Jordaan Neighborhood Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's most picturesque neighborhoods, known for its narrow streets, small canals, art galleries, independent shops, and cozy brown cafes. Originally a working-class district, it is now a trendy area that draws visitors for its atmosphere and architecture.

For wheelchair users, the Jordaan presents real challenges. Many streets are paved with cobblestones, side streets can be narrow, and canal bridges often have steps or steep inclines. However, the main streets are wider and better maintained, and with some planning, you can enjoy the best of the Jordaan on an accessible route.

This guide focuses on the most wheelchair-friendly paths through the neighborhood.

Getting There

• Tram: Trams 13 and 17 run along the edge of the Jordaan on Rozengracht and Westermarkt. Both stops are close to the main accessible streets. All GVB trams have low-floor boarding.
• Bus: Bus 18 and 21 serve the Jordaan area along Haarlemmerstraat to the north.
• Metro: Amsterdam Centraal (all metro lines) is a 10-15 minute roll to the northern edge of the Jordaan. Follow Haarlemmerstraat west from the station.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• Best route: Stick to the main north-south streets: Prinsengracht, Elandsgracht, and Rozengracht. These have the widest sidewalks and smoothest paving.
• Cobblestones: Most side streets in the Jordaan have cobblestone paving. Some streets have a smoother paved strip alongside the cobblestones, but this varies.
• Canal bridges: Many smaller bridges over the Jordaan's canals have steps or steep arches. The bridges on Prinsengracht are generally wider and flatter.
• Narrow passages: Some streets between Prinsengracht and the smaller Jordaan canals are less than 2 meters wide, making them tight for power chairs.

Accessible Toilets

There are no public accessible toilets in the Jordaan. Your best options are accessible restrooms in nearby cafes and restaurants. The Winkel 43 cafe at Noordermarkt has an accessible ground-floor toilet. The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht 267 also has accessible facilities for ticket holders.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Plan a route along Prinsengracht (the outermost canal) for the widest sidewalks and fewest obstacles. Walk south from Westermarkt toward Elandsgracht for the best stretch.
• Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds, especially around Noordermarkt (Saturday market) and Westerstraat (Monday market).
• Many Jordaan shops and galleries have a step at the entrance. Call ahead or check the Able Amsterdam website (ableamsterdam.com) for a list of step-free venues.
• Consider a wheelchair-accessible canal cruise as an alternative way to see the Jordaan's canal houses from the water without navigating the streets.
• The Noordermarkt farmers' market (Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm) is held on a flat, paved square and is more accessible than the surrounding streets.