Amsterdam Canals – History, Architecture and More

The Amsterdam Canal Ring, or Grachtengordel, is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Amsterdam Canals represent the Dutch’s golden age, dating back to the 17th century. 

The Amsterdam Canal Ring comprises three concentric semi-circular canals.

Smaller canals and hundreds of bridges bisect the Canal Ring.

Surrounded by historical monuments, the Canal Ring is home to the fabled Amsterdam Canal Cruises. 

Why Explore Amsterdam Canals?

Amsterdam Canal is the prime attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These canals have served as the main means of transportation in the city since the Dutch Golden Age.

Also, the Amsterdam Canals attract millions of tourists annually from around the world.

Various events and festivals occur throughout the year in and around the canal.

All visitors to Amsterdam should explore the canals as most of the attractions, like the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum, lie on the borders of the canal.

This gives you the perfect chance to tour all of Amsterdam.

History of Amsterdam Canals

Designed in the 17th century, the Amsterdam Canal Ring is a concentric belt around the old city.

Amsterdam was a city on a swamp and with increasing immigration in the early 17th century, the city faced a shortage of housing and space. 

The government dug three concentric canals to drain the Amstel River and expand the city.

It was also done for water management and defense. 

This led to the formation of Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. 

These three Amsterdam canals gave rise to residential areas and also new neighborhoods emerged in the west, like Jordaan. 

Throughout history, the Canal Ring acted as the route for trade and travel, boosting the country’s cultural, economic and political prosperity. 

This resulted in the onset of the Dutch Golden Age. 

Present-day Amsterdam Canals

In 2010, Amsterdam Canals became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance and elegant architecture. 

Now, this Canal Ring is the epicenter of Amsterdam’s vibrant life. 

It houses hundreds of hotels, restaurants, and museums and highlights the cultural diversity of the Dutch Capital. 

This attracts 5.5 million tourists annually, who visit the Amsterdam Canals to cruise through river Amstel.

This extensive canal system serves as the route for Canal Cruising. 

There are day, evening and dinner cruises, hop-on and hop-off tours, and day tours to enjoy the Amsterdam Canals.

The water is also the prime area for seasonal events.

Enjoy the Keukenhof and Amsterdam Light Festival from the Canal Cruise Boat. 

Major Canals of Amsterdam

There are 160 canals running across the city. 

However, there are four major Amsterdam Canals that support the city. 

The Major Amsterdam Canals are: 

Singel Canal 

Singel is one of the oldest Canals in Amsterdam. 

It served as both a means of transportation and defense for the city. 

It also worked as a most when the city expanded beyond Singel in 1585.

It is now the innermost canal and one of the most picturesque spots in the city. 

You can catch sights of Nieuwe Kerk and Amsterdam Tulip  Museum near the Singel. 

Heregracht Canal

Herengracht is the second canal in the Amsterdam Canal Ring. 

Lying between the Singel and Keizersgracht, it is regarded as the most important canal. 

In the 17th century, the canal housed the wealthiest merchants, powerful regents and mayors. 

Now visitors can watch the seven bridges and dancing house at Herengracht. 

Keizersgracht Canal

Keizergracht is the widest canal in the inner city.

It is one of the most popular canals and houses beautiful bridges and merchant houses.

There are many historical buildings near Keizergracht.

Visitors can also find Museum Van Loon, interesting nightlife scenes and coffee shops.

Prinsengracht Canal

Prinsengracht is a 2-mile-long canal in the heart of Amsterdam.

Running parallel to the Keizersgracht, it is the outermost canal of the 4 main Amsterdam Canals. 

It is filled with historic churches, museums and cafes. 

Amsterdam Canals Ring Layout and Architecture

While most canal cities are rectangular, Amsterdam has semi-circle canals.

Herengracht is the first and most elegant canal in the center of Amsterdam.

Also known as the Lord’s Canal, it houses the Golden Bend section lined with mansions and inner gardens. 

Some significant attractions of Herengracht include the Museum of the Canals, the Nine Streets and Begijnhof. 

Parallel to the first, Keizersgracht is the second and widest of the three canals. 

This canal is also called the Emperor’s Canal and its calm waters flow into bustling neighborhoods. 

Most of the city’s Hop-on and Hop-off boat tours go through this canal. 

The third and longest canal is Prinsengracht or the Prince’s Canal.

This canal runs through major city attractions like the Anne Frank House, the West Church, and the Houseboat Museum. 

In addition to the three primary canals, a moat that encircled the City during the middle ages called Singel runs in the center of the Amsterdam Canal Ring. 

Singel runs from the IJ Bay behind the Central Station to Muntplein Square, where it meets the Amstel River. 

Here you can enjoy the city’s most picturesque bridges and canal houses and visit the most popular neighborhoods like Red Light District.

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Featured Image: RoundTheWorldMagazine.com