Jordaan
Local name: Jordaan
The tourist district is full of boutiques, pubs, restaurants and art galleries. At marketplaces you can buy jewelry, clothing, antiques and organic food. There are antique shops with valuable ceramics and paintings. The district also has museums, including the Anne Frank House.
The district was built at the beginning of the 17th century. Initially, it was inhabited by a poor working class and immigrants, mainly from France, England, Spain and Portugal. They came to Amsterdam in search of religious freedom. At the end of the 20th century, the district became popular among artists and students. From then on, it is experiencing its cultural boom.
There are various theories about the origin of the district name. According to one version, it refers to the French word 'garden', meaning 'jardin'. Especially since many streets here bear the names of plants and flowers. However, according to another theory, the name comes from the Jordan River and refers to a large Jewish minority who settled in Amsterdam.