Amsterdam - By boat through the canals
- Written by Portal Editor
Almost every minute, open or glass-enclosed excursion boats from a wide variety of providers are on the Amsterdam canals, and that in almost any weather. Although there was light continuous rain, it couldn't stop us from cycling into the city centre this time as well.
We headed back to the Rijksmuseum, as we had already seen a pier for these excursion boats there a few days earlier and were able to safely leave our bikes here. Amsterdam is said to be one of the prettiest from the water, we were curious.
Of course, a wide variety of tours are offered: In larger or smaller boats, with classic explanations or with explanations for children, with and without food (e.g. dinner cruise), during the day or in the evening in the dark. Due to the rain, we understandably opted for a glass-roofed boat.
The network of canals characterizes the entire inner city of Amsterdam, those canals that have served as transport routes for centuries. In total there are over 80 kilometres of waterways and over 1000 bridges that make up the ring of canals, with picturesque Amsterdam gabled houses and houseboats.
It quickly became clear that we would repeat this canal trip one day, albeit in sunshine and in an open boat. Highlights along the way are districts such as the Golden Bay or 9 Straatjes or even the sometimes very narrow canals.
The 4 big canals: Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Singel. Like a ring, the four major canals enclose the centre of Amsterdam from the outside in. Inside the stately town houses were built, outside on the Prinsengracht there were also warehouses or company buildings. Over time, each canal has developed its own character and charm.
Gouden Bocht: The Golden Curve or Golden Bay on the Herengracht between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat was (and is) a posh area of the city. Many rich merchant families and well-known Amsterdam personalities settled here. And even today, prices along the Golden Bay are high. It is one of the most beautiful areas in Amsterdam, the "Huis de Neufville" (no. 475) is considered the most beautiful house in the district.
9 Straatjes: Three streets between three canals (from Herengracht to Prinsengracht), so 3 x 3 = 9 streets. They are home to shops, boutiques, galleries and wonderful restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Magre Brug: A little south of the confluence with the Keizersgracht, the Magre Brug crosses the Amstel. It is one of the last surviving wooden Dutch bridges, a drawbridge that can be folded up in the middle.
Anne Frank House: The Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht No. 263-267, now a museum. Anne and her family used to hide in the Secret Annex. Right next door (No. 281) is the Westerkerk, from whose tower you can enjoy the view over the city centre.
Houseboat Museum: In keeping with the many houseboats on the canals, there is a houseboat museum at Prinsengracht 296k.
Grachtenhuis: The museum at Herengracht No. 386 tells the history and development of the canal belt with models, projections and a multimedia exhibition.
At night: It is particularly worthwhile to see the ring of canals at night when the more than 1,000 bridges are illuminated.
Tip: The mood in the evening is great: the canals, the bridges and the old canal houses are wonderfully illuminated. Perfect for a walk or a boat trip.
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