Local area:
The city centre area is called 'The Jordaan'. It is the most popular area to live for the locals and people from outside Amsterdam. The area has been renovated the last 25 years and does have an historical look.
Old Amsterdam houses and elevations have been restored as it was in the middle centuries. Small streets with not much traffic. Some streets are even closed for cars.
Nice and luxury shops, bars, all kind of restaurants, weekly markets, canals, canals houses, Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank House all within walking distance.
Quiet street with a playground at the end of the street.
Markets:
Around the corner of the apartment you have weekly markets;
Saturday Market
Saturday on the Lindengracht you have a market which is open the whole day from 7 am up to 6 pm. All kind of fish, meat, cheese, bread, fruits, flowers, clothes and many other things can be found here. At the end of the Lindenstraat you can find a biological market for fruit, vegetables, cheese, honey and other delicious food.
Monday Market
This market can be found around the corner of the apartment on The Westerstraat (a street which has been before a canal).
This market is very well known in The Netherlands for cloths and textile. Worthwhile to bring a visit.
At the end of the Lindenstraat you will find on the Monday Market semi antique and other stuff from the attic.
If you want to buy some old stuff from Amsterdam it is a must to go.
Restaurants:
There are many very good restaurants which can be found on the Lindengracht and Westerstraat. All just around the corner of the apartment.
An Italian restaurant called Toscanin on the Lindengracht has beautiful and well prepared dishes. But also in the beginning of the Lindenstraat, the Noordermarkt has a restaurant called Bordenwijk. Good food for a decent price.
Also you can find on the Lindengracht a bar/restaurant called Daalder. They have a simple but good menu and the price is acceptable.