5 Best Canals to Visit in Amsterdam
Are you thinking of visiting the Netherlands? If so you should consider a trip to Amsterdam, the country's biggest city and its most visited place. Did you know that Amsterdam has the most museums per square meter of any other city in the world? Or that it is home to the only ever floating flower market, which has been in business since 1862 and has stalls selling plants on boats?
Amsterdam is also the birthplace of Heineken beer, which brewed its first bottle in 1864. If you take a walk around the city, you might notice that some of the buildings are slanted, which is actually because the city lies below sea level. Most of the town is supported by the marshlands that it lies on.
One thing that you might not know about Amsterdam is that it is home to many canals which have managed to keep the city from sinking below the water, and in fact, it has even more of them than the famed Venice! There are around 165 canals spanning 100 kilometers in this city alone, and while you are in town, you will be passing over them.
It can be nice to take a walk along the canals or catch a boat ride down the lane, and we will introduce you to some of the best canals to visit in Amsterdam. Consider dropping your things off at a suitcase storage facility in Amsterdam before heading out onto the water.
1. Herengracht
Herengracht is also called the Gentlemen's Canal and is one of Amsterdam's three most important canals. It was given its name back in the 17th century because many of the city's wealthiest and most influential citizens lived alongside it. This included merchants, mayors, and other principal individuals, including Amsterdam's current mayor.
Back then, you could also find the Dutch West India Company situated along Herengracht. Anyone who lived on that canal was known to be distinguished and respected, and this rule still stands today! Come see the canal in person or catch a ride down it.
2. Singel
The Canal District's first canal was used to connect the IJ Bay to the Amstel River. You will find it right in the heart of central Amsterdam, dating back to the 15th century. If you ride along the canal, you will pass by some pretty merchant houses and a couple of Amsterdam's monuments, making it an excellent spot for sightseeing.
Some spots you might recognize include the Ronde Lutherse Kerk, an interesting circular cathedral, or the 17th-century tower of Munttoren. Try to spot House no. 7, the narrowest house in the world with only a 1-meter width!
3. Keizersgracht
Some people call Keizersgracht the Emperor's Canal, named after emperor Maximillian of Austria. It is the middle canal of the three main ones, and you shouldn't have too much trouble spotting it since it is Amsterdam's biggest! Keizersgracht measures 31 meters wide, so it is pretty big.
This canal was initially supposed to be a road, but the residents of Amsterdam wanted a canal instead so they could reach their houses by boat. The canal's creation began back in 1612 at the same time as the other two main canals; the Gentlemen's Canal that we described above and the Prince's Canal, which we will mention below.
4. Brouwersgracht
Brouwersgracht, also known as the Brewer's Canal, is often described as Amsterdam's most beautiful canal, and if you visit, you will soon see why. The waterway is full of beautiful bridges and old merchant houses that date back to Netherland's Golden Age. You might have guessed from the name that this used to be where many breweries were set up, and the merchants who lived along the canal were their regular customers.
Suppose you are interested in visiting some cultural attractions while you are here. In that case, you can admire the tiny houses with vibrant red shutters or stop by the distillery called A Van Wees - de Ooievaar, which is still running today and offers tours and tastings.
5. Prinsengracht
Prinsengracht, or the Prince's Canal, is the last of the three main canals and the one situated on the outside. This canal, alongside the Gentlemen's Canal and the Emperor's Canal, is called the "fourth outlay," as they were all part of the same project that took 50 years to complete.
They were given this name since their addition to Amsterdam made the city four times bigger! They helped make more housing for citizens and are part of the reason that Amsterdam's population grew from 50,000 to 200,000 in the 17th century, leading to it becoming the world's third-biggest city.
Amsterdam's canals are an essential part of the city, not only because they are beautiful but also because they help keep the city from flooding. The canals have locks that help adjust the water level to reduce the risk of flooding and damage to the boats. In 2010 they were given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and their work is ingenious.
Wrapping up
Did you know that the canals have flushed five times every week? This means they are spotless and you can swim in some parts of them.
If you are interested, you can see when the Amsterdam City Swim is going on, which is a yearly charity event every September.
Whether you choose to swim in the canals or not, you will be floating along with them or at least walking over them on the bridges, and they are some of the most beautiful areas of Amsterdam.
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