Amsterdam top tips: world-famous museums, countless attractions, scenic canals, Amsterdam Dance Event, Pride and more! (2024)

FAQs

What is the most scenic canal in Amsterdam? ›

The Brouwersgracht (Brewers' Canal) is often considered one of Amsterdam's most picturesque canals, thanks to its charming bridges and merchant houses built in the Golden Age of the Netherlands.

This ancient site winds around Dam Square and inside the Prinsengracht canal's semi-circle. In addition to being one of the main forms of transportation in Amsterdam, the canals also host several events and festivals throughout the year, attracting tourists and visitors worldwide.

Herengracht is one of the four main canals in Amsterdam and widely considered to be the one of the prettiest canals and definitely the most prestigious. Top of the bill is the so called 'Gouden Bocht' (translated: 'golden bend').

The best way to enjoy the Amsterdam canals is undoubtedly from the water. You can rent a pedal boat and explore the canal ring at your own pace, and sporty types can go SUP boarding or canoeing.

Can you swim in Amsterdam canals? Officially you are not allowed to swim in the city canals due to safety reasons (boat traffic). However, there are designated public swim areas where swimming is officially allowed! The water quality is good enough for swimming.

Amsterdam-Centrum is the inner-most borough and historical city centre of Amsterdam, Netherlands, containing the majority of the city's landmarks.

Damrak narrow houses

You can't miss the most iconic photo opportunity in Amsterdam when you're in the city. The narrow houses of Damrak are world famous, and make the ideal Instagram whether it's day or night. Just stroll down the road from Centraal station, look to the canal and there you have it.

1 out of 3 'Amsterdammers' swim in the Amsterdam open water. And 1 out of 20 swim in the canals. Because the houseboats are now all connected to the sewage system and the water get's cleaned often, the water quality now is better than it has ever been.

BUILT IN THE DUTCH GOLDEN AGE

The canals were designed as a way to manage the city's growing population and served as a means of transportation for goods and people. “Amsterdam has more than 100km of grachten (canals) in total – that's around 1,300km more than Venice!” Gary tells us.

It is the capital and the principal commercial and financial centre of the Netherlands. To the scores of tourists who visit each year, Amsterdam is known for its historical attractions, for its collections of great art, and for the distinctive colour and flavour of its old sections, which have been so well preserved.

Why go to Amsterdam? ›

As one of the most famous cities in the world, Amsterdam is synonymous with vibrant culture, rich history, inclusiveness and beautiful canals. Since its construction in the 17th century, the Amsterdam canal ring has grown into one of the most unique urban landscapes in the world.

the amsterdam Canals are flushed at night so the water is relatively clean. But not drinking quality although you will most likely not get a disease from it.

Oxford Canal

It's now thought to be one of the prettiest canal routes in the country. Free from large-scale development, this region offers a unique glimpse into the past with traditional villages and pubs boasting architecture that dates back to the 18th century.

And who could forget about Amsterdam, where you can cruise along its magnificent, world-famous canals.

Yes, absolutely. Taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam is one of the top experiences and no visit to the city would be complete without exploring it from the water.

The best time of day for your Amsterdam canal cruise is to take out a boat is in the late afternoon into the warm summer's evening. Catch that beautiful golden hour as the sun cools off, and watch the twinkling lights across the city and over the bridges turn on. It's an experience you just can't miss!