The canals are a must and have earned the city the nickname of Venice of the North. They are a cultural and historical symbol of the city of Amsterdam, classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO… They can be crossed via more than 1200 bridges connecting 90 islands . We give you our advice to take advantage of it!
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Welcome to Amsterdam, built 5 meters below sea level! Its network of canals has earned it the sweet nickname of Venice of the North and makes the city a very original capital. Discover all the beauties of the city and the gabled houses dating from the Golden Age over the water.
Discovering a cultural and historical heritage
Founded in the 13th century, Amsterdam saw canals appear between the 16th and 17th centuries for planned growth with the arrival of many migrants seeking freedom that they did not have in their countries of origin. So nearly one hundred kilometers of canals are built with more than 1,200 bridges.
Did you know ? "Amsterdam" inherits from its old name "Amsteldam" which consisted of two words: "Amstel" which is the river which passes through the city and "Dam" which means "dike". Amsterdam therefore simply means "Dyke on the Amstel".
Take the boat on the canals
For a total immersion in the middle of the canals, nothing better than a visit a boat trip, to discover the history and especially the secrets ... Depending on your itinerary, you can choose an evening cruise or just use the hop-on hop-off Canal Bus.
Discovering the essentials
With such cultural and historical importance, the canals are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO as "outstanding universal value", which the city is committed to preserving.
A whole belt of a hundred kilometers of canals is made up of four main canals, classified as the Singel, the Prinsengracht, the Herengracht, canal des Seigneurs and the Keizersgracht, the Emperor's canal, where the magnificent residences which border, sometimes count up to 40 pieces!
With a few pedal strokes, discover the Gouden Bocht, between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat, bordered by the most beautiful houses in Amsterdam. Then observe the fifteen bridges from the bridge at the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht. Then head to the most picturesque bridge in the city called the Pont Maigre, the Magere Brug. At nightfall, it reveals all its romantic side with its lights above the water ...
Around the canals, churches like no other
If you want to discover a more unusual side of the city, plan a stop at 40, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, in the heart of the red light district of the old town, to discover the Amstelkring museum or "The good god in the attic". Succession of three merchant houses, they house an underground church (at the time when the Catholic religion was banned) perfectly preserved since the 17th century.
200 meters away, enter the Oude kerk, the oldest church in Amsterdam.
