Historical Jordaan Walking Tour

Travel back in time and get to know what Amsterdam used to be like in the 17th century! See famous historical landmarks, hear heartbreaking stories of the past, and discover the vibrancy of the Jordaan neighbourhood!

Duration 1.5 hours

Private tour available in English, Dutch

Private tour pricing from 15 EUR per person

Group tour available in English, Dutch

Group tour pricing from 15 EUR per person

Fascinating and informative guided tour about the history of the old Amsterdam neighbourhood ‘De Jordaan’. Guide Breklyn takes you to places tourists would not normally find by themselves, and some other hidden gems. Interesting places: the corridors of Willemstreet, Johnny Jordaan Square, Begijnhof (former Béguinage), Westerchurch, Homomonument, and so much more.

Highlights

Hear stories of the oppressed people who once lived in Jordaan

Pass by Anne Frank’s House

Learn about the hidden artworks in the Jordaan

Description

We’ll start at Begijnhof – a group of historic buildings that used to be a Béguinage. This secret courtyard was founded in the Middle Ages and was once a place where unmarried or widowed Catholic women lived. You’ll hear their stories as you walk quietly around the courtyard with your guide.

After that, we'll slowly wander through the Jordaan area where you’ll be told fascinating and heartbreaking stories of the many different oppressed people who lived in the area including Catholics, Jews, artistic youths and labourers. You’ll hear how these outcasts rose up and stood together to create better lives.

You’ll then have the chance to learn about a popular musician in the 1900s as we walk through the shady square known as Johnny Jordaanplein.

We'll pass by the Westerkerk and Anne Frank’s House before strolling along the Tweede Egelantiersdwarsstraat where you’ll be shown funky cafes, restaurants and hidden art.

The tour will then head to the Noordermarkt area and then Willemsstraat which used to be one of the most neglected streets in the city. You’ll learn how the neighbourhood has changed over time.