Amsterdam Jordaan Open Garden Days
Amsterdam’s Jordaan district is a vibrant historic area that’s full of hidden gems, cute cafes, local markets, vintage stores and boutique shops. But did you know that there are also plenty of lush green spaces throughout the city?
Open Tuinendag (Open Garden Day) is an annual summer event that gives visitors the rare opportunity to explore some of the city's most beautiful and well-maintained gardens. Events take place in different neighborhoods including Oud-West, the canal belt, and in the Jordaan which I visited a few weeks ago.
For only 3 Euros, your ticket gets you into a variety of private gardens, rooftops and courtyards that are hidden between the historic canal houses. If you’re into lush greenery, colorful flowers, and unique landscaping this event is for you!
During OpenTuinendag Dag, I discovered the serenity of private gardens tucked away behind historic canal houses. These gardens, often out of sight from the bustling streets, are rich with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and community crafted landscapes. Walking through these spaces felt like stepping into a secret world, where the noise of the city faded away and was replaced by the soothing sounds of nature.
In a city as lively as Amsterdam, having access to pockets of nature is essential for my well-being and there’s nothing better than a bit of serenity, especially during busy summer months. These green sanctuaries offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, a place to unwind, reflect, and reconnect with nature. It's amazing how a few moments spent in these gardens can rejuvenate my spirit. Amsterdam’s green areas are also vital for maintaining biodiversity, offering a habitat for various species of birds, insects, and plants while helping to improve the city’s air quality.
One of the most special aspects of the Open Garden Days is the opportunity it provides to connect with your neighbors. In a city like Amsterdam, where people often live close to one another yet remain strangers, events like this encourage connection and community building. Wandering through these beautiful gardens is also a chance to meet the residents who maintain them. I had fun exchanging gardening tips and hearing their stories. Sometimes, Amsterdam’s energy feels very rough and isolating so this was a nice a chance to connect with a different side of the city and its people—one that is warm, welcoming, and rooted in a shared love for nature.
Visiting the Jordan’s hidden courtyards and gardens not only deepened my appreciation for the beauty and tranquility that green spaces but also highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of community in our busy urban lives. The Jordaan Open Tuinendag reminded me that even in a busy city, there are places to slow down, connect with nature, and build connections with my fellow Amsterdammers. One of the garden’s residents had sunflowers for sale so, I bought a few to plant on my terrace garden. Finger’s crossed they will flourish!
Discover more about this great neighborhood in my Amsterdam Jordaan City Guide!
