Jordaan Neighborhood

One of the prettiest, most authentic neighborhoods in Amsterdam is the Jordaan, located west of the city center near the canal belt. In the ’70s and ’80s, the Jordaan, up to then primarily a district where workers and immigrants lived, began drawing a large number of artists and designers. Today it is one of the most coveted—and expensive—residential areas, although pockets have resisted gentrification. There are tons of cute boutiques, especially along Haarlemmerstraat, and such restaurants as Toscanini and Winkel43 (for their famous apple cake). Sights include the Anne Frank Huis and the Westerkerk. Gardeners should also stop by the Tulip Museum, which has a lovely gift shop.