Hofjes in the Jordaan Neighborhood of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Take a walk and discover these secret courtyards called "hofjes" in Amsterdam's Jordaan neighborhood. Originally built as housing for retired nuns, widows and older single women, these charming houses surrounding courtyard gardens are wonderful places to sneak a peak. Some of them are now home to music students and artists and you may even catch a concert or open atelier on your stroll. A few of my favorite hofjes are pictured! :)