The Grachtengordel, Amsterdam’s famous canal belt, dates back to the Dutch Golden Age when the city needed to expand beyond its medieval walls. Work began in 1613 when the town started digging what would become today’s famous canal ring.
The project took over 50 years, but the result was worth it – a brilliant network of waterways that turned Amsterdam into a central trading hub.
Today, over 100 kilometres of canals wind through the city centre, lined with about 1,500 historic buildings. UNESCO recognized this feat of engineering by adding the Grachtengordel to its World Heritage list.
After writing about and photographing these canals for over a decade, I’m still amazed at how well they work for modern Amsterdam, just as they did 400 years ago.
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Understanding the Canal Belt Structure
The Grachtengordel consists of three main canals:
- Herengracht (Patricians’ Canal): The most prestigious, known for its Golden Bend
- Keizersgracht (Emperor’s Canal): The widest, with significant merchant houses
- Prinsengracht (Princes’ Canal): The most vibrant, home to significant landmarks
These concentric canals were built during the Dutch Golden Age, creating a masterpiece of urban planning that still functions perfectly today.
The area between Brouwersgracht and Amstel River forms the canal ring proper, though many consider the Singel and outer canals part of the broader network.
Best Times to Visit
Contrary to popular advice, avoid peak summer months (July-August). The best visiting times are:
- Mid-April to early June: Comfortable weather, blooming trees, fewer tourists
- September: Still warm, better light for photography, local life returns to full swing
- January-February: Potential for frozen canals, authentic winter atmosphere
Best Things to Do in the Canal Belt
Cultural Experiences
The Canal House Museum (Het Grachtenhuis) perfectly introduces Amsterdam’s canal architecture and history. Interactive exhibits show how the canals were built and how canal houses evolved over the centuries.
Also Read: Museums in Amsterdam
Hidden courtyards, known locally as hofjes, provide peaceful spaces away from busy streets. You can access these through Begijnhof or the Amsterdam Museum.
For evening entertainment, catch classical performances at historic venues like Felix Meritis on Keizersgracht or the intimate Bethaniënklooster near the old harbor. These concerts often take place in original 17th-century rooms with perfect acoustics.
Photography Spots
- Reguliersgracht/Thorbeckeplein intersection: Seven bridges view, best at dusk
- Staalmeestersbrug: Classic canal view with minimal modern intrusions
- Groenburgwal: Perfect alignment with Zuiderkerk tower
- Papiermolensluis: Historic warehouses and morning reflections on Brouwersgracht
- Herengracht 386: Golden Bend view, best during golden hour
- Spiegelgracht/Prinsengracht corner: Canal houses with Rijksmuseum backdrop
- Leidsegracht/Keizersgracht intersection: Night shots with vintage lampposts
- Brouwersgracht/Herengracht corner: Traditional warehouses at sunrise
- Amstel/Nieuwe Herengracht junction: Wide river views with historic buildings
- Oude Kerk area: Medieval architecture meets canal views
- Keizersgracht 123: Triple canal perspective shot
Water Activities
Skip the tourist-packed canal cruises and book smaller boats through local operators. Dam Boat Guys and Amsterdam Boat Center offer authentic experiences with small groups.
Local boat owners host Friday sunset drinks through various Meetup groups, allowing you to experience canal life like a resident. Try canal paddle boarding along Prinsengracht in the summer months, where several operators offer equipment rentals and guided tours.
Food and Drink
- Sample Dutch cheese at De Kaaskamer on Runstraat
- Experience traditional Dutch drinking culture at Proeflokaal de Ooievaar
- Try contemporary Dutch cuisine at Greetje or Restaurant Ceppi
Walking Routes
- Seven Bridges Walk: Start at Reguliersgracht for the famous canal views
- Architectural Tour: Follow Herengracht from Brouwersgracht to Amstel
- Photography Walk: Early morning route from Brouwersgracht to Oude Schans
Evening Entertainment
- Jazz at Café Langs de Gracht
- Theater performances at Compagnietheater
- Rooftop drinks at W Lounge or Blue Amsterdam
Seasonal Activities:
- Spring: Canal-side markets and floating flower market
- Summer: Open Garden Days (June) to visit private canal house garden
- Autumn: Amsterdam Dance Event performances in canal houses
- Winter: Amsterdam Light Festival boat tours
Best Hotels to Canal Belt Area
- Ambassade Hotel is located on Herengracht, close to the Anne Frank House and The Nine Streets. It offers classic Dutch art interiors and scenic canal views.
- Hotel Estherea sits along the Singel Canal near the Floating Flower Market and Begijnhof Courtyard, featuring elegant baroque-style interiors.
- The Dylan Amsterdam on Keizersgracht is a luxury boutique hotel near the Anne Frank House and The Nine Streets. It is known for its Michelin-starred dining and sophisticated design.
- Pulitzer Amsterdam has 25 historic canal houses along Prinsengracht, near Westerkerk and the Anne Frank House. It blends rich history with modern elegance.
- The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht—A Concept by Hyatt offers artistic interiors and is located near the Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein, making it a stylish choice for design lovers.
- Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam on Herengracht offers ultra-luxurious accommodations near Rembrandtplein and Museumplein. It features a Michelin-starred restaurant and a private canal garden.
- The Hoxton, Amsterdam, is a trendy boutique hotel on Herengracht, near The Nine Streets and the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It offers a lively atmosphere and stylish rooms.