The first image one conjures up when thinking of Amsterdam is its tranquil canals. Three rings of canals, lined by elaborately decorated merchants' residences and warehouses built in the 17th century, the Dutch "Golden Age", give the city its iconic and easygoing image. In fact, 90 islands were created when the canals were built, and they’re all connected by hundreds of charming bridges.
The best-known canals form the central Grachtengordel (Canal Belt). To the wandering visitor, they’re like lifelines because the subtle turns in the center can throw your inner compass out of whack. The semicircular canals form a huge ring, cut by canals radiating from the middle like spokes on a wheel. Starting from the core, the major semicircular canals are the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. From east to west, the major radial canals are Brouwersgracht, Leidsegracht, and Reguliersgracht.
Barges, powerboats, Frisian skûtsjes, and rowboats glide through the canals throughout the day. The glass-topped canal boats, with their view of Amsterdam from the finest vantage point of all, is the best ride - you just sit back and let the city flow around you.
Go for a stroll next to the waterways and check out some of Amsterdam’s 3,300 houseboats. The Prinsengracht is lined with a particularly great mix. Or just linger over a late-afternoon beer in a canal-side café and watch the boats drift by.
