Canals of Amsterdam: Top 5 Must-See Grachtengordel in 2023

Definition

In Dutch, a canal is referred to as a “gracht,” and the plural form is “grachten.” Amsterdam features several canals that collectively form the central canal district, known as the “grachtengordel” in Dutch.

History

The canals of Amsterdam took shape in the early 17th century as the city’s population expanded beyond its medieval boundaries. Urban planners devised a bold expansion plan. These canals were not just designed for aesthetics; they played a crucial role in draining and reclaiming the swampy lands.

In 2010, UNESCO designated the Amsterdam canals as a World Heritage site. Interestingly, Amsterdam has more canals than Venice.

Number of Canals in Amsterdam

Currently, Amsterdam boasts 165 canals, along with three times as many bridges than any other city worldwide. This vibrant Dutch city also has more bicycles than its population of 863,200, with around 12,000 bikes being removed from the canals each year.

Which Canals Are There?

The primary canals in Amsterdam include the semicircular Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. A helpful way to remember these names is that, except for the Singel canal, the others appear in alphabetical order as you move outward from the city center.

5 Best Canals in Amsterdam

1 | Singel

Beginning at the IJ River and ending at Munt Square (Muntplein in Dutch), the Singel canal flows into the Binnen Amstel. Established in 1428 and extended in 1450, this waterway initially served as a defensive moat for Amsterdam’s western boundaries. Featuring stunning historic buildings, one notable site along the canal is the House “De Dolphijn,” dating back to 1600—a residence of Frans Banning Cocq, famously portrayed by Rembrandt in his masterpiece, Night Watch.

Since 1968, the Singel canal has been home to an official Cat boat, a houseboat sheltering numerous stray cats. This unique floating animal sanctuary is renowned worldwide and has become a beloved tourist attraction.

2 | Herengracht

The Herengracht was where the city’s wealthiest residents settled after the completion of the canals, leaving their previous homes on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the infamous “De Wallen” (Red Light District). The canal is named after the Heeren XVII (17 Gentlemen) of the Dutch East India Company, with grand mansions lining its banks.

3 | Keizersgracht

The Keizersgracht, the second of Amsterdam’s main canals, lies between the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht. This wide 28-meter canal is named in honor of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and was excavated one year after the Prinsengracht, which was started in 1614.

Old buildings dating back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries adorn both sides of the Keizersgracht. The most notable structure is the House with the Heads, built in 1622 and named for six head-shaped ornaments adorning its façade.

4 | Prinsengracht

The Prinsengracht, named after Willem the Silent, Prince of Orange, was constructed as a more affordable canal featuring smaller residences and warehouses. Originally, it served as a barrier against the adjacent working-class district known as the Jordaan.

Today, the Prinsengracht is the most vibrant of all canals, teeming with cafes, shops, and houseboats. It plays host to one of Amsterdam’s largest annual events, the Amsterdam Pride, during the first weekend of August.

5 | Brouwersgracht

The Brouwersgracht is a radial canal in Amsterdam, crossing others. Its name is derived from the numerous breweries that once operated along its banks. Many people consider the Brouwersgracht to be one of the most beautiful canals in the city.

How Many Canals Does Amsterdam Have?

Amsterdam has a total of 165 canals, a figure that doesn’t even account for the various waterways in the city—just the canals. These water channels were created during the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age to facilitate the transportation of goods and people. Nowadays, they serve as popular recreational spots for both residents and tourists, with many enjoying canal cruises or renting boats to explore the city from the water. Given the extensive network of canals, it’s no surprise that Amsterdam is often affectionately called the “Venice of the North.”

Amsterdam Canal Tour

Seeing Amsterdam from the water is one of the best experiences you can have in this beautiful city. There are numerous tour companies available, and we can recommend the best ones to help you maximize your visit.

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