Top Things to Do Along the Amsterdam Canals – Cruise, Walk, and Discover

Welcome to the enchanting Amsterdam Canals, the lifeblood of the city and the very reason it’s called the “Venice of the North.” As your tour guide, I’ll take you on a journey through history, culture, beauty, and hidden stories of this world-famous waterway system.
 

The Amsterdam canal belt, or Grachtengordel, is not only one of the city’s most iconic features but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 100 kilometers of canals, over 1,500 bridges, and nearly 90 islands, these picturesque waterways shape the character and daily life of Amsterdam like no other.

📜 A Brief History of the Canals

The canals date back to the 17th century, Amsterdam’s Golden Age, when the city was expanding rapidly due to booming trade. To accommodate growth and improve transportation, engineers developed a concentric ring of canals around the old city center.

The Three Main Canals:

Herengracht – “Gentlemen’s Canal,” where the wealthy merchants once lived

Keizersgracht – “Emperor’s Canal,” named after Emperor Maximilian I

Prinsengracht – “Prince’s Canal,” the outermost and liveliest ring

This thoughtful city planning was considered revolutionary and became a model for cities across Europe.

🚤 Best Ways to Explore the Canals

Whether you want to admire the view, take stunning photos, or enjoy a romantic ride, there are many ways to explore the canals:

1. Canal Cruises

A canal cruise is the most popular way to experience the waterways. Choose from:

Daytime sightseeing cruises

Romantic candlelight or evening cruises

Pizza, burger, or wine-and-cheese cruises

Private boat hire with a captain

Cruises usually last between 60 to 90 minutes and cover all major canals with multilingual audio guides.

2. Self-Drive Electric Boats

If you want more control, rent a whisper boat or an electric sloop. No license is required, and it’s perfect for couples or families.

3. Kayaking or Canoeing

For adventurous travelers, kayaking provides an up-close look at the city’s waterscapes. It's peaceful, eco-friendly, and lets you reach smaller canals.

4. Walking or Biking the Canal Belt

Exploring on foot or bike gives you a slower pace to enjoy historic bridges, canal houses, and charming cafés.

🏘️ Canal-Side Attractions You Can’t Miss

🌟 Anne Frank House

Located on Prinsengracht, this museum draws visitors from around the world to learn about Anne Frank's life during WWII.

🖼️ Museum of the Canals (Het Grachtenhuis)

Found on Herengracht, this interactive museum dives deep into the canal’s history, architecture, and role in shaping Amsterdam.

🏛️ Rijksmuseum Viewpoint

Stand on the Museumbrug near the Rijksmuseum to capture one of the city’s most iconic canal views.

🛍️ Nine Streets (De 9 Straatjes)

A trendy neighborhood nestled between canals, full of vintage boutiques, independent shops, and cozy cafes.

📷 Best Canal Photo Spots

Brouwersgracht – Often voted the most beautiful canal

Corner of Leidsegracht and Keizersgracht – Iconic postcard spot

Bridge 300 (Reguliersgracht) – Where 7 bridges are visible in a row

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) – Romantic lit-up bridge, especially at night

Tip: Golden Hour (right after sunrise or before sunset) offers the best lighting for dreamy canal shots.

🍽️ Dining Along the Canals

Amsterdam’s canals aren’t just for sightseeing—they’re also the backdrop to some of the city’s most atmospheric dining experiences.

Canal-Side Cafés & Restaurants:

De Belhamel – French-Italian cuisine on Brouwersgracht

Restaurant Ambassade – Elegant dining in a literary-themed hotel

Café ‘t Smalle – Cozy historic café with canal views

Waterkant – Trendy riverside bar with Surinamese flavors

Some restaurants even have floating terraces, letting you dine right on the water!

🏨 Where to Stay with Canal Views

Pulitzer Amsterdam – A luxury hotel made from 25 connected canal houses

Ambassade Hotel – Overlooking Herengracht with classic Dutch charm

Hotel Estheréa – Romantic interiors with beautiful canal views

Houseboats – Rent a canal houseboat for a unique stay in the city

🗓️ Best Time to Visit the Amsterdam Canals

In December, enjoy the Amsterdam Light Festival, when art installations illuminate the canals.

🎭 Festivals and Events on the Canals

King’s Day (April 27) – Orange-clad crowds and floating parties

Pride Amsterdam (August) – Canal parade with extravagant boats

Grachtenfestival (August) – Classical music performed on canal barges

Amsterdam Light Festival (Dec–Jan) – Light art displays throughout the canal belt

🎨 Art & Architecture Along the Canals

The canal belt is lined with 17th-century townhouses, many still occupied today or converted into museums, offices, and boutique hotels. Look for:

Gabled façades (step, neck, and bell styles)

Decorative stone plaques above doorways

Modern glass and steel buildings that blend with old styles

🌿 Hidden Courtyards and Gardens

Begijnhof – A peaceful courtyard behind the canals, dating back to the Middle Ages

Museum Van Loon Garden – A canal house garden open to the public

Secret cafés tucked into canal alleys and lanes

🚲 Getting Around

Amsterdam’s canal belt is very walkable, but for efficient travel:

Trams and buses operate frequently through the city center

Rent a bike for easy access to bridges and quiet canals

Canal hop-on-hop-off boats available with day passes

Use the I Amsterdam City Card for discounts and free transport

✅ Tips from Your Tour Guide

Avoid peak hours (midday) for a quieter canal experience

Walk different canals at different times of day for varied light and mood

Watch out for cyclists when walking along narrow canal paths

Respect local residents—many live right along the canal edges

Try a night cruise to see the canals lit with lanterns and reflections

💬 Why You Should Visit the Amsterdam Canals

No visit to the Netherlands is complete without experiencing the Amsterdam Canals. Whether you're gliding under bridges on a silent boat, sipping coffee by the water, or watching the world go by from a centuries-old bridge, the canals offer a romantic, historic, and uniquely Dutch experience.

They are more than just waterways—they are stories carved into the cityscape, waiting for you to explore.