Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)

The basics

The Canal Ring can be navigated on foot, by bike, and, of course, from the deck of a boat. A canal cruise is an excellent introduction to the historic area, as glass-topped boats provide the best views of the city’s main sights. Book your Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) tickets ahead of time for popular canal cruises like the All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Captain Jack, or opt for the Hop On Hop Off Amsterdam boat or bus tour. You can also find themed canal cruises that serve food and wine.

Things to know before you go

• A number of cruise departure points are set along the famous canals, and tours are available in several languages.

• Lined with beautiful historic buildings (“canal houses”), the Canal Ring can serve as a helpful visual guidepost for getting your bearings.

• The network of canals is home to some of Amsterdam’s most important sites, including the Anne Frank House, the Jewish Quarter, the Museum Quarter, and the Red Light District.

• Barges, powerboats, Frisian skutsjes (sailboats), and rowboats ply the canals at all times of day and night.

• The Canal Ring is accessible for wheelchair users, as are many of the boat tours that sail around it.

How to get there

The Canal Ring is right in the center of Amsterdam and is easy to reach on foot from most major destinations in the Dutch capital. While the winding, cobblestone streets might throw off your sense of direction, the canals will always help you stay oriented. Note: The four major canals are Singel, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht.

When to get there

Because it’s part of the Dutch capital city’s landscape and provides a mode of transportation and commerce, the Canal Ring is always open. The best times of year to enjoy a canal cruise are during the fine-weather summer months, and in the Christmas and New Year holiday season, when you can take an evening cruise during the Amsterdam Light Festival.

The history of Amsterdam’s canals

Built in the 17th century, the canals of Amsterdam were developed in the pursuit of growing the city beyond its bounds. Now, they’re as quintessentially Dutch as Edam and tulips and have been UNESCO-recognized since 2010. Enjoy the canals at their festive best in the spring during the annual King’s Day celebrations, when floats take to the water with performers and revelers.

Ways to explore

You can explore the Amsterdam Canal Ring on foot, by bike, and, of course, from the deck of a boat. A canal cruise is an excellent introduction to the historic area, and glass-topped boats provide the best views of the city’s main sights. Amsterdam canal cruises come in all shapes and sizes: hop-on hop-off trips, sails with open bars and unlimited pizza, and evening cruises to see the city illuminated.

A canal cruise is a popular addition to admission tickets for other top Amsterdam attractions, such as the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world-famous Sunflowers painting, and the Heineken Experience, a beer lover’s dream.

Accessibility

Uneven streets, narrow passages, and steep bridges might cause issues for anyone with limited mobility. However, many canal cruises and waterfront attractions are accessible to travelers using wheelchairs.

Age limits

Some parents might want to avoid the Red Light District sections of the Amsterdam Canal Ring with young kids.

What to pack

While most boats are covered, pack a poncho if you’ve opted for an open-top boat, as Amsterdam is prone to a shower.

What to wear

Many of the streets surrounding the Amsterdam Canal Ring are cobbled, so flat shoes are recommended.

Not allowed

Swimming outside of designated times, unlicensed boats, littering

Amenities

Some canal boats have onboard restrooms, Wi-Fi, bars, and kitchens, but check ahead as facilities vary.

Address

It’s hard to miss the Canal Ring when you’re exploring Amsterdam, as the waterways wind their way across much of the capital. Some of the most popular parts include the charming Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes) district and the Golden Bend, home to swanky Golden Age mansions.

Driving

Most of the Amsterdam Canal Ring is restricted to drivers, as pedestrians and cyclists have priority; it’s recommended to leave the car at home and take advantage of more than 320 miles (515 kilometers) of cycle lanes or explore the waterways by boat.

Public transportation

Tram 2 travels along the major canal of Prinsengracht, while trams 2, 4, 11, 12, 13, and 17 all stop at different areas of the canals.

Best times to visit

Cruising the Amsterdam Canal Ring at sunset lets you see the waterways at golden hour.

Best days to visit

Plan a weekday trip if possible, as there will typically be less boat traffic than at weekends.

Best months to visit

December is lovely for seeing the annual light installations that line the banks. Head in the spring and summer months—May to September—for the best weather.

Special events

The canals are closed to boat traffic during the Amsterdam City Swim in September, when swimmers take a dip in the canal to raise money for charity.