An Amsterdam Canal Side Apartment in the Heart of the Jordaan

The Jordaan is probably one of the most captivating areas of Amsterdam, although curiously overlooked by many in favour of the bright lights and well trodden cafes and bars which are a feature of the city centre.

On the western edge of the city, the Jordaan is packed with character. Narrow streets crammed full of independent, off the wall shops and clusters of some of the best bars and restaurants that this vibrant city has to offer.

Amsterdam can be an expensive place to stay. Although food and drink and the usual glut of tourist attractions are comparable to most other European destinations, accommodation can be at the higher end of the price scale.

Situated on the Lijnbaansgracht canal, the Studio Apartment Amsterdam Center offers excellent accommodation in the most picture-esque area of the city at an excellent price.

Studio Apartment Amsterdam Center, Lijnbaansgracht 156

The apartment is spacious and bright with glass panelled wooden doors to the front. It features a double bed and a generous living area which includes a dining area for two people, a couch and flat screen television. The owner also provides wi-fi and access to an iPad within the apartment. The bathroom and kitchen areas are smaller but are tastefully decorated and really well equipped with everything you require.

Bedroom and living area of the apartment

On the doorstep of the Jordaan are some excellent bars and restaurants. In the farthest north of the district you will find the super-cool Bar Finch slap bang next to the bustling Noordermarkt. It has a great tapas style snack menu as well as bigger mains on an Asian Fusion theme with a popular outdoor terrace for sunny days. Hop just over the Prinsengracht canal to Cafe Tabac which is as laid back a bar as you are likely to find anywhere in the world. Don't let the basic decor put you off - the atmosphere is great and they have an extensive bar to work your way through!

Situated centrally within the Jordaan is Cafe t'Smalle, which is an Amsterdam drinking institution on the intersection of the Prinsengracht and Egelantiersgracht. This is a real worldly old school institution - marble chequered floor, wood panelled walls, stained glass windows - where you are transported back in time to an Amsterdam of years before. Here you can brush shoulders with the old local crowd, passing the afternoon sharing stories and playing cards.

Cafe t'Smalle

A short walk from the heart of the Jordaan will take you the Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets). This is a charming conglomeration of quirky shops selling anything from homewares to vintage clothing. It is the perfect place to spend the day, dropping in and out of the shops and soaking up the atmosphere in it's array of cafes, restaurants and bars.

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Jordaan and the Studio Apartment gives you the perfect base to explore the most vibrant area of the city.