Elandsgracht & De 9 Straatjes

Coffeeshop Johnny’s Tourist Information Guide

Elandsgracht & De 9 Straatjes

Elandsgracht & De 9 Straatjes is a wonderful part of the city to spend the day exploring whenever your visiting Amsterdam. Since the Jordaan was first added to Amsterdam in 1612, the area has seen everything from a small ice age to heavy rioting between locals and the police over illegal eel pulling. Originally when the area was constructed, it was not full of buildings and shops as you see it today. The Jordaan area had a lovely rural feel to it with kitchen gardens and orchards. Officially it was forbidden to build on farmland at that time but slowly over the years farmers added small, cheap houses built directly behind their own and connected with a small corridor.  In the 18th century the Jordaan had 972 corridors to 1690 back houses, in which 3795 families lived.

Elandsgracht

When the Jordaan district was divided up in the 17th century it became a home to the many potters, painters and various other trades people from around Amsterdam. It also became known as the poor district for workers and immigrants of that time. Elandsgracht was home to the leather traders and it’s many leatherworkers. Industrialisation had placed these workers into poverty and it became even worse during the occupation in WWII for the people living here. The whole place under went redevelopment again during the 1960’s & 1970’s. Bringing a new generation of occupants to the area with artists, students and entrepreneurs moving in. They gave the area the flavor it has today – alive, buzzing and a fantastic place to hang out.

Elandsgracht is a lovely location for visitors to Amsterdam.

The Jordan area was once home to a total of 11 canals, with a canal running down the middle of our street. That is until in 1857, when they began filling in many of the canals around the Jordaan. This was due to the poor water quality in the area along with the extra space that was needed to cope with increased traffic. The Elandsgracht was finally filled in back in 1891 and the street stayed much the same until 2016 when the area became pedestrianised. Over the years there has been several plans to uncover some of the canals again but this has always been met by opposition from the shop keepers and market traders in the area.

You’ll find many award winning shops located down our little street. It’s definitely worth your time to have an explore of the area.

http://www.elandsgracht.com

De 9 Straatjes

De Negen Straatjes or the nine little streets in English, is a wonderful neighborhood in Amsterdam. Made up of nine amazing little side streets off of Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel in the center of Amsterdam. The idea to promote the Nine Little Streets as a shopping area came from Djoeke Wessing and since the 1990’s they have been promoting themselves with the name De Negen Straatjes.

Reestraat – Roe Deer Street

Hartenstraat – Hearts Street

Gasthuismolensteeg – Inn Mill Alley

Berenstraat – Bear Street

Wolvenstraat – Wolf Street

Oude Spiegelstraat – Old Mirror Street

Runstraat – Cow Street

Huidenstraat – Pelts Street

Wijde Heisteeg – Wide Heath Street

De 9 Straatjes is the ideal neighbourhood to get to know Amsterdam in all its variety and richness. The area offers a great overview of the architectural styles that are Amsterdam’s heritage. The construction goes back to the first half of the 17th century and after 400 years it is still very lively with artisan businesses, hidden cafes, hotspot restaurants and galleries. There is also on offer many unique and specialized authentic shops. Dealing in fashion, shoes, bags, vintage antiques, housewares and one-offs.

It’s areas like this that really make you feel comfortable in Amsterdam, so they say!

http://de9straatjes.nl/