Amsterdam Wiechmann Hotel

During the 17th century, Jordaan represented the outskirts of Amsterdam—and the smelly, squalid home of the city's immigrants and working class. Despite a gritty past, today it's a sought-after 'hood, replete with trendy restaurants and leafy canals. But the alternative community spirit for which Jordaan has always been known is still very much intact, in everything from eccentric architectural details to funky shops and galleries.

There aren't many tourist sights here, with the exception of the Houseboat Museum and Electric Ladyland, a quirky museum of fluorescent art. The former is situated across from a colorful square (Johnny Jordaanplein) that pays tribute to a popular 1950s singer (Johnny Jordaan) whose songs extolling the neighborhood's poor but spirited community can still be heard in local cafés.

Cheap hotels in the Jordaan aren't easy to come by, although we have managed to find and recommend one (below). For more inexpensive options, we'd recommend walking just a few minutes to the Western Canal Ring (Grachtengordel West).