Even if you haven't heard of it before, Jodenbuurt is one of the most prominent neighborhoods in
Amsterdam. It once served as the city's Jewish Quarter, and this fascinating history is still very much present in the area today. From the vast 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue to the informative Jewish Historical Museum, many places still convey Jodenbuurt’s Jewish identity. Hence, it's as much a touristy city district as it is a lovely residence for locals. At its core, it's a fairly peaceful neighborhood that's as beautiful as it is lively, and it's always worth exploring!
Where is Jodenbuurt in Amsterdam?
Jodenbuurt is one of
Amsterdam's central neighborhoods that's right at the heart of the city. It's only about a kilometer away from the Dam Square, the city center, and is surrounded by the city's other popular districts. It also stands out as Amsterdam's former Jewish Quarter right by the Old Centre. It has a lot of history to offer, from centuries-old landmarks to museums that detail the area and the city's history at large. While it's not exactly a popular tourist destination, it still draws many spectators and even locals alike.
Is Jodenbuurt in Amsterdam Safe?
Don't worry! While Jodenbuurt may not have had a crystal clear reputation in the past, it has since become a fairly safe neighborhood in Amsterdam. Is it the safest part of town? Far from it! Unfortunately, petty crimes like pickpocketing still pose a problem here, but it's not to the extent that it's a major concern. Overall, Jodenbuurt still benefits from the fact that the
crime rates in Amsterdam are low. With a current general crime rate at less than 30%, it's only natural that the city's central districts like Jodenbuurt will be safe overall.
What's The Vibe in Jodenbuurt, Amsterdam?
Historic and picturesque. The rest of Amsterdam's neighborhoods may be lively with their popular tourist spots and hectic urban energy, but Jodenbuurt offers a quieter corner with just as much history. It's not that the place is boring or anything like that. The district still has many fascinating attractions to offer, from museums to historic houses. However, they're simply not as famous and are very niche in comparison. All in all, Jodenbuurt is for those who want to bask in the old-world beauty of Amsterdam. Anyone
moving to Amsterdam looking to embrace its historic glory while preferring to live a fairly quiet life in the Dutch capital will want to settle down here.
Is it Expensive in Jodenbuurt, Amsterdam?
Firstly, it's worth noting that
Amsterdam's living costs are generally high. So no matter the neighborhood, it's bound to be a pricey place to stay. Naturally, this also includes Jodenbuurt, even though it's one of the more affordable parts of Amsterdam-Centrum. Whether it's rent or groceries, staying in Jodenbuurt is comparatively more affordable compared to the other neighborhoods nearby. The average price for a meal here, for instance, is only about €15.00 to €40.00 per person among mid-range to inexpensive restaurants. The rent here is also fairly similar to the city-wide average.
What to See in Jodenbuurt, Amsterdam
As already mentioned, Jodenbuurt still has its fair share of notable sights to see. Among the most famous is the Rembrandt House Museum, which was the former residence of the legendary Dutch painter. Today, it now serves as a shrine to Rembrandt, complete with many of his famous works. Jodenbuurt is also where you'll find the Jewish Historical Museum, an awesome gallery that details what the Jewish community has been through in Amsterdam over the years. The stunning Stopera Complex is not to be overlooked either, especially since it's the home of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.
What to Do in Jodenbuurt, Amsterdam
Jodenbuurt is one of the best places to live a fairly slow life within Amsterdam's city center. This isn't to say that the neighborhood is boring, but there's no denying that it's one of the less famous and more peaceful in Amsterdam-Centrum. Yes, there are many great spots to check out in Jodenbuurt, but they're not exactly the most famous. Hence, the neighborhood stays largely quiet and very local, allowing you to enjoy leisure walks in brisk mornings, dining in homegrown pubs with little to no tourists, and perhaps even raising a family without the big city hassle.
Jodenbuurt's Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
What's definitely not boring about Jodenbuurt is its culinary scene. The neighborhood boasts an exciting array of places to eat, ranging from chill cafes and local pubs to even a few of Amsterdam's best Michelin-starred restaurants. These aren't exactly the most trendy hotspots in town, but they're nevertheless worth checking out. Spots like Soulkitchen Amsterdam on Amstelstraat, Restaurant 21 on Peperstraat, and Roux Amsterdam on Westerstraat are notable standouts since they highlight Dutch and European cuisines. These and many of Jodenbuurt's best restaurants listed below prove that Amsterdam has massive potential to be a food capital.
- Soulkitchen Amsterdam on Amstelstraat
- Restaurant Zaza's on Daniël Stalpertstraat
- La Basta - Kosher Street Food on De Clercqstraat
- Mezzave on Eerste van der Helststraat
- Restaurant Asmara on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein
- Café restaurant van Kerkwijk on Nes
- Restaurant 21 on Peperstraat
- Restaurant Olijfje on Valkenburgerstraat
- Shani's All American Diner on Waterlooplein
- Roux Amsterdam on Westerstraat
What to Know About Renting in Jodenbuurt, Amsterdam
As mentioned previously, Jodenbuurt is one of the more affordable neighborhoods near the city center. Naturally, this includes rent. The average rent in Jodenbuurt ranges from a minimum of €1,500.00 to a maximum of €3,300.00 per month, and those are just for the studio flats to three-bedroom rentals in the area. If you want to stay in the bigger
luxury apartments to rent in Amsterdam, they'll cost you a lot more. Fortunately, Jodenbuurt’s rental real estate market is diverse enough that it's fairly easy to get a place that you can still afford and is big enough for your needs.
Jodenbuurt once served as Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter, making it one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the city. From museums and historical hotspots to many amazing restaurants, the place has a lot to offer to those who want to get the know the city more.
