historical significance as one of the earliest constructions following the Protestant Reformation and represents the final architectural work attributed to Hendrick de Keyser. Surprisingly distinct in style from his other notable churches in the city, namely the Southern and Western churches, it was erected to cater to the impoverished residents of the Jordaan neighborhood. It takes the form of an austere brick structure, characterized by its short spire and bulky, somewhat imposing appearance—a stark departure from the prevailing church designs of the era.

Constructed with a stark, austere appearance, it featured a squat spire and a rather imposing, bulky structure, deviating radically from the conventional church architectural norms of its time. Notably, it adopted a symmetrical Greek cross floor plan, with four arms of equal dimensions extending from a central steeple. This unyieldingly somber design underscored the solemn commitment of the Calvinist congregation that gathered here. The positioning of the pulpit at the center, rather than the front of the church, symbolized a deliberate departure from Catholic traditions.

Visitors can enjoy weekly concerts at Noorderkerk every Saturday at 2pm, scheduled from June to September.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Marcelmulder68.

Amsterdam's Northern Market boasts a rich history spanning almost four centuries, tracing its origins back to the 17th century. Despite its long-standing heritage, the vendors here have embraced the needs of today's consumers, making it an internationally appealing market that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, captivating countless visitors and offering an unforgettable experience.

This market operates on Monday mornings and Saturdays, presenting an extraordinary array of merchandise that cannot be found anywhere else in Amsterdam. The diversity of products is truly remarkable, encompassing antiques, oddities, books, prints, unique textiles, glassware, pottery, custom-designed jewelry, vintage apparel, paintings, graphics, recycled canvas bags, and much more.

Saturdays at the market come alive with the addition of a Bird Market and a Farmers' Market, offering organically grown fruits and vegetables, freshly baked bread, and an extensive array of oils and spices. Concurrently, a dedicated section showcases antiques, vintage items, clothing, small furniture pieces, and a distinctive collection of semi-precious stones, prints, jewelry bags, and more. Saturdays are bustling market days, immersing visitors in a vibrant and diverse atmosphere.

On Monday mornings, the place transforms into a traditional textiles and second-hand market, providing a unique opportunity to peruse and purchase the finest textiles in Amsterdam. Visitors will discover ample inspiration among the various fabrics available.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Chico Boomba.

Situated in the charming Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam, you'll discover a compact museum devoted to the Netherlands' most infamous flower. This flower has had such a profound impact on the nation's history that it's only fitting to have a museum dedicated entirely to its story – and that's precisely what the Tulip Museum does!

Tulips made their way to the Netherlands and the rest of Europe during the mid-16th century, originating from the Ottoman Empire. This delicate bloom quickly captivated the attention of the aristocracy and was brought to Dutch soil for cultivation. The flowers soared in popularity, particularly among the elite, and became a symbol of high social standing. The scarcer the flower's color, the more valuable its bulb became. Variations in color, petal structure, and other characteristics sent the market soaring to unprecedented heights. In some cases, historical records indicate that individuals were willing to part with up to ten times their annual income for a single tulip bulb. This period, now referred to as "Tulip Mania", reached its zenith in 1637 and inflicted severe damage on the Dutch economy, earning it the moniker of the "world's most dangerous flower".

The Tulip Museum, though small in size, offers a window into the tulip's significance in Dutch history and society. It's an excellent destination for those eager to delve deeper into the role flowers have played in the nation's past.

Tip:
The cute gift shop at the museum's entrance is stocked with a variety of intriguing souvenirs.
Additionally, it's renowned as one of the select places offering "certified" bulbs suitable for the UK, USA, and Canada.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and dronepicr.

This quaint shop, adorned with a vibrant floral window display, proudly dubs itself as "The First Museum of Fluorescent Art". Despite the quirky exterior, it conceals a brilliantly illuminated wonderland within its walls. Tucked away beneath the shop, accessible only by a steep set of stairs and available for visits by appointment, lies a small exhibition of black-light art. The mastermind behind this unique creation is Nick Padalino, an individual who has discovered his true calling in life. He takes great pleasure in personally showcasing the unexpected fluorescence found in a myriad of objects, ranging from minerals to stamps, candy, and even the tattoo on his arm.

The moment the black light is switched on, handcrafted shapes burst into vivid life, and every surface radiates a neon phosphorescence, leaving visitors spellbound by the mesmerizing technicolor display. A fascinating highlight is the opportunity to gaze upon the historic first fluorescent crayon from San Francisco in the 1950s, its label humorously stating, "Use with black light for church groups".

The museum encourages guests to explore the psychedelic environment at their own pace, fostering what the proprietors affectionately term "participatory art."

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Elvynia Tseng.

Moeders is an authentic Dutch eatery nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, renowned for its warm and inviting ambiance and its dedication to honoring the role of mothers in Dutch society – hence the name "Moeders", which means Mothers in Dutch.

Inside Moeders, the walls are adorned with an extensive collection of photographs featuring mothers, grandmothers, and other cherished women, all contributed by the restaurant's patrons. Additionally, you'll find an array of sentimental keepsakes, including plates, teapots, and various kitchen utensils, that gives it that warm, homey feeling.

Moeders' menu boasts a delectable array of traditional Dutch fare, including mashed potatoes with veggies ("stamppot"), a hearty carrot and onion stew ("hutspot"), and succulent meatballs ("gehaktballen"). To wash it down, they've got Dutch beers and spirits, including the famous Dutch gin called "jenever".

One standout feature is the "mothers table," a generously sized communal dining area where guests can gather and share a meal with fellow diners. It's decked out with all kinds of vintage kitchen implements and nostalgic items, making it feel super cozy and inviting.

Moeders has been a go-to spot in Amsterdam since it opened back in 1990. People love it for its charming ambiance and yummy food that's all about traditional flavors. So, if you want to dive into Dutch cuisine and soak up some Netherlands culture, this is the spot.

Tip:
Make sure to book a table ahead of time before making the trek over there.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Erno Hannink.

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam goes beyond being just your average antique store – it's a sprawling labyrinth filled with historical knick-knacks, and the best part is, everything you see is up for sale. Standing in the heart of the charming Jordaan district, this place spans a whopping 1700 square meters, making it the largest antique market in the Netherlands.

You'll stumble upon a vast array of unique treasures from various time periods and styles, including antiques from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, Art Deco gems, and vintage finds. With 55 specialized antique dealers showcasing their collections, visitors can embark on a constantly changing and awe-inspiring journey through displays of jewelry, elegant lighting, silverware, miniatures, fine tableware, military memorabilia, toys, ceramics, porcelain, Murano glass, Delft Blue ceramics, paintings, wall art, and petite pieces of furniture.

What's more, this center is renowned for its welcoming and well-informed staff, always eager to assist visitors in their quest to find that perfect antique piece.

Tip:
While you're in the neighborhood, take a stroll down Elandsgracht, where you'll discover a plethora of specialty food shops, including a top-notch butcher and bakery. And don't forget to explore Hazenstraat, the adjacent street, which is home to a fantastic array of art galleries and other unique shops.

Image Courtesy of Trudi.

Amsterdam continually amazes its visitors with its waterways replacing conventional roads and boats serving as a primary mode of urban transportation. While houseboats are common, they also hold a certain fascination that embodies the Amsterdam lifestyle. Questions naturally arise: How do people manage to live on water? Is it practical? What about essential amenities like electricity and waste disposal? These are just a few of the queries that come to mind.

Established in 1997 by Vincent Van Loon, himself a houseboat owner, the Houseboat Museum is the ideal place to quench your curiosity. Open to the public year-round, except during the winter months, it is set within an elegantly restored Dutch houseboat dating to 1914, offering visitors a unique window into the lifestyle and daily routines of those who call the waterways home. Surprisingly, these floating residences exude a homely vibe that rivals traditional brick and stone houses. Featuring spacious living areas, bunk beds, kitchens, and bathrooms, you'll be astonished by how they provide warmth, comfort, and a sense of home without sacrificing space. A few informative plaques provide insights into life on the water, and if you're particularly enthused, you can even purchase a book on the subject.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Zairon.

Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam

Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour

Red Light District Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour

City Center Walking Tour

View all walking tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is a stunningly beautiful city, steeped in history, with hidden treasures and fascinating tales practically around every corner. Like all marvelous cities, Amsterdam has its share of dining and drinking establishments from the modern to the ancient. This guide will assist you in exploring...

Tulips, red lights, weed... Other than these, there are plenty of good things to remember Amsterdam by. What's more, you can take home some of them quite legally. Look here to see what to buy in Amsterdam and...

Cool climate, closeness to sea, and sense of adventure have made the Dutch what they are – skillful farmers, industrious seafarers and, generally, people with the taste for life and good hearty meal, whether it comes from the sea they live by or the land they set their feet on. All of this has...

Don't mind things turning a bit "cheesy" when in Holland. After all, this small country is renowned for its cheese manufacturing and successfully competes, in terms of cheese exports, with such economic giants as the United States and Germany. Amsterdam alone and its vicinities are...

Sitting to the south of the Centrum (city centre) De Pijp area of Amsterdam is a fascinating mixture of trendy urbanites, students, immigrants and Amsterdammers. De Pijp has a long history as the Bohemian part of town, which is reflected in the different cafés of the area. There truly is something...

Known primarily for their cheeses, the Dutch have proven just as passionate about their sweets and pastries, many of which have come about as a result of the centuries of colonial past that had infused Holland with Oriental flavors and ingredients. Blended with their own dairy-rich European...

/ view all

Amsterdam

Antigua

Athens

Auckland

Bangkok

Barcelona

Brussels

Budapest

Buenos Aires

Edinburgh

Florence

Istanbul

Kyoto

Lisbon

London

Madrid

Melbourne

Mexico City

Miami

Munich

New Orleans

New York

Palm Springs

Paris

Prague

Reykjavik

Rome

San Juan

Seville

Singapore

Sydney

Tokyo

Venice

Vienna

Washington D.C.

Zurich