Folk Heroes

Every country has its folk legends – the colourful personalities who are part of the local cultural scene. Amsterdam – the flamboyant capital of The Netherlands – is no different. Here we mention some of the local heroes and where to go to experience Amsterdam as “The People’s City”.

In the Jordaan

The Jordaan – a formerly working class ‘hood - is a district which oozes typical Amsterdam character. Here you’ll find many popular Amsterdam icons and it’s undoubtedly the most sung about, most written about and most romanticized district in the whole of the Netherlands! At the end of the Elandsgracht (called the Johnny Jordaan Plein) are the images of four musical icons: the one-eyed Johnny Jordaan, Tante Leen, Manke Nelis and Johnny Meyer. If you’d like to hear their music head to Café Nol, a little further up the street.

Amsterdam folk

The Pijp is another people's neighbourhood and is just as famous as the Jordaan. The Albert Cuyp Market runs through the district adding more colour. Halfway down the market, at the intersection with the Eerste Sweelinckstraat, you'll find the statue of perhaps the most popular folk singer Amsterdam has ever known: Andre Hazes. It's no coincidence that the statue was erected here - it's where Hazes was first discovered, singing songs in the street to raise enough money to buy his mother a gift.

Sing along

The authentic folksy feeling can also be found at other locations around Amsterdam. Around the Rembrandtplein there are quite a few bars featuring popular Dutch songs and sing-a-longs. Younger clientele can be found in establishments like CoolDown Cafe, Shorts of London or the Rembrandt Bar. And for the ultimate folksy sing-along don’t miss the annual Jordaan Festival – where you are sure to hear songs of life and meet some memorable authentic Dutch characters!