Canals of Amsterdam

Amsterdam's canals, known as the Grachtengordel, form concentric belts around the city and were dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. The three main canals are Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. The canal ring area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is often called the 'Venice of the North'.

Don't miss

• Herengracht, the Patricians' Canal, features the Golden Bend with double wide mansions
• Keizersgracht, the widest canal, is named after Emperor Maximilian I
• Prinsengracht, the longest canal, passes the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk
• Singel, the innermost canal, once served as a medieval moat
• Brouwersgracht, voted most beautiful street, has former warehouses now turned into apartments
• Zwanenburgwal, where painter Rembrandt and philosopher Spinoza once lived

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Canals of Amsterdam

Cheapest way inAmsterdam: Canal Cruise departure from the Anne Frank House4.4★ · 647 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$16 per personSee dates →Most bookedAmsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option4.9★ · 31,477 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$23 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleAmsterdam Your Way: Canals, Hidden Corners & Local Life4.8★ · 251 travelers2-6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Each year, 12,000 to 15,000 bicycles are pulled from the canals in 'bike fishing'
• Many canal houses along Prinsengracht were built during the Dutch Golden Age
• Swimming in canals is not officially encouraged, but locals swim at several locations yearly

A bit of history

The canal system resulted from city planning in the early 17th century, with a plan for four concentric half-circles of canals. Construction proceeded from west to east. The canals were originally for residential development, defense, and water management. Today they are used for tourism, recreation, and houseboats.