Canal Ring

Amsterdam
Amsterdam showing a river or creek, a city and boating
Taking a boat trip is one of the best ways to discover the historic monuments and elegant architecture along the canals of the city dubbed “The Venice of the North”.

The Canal Ring, or Grachtengordel as it is called in Dutch, is central to Amsterdam’s identity. This 400 year old network of waterways is bordered by hundreds of monuments, restored warehouses and iconic gabled houses. Taking a boat cruise is one of the best ways to see the city

The Canal Ring is semi-circular and is made up of three main canals: the Herengracht, the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht. Back in the 17th century, they were originally built to drain the land so that the city could extend its boundaries. They also quickly developed as routes for importing goods into the city centre by barge. The money generated by this booming trade fuelled Holland’s Golden Age, leading to the building of all the waterfront housing and grand monuments characterising this area. In 2010, the Canal Ring was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Hire a bike and follow the route of the Canal Ring, though, the most popular way to navigate the waterways is on a canal boat cruise. There are short excursions, hop-on, hop-off tours with the Canal Bus or even night-time dinner cruises.

On the Canal Ring, there are over 1,500 historic buildings waiting to be discovered. Visit the Het Grachtenhaus, the Museum of the Canals, with its multimedia displays charting the history of the Canal Ring, or take in the sight of the elegant merchants’ mansions, museums and art galleries that line the route. There are also hundreds of bridges spanning the canals, which are illuminated at night, creating a romantic ambience.

The water is also the focus of many seasonal events. According to Amsterdam’s residents, a good winter is one where the canals freeze over, and ice-skating can replace cycling as the transport of choice. If you’re visiting at the end of April, you’ll see boats packed with revellers celebrating Queen’s Day, and in August don’t miss the world-famous Canal Parade, the main event in the city’s annual Gay Pride festival.

Canal boat tours depart from various points around the Canal Ring. Tickets can be purchased on-site or via tour operators’ websites.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Canal Ring

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Eden Hotel Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
The price is P7,612 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P7,612
P9,249 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,121 reviews)
"Staff was very polite and accomodating. Excellent breakfast"

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2024

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Dikker & Thijs Hotel
4 out of 5
Prinsengracht 444, Amsterdam
The price is P7,207 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P7,207
P8,757 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great view from our room. Great central location, very walkable."

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2024

Dikker & Thijs Hotel
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Pulitzer Amsterdam
5 out of 5
Prinsengracht 323, Amsterdam
The price is P20,742 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
P20,742
P25,202 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
"Very lovely staff. Many thanks to the Vice president of the Concierge - changed my stay for the better! Thank you!"

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2024

Pulitzer Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam
The price is P9,360 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
P9,360
P11,372 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"This property is in the middle of everything. Shoping, food, transportation...everything! I've satyed here 3 times already and honestly the only thing I would change is the firmness of the beds, they can be a bit rough if you're used to sleeping on a pillotop or memory foam."

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

NH City Centre Amsterdam
Citadines Canal Amsterdam
Citadines Canal Amsterdam
4 out of 5
Noorderstraat 46, Amsterdam
The price is P7,228 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
P7,228
P8,782 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 8 - Dec 9
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (217 reviews)
"Excellent staff skills checking within minutes. Very helpful with direction."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2024

Citadines Canal Amsterdam
Hotel Notting Hill
Hotel Notting Hill
4 out of 5
Westeinde 26, Amsterdam
The price is P4,835 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
P4,835
P5,874 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (998 reviews)
"Good location and excellent value"

Reviewed on Nov 5, 2024

Hotel Notting Hill
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Canal Ring

Amsterdam showing a city, street scenes and a river or creek

Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde

While you're in Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde, take in top sights like Dam Square or Amsterdam Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Paleisstraat Tram Stop or Spui Stop.

Burgwallen Nieuwe Zijde
Red Light District showing a city, a river or creek and a sunset

Red Light District

Dam Square and Oude Kerk are a few top attractions in Red Light District. The fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries are also highlights of the area, and you can hop around the city on the metro at Amsterdam Central Metro Station.

Red Light District
Amsterdam showing a city, street scenes and a river or creek

Binnenstad

While you're in Binnenstad, take in top sights like Dam Square or National Monument, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
Flower Market showing a city, a river or creek and markets

Amsterdam City Centre

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Dam Square and Anne Frank House are a few top attractions in Amsterdam City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops.

Amsterdam City Centre
Dam Square which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and Anne Frank House are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Old Town Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum showing a pond, views and a city

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Museum Quarter

Canal Ring