Canals of Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Canal Ring Explained

The canals of Amsterdam are world-famous and together form the Amsterdam Canal Ring. The canal ring was constructed in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, as part of the so-called Fourth Expansion—the fourth major expansion of Amsterdam. The canals run in a semicircle around the medieval city center. Since 2010, the canal ring has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below is an overview of the most important canals, their history, and what you can see during a canal cruise.

The three main canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht

Amsterdam's canal ring has three main canals that lie in a semicircle around the city center. They are the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. This combination of Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, all dug in the 17th century during the Fourth Expansion. The canals were not dug for tourist purposes or defense, but as a representative district where wealthy merchants and administrators built their homes. The three main canals served an important function for residents and trade.

The Herengracht

The Herengracht is the most distinguished and originally the most expensive canal of the canal belt. The Herengracht was built for the affluent merchants and officials of Amsterdam. Along the Herengracht stand the largest houses and canal houses, often featuring double facades and ornamental trees on both sides. A famous section of the Herengracht is the so-called Golden Bend—the part between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat, where the most expensive houses of the 17th century were built. To this day, the Herengracht remains an address for embassies, offices, and remarkable residences. Together with the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, the Herengracht forms the heart of the canal belt.

The Emperor's Canal

The Keizersgracht is the middle and widest of the three main canals. The canal is named after Emperor Maximilian of Austria. Along the Keizersgracht, you will find centuries-old canal houses, churches, and museums. With a total length of approximately 2 kilometers and trees on both sides, the Keizersgracht is one of the most beautiful Amsterdam canals to admire from a boat. During the canal cruise, you will discover the typical 17th-century merchant houses with narrow facades and high windows here.

The Prince Canal

The Prinsengracht is the outermost of the three main canals and lies closest to the Jordaan. Along the Prinsengracht stands the world-famous Anne Frank House, located next to the Westerkerk. The Prinsengracht is also known for its lively cafes, restaurants, and floating flower pots. On the east side of the Prinsengracht lies the canal belt, and to the west begins the Jordaan district. The Prinsengracht is often the favorite canal of residents, as the atmosphere is more informal than that of the Herengracht.

De Singel and the Fourth Explanation

De Singel is the oldest of the city canals, with roots in the Middle Ages, and originally formed the city moat of medieval Amsterdam. The Singel was later followed by the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht during the Fourth Expansion. The Singel now runs inside the canal ring and is known for the Bloemenmarkt, the only floating flower market in the world. Also located on the Singel is Amsterdam's narrowest house, at number 7, which is only 1 meter wide.

The medieval center and the Amstel

The medieval center of Amsterdam is located within the Singel canal and was the original city before the major expansion of the 17th century. Here you will find the oldest churches, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and the narrow alleys of the Red Light District. The Amstel River enters the city from the south and supplies water to the canals. Along the Amstel are historic cafes, the Skinny Bridge, and the former Stopera complex. The Amstel flows to the center and connects Amsterdam with the hinterland.

The Jordaan

The inhabitants of the Jordaan, a historic neighborhood west of the Prinsengracht canal. The name Jordaan is said to originate from the French word “jardin” (garden), relating to the many street names with trees and flowers. Originally a working-class district for laborers and artisans, the Jordaan is today one of the most popular neighborhoods for Amsterdam residents, with narrow canals, hidden courtyards (hofjes), art galleries, and cozy cafes. During the boat tour, you'll sail along the edges of the Jordaan, over the Prinsengracht, and the narrow side canals.

Bridges, buildings, and quays

Amsterdam has over 1500 bridges connecting the canal belt and the city center. The most famous is the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) over the Amstel River, a wooden drawbridge dating back to the 17th century. Along the canals, there are over 3300 monumental canal houses, often built on wooden piles in the soft ground. The ground beneath Amsterdam is very soft. These houses used to serve multiple functions: as residences, for storing goods in the attic (hence the hoisting beams), and as offices for the residents. The combination of bridges, trees, and houses makes the Amsterdam canals undoubtedly the most beautiful in Europe, comparable to the charm of Paris or London, but uniquely Amsterdam.