Working-Class Heroes
Every country has its working-class legends – the colourful personalities who are part of the local cultural scene. Amsterdam – the flamboyant capital of The Netherlands – is no different. Learn more about 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 working-class 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.
Songs about life - Amsterdam's working-class "folk" music
“Levenslied” (songs about life) is one of the descriptive phrases given to this kind of Dutch music. It's most commonly referred to as "volk muziek", music of the folk or people. An iconic café to hear Levenslied live is Bolle Jan in the Jordaan, where Amsterdam "folk" singer René Froger grew up. The café is dripping with dry 'Jordaan humour' and the house rules state: "At the end of the evening, everyone should go home with their own coat, hat and woman." With rules like these, you’re bound to have a good time as you sing along with songs about life!
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 working-class or "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 working-class 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 about life and meet some memorable, authentic Dutch personalities!
Hermitage Amsterdam
The Hermitage museum, located on the banks of Amsterdam’s Amstel river is the Dutch branch of the world-famous Hermitage in Saint Petersburg (Russia). The Hermitage Amsterdam is.. Read more... »
Albert Cuyp Market
There's no place like the Albert Cuyp street market to find your typical Amsterdam sense of humour and laid back atmosphere. Your day out in Amsterdam won't be complete without a.. Read more... »
Appie Baantjer Museum
Museum/Café based on the life of detective and author Appie Baantjer. His works are world-famous in the Netherlands as they formed the basis of a popular Dutch television show. Read more... »
Heineken Experience
The former Heineken Brewery in Amsterdam, a national monument and listed in the European Route of Industrial Heritage, offers some 3000 square metres of special exhibition space... Read more... »
Hidden courtyards
Tucked away behind the street facades and canals of Amsterdam’s inner city are countless courtyards. Most of them were built in the 17th century as a form of Christian.. Read more... »
Amsterdam Jordan Walkingtour
The Jordaan quarter is definitely known as the most romanticized and charming quarter of Amsterdam. Famous for the typical Jordanese sentimental songs, lace curtains, flowers in.. Read more... »
Cooldown Café Rembrandtplein
Partybar at the Rembrandtplein. Read more... »Rembrandt Bar
The Rembrandt bar at the Rembrandtplein, is featuring popular Dutch songs and sing-a-longs. Here the authentic folksy feeling can be found. Read more... »
Statue André Hazes
André Hazes (June 30, 1951 - September 23, 2004) was a Dutch singer in a genre called levenslied (song about life) which is a form of emotional folk music about everyday life.. Read more... »
Strolling through the Pijp
With the walk 'Discovering the Latin Quarter of Amsterdam', you can explore every aspect of this neighbourhood on foot. Formerly a quarter for the working classes, the Pijp is a.. Read more... »
- Tell a friend