Here's Why Iconic Amsterdam Canals Are a Must-See Attraction

The unique layout of Amsterdam’s canal belt, with concentric arcs curving around the central city district, makes it one of the most renowned pieces of urban design in the world. Find out more about the history and modern-day charms of the canals that make Amsterdam so special.

Waterways have been used in Amsterdam since the city’s founding in the Middle Ages, including as moats used for defence. Transportation of goods took over as the main purpose of these canals, but as the city grew, something more impressive was required. The Grachtengordel Canal District that can be admired today was built over several decades during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. This was during the period known as the Dutch Golden Age, when science and the arts flourished. Unfortunately, hygiene didn’t flourish until much later, and the construction of the steam-powered pump station, Gemaal Zeeburg in 1879 was vital in cleaning up the waterways by flushing them out using water from nearby Zuiderzee bay.

Good to know: The canal ring was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010.

Defence, transportation, water management, and residential and commercial development were the main purposes of the waterways. There are 1,550 buildings with historical significance along the canals, which have added to the belt’s status as a symbol of the city for centuries. Artists have been drawn to the allure of the canals, including Claude Monet, who painted his revered yet simply named “Canal in Amsterdam” in 1874. The canals are still an important part of the transportation system, except these days they are used to transport people instead of goods, with water taxis and cruise boats buzzing along the water. The canals compete with bicycles as the most iconic form of transportation in the city, and these two methods collide in a curious way: more than 10,000 bikes are fished out of the canals each year! 

Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals (listed from inwards to outwards) are the three main canals that form the famous crescent shape of the canal ring. The Singel canal is located further inside, just off Dam Square, and originally encircled the medieval core of the city. Confusion sometimes arises due to there being another waterway called the Singelgracht just outside of these four main canals. This is because the names of the two waterways both come from the Dutch word omsingelen, meaning “to surround”. The inner Singel canal surrounded the medieval city, while the outer Singelgracht came later and surrounded the expanded city during the 17th century.

Herengracht is celebrated for the Gouden Bocht (“Golden Bend”) section between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat. From the 17th century onwards, prominent figures in the city bought multiple adjacent lots so they could build grand homes along the canal. Take your camera and head down to the bridge at the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canals. You’ll be able to see 15 of Amsterdam’s bridges all at the same time: left, right, and straight ahead.

Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal) is the widest in the city and is known for the picturesque historical architecture along it. Take a moment as you stand on one of the 14 bridges that cross the canal to imagine the bustle of life along these waterways in days gone by. As you make your way along the canal, don’t miss Rode Hoed (Red Hat), a storied property that was a hatmaker’s premises in the 1600s then later became a secret church. If you visit in winter, you might see the canal frozen over with skaters making the most of the ice!

Prinsengracht is the longest of the major canals, and it forms a border of the hip Jordaan district with its boutiques, art galleries and innovative restaurants. Keep an eye out for some of the more obscure sights along Prinsengracht too, like the statue of a stork above the door of what was once a midwife’s practice during the 1600s — look for the red house at Reguliersgracht 92.

The city has 165 canals in total, with a combined length of around 100 km or 62 miles, and more than 1,200 bridges cross the city’s waterways. The city is often called the “Venice of the north”, but in fact the length of the canals and the number of bridges are both significantly more in Amsterdam than in Venice. Luckily, the celebrated areas of the famous canal ring can easily be explored by bicycle or on foot, and the main canals will be right outside your door if you’re staying in a hotel in the old centre.

Stop by Zwanenburgwal, a short canal off Waterlooplein square that’s not so well-known by tourists but beloved by locals for its charming appearance. It’s also where the renowned artist Rembrandt lived during the 17th century. His former house is now a museum dedicated to his work and life. Adding to the area's rich historical character, you'll find the Spinozamonument nearby, a stately statue honoring Baruch Spinoza, one of the greatest philosophers of the Enlightenment. The pedestal of the monument reads: 'The purpose of the state is freedom', a profound summary of Spinoza's philosophy that still resonates today.

Brouwersgracht (Brewers’ Canal) on the opposite side of the old centre is renowned for its watercolour-worthy attractiveness and its serenity. If you need a break from the excitement of the city, spend a little time in this area.

Try something completely different with a visit to Java-eiland, a peninsula in the Eastern Docklands district. Here, the post-modern canal houses designed by local architects contrast with the historic buildings in the old centre and are a hidden gem of the city.

Good to know: Waterlooplein square is home to a popular flea market and the oldest in the country, so you might want to pick up some bargains after you’ve strolled beside Zwanenburgwal!

Prinsengracht is lined with some of the city’s most prominent locations like the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk, the biggest church in Amsterdam. Don’t miss the Houseboat Museum, housed in a freighter dating from 1914, where you’ll find living quarters in the former cargo hold and get a sense of life on a houseboat. You’ll probably end up chatting with the owner!

To admire water views from your own accommodation, book a relaxed canal-view room at ibis Amsterdam Centre Stopera or a butler-serviced suite at Canal House Suites at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.

Houseboat Museum address: Prinsengracht 296 K, 1016 HW Amsterdam

Open:

• March to October: 10 am to 5 pm daily except Mondays
• November to February: 10 am to 5 pm Thursday to Sunday

Some of the best restaurants in Amsterdam can be found along the canals, and in areas just off the waterways such as Jordaan and Dam Square. Cafe van Zuylen (Torensteeg 8) actually has a terrace set directly on a bridge over the Singel canal; drop in for simple comfort food and a lively, friendly atmosphere. For something more upscale, complement your canal views with truffle ravioli at Casa di David (Singel 426) or oysters at De Belhamel (Brouwersgracht 60), which is located at the junction of Brouwersgracht and Herengracht.

If you want to tour the Canal District by bicycle, it’s easy to rent a bike around Central Station, Leidseplein square and Dam Square which are all in and around the main canal belt. But once you see the sun glistening on the smooth surface of the water, you’ll likely want to get right out on to the canals and feel at one with these cultural treasures. Canal tours are plentiful, and you can book a Canal Cruise Ticket that is accepted by all operators. You can also rent a vessel and organise your own boat trip along Amsterdam’s canals!

Feeling adventurous? Rent a canoe or a standup paddleboard (SUP). Some SUPs even come with seats, so you can take a break and sit amid the reflections of venerable buildings as you enjoy a cold drink on the water.

Alternatively, if you take a seat on one of the trams along the Tram 2 line, you’ll be able to take in views of the major canals and many other revered landmarks around the city. This public transport is also used by local commuters, so tickets don’t cost much, but the line just happens to be one of the most impressive tram routes in the world!

Peak tourist season in the capital is during June, July and August, so if you want to wander along the canals without big crowds then April, May or September are the best months to visit. The weather in summer is pleasant rather than hot, so if you’re fine with the crowds then the warmer months are a good time to explore. You might also want to base your plans around events like the boat parade on King’s Day (April 27th) or the canal-side installations of Amsterdam Light Festival (end of November to late January).

Now that you know more about Amsterdam canals, let the water be your guide on your journey around the capital!