Amsterdam is a city where history flows through its very streets — quite literally along the gentle curves of its famed waterways. The Canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, represents one of the most ambitious urban planning achievements in European history. Built largely during the Dutch Golden Age of the seventeenth century, the concentric rings of canals are lined with narrow merchant houses, leaning gently forward as if greeting those who walk below. For anyone interested in Amsterdam history, architecture, and the cultural heritage of the Netherlands, the canal district offers an unparalleled experience that connects past and present in the most tangible way.
The Jordaan Neighborhood
Just west of the main canal ring lies the Jordaan, one of Amsterdam's most beloved neighborhoods. Originally built as a working-class quarter in the early seventeenth century, the Jordaan has transformed over the decades into a charming district of independent galleries, vintage shops, and quiet brown cafes — the traditional Dutch pubs with dark wooden interiors and a welcoming, unhurried atmosphere. If you're curious about the best spots to visit, see our guide to Amsterdam's traditional cafes.
The narrow streets and intimate courtyards, known as hofjes, invite exploration on foot. Walking through the Jordaan is an experience best enjoyed slowly. Every corner reveals another surprise: a hidden garden behind an unassuming doorway, a centuries-old facade adorned with decorative gable stones, or a small bridge crossing a still canal. The neighborhood perfectly encapsulates the Amsterdam spirit — modest on the outside, yet richly layered within. For travelers planning a walking tour, the Jordaan is an ideal starting point.
Historical Landmarks
The Westerkerk, completed in 1631, stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Prinsengracht canal. Designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, this Protestant church features a towering 85-meter bell tower — the highest church tower in Amsterdam — crowned with a replica of the Imperial Crown of Maximilian I of Austria. The Westerkerk has deep historical significance: the renowned painter Rembrandt van Rijn was buried within its walls in 1669, though the exact location of his grave remains unknown. The church continues to serve as an active place of worship and its carillon still marks the hours across the canal district.
Further along the Prinsengracht, at number 263, stands a seventeenth-century canal house that holds a profoundly important place in twentieth-century history. During the Second World War, from July 1942 to August 1944, this building served as the hiding place for Anne Frank and seven other individuals seeking refuge from Nazi persecution. The rear annex of the house, concealed behind a movable bookcase, was where Anne Frank wrote her now world-famous diary — a document that has since been translated into more than seventy languages and remains one of the most widely read accounts of life during the Holocaust. The site was preserved as a museum in 1960 and stands as an enduring testament to the cultural heritage of remembrance and education. It is regarded as one of the most significant historical landmarks in the Netherlands. For more context on the area, read our article on the history of the canal belt.
The Prinsengracht canal, stretching over three kilometers, is the outermost of the three main canals and is home to many of the city's most historically significant buildings.
Tips for Respectful Tourism
Amsterdam's canal district is not merely a tourist destination — it is a living neighborhood where thousands of residents go about their daily lives. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of noise levels, particularly in the narrow residential streets of the Jordaan and along the quieter sections of the canal ring. Walking or cycling, rather than using motorized transport, is not only the most practical way to navigate these areas but also the most respectful. Keeping to designated paths, refraining from sitting on private stoops, and disposing of waste responsibly are simple courtesies that help preserve the district's beauty and livability for everyone.
Getting Around
The most authentic way to experience Amsterdam's canal district is on two wheels. The city's extensive network of dedicated bicycle lanes makes cycling safe and efficient, and rental options are widely available throughout the center. For those who prefer not to cycle, the municipal tram system offers excellent coverage of the Canal belt and surrounding areas. Tram lines run frequently and connect major cultural sites with ease. Walking, of course, remains the best method for absorbing the fine architectural details and unhurried pace of life that define this area — and any walking tour info available at local visitor centers can help guide a rewarding route through the district's highlights. For a detailed overview of all transit options, visit our public transport guide.
Amsterdam's historic canal district rewards those who approach it with curiosity and patience. Beyond the postcard-perfect reflections in the water, there is a deep well of Amsterdam history waiting to be discovered — in the stones of the Westerkerk, the quiet courtyards of the Jordaan, and the solemn significance of landmarks along the Prinsengracht. Whether visiting for the first time or returning once more, taking the time to truly appreciate the cultural heritage woven into these streets is the most meaningful way to experience one of Europe's most remarkable urban landscapes.