Canal Ring

Amsterdam

Amsterdam showing a river or creek, a city and boating
Canal Ring
Canal Ring
Canal Ring
Canal Ring

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

4.5 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
The price is P9,690 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,690
P11,773 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,485 reviews)
"Located right on the canal within easy walking distance of many sights. Hotel staff is great."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
citizenM Amstel Amsterdam

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Sarphatistraat 47, Amsterdam
The price is P10,826 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P10,826
P13,153 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (754 reviews)
"First time at a CitizenM property. We loved the experience. Would recommend to all."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam
Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Prinsengracht 323, Amsterdam
The price is P23,840 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P23,840
P28,966 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"This is a very special hotel - stay there if you can!"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Pulitzer Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam

NH City Centre Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam
The price is P9,830 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P9,830
P11,943 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"In between the bath tub and the adjustable glass, water would sneak through the gap causing a small puddle of water on to the floor after a shower. Need a plastic attached to the glass to prevent this spill."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

NH City Centre Amsterdam
Hotel Notting Hill

Hotel Notting Hill

4 out of 5
Westeinde 26, Amsterdam
The price is P7,069 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,069
P8,589 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,001 reviews)
"A fabulous property in a great area of town. Be sure to check out T’Heemelrijck down the road for an amazing Dutch meal experience."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Hotel Notting Hill
Hotel Nes Amsterdam

Hotel Nes Amsterdam

3 out of 5
Kloveniersburgwal 137-139, Amsterdam, North Holland
The price is P7,854 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,854
P9,543 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (449 reviews)
"veery nice small hotel"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Hotel Nes Amsterdam
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

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Grachtengordel-Zuid

If you're spending time in Grachtengordel-Zuid, check out sights like Reguliersdwarsstraat or Flower Market and hop on the metro to see more the city at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-Zuid
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Red Light District

Are you interested in fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries? A visit to Red Light District might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Dam Square and Oude Kerk.

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

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
Leidseplein which includes motorcycle riding, road cycling and night scenes

De Weteringschans

While you're in De Weteringschans, take in top sights like Paradiso or Holland Casino, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Vijzelgracht Station or Weteringcircuit Stop.

De Weteringschans
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Amsterdam City Centre

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square 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, a city and street scenes

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 Warmoesstraat are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Old Town Amsterdam

Canal Ring