Top Canals to Visit in Amsterdam, Europe

Winding through the heart of Amsterdam, the city's iconic canals offer a glimpse into its rich history, charming architecture, and vibrant culture.

Amsterdam, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is renowned across the globe for its beautiful, unlimited canals. The canals, constructed mostly during the 17th century, were initially constructed as part of city growth and subsequently developed into a critical center for trade. In the present times, Amsterdam canals define its beauty, offering picturesque vistas, historical monuments, and quaint communities. Moreover, Grachtengordel (Canal Ring), they are the prime destination of tourists, much sought after for features in tourism guides and posts on social networking sites.

With Amsterdam's pedestrian-friendly streets and walking neighborhoods, a visit to its canals is pure bliss. Whether you want to spend it afloat on a boat tour or foot, we’ve summed up some of the best canals in Amsterdam for you!

The Singel is Amsterdam's oldest canal and forms the innermost ring of the Grachtengordel. Built in the 15th century, this canal once served as the city's moat, connecting the Amstel River and the IJ Bay. Today, this historic waterway showcases charming merchant houses and notable landmarks.

One of Amsterdam's best canal views can be enjoyed at the Munttoren, a 17th-century tower proudly located where the Singel intersects with the Amstel River. Another fascinating attraction is House No. 7, one of the world's narrowest dwellings, only about one meter in width! Nearby, you can also view the Ronde Lutherse Kerk, an elegant circular church with a recognizable dome-shaped roof.

Walk along the Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) to capture Amsterdam's heritage of wealth and splendor. Built in the early 17th century, it was the home of the city's richest citizens, with beautiful merchant houses along its banks. Now, its historic buildings and secrets make it an interesting place to visit.

One of its most special attractions is The Embassy of the Free Mind, a unique museum showcasing medieval art in a stunning merchant house at No. 123. Another attraction is the Groenlandpakhuizen (Greenland Storehouses)—one of the few remaining parts of Amsterdam's whaling days, originally for storing whale oil and associated merchandise. Stepped gables and decorative windows adorn this canal, it is an architect's feast for the eyes. Make sure to visit Herengracht, another landmark canal, which is located just between Keizersgracht and Singel, so it is easy to visit all three on a walking tour.

Stretching 3 km from Westerdok to the Amstel River, Prinsengracht is one of Amsterdam's liveliest canals. Constructed in the early 1600s, it represents a time of massive urban expansion, transforming Amsterdam into one of the biggest cities in the world.

This canal has some of the city's most celebrated attractions, such as the Anne Frank House, the Houseboat Museum, and the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Explore the Westerkerk, a massive church with a commanding bell tower that acts as a directional marker for both Prinsengracht and the Jordaan area.

In the mood for a local treat? You can also head to Papeneiland, a 1641 historic pub, offering an inviting atmosphere and cozy Dutch cuisine, making it an iconic place to enjoy a meal with the lively canal scene.

One of Amsterdam's most stunning canals is Brouwersgracht (Brewers' Canal), renowned for its picturesque bridges, Golden Age merchant houses, and a staggering number of national monuments. True to its name, the canal was originally lined with breweries, providing a lively spectacle for merchants and traders.

Highlights are House No. 20, a small house with a characteristic neck-gable, and Houses No. 188–196, complete with their bold red shutters. A beer enthusiast or a history lover? Plan a tour to A. Van Wees – De Ooievaar craft distillery, offering the best tastings of its unique gins, liqueurs, and spirits hand-distilled in copper kettles.

Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal) was the residence of Amsterdam's most prosperous entrepreneurs in the Dutch Golden Age. Most of its original inhabitants were employed by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and their luxurious mansions still line Herengracht today.

Stop by Herenmarkt Square to view the old VOC headquarters, which is now a national monument. This canal also boasts more than 400 historic buildings, such as the Museum of Bags and Purses and the Museum of the Canals at No. 386, which explores the city's rich canal heritage.

750 meters long, Oudezijds Voorburgwal is filled with historic treasures. The moment you arrive on this street you will be amazed by its clear historical beauty. Highlights are Het Wapen van Riga, a beautiful 1605 trader's house with a classic stepped gable, and Oude Kerk, Amsterdam's oldest church. You may explore Agnietenkapel, which is a Gothic chapel built in 1470. A special attraction is the Our Lord in the Attic Museum, a secret Catholic church during a period when open worship was prohibited in the Netherlands.

Formerly the outer defense ring of Amsterdam, Singelgracht now flows through several districts, serving some of the city's most iconic sights. From the edge of this canal, you will have convenient access to Vondelpark, pay a visit to the magnificent Rijksmuseum to marvel at works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh or go to the remarkable Tropenmuseum with its ethnological collections. Nearby, within walking distance, the Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo is an adventure waiting to happen for children and nature enthusiasts.

You probably didn't know that Amsterdam's shortest yet most historic canal is one of the city's most famous canals! That's right—at a mere 550 meters in length, Kloveniersburgwal is tiny but full of history! Established as far back as the late 1400s, this canal, together with the Singel and Geldersekade, constituted the city's first defense system.

Wander down Kloveniersburgwal and let its magnificent architecture impress you. Have a look at the Trippenhuis at No. 29, a refined palace-like house, and do not miss the Narrow House at No. 26—one of the city's landmarks! Most of these historic houses today are occupied by part of the University of Amsterdam, including the stunning Bushuis and Oudemanhuispoort. And when do you require a pause? Just pop into one of the quaint cafés, international restaurants, or artisanal gelato houses scattered along the canal.

Looking for an alternative to Amsterdam's Canal District has to offer? Visit Entrepotdok, a captivating waterway bordered by the city's largest inhabited merchant house complex! This oldest trading center continues to resonate with Amsterdam's historical past, complete with its scenic row of warehouses along the city's northern shore. Walk over the Nijlpaardenbrug (Hippos' Bridge) to the southern side, and you will find yourself in a world of culture and heritage. The Dutch Resistance Museum brings you on an intimate tour of life during WWII, with stories of courage and perseverance. A short walk from there, Artis Zoo awaits you—one of Europe's oldest zoos, where you'll explore anything from tropical parrots to majestic big cats.

If you enjoy a combo of nature, history, and culture, Nieuwe Herengracht is your canal! Stretching from the Herengracht and running along the Amstel River, this picturesque waterway is famous for its verdant green areas and interesting landmarks. The Hermitage Amsterdam is an incredible museum of art and history exhibitions housed within a historic 17th-century almshouse. Just a short walk away, the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam welcomes you into a botanical wonderland, featuring thousands of rare plants, massive greenhouses, and even a butterfly house!

Before departing, take a moment at Wertheimpark, a serene location that also features the Auschwitz Monument, a somber remembrance of the lost during WWII.