When to Visit

In 2023 the Keukenhof will be open daily from 23 March – 14 May from 08:00 – 19:30.

The best time to visit the Keukenhof is before 10:30 am or after 4 pm, this is when the least tourists will be in the park and you’ll have more of the flowers all to yourself. PLUS, the morning sunrise and afternoon sunset provides an incredible backdrop to the rainbow of flowers. If you can avoid going on a weekend, this is also preferable if you’re trying to avoid crowds.

Keukenhof Tickets

Since the park is only open for a few months tickets can sell! Especially if you’re visiting over the weekend or on a holiday you’ll want to be sure to buy your tickets in advance. I would advise buying online either way since it means less time spent in line at the ticket office when you arrive.

Adults cost €19,00 in advance and children are €9,00, kids under 3 are free. But the best thing to do is buy a Combi Ticket which combines your transportation with your admission. The prices are different depending on where you’re departing from, but they range from €30-€35. The bus will drop you off at the main entrance to the gardens so it couldn’t be more convenient!

History of the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof gardens were first established in the 15th century on what was then a substantial hunting ground. The name ‘Keukenhof’ means Court Kitchen in Dutch as the fields once served as a giant herb garden for the Queen’s castle. Throughout the years, the various members of the royal family who inherited the manor continued to expand the garden, and in the 19th century, the Baron and Baroness Van Pallandt hired Jan David Zocher, a renowned landscape architect, to re-design it to create the unique and luscious garden the Netherlands had ever seen.

As time went on, the gardens were bought by the city, and in 1949 the Mayor of Lisse decided to open them up to the public. He held an exhibit of flowers from all over the Netherlands and Europe. People were able to see, and smell, hybrid flowers not available in their local markets. They walked through incredible floral landscapes created by illustrious Dutch landscape architects. 

Keukenhof Flowers

Since its opening in 1949, the Keukenhof has held the title as the world’s largest flower garden as well as being the most photographed place on the earth. Today it houses more than 100 varieties of tulips, more than 2,500 trees in 87 types and 15 kilometres of walking paths. To date more than 44 million visitors over the last 60 years have strolled through this real-life Wonderland. In 2018, Keukenhof’s theme will be Romance in Flowers. 

Dutch Tulips

The tulips are the main feature of the flower garden. Tulips were first brought to Europe in the 16th century and caught on in popularity in the Netherlands. Tulips were able to stand the harsh temperatures and conditions in the Netherlands more than many other internationally imported flowers. Due to their resilience, Dutch botanists became avid collectors and even started to breed new varieties. Soon, everyone wanted a tulip garden of their own. Tulips became a status symbol for anyone who planted or who carried a bouquet as they walked down the street. Today they have become somewhat ubiquitous, but in the 17th century, they were worth their weight in gold.

Varieties of Tulips

There are different groups and breeds of Dutch tulips. One is called the Couleren, which refers to the red, yellow or white coloured tulips. Then there is then Rosen, which are bright red or white with veining on the petals. The Violetten are the purple or lilac tulips, my personal favourite. 

And finally, and best named, is the Bizarden, which are tulip with odd or eccentric appearances. They tend to be brown with purpled or yellow veins running across a jagged petal. A virus was known to infect these tulips during growth and was called the mosaic virus which made the tulips bloom in vibrant colours sometimes with flame-like streaks across the petals. Although it was a virus, it was one that botanists cultivated since those features were more and more desired by buyers for their bizarre appearance. 

Access to the Keukenhof

To get to the Keukenhof there a few different ways of arriving depending on where and how you’re travelling.

Driving

The Keukenhof is located in the village of Lisse, which is in itself, a charming Dutch village with hundreds of flower fields colouring the countryside. If you’re renting a car while in the Netherlands you can park right at the park for €6. But you must pre-purchased parking ticket.

Driving into the Keukenhof is a great idea since it gives you the ability to drive around the surrounding village to see the farmers fields where they grow all the flowers for the Keukenhof. You can buy your parking pass online when buying your tickets or at the entry to the park.

Public transport

We used the Netherlands’ amazing public transport system to access the park. The best way to figure out your journey is by using the public transport website to map your route. Most people will be accessing the Keukenhof from Amsterdam. The best way to get there is by purchasing the combi-ticket for the gardens which includes your transport and entry to the park. There are two options for the combi-ticket.

The first option costs € 25 and covers the costs of THE BUS ONLY from Schiphol Airport to the park. Which means you’ll be responsible for payment to the airport. This is especially convenient if you are travelling to the Keukenhof directly from the airport. If you are travelling from the city, you’ll want option two, which costs € 30 and provides return access from Amsterdam. The combi-ticket gives you access to the special bus services which runs from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, Leiden station or Haarlem directly to the Keukenhof entrance.

Tour Company

There are many tour companies which offer tours of the Keukenhof. These tour companies tend to be a bit rigid on time and sometimes feel a bit impersonally but I know that for some nervous or older travellers, the removal of multiple forms of transport or excessive planning is worth the trade-off. Viator offers many tours of the Keukenhof which also combine views of the surrounding coutryside. With over 200 5-star reviews you really can’t go wrong if this is the kind of experience you’re looking for.

By Taxi

For those travellers I mentioned previously who might have certain issues with public transport but who don’t want to deal with the time constraints of bus tours there is also taxis and uber. These cost between €50-€70 depending on where you’re departing from for a one-way journey. While costly, I think it’s important to provide this information to show inclusivity for all kinds of travellers.

Keukenhof Theme 2023

The theme of 2023’s Keukenhof is Flower Classics. There isn’t much more information released to the public yet but no doubt going back to the classics will bring lots of favourite designs from over the years.

Guide to Exploring the Keukenhof

As soon as we stepped through the door, we were amazed by the colours and the overwhelmingly Dutch atmosphere of the gardens. There was an old wooden crank organ sitting in the front beside the entry fountain and the bright, rosy-cheeked Dutch boys and girls playing their instruments welcomed us inside.

Exploring the Gardens

Before setting out right away, take the provided map to study up and plan your preferred route. There are picnic tables near the entrance, a perfect place to enjoy a morning meal. Although there are a few snack stalls, I would advise stopping by a local bakery before arriving and then eating a little picnic in the gardens. You can eat while watching the other people pass by, smiles on their faces as they took in all the jewel-toned flowers spread out around them.

Orjanje Nassau Pavilion

Every week a flower show is organized in the Orjanje Nassau Pavilion. This is a great place to come to not only see some amazing display but also learn a little bit about native Dutch flowers.

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Hedge Maze

The hedge garden and maze was a lot of fun. We wove in between the thick bushes, discovering sinuous sculptures dotting the area. As we strolled through the garden, we found a small petting zoo with tiny horses and cows. Children were laughing as they reached their hands over the edge to pet the fuzzy little creatures.

The Windmill

Then, it was off to visit the main feature of this Dutch Disneyland; the Windmill. We climbed up the windmill to get a better look out over the fields where the tulips are initially grown before getting moved to the gardens.

As we climbed down, we took a moment to try on a few pairs of wooden clogs. The exhibit in front compared different ancient clogs to their modern-day equivalent.

Orchid Greenhouse

Our next stop took us away from the array of tulips and into the Orchid building. Orchids are amazing flowers. They look so strange and almost otherworldly. 

Red Romance Garden

Leaving the orchid, you can step into the Red Romance Garden. We passed by what can only be described as a “Barbie’s Dream Greenhouse”. The bright pink and red flowers were almost blinding. I had never seen anything like that before. Thank goodness we brought our sunglasses!

Japanese Garden

Tulips are the main attraction, but there is also a Japanese garden, a sculpture garden and even a lily pad garden where they added fake lily pads underwater that you could walk on. They sat just below the water, so the children playing appeared as if they were walking on water. 

People seemed to come here not just to see the flower but to be inspired by them. A man had his easel out and had just begun to sketch out his next masterpiece as we passed by.

Keukenhof By Drone

If you’re looking for a way to view the gardens from above this amazing drone video gives you an idea of just how big these gardens are!

The Keukenhof Parade

The Keukenhof parade is an annual event that takes place in the beautiful gardens of Keukenhof, the best garden in Europe. In 2023, visitors can expect a lively and colorful display of floats, music, and performers. The parade route winds its way through the breathtaking gardens, providing a unique and unforgettable experience for all who attend. With its vibrant atmosphere and mesmerizing displays, the Keukenhof parade is the perfect way to celebrate the beauty of spring and the arrival of new growth. The date for the parade is Saturday 22 April 2023. This date books up very far in advance so be sure to check online immediately to grab your tickets ASAP!

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Keukenhof is a truly breathtaking and unique destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its beautiful flower displays, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s no wonder why it’s considered the best garden in Europe. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Keukenhof has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and start planning your visit to this must-see destination in the Netherlands!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Keukenhof, the Best Garden in Europe [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Most people opt to go on a boat tour, and rightly so, as it is one of the most authentic ways to explore Amsterdam. But a tour on foot allows you to spend more time studying the buildings up close. This way you can get a real sense of the atmosphere and environment of different neighbourhoods spread across the city. A walking tour is a great idea as an intro to the city. You’ll get a taste and decide for yourself where you might want to return to study in greater detail. Don’t worry too much about being on the right side of the canal as we go. You can easily see these buildings from across the canal. But you can always cross over one of the many bridges in the city should you want to get a closer look.

Table Of Contents

1. How Long is the Tour?
2. Amsterdam History
3. Types of Gables
4. Walking Tour Starting Point: Brouwersgracht
5. Eenhoornsluis
6. Prinsengracht
7. Jordaan Neighbourhood
8. Keizersgracht
9. Lauriergracht
10. Beudekerbrug
11. Reguliersgracht 92
12. Magere Brug, the Skinny Bridge
13. Amstel
14. Herengracht
15. Koningssluis
16. Melkmeisjesbrug
17. Singel Canal
18. Blauwburgwal
19. The Torensluis
20. Bloemenmarkt
21. The Dancing Houses
22. Grimburgwal
23. Kloveniersburgwal
24. Oudezijds Voorburgwal
25. House at the Three Canals
26. Agnietenkapel

How Long is the Tour?

This is a full-day walking tour that takes you across the entire city! If you feel like splitting it up, feel free to customize the tour yourself! This way, you can spend some extra time in any of the museums listed. That is the joy of self-guided tours, after all. We will start our tour in the quiet northwest corner of the city in the Jordaan neighbourhood. Then we slowly make our way over to the southeast end.

Amsterdam History

Amsterdam began as a small fishing village. The village was located behind the large dam which protected the city from the overbearing Amstel River. The name “Amsterdam” comes from the location along the “Amstel” river and the “dam” which protected it. In less than 200 years, from the 16th to 18th century, the city of Amsterdam’s population exploded! It multiplied from 30,000 residence to 160,000 residents almost overnight. The city was a melting pot for immigrants from all over Europe. At the time, the Netherlands had a very tolerant climate towards refugees. With this came a massive influx of people from France, Portugal, Spain, and much of the Jewish population from Antwerp.

The Canal Expansion

Back then, Amsterdam was just this tiny island overflowing with people. The city needed to find a way to expand the city and cope with the growing population. So, the city council decided they would follow what the Italians did in Venice. They created a series of canals that spread out around the city. But unlike the winding, a spider web of canals in Venice, the design of the Amsterdam canals was very structured. They run in a half-moon shape around the bay encircling the historic medieval centre. Historians also call this the windshield wiper design.

Grachtengordel

The newly formed canal belt neighbourhood was called the Grachtengordel. “Gracht” translates to the word “canal” so literally, this was called the canal district. This new area would be designated for inhabitants. A fourth canal was added, the Singel Canal, which would be used for defence.

Building the canals was a pricey business. So the city offered wealthy merchants and bankers the opportunity to buy plots of land in these prestigious areas. This helped them secure the funds they needed to build the waterways. A portion of the outer canals was reserved for industrial use. As these factories were known for being loud and smelly the city wanted to keep them as far away from the aristocrats as possible.

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Creation of Canal House

Many of the houses you see in Amsterdam are built atop a series of wooden poles. If you were to scan a cross-section of the city, you’d see it look like a giant pin cushion. How many poles are there? Some say it’s as much as eleven million! The Amsterdam Centraal train station alone stands atop 9,000 poles. Each pole needs to be around 15-20 meters tall to be struck down deep enough to support the houses built atop it.

Amsterdam Roof Gables

During the 17th century, it was considered gauche to see the roof of a house from the street or canal. This is why you see so many of Amsterdam’s houses featuring ornate and prominent gables. A roof gable is a section of wall between the edges of a dual-pitched roof. It provides both an aesthetic and functional purpose. Many of the gables in Amsterdam also feature sturdy winches in the center. These were installed to help lift heavy items up to the upper floors of the home or warehouse.

Types of Gables

The uniquely shaped gables are one of the most notable features of Amsterdam’s architecture. There are four primary designs you can see across the city. These include; the stepped gable, the bell gable, the neck gable and the spout gable. Each type of gable corresponding to a different period of time, like spotting fashion trends through the ages.

Why are the Houses so Thin?

Another unique aspect of houses in Amsterdam are their width. The houses are designed to be tall and narrow. But this was originally not originally an aesthetic choice. Back then, taxes were calculated based on the width of the house, not the height. So the answer to building a large home without high taxes was to build upward.

Types of Hosues

There are two main types of houses you see along the canals. They are easily identifiable if you know what you’re looking for. There is the koopmanshuizen (merchant warehouse) and then the herenhuis (residential mansions and townhouses). Merchant houses were designed to work on a split-level design. The lower levels near the water could operate as warehouses and the upper levels were used as the living quarters. Everything from spices, tulips, coffee and more were stored here. To identify the warehouses you need only spot the large wooden shutters. These were only added to merchant’s houses. The shutters when opened allowed goods to be hoisted in up to the upper levels which allowed for more storage space. When closed, the large wooden shutters helped keep out the heat and sunlight to preserve the goods inside.

Walking Tour Starting Point: Brouwersgracht

Our tour starts on the Brouwersgracht. This canal was developed in the 17th century just north of the residential canal belt. It was a canal built for large warehouses. The location near the mouth of the river allowed quick access for ships returning piled with goods. The Brouwersgracht, or the Brewers’ Canal, was named as such due to the number of breweries in the area. The location not only made the delivery of goods simple, but it also meant these warehouses had the best access to fresh water. Essentially for breweries and distilleries.

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Brouwersgracht 218

On Brouwersgracht 224-218, we can see examples of neck gables. The house at #218 features a neck gable decorated with Doric pilasters that extend up in the style of Dutch Baroque architecture. The facade features three “oeil-de-boeuf” or “ox eyes”. These are small rounded windows (although these windows have since been bricked up.) Oeil-de-boeuf windows were popular design trends in Amsterdam and they pop up all over the city.

Hanging from the centre of these gables is a sizeable protruding hook. These hooks were used alongside a pulley system to move heavy items into the home. Although they were originally designed for the warehouses, to bring in spices, cotton or cocoa, in the residential homes they were used to move heavy furniture in and out.

Brouwersgracht 204-212

A group of 17th-century warehouses sit at Brouwersgracht 204-212. Standing on the top of the gables along this series of warehouses are a variety of Green Deer sculptures. The one in the center looks straight out over the canals, seemingly on guard. Whereas the two on either side lie in repose, looking in towards the centre deer. When the family built the warehouses in 1640, the deer were always the crowning glory of the gables. But they disappeared hundreds of years later. When the area residents discovered some old drawings of the warehouses that featured the lost deer, they collaborated to have them reconstructed. Although they are now made of plastic (as to not disturb the structural integrity of the gable), it’s nice to see the love that the neighbours have for their neighbourhood history.

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Brouwersgracht 196-188

Many of the houses along Brouwersgracht contain those iconic brightly coloured window shutters. Used to identify them as warehouses. You can see more examples of these along Brouwersgracht 196-188. All of these warehouses were built around 1636. In 2007 Brouwersgracht was voted the most beautiful street in Amsterdam by readers of Het Parool out of 150 nominations. And one can really see why. The canal is a lovely blend of all the most famous Dutch architecture. It is also home to a series of scenic houseboats that float along the canal. But since the canal is located far enough from the busy tourist centre, the area still feels peaceful and quaint.

Brouwersgracht 174

At #174 Brouwersgracht, you’ll find a vast building with the widest roof gable found anywhere in the city. Topping the centre of the gable is Amsterdam’s famous coat of arms. The coat of arms of Amsterdam consists of a large red shield with a black strip down the center. Punched along the vertical black stripe are three silver Saint Andrew’s Crosses. These three crosses are seen all over Amsterdam, either accompanied by the shield or sometimes just on their own. Unlike what you might think, “XXX” doesn’t stand for anything untoward or x-rated. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Amsterdam as he was a fisherman just like the earliest residents of the city. When St. Andrew was martyred, he was placed on an X-shaped cross, and the X became a symbol for the saint.

But why are there three Xs? Well, there are a few theories. One theory states that they represent the three formidable rivers Amsterdam controlled. Another is that it stands for the holy trinity. But my favourite theory is that they represent the three threats Amsterdam needed to protect itself against. These were fire, flood and plague.

Eenhoornsluis

Just a few steps from the Brouwersgracht is the great Eenhoornsluis or Unicorn Lock. This is one of the 16 “water locks” found around the city. These water locks were built in the 17th century to control the water levels inside the canals. They were meant to protect the town from flooding in from the swelling seas. Previous to 1916, these water locks actually allowed fresh ocean water into the city. But in 1916, a great flood caused much damage to the city. After this, the Southern Sea dike was built to prevent such a flood from ever happening again. This resulted in the transformation of the city’s water to be freshwater only, but the payoff was worth it in the long run.

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Prinsengracht

From the bridge, turn down onto the Prinsengracht. Prinsengracht, or the Prince’s Canal, was named after the Prince of Orange. This is the fourth of the four main canals belonging to the canal belt. The Canal Belt, and rings it formed around the city, would go onto give Amsterdam its distinctive crescent shape. The four canals which make up the Canal Belt are the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and the Prinsengracht. The Prinsengracht is the longest of all the canals, stretching out over 3 km, on the outer edge of the city. The epic construction of the canal began in 1612 and took over 50 years to be completed.

Café Papeneiland

As we turn on Prinsengracht, we first stop off at the Café Papeneiland. This is the oldest cafe in Amsterdam, established in 1641! In the 16th century, during the Dutch Protestant Reformation, the government outlawed Catholicism. This meant all Catholics had to practice in secret or abandon their religion altogether. Many underground Catholic churches were built in response. Tunnels ran throughout the city to connect secret entrances to these churches. And this cafe was once one such location. The cafe’s name translates to “papists’ island,” as this part of town was known as a sanctuary for Catholics. The tunnel entrance is still located in the basement. If you order something from the bar (preferably their amazing dutch apple pie), ask the bartender nicely to show you the old entrance.

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Jordaan Neighbourhood

The area along the western side of Prinsengracht is better known as the Jordaan Neighbourhood. The canals closer to the historic center were generally reserved for the wealthy residents of Amsterdam. So the Jordaan Neighbourhood, away from the city centre, was a low-income area and somewhat of a slum. The roads and canals here are more slender than the rest of the city. This was done to save money on construction but resulted in what was seen as a more crowded district. It wouldn’t be until much, much later in Amsterdam’s history, that the area was gentrified into what we see today. Now, the Jordaan is one of the hipper parts of town.

But back in the 17th century, the area was densely populated by immigrants and refugees. Many of these refugees were from France. The name of the area, “Jordaan,” is derived from the french word “Jardin,” meaning garden. Many of the streets off of Prinsengracht are named after flowers.

Noorderkerk

Continuing along, you’ll come to the large Noordermarkt square. The square is dominated by the imposing Noorderkerk or North Church. The North and West Church (which we will see later) were financed by the same merchant guild who hired the same architect, De Keyser, to design them both. The North Church, built in 1620, was meant to be the “people’s church.” It was intended as a simpler version of the more ornate West Church. The Noorderkerk has a symmetrical, cross-shaped layout, reflecting the ideals of the Renaissance and Protestantism. De Keyser’s unique design combines an octagonal floor plan with a structure shaped like Saint Andrew’s cross. Four arms of equal length spread out around the building giving it almost a circular appearance.

The “people’s church” was a polite way to distinguish the population that attended. This town area was home to Amsterdam’s more impoverished population. The wealthy merchant didn’t want to associate with them. They were mainly fishermen, and apparently, the smell of fish was something the wealthy merchant didn’t have the stomach for.

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Van Brienenhofje

Located along Prinsengracht from #85 to 133 is the old Van Brienenhofje. This was one of 13 different breweries which were situated along Prinsengracht. When the brewery closed, it was transformed into an almshouse for the elderly. Today it is still used as a housing association for the poor.

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Prinsengracht 175

At Prinsengracht 175, you can see an old house that dates back to 1661. On the front of the house, are a series of gable stones. They are carved into the shape of a sheep, an ox and a lamb. These gable stones can be found on many of the older buildings around Amsterdam. They were called gevelstenen and used before there was an established numbering system along the canal. These symbols also were used to identify the occupation of the owner inside. This also helped the illiterate population of the city during the middle ages find different shops and businesses they required. Spotting these stone tablets makes for a fun eye-spy game as you explore the city!

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Keizersgracht

We’re going to take a quick detour over to the Keizersgracht by turning left along Prinsenstraat. The Keizersgracht (also called the Emperor’s canal) is the third canal in the canal belt. It was named after Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor. During the wintertime, if the weather is cold enough, the water freezes over thanks to the water locks which stop freshwater from entering. This allows residents to skate up and down the canal, a great way to get around during the winter. The canal is 31 meters wide, making it the widest of the waterways in the canal belt.

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Keizersgracht 44

The red shutters of #44 Keizersgracht mark it as a traditional merchant warehouse. But what makes this house different are the stepped gables. Most merchant houses didn’t feature these ornate gables as they were primarily used on residences. This house is also unique as the contents of the warehouse were whale blubber. Large cement pits were dug out in the basement where the whalers could store up to 50,000 litres of whale blubber.

Rode Hoed

The Rode Hoed (Red Hat) announces itself to the public in large red letters as you pass by. While the house looks almost like a church, it was initially a hat makers shop until 1629. After that, the building was purchased by the Remonstrants Brotherhood (a sect of Protestants). Like the Catholics, they needed to practice in secret. They built their underground church here, where they practiced until 1957. After that it was sold to a TV station. Thankfully, the station protected the appearance of the exterior for future generations to appreciate.

Keizersgracht 123

The house at Keizersgracht 123 is better known as the “House with the Heads.” The house was built in 1622 for merchant and art lover Nicolaas Sohier. It was built by city architect Hendrick de Keyser in high Dutch Renaissance style. The roof has been given that illustrious stepped gable design with decorative obelisks, pilasters, claw pieces and swathes of flowers blooming between the windows. Located above the pediments are these wonderful lion masks with their mouths wide open as if in a mid growl.

The house’s name comes from the six sculptural heads on the facade, located just above the first floor. These six heads were initially rumoured to represent six robbers who had once attempted to break into the house. They were caught in the act by the kitchenmaid and were beheaded with her own meat cleaver! Sadly, the story is nothing more than gossip but it makes for a great rumour. The heads acutally represent the six gods; Apollo, Ceres, Mercury, Minerva and Diana.

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Keizersgracht 177

The large brick mansion at #177 Keizersgracht is called the Coymanshuis. It was designed in 1625 by Jacob van Campen for two wealthy brother who were both bankers. The brothers made their fortune in silver and iron. They had huge families, one brother having six children and the other having ten! So, in turnn, they require a very large manor to house all those kids! Architect Jacob van Campen would go on to design the Amsterdam City Hall. He used this house as his winning portfolio piece to get the opportunity to work on the great city hall.

Homomonument

On the other side of the canal, opposite the large and imposing Westerkerk, is a series of steps leading down to a triangular platform. This is the Homomonument, a memorial to commemorate gays and lesbians citizens who were killed by the Nazisduring WWII. Pink triangle badges were used in concentration camps to identify gays and lesbians and the triangular design is used repetedly here to memorialize those actions. The Homomonument was designed to “inspire and support lesbians and gays in their struggle against denial, oppression and discrimination.”  An estimated 15,000 people were sentenced to concentration camps during WWII, many of whom, never returned.

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Astoria Building

Although there aren’t many art nouveau-styled buildings in Amsterdam, you can find one of the greatest here at Keizersgracht #174. This is the Astoria building, built in 1904 to serve as the head office for the Eerste Hollandsche Levensverzekerings Bank. Towering over the rest of the city, the Astoria was the first office tower ever built in the Netherlands. The Dutch style of art nouveau, also called the Nieuwe Kunst, is a much more restrained version of the art style found elsewhere in the world. The most impressive part of the building is the giant mosaic located on the facade depicting an angel protecting a young woman beside a small child.

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Anne Frank House

Turn back onto the Prinsengracht canal and make your way to Prinsengracht #263. The house is easily spotted by the long line of people outside. They are all waiting to see the famed Anne Frank House. It was here that little Anne Frank wrote her seminal diary. This book went on to ignite, inspire and inform young people the whole world about life during WWII.

The Secrets of the House

It was in this house that Anne and her family hid from the Nazis. The house was initially built in 1635 by Dirk van Delft, but the canal facade was renovated in 1740. The lower levels with their wide stable-like doors were initially used to house horses. Later, when Otto Frank bought the house, the space was used as a warehouse for household appliances, piano rolls, and spices. In the back part of the house, was concealed from the street. From the outside, you couldn’t make out the back extension that allowed Anne and her family to hid. A trick bookshelf was installed to give access to these large secret apartments.

Sadly, after hiding for two years, they were discovered by the Nazis during a raid and were sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Anne’s father Otto was the only family member to survive. The employees who worked in Otto’s factory came back to retrieve anything left behind by the Nazis. Luckily, one of these items was Anne’s diary. When Otto returned to Amsterdam it was his life’s mission to publish the book. Not knowing how widespread her musings would become. If you are interested in visiting the museum, be sure to book tickets WELL ahead of time. I’m talking like two months early in some cases! You can also line up in the afternoon for day-of tickets but there is no guarantee you’ll get in and the line tends to be hours long.

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Westerkerk

Opposite the Anne Frank House is the 17th-century protestant Westerkerk. This church is most notable for its 87-meter tower, which can be seen all across Amsterdam. The top of the building is capped with the brightly coloured gilded Imperial Crown. The symbol of the imperial crown belonged to the Holy Roman Emperor, in honour of Maximilian I, archduke of Austria and ruler of the Low Countries. When Maximilian travelled to the Hague in 1484 he fell ill. He prayed that if he recovered he would make a pilgrimage to Amsterdam, where the miracle had been performed. When he was indeed healed, he granted the use of his coat of arms to the city of Amsterdam. The crown is covered in bright blue enamel and even decorated in shining jewels to look as realistic as possible.

The interior of the church is rather plain, painted in white with natural stones. The main feature of the interior is the 36 large windows which allow sunlight to pour in from any angle. There isn’t a single building surrounding the church that obstructs the light flowing in. The white painted interior highlights the glowing luminescence produced by these great windows.

Nieuwe-Wercksbrug

Walk up along the Nieuwe-Wercksbrug bridge to get a beautiful view down the canals. Standing on the bridge, you are walking along Rozengracht street. Rozengracht street translates to “rose street,” but back in the 17th-century, the area was nothing of the sort. The Rozengracht is one of the six filled-in canals located in the Jordaan neighbourhood. The canals had to be filled in because of the poor hygienic condition in the water due to the pollution. People threw everything from garbage, dead animals and human waste into the canal. The street literally smelled so bad they had to fill it in. Now you might understand the irony of giving it such a flowery name.

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Reesluis

Reesluis is the name of the bridge which crosses over this part of the Prinsengracht. From here, you have a fantastic view of Westerkerk’s giant clock tower that looms over the canal. The bridge is named after the Reestraat, which continues out to the east. The street’s name translates to “Deer Street.” This area of town was popular with animal skin traders and craftsmen who worked in the leather industry. The bridge is one of the older bridges in the area, built before 1625.

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Lauriergracht

From here, we are taking a short detour to the east along the Lauriergracht. The Lauriergracht, or the “Laurel Canal,” was a popular place for artists to live in the 17th century. I definitely find this canal contains many hidden artistic flourishes from bright stained glass windows, colourful exteriors and even just little ornate stonework hidden here and there. They are small flourishes but definitely a unique characteristic of the area.

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Lauriergracht 23

Built in 1658, this home was a typical 17th-century example of the fanciful neck gables of the time. This one features two huge lions set into claw pieces. The lions look like they are on the prowl, protecting the home from intruders.

The Houseboat Museum

Turn back to Prinsengracht until you reach the corner of Elandsgracht and Prinsengracht where you’ll find the Houseboat Museum. Since there are over 800 houseboats in Amsterdam, you’d be remiss in visiting the city without going inside of one. And unless you’ve booked one for your hotel stay (a great idea, by the way) or you know someone with a houseboat, this might be your only chance to see the interior of one in person. This houseboat dates back to the 1960s. It has such a retro vibe and still displaying all the ingenious ways people make the small spaces work for them as living quarters. There isn’t a drawer or cabinet not squeezed into place to make these floating homes just like the real thing.

Prinsengracht 300

At #300 Prinsengracht we’ll find another beautiful example of the stone house symbols. This one features a red fox with a blue sparrow in its mouth. The house was built for furrier Dirck Hendricksz Hooghvelt who made his living selling fox fur clothing. The house was originally called ‘De Witte Vos’ (meaning the white fox) until 1767 when the stone tablet was repainted white and the house went by the name ‘De Roode Vos’ (the red fox.)

Beudekerbrug

In 1949, while walking across the Beudekerbrug, singer-songwriter Pieter Goemans was inspired to write the famous song ‘Aan de Amsterdamse Grachten‘ (‘On Amsterdam’s Canals’). It is one of the most popular songs celebrating the city. You’ll often hear it played on street organs across the Netherlands. When the author died in 2000, his ashes were scattered here in the canal. The plaque on the bridge commemorates his contribution to the history of Dutch music.

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Palace of Justice – Prinsengracht 443- 436

From the corner of Prinsengracht and Leidsegracht, we can see the great former Palace of Justice. At the corner, the building has a much different style than the neo-classical facade further along. The entire structure was once the old ‘Weeshuis‘ or orphanage. This Weeshuis was designed to serve the poorest of Amsterdam’s children. Two small stone carvings on either side of the doors on the old brick building show the images of the nuns. The nun who worked in the orphanage are seen holding hands with the small children in the frame. Despite the updating of the rest of the building this small memento from history remains.

The orphanage was renovated into the Palace of Justice in 1825 by architect Jan de Greef. Greef was working under the stylist trends of the period. These were heavily inspired by ancient Greek architecture. The building features large stone columns, Corinthian capitals and heavy stone balustrades. On the second-floor facade, you can see a stone carving with a poem attributed to Jacob van Lennep. It reads, “Under your rule, Serene Willem! Is this Asylum rebuilt, and consecrated to Law and Justice.”

Prinsengracht 769

At Prinsengracht 769, you’ll find the old Prinsengracht Hospital. The original hospital was built in 1857 after the cholera epidemic in the 1850s. The hospital remained open for over 150 years, eventually closing in 2015. A modern co-working space company bought the property. They wanted to transform the individual hospital rooms into rentable desks spaces and meeting rooms for digital nomads and start-up companies. While the interior has been modernized, the facade remains much unchanged from the days when it served as a hospital.

The Deutzen Hofje

Facing out along the canal’s bend is the Deutzen Hofje at Prinsengracht 857. Hofje is the Dutch word for a courtyard with almshouses around it. Hofjes have existed since the Middle Ages providing housing mainly for the elderly. The house was built in 1695 with funds from a wealthy Amsterdam resident. She bequeathed the house over to the city to become free housing for older servants who couldn’t work anymore. On the front of the house are the words, “A comfort to the poor, an example to the rich.”

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Reguliersgracht 92

At the corner of Prinsengracht and Reguliersgracht is an old red-painted building. Take note of the interesting sculpture of a stork peeking out over the niche above the doorway. The building was first built in the 17th century for a popular midwife. She used the stork as a symbol and de-facto advertisement for her business.

De Duifbrug

De Duifbrug or the Dove Bridge has also been called the “tunnel of love.” The original name came from the fact the bridge was located next to the old De Duif church. But the nickname was given as it is thought to be one of the most romantic spots in the city. Standing on the bridge your vantage point looks out over at the seven different famous bridges that surround the area. When illuminated at night, it is one of the most magical places in the city!

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Brasserie Nel

Set back on the Amstelveld, is a charming tree-lined square. Located right inside is the old Brasserie Nel. The building, which houses the trendy restaurant with a picture-perfect patio, was built in 1668. It originally served as a temporary church before the De Duif was constructed. The restaurant is a great place to stop if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat or just have a refreshing glass of beer!

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Magere Brug, the Skinny Bridge

Make your way down to the Amstel River to see the Magere Brug or “Skinny Bridge.” Considered by most to be the most beautiful bridge in the city. The Magere Brug is a bascule bridge or draw bridge. These bridges can be raised to provide clearance for large boat traffic to pass through. The present bridge was built in 1934 to accommodate these large boats which couldn’t pass under the original stone bridge.

The first incarnation of this passage across the river was installed in 1691. Back then, it is said that the bridge was created by two sisters who lived on opposite sides of the Amstel river. Each one wanted to be able to visit one another every day without having to jump into a boat. But the women weren’t super-wealthy and could only afford to build a very narrow bridge. Hence the original name “skinny” bridge. Walk out onto the bridge for some of the best photo opportunities in the city. The view looking out at the Amstel River as well as the view of the bridge and houses behind it are both stunning photo spots.

Amstel

The name Amstel is derived from the Dutch word Amestelle. “Ame” meaning water, and “stelle” meaning solid, high dry ground. In the 12th century, the Amstel river was developed to serve as a commercial waterway by the very wealthy Van Amstel family. The family had been an influential dynasty in the medieval Netherlands named after the river from which they drew their wealth. The river is truly the lifeblood of the town and is one of the most important transit routes in Amsterdam.

Herengracht

Walk back to Amstel street until you reach the Herengracht. The Herengracht is the second of four Amsterdam canals belonging to the canal belt, located right behind the Singel Canal. The portion of the canal was built in 1612. Previously the area was a simple moat dug for the companies on the Singel canal to use. The name of the canal was given in honour of Heren Regeerders van de stad, the Gentlemen Governor of Amsterdam. Today it goes by the nickname the Gentlemen’s Canal.

Willet-Holthuysen Museum

After walking past so many of these canal houses, take this opportunity to step inside one for yourself! The house at Herengracht 605 was built for the mayor of Amsterdam Jacob Hop in 1685. It was passed down to each subsequent mayor until 1895, when it passed hands to Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen. When Willet died, Louisa bequeathed the house to the city of Amsterdam. She gave it along with their collection of art, furniture and another interior decor to serve as the Willet-Holthuysen Museum.

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The facade was renovated in 1739 to suit the new Louis XIV style. I adore the floral stone carvings, which look like they are real flowers growing out of the stone. Above the doorway is a large stone sculpture of St. George standing atop a slain dragon. Holding up the plinth is the head of an elephant whose trunk acts as a column holding up the entire stone tablet. The interiors all date back to 1895 and are a wonderful slice of that period of architecture, design and art in Amsterdam. Ticket prices for Adults are €12.50.

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Gouden Bocht

The Gouden Bocht or Golden Bend was built as the most prestigious part of the Herengracht. Many people who originally purchased the land here were regents, mayors and traders. They were encouraged to buy a double lot to ensure their mansion felt grand and imposing. Most of the residents made their living importing and exporting goods from South America or the Dutch East Indies. The name “golden bend” came from the fact that the city’s wealthiest families seemed to be amassed right here along the bend.

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Philips Vingboons and Adriaan Dortsman

Two architects were responsible for most of the structures along the Golden Bend. They were Philips Vingboons and Adriaan Dortsman. Philips Vingboons is known to be the originator of the famous neck gable design. Since Vingboons was a Catholic and the city was controlled by the protestant elite, he never had the opportunity to design any governmental or religious buildings in the town. These kinds of commissions would have brought in a substantial amount of money and fame for the artisan which he, therefore, missed out on.

Having two principal designers for one area meant the strip has a more uniform appearance. The styles they preferred featured very classical facades. Today, the Golden Bend keeps its name and is home to some of the largest banks and financial institutions in Amsterdam. Very appropriate.

De Bazel

Almost unmissable is the domanieering De Bazel building on the corner of Herengracht and Vijzelstraat. The building is the former headquarters of the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij. The NHM was founded in 1824 by King William I to promote trade, shipping, shipbuilding, fishing, agriculture and manufacturing. One of their most important functions was supporting trade between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies. The building was designed by the architect Karel de Bazel in 1919. It is nicknamed De Spekkoek, which translates to pork belly. It is named as such because of the alternating light and dark colours of stone that look like layers of fat in bacon. Spekkoek is also the name of a popular dessert with the same light and dark layers but made with cake.

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Herengracht 446

The beautiful black brick facade at #446 was home to the Amsterdam regent family De Graeff. Andries de Graeff became the reigning mayor of Amsterdam in 1671. De Graeff was a Free Imperial Knight of the Holy Roman Empire. The Free Imperial knights were free nobles of the Holy Roman Empire, whose direct overlord was the Emperor. The upper gable is a stone shield with the De Graeff family coat of arms emblazoned on it. The coat of arms comprises two white swans and two shovels in either corner of the shield. The shovel represents the Herren von Graben family and the swans from the De Grebber family who joined together to form this new noble house.

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Koningssluis

The Koningssluis bridge is one of the more uniquely designed bridges in Amsterdam. The original bridge was from 1662, but the current incarnation was made in 1921 by architect Piet Kramer. Instead of removing the entire old stone bridge, Kramer worked to integrate the ancient stones with new decorative wrought iron railings. He was inspired by the art deco fashion of the time. Don’t miss checking out the stone and brick corner of the bridge. These feature stone sculptures in the shape of mythical animals which are little hidden gems to discover.

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Herengracht 394

The house on the corner of Herengracht and Leidsegracht is home to the ‘De Vier Heemskinderen‘ house. Notice the iconic house symbol above the doorway featuring a horse with four riders. This depicts the medieval story of the Four Sons of Aymon or the Heemskinderen. The house was built during the canal expansion in 1671. The high neck gable is decorated with carved floral garlands, which also embellish brick around the windows.

Herengracht 390-392

The houses along Herengracht 390-392 both feature incredible Dutch Baroque claw pieces adding a bit of interest to their neck gables. The houses were commissioned as a duo by the wood merchant Jan Teeringh and designed by Justus Vingboons. The ornately carved claw piece consists of a male and female figure leaning on the gable. A large cartouche was carved below them. On either side of the window are two large floral festoons, made to look like the stone facade has begun to bloom.

Museum of the Canals

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the canals in Amsterdam, make a stop inside the Museum of the Canals. Inside this historic grand mansion, you will travel back in time through over 400 years of history. You’ll be able to learn more about the history of Amsterdam and how the canals and the canal houses were built atop the water. Through minature scale models, 3D animations and interactive multimedia experience, you are really immersed into the world of Amsterdam’s history.

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Herengracht 380

Herengracht 380 is probably my favourite house along the Herengracht. It looks so much different than the rest of the buildings along the canal, in a very distinctive style. It was built in 1775 adjoining three other buildings which once stood here. Sadly, in the 19th century, a great fire burned down the old buildings, and they all had to be demolished. But this new treasure rose from their ashes. The architect Abraham Salm was inspired by his time in Paris and the castles he saw in the Loire valley. The french style of architecture is a rarity to find in Amsterdam. The facade is covered in exuberant decorations, carved medallions, large sculptures, ornate balustrades and sandstone lilies (an iconic symbol of France). Although it was initially designed as a residence, it has since passed hands and is a government office building today.

Cromhout House

The houses along 370-364 are lovely examples of the lavish designs of the 17th century. Initially built for wealthy merchant Jacob Cromhout, the house was designed in 1660 in Dutch classicist style by architect Philips Vingboons. The lower facade is mainly classical but the gables are covered in a stunning array of intricate stucco decorations, which are emblematic of the Dutch baroque area. Pay close attention to the oval oeil-de-boeuf windows surrounding gorgeous floral motifs. Besides the neck, gables are claw pieces in the shape of swirling shells, another element of baroque iconography. The building was previously home to the beautiful Bible Museum, but it closed permanently in 2020. The home is now used for travelling exhibitions.

Bartolotti House

The Bartolotti House at Herengracht 170 was built in 1617 for Willem Bartolotti van den Heuvel tot Beichlingen. Willem had married Giovanni Battista Bartolotti, who came from a wealthy family of merchants from Bologna. Hendrick de Keyser was the architect and one of the most influential Baroque Renaissance architects. And this house is perhaps the best example of his work. The richly decorated facade has pilasters, masks, vases, claw pieces, extensive balustrades, and one of the most elaborate stepped gables in the city. The actual facade of the house seems to be bent at a slight angle, as the home is located in what was called the “small bend” of the Herengracht. On the facade are two large cartouches with the inscription, “Ingenio et Assiduo Labore” (by ingenuity and diligence) on the left and “Religione et Probate” (by religion and righteousness) on the right.

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Herengracht 120

The charming black brick house with white accents at #120 was built in 1615 for cloth merchants Michiel Jansz de Lange and Adriaen Jacobsz van Noort. These merchants traded mainly with Norway, and they wanted to name their home after the King which they served. The style of the house with its large expansive windows is known as Amsterdam’s Urban Renaissance architecture.

Herengracht 81

One of the most spectacular historical houses is at #81. It announces its permanence with the date printed on the brick of 1590 when the house was first constructed. This is actually the oldest residential house in all of Amsterdam. It was initially a traditional merchant’s house, highlighted by those gorgeous wooden shutters. Before these brick buildings were constructed, in the medieval period in Amsterdam, all houses were built out of wood. But sadly, three great fires which ripped through the city destroyed all of these original homes. After the last fire in 1597, the government ensured all new houses were made in brick to help prevent future widespread fires. I adore the stepped gable located on this house; the red brick and white stone atop each step really highlight the shape and makes it so unique.

Melkmeisjesbrug

The Melkmeisjesbrug will take you from Herengracht over the Brouwersgracht. The word “Melkmeisjes” means “milk market.” When the bridge was first built in the 17th century, it was located near the large Dutch milk market. You’ll notice a set of three burgundy-coloured bollards situated on either end of the bridge. These were installed to prevent large vehicles from passing over the old bridge, which cannot withstand the weight. This was actually the first place they were installed. They are called the Amsterdammertje (Dutch for ‘little one from Amsterdam’). They are imprinted with three Saint Andrew’s Crosses from the coat of arms of Amsterdam.

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Singel Canal

Walking south from the Haarlemmer Sluice we will come upon the last of the canals in the Canal Belt; the Singel Canal. The Singel encircled Amsterdam’s medieval centre, serving as a moat around the city until 1585. The Dutch word “omsingelen” means “to surround” as the canal literally surrounded and protected the medieval old town as a makeshift fortress of water. The trench was dug in 1428, making it the oldest of the channels in the central belt.

Singel 7

On the east side of the canal at Singel #7, we find the little slice of a house. It barely registers as a house at all when you pass by it. This is indeed the narrowest house in Amsterdam. The house is literally only a door’s width wide, with a singular window located on the second floor. Since we know that the property was taxed based on width, this building would have been a real penny pincher.

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Ronde Lutherse Kerk

Although it’s now used as an event space, the imposing Ronde Lutherse Kerk or Nieuwe Lutherse Kerk was once the former New Lutheran church in Amsterdam. It was built in 1668 as the second and thus “new” Lutheran Church after the Old Lutheran Church had become too small. This building couldn’t cope with the many Lutheran immigrants coming into the city.

Lutheran architecture forbids the construction of bell towers, so instead, the architect wanted to make the great dome as the central focus of the church. Crowning the top of the dome is the Lutheran swan. The swan is a famous symbol in the Lutheran church because of its connection with Jan Hus. Hus was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement in Bohemia during the 16th century. His teachings had a strong influence on Martin Luther. When Hus was sentenced to be burnt alive, just before he said, “today you will roast a goose, but a swan will rise from the ashes.”

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Londenvaarders

The area along the Singel canal from the Ronde Lutherse Kerk to the Lijnbaanssteeg is known as Londenvaarders. This part of the canal was where ships coming in from London would be docked. Anyone walking around this area during the 17th century would find English sailors and merchants everywhere they looked and it became a de facto embassy for Englishmen.

Singel 36

Look across the canal at #36 Singel. From this further away vantage point, you can really appreciate the elegance of the beautiful cornice in Louis XV style, which tops the house. In the centre of the richly decorated balustrade is this incredible carving of the god Mercury lounging, holding in his hand a large purse. Surrounding the relaxed god is a series of items relating to the trade industry like barrels, wine and animals. The house was originally built in 1763 for shipowner and trader Tamme IJsbrandsz Beth. Beth was troubled by the arrival of the British and the fact the London ships took over the area and wanted to create a powerful facade that would show his dominance over the British fleets.

Blauwburgwal

Continue along the Singel canal until you come to the Blauwburgwal canal on your left. The Blauwburgwal canal is the shortest waterway in the city center. It is sandwiched right between the Singel and the Herengracht by two scenic bridges. The trees which line either side of the little canal makes this such a picturesque little scene to stop in and look at.

De Dolphijn

Head back to the Single Canal and make your way down to #140. This is better known as the house De Dolphijn. The house was built in the 17th century for soap merchant Hendrick Laurensz Spieghel. The front facade consists of two identical stepped gables made of that iconic red brick with sandstone highlights. The house is one of the best examples of Dutch Baroque architecture in the style of Hendrick de Keyser.

The main characteristics of this style were the symmetrical facades created from brick using classical references. This can be seen with the addition of the images of Greek masks featured above the window pediments on the first floor. The house is one of the few facades in Amsterdam that still has scroll ornaments along the gables. Originally the house featured dolphins on both sides gable. The dolphin was the emblem of the Spieghel family, and therein is where the nickname of the house came from.

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The Torensluis

As we continue down the Single Canal, we come up the enormous Torensluis bridge. This bridge is the oldest and widest bridge in the entire city, preserved since 1648. It measures a whopping 42 meters wide! The word “Torensluis” means “tower lock,” as the bridge was once home to a great tower that stood here until the mid-19th-century. Looking back at the bridge from further along the canal, study the area under the bridge along either side of the arches. There you can spot several small barred windows. Beneath the bridge, there was once a dungeon and prison cells connected to the old tower. Truly an example of how ingenious the architects of the city were. Using every little bit of space to cram in more infrastructure.

Multatuli Statue

Most of the bridge is now used by the cafes nearby as patio space. But amidst these seats is a statue of Dutch writer Multatuli. Eduard Douwes Dekker, better known by his pen name “Multatuli,” was a Dutch writer best known for his satirical novel Max Havelaar. This book was one of the first to denounced the abuses of colonialism in the Dutch East Indies. It is a considered piece of writing from 1860. Multatuli was truly a man ahead of his time as an anti-colonialist.

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Singel 188

On the other side of the bridge at #188, we can find another great example of Amsterdam’s stone tablets. Most of the general public couldn’t read during the middle ages. Therefore to help businesses bring in customers, these stone tablets used pictorial images to depict their goods and services. This is a perfect example as the tablet above the doorway features a windmill. The house is named the “De Roo Oly Molen” or “The Red Oil Mill.” A few doors down at #194, you can find another example of a cobbler’s shop. This stone features a shoe and some cobbing equipment. Hundreds of years ago people would have just one shoe to their name and repairing their shoes was much more common than we do today. Early examples of sustainability.

Singel 192

The house at #192 features a beautiful neck gable with this curved pediment featuring a brightly painted bunch of grapes. The house was built in 1739 in Louis XIV style for the wine merchant Arend Roger. Just another example of how some merchants liked to advertise their businesses through their gable architecture. Something I genuinely wish we still did today, a great way to get to know your neighbours!

Singel 288

The gable along the top of the house at #288 features this wonderfully playful dolphin’s head. The dolphin appears to be bursting forth from the house with a spray of water cresting up behind him. Dolphins are a frequent symbol seen throughout Amsterdam, even though the canals are not home to these sea creatures. But the animals have a deep connection to the sailors and sailing merchants who would greet these great beasts on their voyages. Incorporating them into their home designs was a means of keeping that connection to the waters close to home.

Singel 326

The 18th-century house at #326 features the most incredible scene on either side of the beautiful neck gable. Sitting against the curved claw pieces are statues of Neptune and Mercury holding a golden trident and caduceus, respectively. Surrounding the lifting beams are also a swath of Acanthus leaves. Acanthus leaves are a symbol of enduring life. When combined with the images of Mercury, we can imagine that this house was perhaps a doctor’s residence.

Old Lutheran Church

The sizeable windowed building at #411 is the Old Lutheran Church. And when I say old, I mean old. It was built in 1632, that’s over 350 years ago! The church is a very, very odd one to visit. It is such an irregular shape. The floorplan curving to flank the edge of Spui road on the northern side of the building.

Singel 460

House #460 Singel is better known as the House Nürnberg or the Odeon building. It was designed by famed architect Philips Vingboons in 1661. However, previously, the lot had been used as a brewery as early as 1586. What makes this building stand out is the tall neck gable. The building is built in a rich, dark burgundy brick with contrasting light sandstone curved claw pieces decorated with elaborate festoons. Two oeil-de-boeuf windows stand below either side of the claw pieces. A large Cartouche surrounds the huge lifting hook. The festoons from the upper levels hang down below the windows. Looks like the building has been decorated for the holidays every day of the year!

Bloemenmarkt

Walking along Singel crossing the Koningsplein, we enter the great Bloemenmarkt. The Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market founded in 1862. Back then, this part of the city was where flower growers would enter the canal to sell their plants. They travelled on large barges that floated beside the canal and buyers would simply hop on the barge. The barge would sit beside the streets and return to their ships once all the flowers were sold. Today the barges are affixed to the mainland. Sadly, much of the original flower market has disappeared over the years. Few to no vendors actually sell blooming flowers here. Instead, the market is mainly a tourist attraction with gift shops and souvenir stands. These focus primarily on tulip paraphernalia.

Tulip Bulbs

Some of the vendors do sell fresh tulip bulbs which you can bring home to plant. But only if your country allows them through customs (be sure to check!) Although it’s super touristy, I actually loved looking at the varieties of tulip bulbs for sale. It’s incredible to see how many different colours and even new “designer” flowers have been created. They were made by combining different strains of tulips together in the lab. If you can try to ignore the hoards of tourists and just focus on this, you might actually get something out of a visit to the Bloemenmarkt. But the Bloemenmarkt can get super crowded! You only need to see a portion of it to get the idea. I would advise jumping down Sint Jorisstraat and then walking along Reguliersdwarsstraat until you reach Vijzelstraat. This little back street is a great way to avoid the crowds.

Munttoren

Walking over Muntsluis bridge to find your way to the great Munttoren (Mint Tower), which sits at the intersection of the Amstel River and the Singel Canal. The great tower was initially located at the entrance to the city’s main gates along Amsterdam’s medieval wall. The original building was made in 1480 and consisted of two towers and a guardhouse. After the great fire of 1618, the tower was rebuilt as you see it today in Amsterdam Renaissance style. The entire structure was replaced in 1885 but maintains its medieval design.

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In the 17th-century, during the Dutch wars against England and France, the city was occupied by these factions. The transportation of coins from their location outside the city was impossible with these restrictions. So the guardhouse was set up as a temporary mint, giving the tower its official nickname. The building features a beautiful tower design by Hendrick de Keyser. They installed a clock face on every side of the spire so that citizens on every corner of town could look to it to tell the time.

The Dancing Houses

Make a quick detour over the Halvemaansbrug and onto ‘s-Gravelandseveer street. From here you have the best vantage point over to the famous Amsterdam Dancing Houses. Since houses in Amsterdam were built upon muddy marshland and stand on old pine-wood poles, some of the houses have begun to shift and sink over time. Surprisingly it’s not the weight of the house that creates the unevenness, but the water level. So long as the pole remains under the water, its integrity is preserved. But the second the water level drops, the wood can start to rot. The rot weakens the structure and causes this sagging effect. Although many houses are sinking, this row of houses seems to be suffering the most. They have become affectionately known as the “dancing queens” or “dancing houses.” The wobbling levels making them appear as though they are dancing up and down.

Grimburgwal

Just around the corner from the Dancing Houses is the Grimburgwal. This canal marks the outskirts of the Red Light District. The Grimburgwal also marks the entrance to the Medieval centre of Amsterdam. This narrow watery passageway connects the great Oudezijds Voorburgwal to the Amstel river via the Rokin canal. The name “Grimburgwal” comes from the word “grim,” which means “muddy ditch” and “burgwal” which means earthen wall. This part of the city was home to this large earthen wall dug out along the muddy waters used to protect the medieval city. The wall was destroyed in 1384 during the city’s expansion. The Grimburgwal remained the city’s southern canal border until 1425 when the canal belt began to be constructed. It’s a small, almost forgettable canal today, but its rich history is something to take note of.

The view from the Amstel River along the medieval Groenburgwal, with the steeple of the Southern Church in the background, has been painted by several famous painters over the years. Rembrandt himself would come here to paint as the canal was so close to his home. But the most famous painting of the canal was made in the 19th-century by impressionist painter Monet.

Kloveniersburgwal

From Grimburgwal walk back towards the Aluminium Bridge, which crosses over the Kloveniersburgwal. The Kloveniersburgwal canal was dug out in the 15h-century originally designed as a defensive canal to protect the Oudeschanst. The canal’s name comes from the division of the civic guards called the ‘kloveniers‘ who worked along with these defences.

During the Second World War, Kloveniersburgwal was the border of the Jewish quarter. It was here that the Germans started to segregate the Jewish population of Amsterdam before sending most of them off to concentration camps. At one point, more than 25,000 Jewish people were living here. Sadly, 75-80% of the people from the neighbourhood were deported and murdered by the Nazis. After the war, this part of town must have been hauntingly empty, a constant memory of the loss.

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Oudezijds Voorburgwal

Walk west along Vendelstraat, through the pedestrian walkway north towards the Sleutelbrug, which looks out over the entrance to the Oudezijds Voorburgwal. The Oudezijds Voorburgwal (often abbreviated to OZ Voorburgwal) means “old city walls.” This area was where the defensive ramparts continued around the old medieval city. The canal was originally nothing more than a little creek but was dug out to create this large waterway in the 14th century. As the canal was one of the first large expansions, it is where we can find some of the oldest buildings in Amsterdam.

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Red Light District

During the Dutch Golden Age, the canal was a hub for commerce and ships coming into port. This influx of sailors led to the development of what we now call the “Red Light District.” While some people only come here to gawk at the red light dancing girls, there is so much more to this historic canal to see and appreciate.

Despite the fact that today the area is known for its illicit activities, in the middle ages, the canal was where you could find a large number of monasteries, churches and religious institutions. During the 17th century, many wealthy Catholic merchants made this part of the city their home. Back then, the area was nicknamed the “Velvet defence-canal“. Sort of a dig at the rich merchants who lived here who were known for dressing in fancy velvet clothing.

House at the Three Canals

At the intersection of the Oudezijds, the Achterburgwal and the Grimburgwal, we find the Huis Aan De Drie Grachten or House on the Three Canals. Name because it is located at this meeting point of these three famous waterways. This house is so fantastical, designed in high Dutch Renaissance style. I especially love the large leaded glass window and set-in brick arches above them. The charming red wooden shutters making it so classical Dutch looking. The house was originally two separate lots built around 1610!

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The house was designed for bricklayer Claes Adriaensz van Delft. Seeing as it was made for a bricklayer it is only appropriate that the bricks on this house are among the most impressive parts of the entire building. During the 1930s, a bookstore was opened in the house. Inside, the various bookshelves hid behind them, secret compartments where Jewish people on the run from the Germans could hide. These hidden compartments were only discovered in 2005 during renovations to the building. Adding to the already illustrious history of the building.

Agnietenkapel

Behind this grand arched entrance, is the doorway into the old Agnietenkapel, also known as the Chapel of the Convent of Saint Agnes. This is one of the oldest structures in the city, dating back to 1470. In the 15th century, the area along the southern half of Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal was called the stille zijde or the “quiet side.” This so-called peaceful part of town became popular with religious institutions looking for a monastic place to build their home. Away from the hustle and bustle of the raucous trade center. Very ironic today that all these churches are now located in what would be considered the most unholy neighbourhoods, the Red Light District.

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Athenaeum Illustre

In 1578, when the Catholic city government was deposed in favour of the Protestant one, all Catholic churches and monasteries were demolished. This was called the Alteratie, or the “alternative.” But the Agnietenkapel was thought to be too beautiful to be destroyed. Instead, in 1631 it was converted into the Athenaeum Illustre. The Athenaeum Illustre, or Amsterdamse Atheneum, was a city-sponsored ‘illustrious school.’ An Athenaeum Illustre was neither a university nor just a school. It fell somewhere between where it would teach at an academic level, but there were no degrees given out. In the 17th century, each province was only allowed one official university, and Holland already had a university at Leiden. It wasn’t until 1815 that it was recognized as an official academic institution where diplomas could be given out. Leading to its transformation into the University of Amsterdam.

Church Gate

The Agnietenpoort or Church Gate is fantastically carved with so many ornaments placed along the archway. You can see why they decided to preserve it when it changed hands from the church. On the top, set into a large shield is the Amsterdam coat of arms. The coat of arms of Amsterdam consists of a red shield (here just plain stone) with three silver Saint Andrew’s Crosses down the middle highlighted by a black pale. The black pale symbolizes the Amstel River, while the three crosses represent the three dangers of Old Amsterdam: fire, floods and the Black Death. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Amsterdam as he is the patron saint of fisherman as the city was originally just a small fishing village.

Surrounding the coat of arms is typical Vredeman de Vries motifs. Hans Vredeman de Vries was a Dutch Renaissance architect best known for his publication in 1583 on garden designs. Inside this book were many drawings of floral ornamentations that have since been referenced ever since on buildings all over the city. A large cartouche frames the emblem with the year 1631 below and a roaring lion on top. The Dutch Republic Lion was the badge of the Union of Utrecht and a precursor of the current coat of arms of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. You’ll find lion symbols all over the city to represent this ancient heraldry.

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Amsterdam Municipal Pawnshop

Pawnshops have truly been around forever! Proof positive of this fact is the old Municipal Pawnshop found along the canal. This building was established in Amsterdam in 1616. It was created as a municipal charity to protect poor people from shady loan sharks. These loan sharks would lend out money at a sky-high interest rate that made it impossible to ever pay back and get out of debt. The Amsterdam Municipal Pawnshop, or Stadsbank van Lening, was started as a not-for-profit city bank that still operates today! It is considered the oldest bank in Amsterdam and one of the oldest banks in the world!

Above the doorway, you’ll find the city coat of arms topped by the Emperor’s crown. In gold lettering, along the pediment over the doorway, is a poem in Dutch. It reads, “Have you neither money nor property, pass this door. Have you the last, and do you miss the first, come to me. Give pledge, I give you money, why should I guarantee you? Or isn’t it enough that you live off mine? But if you return your pledge, you must take care in time. That my principal will return with interest. I help you and me and show it to the investigators. Of my secrets, the grave of forgotten usurers.“

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The Prinsenhof

Another holy institution located along the Oudezijds Voorburgwal was the St. Cecilia Monastery. The original church was built in the early 15th century but after the Alteratie, the Catholic institution was converted into the city’s Prinsenhof in 1581. It was named the ‘Prinsenhof‘ after Prince William of Orange. In the late 16th century, the prince of Orange was the ruler of the Netherlands and would often use the building as his primary residence. It was later used as the Admiralty in the 17th century.

Prinsenhof as City Hall

In 1808 King Louis Bonaparte pulled the old switcharoo and wanted to convert the beautiful Dam City Hall into his Royal Palace. This meant the city needed to find a new location for its city hall. Seeing as the Prinsenhof was little used at this time, it was selected as their new City Hall. The building was used as accommodation for visiting dignitaries, mayors and, of course, city council meetings. When the city council moved in, the building saw a huge change in the architecture to suit its new function.

Amsterdam School Style

The new style of architecture which came out of the building of the new city hall was called, “Amsterdam School Style.” Like all variations of Dutch architecture, it heavily featured brickwork. The use of bricks is the primary building material in Amsterdam is due to the fact that the city’s access to clay. Clay is found in abundance around the rivers which encircle the city. Amsterdam School structures are also characterized by a rounded appearance, as demonstrated here by the curved facade bowing out towards the canal. The style also tended to favour decorative masonry, wrought iron accents, spires and ‘ladder’ windows. The style is slightly reminiscent of the Art Deco design aesthetic but with a Dutch interpretation. The decorative masonry here features large artistic pillars along the first floor. They depict men and women as symbols correlating to administrative virtues such as simplicity, courage, and diligence.

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City Hall Public Urinal

Across from Oudezijds Voorburgwal #195 is a small brick and stone cylindrical structure which is actually a public urinal! A urinal probably seems like a very strange thing to make a point to visit. But this urinal has become an actual National Monument. It was built in 1926 and renovated for the new City hall. The urinal was designed to fit into the same uniform Amsterdam school style as the City Hall. Right on top of the urinal entrance, you’ll find another sculpture designed by artist Hildo Krop. This sculpture matches the same sculptures on the pillars outside the City Hall. If nature calls, men can still use the rudimentary bathroom today!

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Oudezijds Voorburgwal 187

The Dutch Classical black brick building at #187 has a very interesting gable design, specifically around the ornate claw pieces. The house was built in 1663 for an American tobacco trader. We can tell the house was designed for a merchant working in the Americas because of the imagery featured in the claw pieces. We can see sculptures of the merchant’s enslaved Africans holding tobacco leaves. Above them are pictured personifications of indigenous workers carrying large harvest baskets. 

Amsterdam’s Architecture of Colonial Exploitation

Many parallels can be drawn between America’s colonization and the enslavement of the African people to the Netherlands’ own dark colonial past. Everyone knows that the “Dutch Golden Age” was the city’s great boom in the 17th century brought about by its free and tolerant society and its enormous trading empire. With the creation of the Dutch East India Company, the Netherlands had an empire of ships that roamed the coastlines of Asia and Africa.

But it wasn’t just spice and silks they brought home. They also colonized countries and robbed them of their natural resources. And although the Dutch didn’t bring slaves back to their home country, the colonies suffered through a period of around 200 years of slavery until it was abolished in 1863. While houses like this and other images of slavery are tough to observe, it’s essential to understand and accept this period of Amsterdam’s history. You can learn a lot more about Amsterdam’s Architecture of Colonial Exploitation in this great article!

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 136

The house on Oudezijds Voorburgwal #136 was first built in the 16th century. Above the doorway, there is an iconic wooden relief featuring the famous navy officer Admiral Cornelis Tromp. Cornelis Maartenszoon Tromp lived in Amsterdam but never at this particular residence. In fact, the relief wasn’t installed until well after his death. The house was purchased by trader Jan Pranger who had a great reverence for Cornelis Tromp as a fellow sea traveller.

Admiral Cornelis Tromp Stone Tablet

Tromp can be seen in his heroic pose, his hand resting on a large globe above a scrolled nautical chart in the background. The relief was hidden for years when the house was converted into a printing shop that covered up the old plaque. In the 1990s, when the house was being refurbished, the old emblem was released, and they went about restoring the brightly painted colours to their former glory. The house basement was converted into a sex shop in 1980 but today the house serves as the headquarters for the green energy initiative in Amsterdam.

Bulldog Coffeeshop

The Bulldog Coffeeshop is a famous landmark in the neighbourhood as it is the oldest “coffee shop” in Amsterdam. It was established in 1974 as a secret “speakeasy” for soft drugs. Despite multiple raids over the years, eventually, the city began to tolerate the sale of these drugs. Many people think marijuana is legal in Amsterdam, and surprisingly that’s not the case. But it is generally accepted, even by the police, who look the other way. The original location is worth visiting as you can discover more about the history of cannabis in Amsterdam inside.

Even if you don’t partake in the consumption, you can’t visit Amsterdam without seeing what these “coffee shops” are all about. Plus, this location has a full menu with food and drink options that don’t contain any drugs. I myself don’t partake but still had a blast checking them out and seeing what a comfortable, friendly atmosphere I was greeted with inside.

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The Oude Kerk

The crowing glory of the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal is the grand Oude Kerk. The Oude Kerk or “Old Church” is named as such because is the oldest religious institution in the city. The first wooden part of the structure was constructed here in 1213! Originally the church was named St. Nicolas Church after the patron saint of the city.

The area they selected for the church was a sold mound in the otherwise marshy settlement. This allowed the church to grow in size without requiring much additional foundation work. Today the church sprawls out over 36,000 sq ft. Each generation of Amsterdam’s religious elite seemed to have added their own personal touch in its expansion. In the 14th century, the side aisle was lengthened, and the great medieval wooden vaults were installed. These remain to this day are the oldest medieval wooden vault in all of Europe. The vaults were made out of great Estonian oak planks. Some of the plants were stained in various colours to look like paintings on the ceiling. Bands of florals surround each part of the vault with golden stars decorating the keystones. These vaults are still thought to provide some of the best acoustics even amongst the more modern churches.

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Miracle of Amsterdam

In the 14th century, the church was the site of the “Miracle of Amsterdam.” One day, a dying man accepted the sacramental bread during communion. But after ingesting it, he began to vomit it up in a fit of pain. When the priests threw the vomit into the fire, the bread did not burn, and the act was proclaimed a miracle. Even stranger than the miracle itself was the fact that the vomitted bread was preserved in a relic chest and kept inside the church. Sadly their miracle relic was one of the many items which disappeared during the Alterie.

Stained Glass

In the 15th century, a north and south transept were added to change the floorplan of the church into a cross shape. The beautiful large windows inside the church were installed in 1406 and were once covered in vibrant stained glass. More and more windows were added over the years, totalling 33 large-scale artfully made scenes. Sadly during the great fire of 1536 and the gunpowder explosion in 1654, all of these original windows were destroyed.

Most of the windows are now plain glass replacements but, beginning in the 20th century, these windows began to be restored. Using paintings, drawings and historical architectural plans, the church museum started to create modern interpretations of the ancient windows. There were created by artist Joep Nicolas. The windows depict various biblical stories, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son and the story of baby Moses. But they also commissioned some modern, secular scenes as well. Inside the Memorial window are depictions of WWII victims who were killed during the Nazi occupation. The Libration window also commemorates the Netherlands’ liberation from the German and Japanese occupiers.

Oude Kerk & the Alterie

After the Catholic Reformation in Amsterdam during the late 16th century, the church was looted and defaced on multiple occasions. This stripped the church of much of its original decorations save for a few paintings. The thieves couldn’t reach them as they were installed high up under the vaults. After the Reformation, the church was used as a meeting house for the public. People would come here to escape the cold and the rain to gossip, sell their goods, and it was even used as a de-facto homeless shelter.

In the 17th century, the church was reconsecrated and been given a fresh coat of paint. New decorations were installed, including a new oak screen which referred to the desecration during Reformation. It states, “The prolonged misuse of God’s church, was here undone again in the year seventy-eight.”

Rembrandt & Oude Kerk

One of the most famous Dutch painters, Rembrandt himself, was a frequent visitor to the Oude Kerk. All of his children were baptized inside the temple, and it is one of the few original buildings left in Amsterdam where the painter roamed the halls. His wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh was buried here in 1642 inside the Holy Sepulchre. Another famous figure buried is naval hero Jacob van Heemskerck who was a central figure in Rembrandt’s masterpiece The Night Watch.

Today, the church is used as a contemporary art gallery where the ancient architecture is the backdrop for modern art. Entry into the church costs €12 for adults and €7 for students; children under 13 are free. On Sunday mornings, the church still opens its doors for worshippers for free but only for those serious about coming in to pray.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 57

Across the bridge from the Oude Kerk at #57 is a gorgeous example of Amsterdam Renaissance architecture made by the famous architect Hendrick de Keyser. They call the house the De Gecroonde Raep. It features one of the finest examples of stepped gables in Amsterdam. With these gorgeous scalloped stone carvings above each step. The facade also features these beautiful brace arches above the windows with smallmasks set into the pediments. Iconic features of Keyser are the double pilasters with cartouches set in between the brick pillars.

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum)

Hidden behind an otherwise simple brick facade is an example of a “schiller” or “clandestine church.” After the Reformation, Catholics needed to practise their religion undercover. A few old houses on the canal were converted into these secret churches. This church went by the name Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic Museum). It was built by a Catholic merchant in 1663 who transformed his third-floor attic space into the beautiful yet cramped religious wonderland you find today. Personally, I adore the pink-painted balustrades and railings, such a unique touch.

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Visiting the Museum

After Catholics could practice in public once more, the church was exposed and opened as a museum in 1888. This makes it the second oldest museum in Amsterdam. Today, it remains a museum visited by over 85,000 people annually. In addition to viewing the secret church, you can also tour the 17th-century merchant canal house interior. Tickets are €14 for adults and €7 for children and students.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 18

House at #18 bears a striking (if not a simplified version) of the house saw a few doors down at #57. The curved arches above double pilasters are a clear sign of the work of Hendrick de Keyser. Above the third floor, there are face masks, but on the lower levels, we find lion masks. Above the stone gable is a relief depicting the legendary castle of Egmond aan den Hoef.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 14

The Het Wapen van Riga, at #14, is a 17th-century merchant’s house. In the center, we find relief of the coat of arms of the country of Riga. The original house was built for a wealthy merchant who was indeed from Riga and this emblem was a way of paying homage to his home. The lions are a powerful symbol of the city of Riga. Two golden lions on a grey plinth were thought to symbolizes the strong foundation of the city and the bravery of its citizens. You can also find two of Riga’s lion heads protruding off either side of the stone gable on the first floor.

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Oudezijds Kolk

Walk over and stand on the old Armbrug bridge to look out over the Oudezijds Kolk. During the Middle Ages, most of the canals in Amsterdam looked more like this canal. The old canals didn’t feature any sidewalks or laneways as the primary mode of transport was solely boats. When the newer canals around the canal belt were built, the boom of horse-drawn carriages had taken over. These canals were built to feature roads for horses and eventually cars to travel along. This canal is one of the last remains medieval canals in Amsterdam and a gem to treasure.

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Weeping Tower of Amsterdam

At the end of the Oudezijds Kolk canal, you will find the largest of the three remaining medieval city towers. It goes by the Weeping Tower of Amsterdam. The legend goes that the wives of the sailors who were off to sea would come up to the tower to wave their last goodbye. Tears obviously ensued, echoing down the canals. The life of a sailor was a tough one as storms, scurvy, war, and pirates were all things that a sailor would come up against at sea. And most of these wives knew that upon saying goodbye there was a good chance they would never return.

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This brings us to the end of our canal tour of Amsterdam. Hopefully, you’ve discovered more about the history, architecture, canals, and culture spread out across the waterways throughout our day together. There are so many more secrets to be found down all the different side canals in this city so let me know if you want to share some of your favourite spots!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Amsterdam Canal Tour On Foot first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Don't Take a Taxi From the Airport
2. Instead take the Train
3. Skip the Bloemenmarkt
4. Visit the Keukenhof instead!
5. Skip the Damrak
6. Instead, Wander the Jordaan Neighbourhood
7. Don't Rent A Bicycle Solo
8. Instead, Go on a Bike Tour
9. Don't Think you ONLY have to Eat Cheese & Herring
10. Instead, Try Indonesian Food!
11. Don't Take Recreational Drugs Lightly
12. Instead, Listen to Your Coffeeshop concierge
13. Skip the Hop-On Hop-Off
14. Instead, Go on a Canal Tour
15. Skip the Heineken Experience
16. Instead, check out Brouwerij de Prael
17. Skip the Beer Bikes
18. Instead, check out a "Brown Café"
19. Skip the tourist A'DAM Lookout
20. Instead, Go to The Central Library Rooftop Terrace
21. Skip Rembrandtplein and Dam Square
22. Instead, head over to Noordermarkt
23. Don't Be Dissapointed if you Miss the Anne Frank House
24. Instead, visit the Verzetsmuseum
25. Don't Underestimate the Weather
26. Instead, come prepared!
27. Don't Gawk at the Red Light District Workers
28. Instead, explore the Real 'De Wallen'
29. Forget Drinks in Leidseplein
30. Instead, head over to NDSM
31. Skip Vondel Park
32. Instead, Try Visiting Wertheimpark

Don’t Take a Taxi From the Airport

From the minute you arrive in Amsterdam, you’ll have your first chance to break away from the traditional transit route. Even with large bags in tow, don’t bother with expensive taxi rides. An Amsterdam airport taxi will charge you a fixed price of 39 Euros from the airport to the Amsterdam city center. For that price, you can pay for your public transit for the entire trip plus a few lovely meals to boot!

Instead take the Train

Unlike some cities where the trip from the airport to the centre city is either expensive, time-consuming or both, Amsterdam is home to one of the best public transport systems. The train from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station is the fastest and cheapest way to get to the center of town. The train runs 24 hours a day, so it doesn’t matter when you arrive in town. Plus trains from the airport to the city run every 10-15 minutes during the day. Even if you come during off-hours, you’ll still be able to get a train within the hour. The 14km journey costs only €4.60 and takes just 20 minutes.

To save even more money, be sure to purchase a three-day travel card. For just €28 this will get you unlimited transport on trains, trams and buses. Including your airport transfer! To use the card, just tap on and off at the designated stations to register your rides.

Skip the Bloemenmarkt

Founded in 1862, the Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market. When you hear the words “Floating Flower Market,” you’ll be just like me and imagine rows and rows of flower vendors floating beside the iconic gable houses along the canal. Bouquet of tulips in baskets and bundles being sold by the dozen. But when you arrive, the scene is markedly different. Today, the Bloemenmarkt is nothing more than souvenir stalls taking advantage of the prime historic location. The only real “flowers” on sale are tulip bulbs. So long as your country will allow them to be carried through customs you can bring home these Dutch flowers to plant in your own garden. At one point, the flower market was just that, an actual flower market. But sadly the vendors have moved out of the city center and over to larger warehouses out of town.

Visit the Keukenhof instead!

If seeing the famous Dutch Tulip is what you’re looking for, then you should instead make your way to the Keukenhof flower gardens! The gardens are open from March into Mid-May when the flowers are in bloom. The Keukenhof has over 4.5 million blooming tulips spread over the 32 hectares of green space inside. They create what can only be described as a blanket of fantastical aromas and ethereal colours. Since the Keukenhof is located just outside the city it’s also a great opportunity to see a bit of the Dutch countryside.

Aalsmeer Flower Auction

If you missed out on the Keukenhof open dates, another alternative to the Bloemenmarkt is the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. This is the largest flower auction in the world! It is located in the fourth largest building by footprint in the world, covering 518,000 square metres. All filled with flowers! Ticket prices to enter the market are €9 per person. Plus you can download the audio guide for free to get a personal guided tour of the market and learn all about the history of the market, the flowers, individual sellers.

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Skip the Damrak

The Damrak is the main street that runs between Amsterdam Centraal towards Dam Square. Since it is such a busy thoroughfare, this street has transformed from a quaint little alley into a raging tourist trap. Although it still seems to make the top of the ‘Where to go in Amsterdam,’ lists, I would definitely find ways to get around it. There is little more to see here than the crowds, American restaurants and cheesy, overpriced souvenir shops. Lots of people come here to visit the Damrak Waterfront but truly, you can find better and more beautiful canal houses outside of this area. Don’t assume this is the only place to get that iconic shot of Amsterdam’s Dancing Houses.

Instead, Wander the Jordaan Neighbourhood

If you’re looking for a more local, quiet street to explore that still gives you those iconic Amsterdam canal houses you should check out the Jordaan neighbourhood. The Jordaan is a neighbourhood bordered by the stunning Singel canal and upper-class Prinsengracht canals. The narrow canals here were initially home to the working classes of Amsterdam, but it is now one of the most vibrant and upscale neighbourhoods. Home to some of the most charming, lovingly created houses. The flower-lined canals are brimming with art galleries, chic boutiques and some of the best restaurants and cafes.

Don’t Rent A Bicycle Solo

Amsterdam locals have been riding bicycles since birth. The city is home to over 880,00 bikes. That’s about 1.9 bikes per person! But despite this, Amsterdam is not the cycling paradise you might think it would be. It actually has a long way to go in terms of biking infrastructure. Despite the staggering numbers of people who use the bike lanes and cycle to work every day it’s far from being at the top of safety rankings. This means that although renting a bike is one of the top things to do in the city, you shouldn’t go into it thinking you’ll have an easy go of it. Bikers in Amsterdam are confident, chaotic and cocky. They have known the rules of the road for ages, and you’ll be trying to slowly adjust to the speed of things.

Instead, Go on a Bike Tour

My advice for anyone wanting to ride a bike in Amsterdam is to book a bike tour. Bikes tours are great since they will give you a primer lesson on the rules of the road and any local tips for keeping yourself safe. Riding in a pack with your tour group is also a huge plus. You don’t have to worry about the directions, just follow the leader. It’s a beautiful way to slowly ease into the flow of riding. And as a bonus, you get to learn more about the city along your way!

Don’t Think you ONLY have to Eat Cheese & Herring

I’m prone to pushing myself while visiting a new city to solely dine on traditional local cuisine. And yet the real locals, who live in Amsterdam, aren’t eating just cheese and herring every day. That would be like me as a Canadian just eating poutine, maple syrup, butter tarts, and bacon all day. While you never want to travel to a new city and NOT experience unique traditional items, that shouldn’t be the ONLY thing you eat. After a week of eating only traditional Dutch food, I can tell you I was almost dying to eat a salad (something you’d otherwise never hear me say!)

Instead, Try Indonesian Food!

In Amsterdam, as in much of Holland, Indonesian food is one of the most popular forms of cuisine for locals to enjoy. The East Indies was a Dutch colony consisting of what is now Indonesia. When immigrants from the colonies came to Holland they brought with them spices and food from their home country. And even to this day, the locals love Indonesian food. The most popular kind of cuisine is called rijsttafel which means “rice table.” A rijsttafel meal consists of dozens and dozens of small plates filled with different traditional Indonesian dishes. It’s the perfect way to try a myriad of different varieties of food to see which is your favourite.

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Don’t Take Recreational Drugs Lightly

30 years ago, visiting Amsterdam to imbibe in the green leaf was something of a novelty you could only experience “legally” in the Netherlands. Today, states and provinces in North America have slowly started to change their laws around the legalization of marijuana. So Amsterdam isn’t the hub of pot-smoking hippies it once was. That being said, if you are interested in altering your state of mind, there are still dozens of “coffeeshops” where you can indulge. But never ever buy drugs on the street. Not only is this very dangerous as scammers are aplenty, but you run the risk of your joint being laced with something far more nefarious than weed. Even when visiting the real deal coffeeshops don’t go in guns blazing if you’ve never sampled marijuana before. A bad trip is a sure-fire way to ruin your vacation.

Instead, Listen to Your Coffeeshop concierge

There are so many well-priced and chic coffee shops that there’s no need to resort to street drugs. Always consult with the “cannabis concierge” across the counter. They will be able to best advise you on what strength or variety you should try. They know their stuff, so always listen to what they have to say. Start with a slow dose and then level up to your preference.

But NEVER feel pressured to try cannabis just because you’re in Amsterdam. The “when in Rome” trope really doesn’t apply here. Drugs aren’t for everyone and there are so many ways to enjoy your trip to the Netherlands outside of smoking up. Thankfully, so many of the coffeeshop in Amsterdam cater to non-smokers as well. And their menus consist of everything from smoothies to croquettes. So you can still enjoy your time inside these establishments without feeling the need to partake if that’s your choice!

Skip the Hop-On Hop-Off

Personally think travel influencers over-demonize Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours. Are Hop–On Hop–Off tours uber-touristy? Yes. But, for many people with disabilities or mobility issues, they are hugely helpful. Hop-On Hop-Off tours are almost always wheelchair accessible as they are a worldwide industry with high service standards. And wheelchair-using customers don’t pay extra for the service. Independent and private wheelchair-accessible tours are enormously expensive. So these buses are a fantastic service and people need to stop obsessively hating on them. But, in some cities, they just don’t make sense. And Amsterdam is one of those places. The Hop On Hop Off buses cannot enter the city center, so you’ll miss out on so many key historical sites along the canals.

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Instead, Go on a Canal Tour

The many canals of Amsterdam are what make this city so unique. And seeing the town from the water is the most authentic way of exploring it. There are dozens of companies to choose from. But if you can afford to book a canal tour with a local private guide that is really the way to go! These local guides can tell you all about the various buildings you’ll float on past and even little stories on the history of the city. The more generic boat tours are also great options and usually at least have a recording you can listen to which will give you some insight on the sights passing by.

Skip the Heineken Experience

Heineken is known as the “Beer of Amsterdam,” as it was developed here in the city in 1864. But the brewery that the Heineken family bought had been producing beer since 1592! So suffice to say, Heineken beer has been a big part of Amsterdam for hundreds of years. But, the Heineken Experience is expensive and overhyped. Plus, their beer tasting only offers you, Heineken, when the Netherlands has hundreds of amazing breweries. All of which are worth giving a try!

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Instead, check out Brouwerij de Prael

Brouwerij de Prael is a microbrewery located in the historic Red Light District. It is a beautiful local brewpub with over 3,000 different labels as well as its own microbrews. Here you can enjoy a tasting of 4 beers for €10,00 per person in the most enjoyable atmosphere! Far better than just heading to the touristy Heineken center.

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Skip the Beer Bikes

Speaking of beers, please, oh please, skip the Beer Bikes! If you’ve been to Amsterdam, you’ll have HEARD these raucous bikes travelling around the city. In fact, you’ll hear them far before you actually see them. They are extremely popular with frat boys or stag night groups. These travellers aren’t interested in the nuances of local beers and more focused on getting extremely drunk while driving the rest of the city crazy. They might look like a fun little novelty but are super overpriced for the mediocre experience. The bikes are so hard to control and often the locals find themselves flying into fits of rage trying to weave around these moving barf-mobiles.

Instead, check out a “Brown Café“

A “brown café” is a kind of like the Dutch version of a classic British pub. The nickname caught on, but no one really knows where it started. To be deemed a “brown cafe,” you must indeed have a dark brown interior. Dark wood is prevalent as is dim lighting. Vintage decor and bottles of liquor older than you are also a vital part of the experience. These places are an excellent spot to find locals and ask for recommendations and try something you’ve never even heard of before. So before you book your buddies on a hugely expensive beer bike tour, consider a “Brown Cafe Crawl” instead!

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Skip the tourist A’DAM Lookout

A new trend for visitors to Amsterdam is to head up to the A’DAM Lookout. The A’DAM LOOKOUT is an observation deck with an “unrivalled” panoramic view of Amsterdam. I would argue against that point but let’s carry on… In addition to the lookout, there is a small gallery and Audio guide about Amsterdam to enjoy for your €14.50! But what most people seem to be interested in is the ‘Over The Edge‘ swing that dangles a pair of daredevils 100 meters over the edge of the building for an extra €10. The whole experience is super touristy and overall not worth the considerable wait to get inside or the price.

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Instead, Go to The Central Library Rooftop Terrace

If you’re looking for a rooftop view for free, then you must check out the Central Library Rooftop Terrace. The library is located right beside central station so it’s easy to get to. The OBA Oosterdok, or Central Library, was built in the early 2000s and is one of the most impressive modern libraries in Europe. The building is spread out over ten floors. In addition to millions of books, the library includes an auditorium, an exhibition room, a museum, and 2000 parking spaces just for bicycles!

But the best place to visit for tourists is La Place Cafe. This is the library’s own rooftop restaurant terrace located on the 7th floor. From up here, you have a magnificent view of the whole of Amsterdam. To me, this is the best panoramic view in the city! And best of all, so many people don’t even know it’s even up here! As it caters to many students who come here to study, the restaurant is reasonably priced. And even serves alcohol to boot! It’s the ideal place to grab a spot of lunch and enjoy a Dutch beer in the sunshine while looking out over the city.

Skip Rembrandtplein and Dam Square

When I visited Amsterdam, I read a lot about their grand public courtyards and headed right to Dam Square. What I found were hoards of tourists all crammed into a relatively boring centre. Even when I tried again later in the day and earlier in the morning, when these places were quieter, I still was unimpressed. While the building surrounding the square were apparently historic they had been transformed into tourist monstrosities. Even the dreaded Madame Tussauds had her headquarters right here in the square! These large public squares really lacked that magic I found in other cities around Europe. They were pretty plain and didn’t have the sparkle that places like St. Marks or St. Wenceslas have where it makes the heavy tourist load worth it. There are so many other amazing places to visit in Amsterdam, these squares just aren’t worth the time.

Instead, head over to Noordermarkt

Yes, that’s right, we’re headed back to the Jordaan Neighbourhood for this next alternative activity! Despite being so close to the city centre, the Jordaan neighbourhood the perfect escape from the crowds. One such delight to be found here is the Noordermarkt. On Mondays, a large outdoor market is held where you can buy organic food, textiles, crats and yes, actual bouquet of flowers!

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And don’t think you’re missing out on any history by choosing to visit this square over the ones in the city centre. The Noordermarkt dates back to 1616! It was initially named Prinsenmarkt, after the Prinsengracht canal, which the square borders. And the Noorderkerk church that dominates the square was built in 1623! During World War II, it was here in this square that protesters arrived to oppose the deportation of Jews by the Nazis. One of the most famous scenes of resistance from the people of the Netherlands.

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Don’t Be Dissapointed if you Miss the Anne Frank House

Ok, now I know I’m going to cause quite the stir on this point! You might say, “But one of the main reasons I’m planning to go to Amsterdam is to see the Anne Frank Museum!” Well, if you have had your heart set on it for ages, obviously you should make your way there. But the museum is subject to huge lines even with advance tickets. And if you plan your trip something spur of the moment, you’ll often be disappointed to find you can’t get a spot. Tickets are known to book up months in advance and even though the afternoon is dedicated to walk-up admission the line often wraps around the canal. And many people find themselves to be almost inconsolable disappointed to miss it.

The story of Anne Frank is a harrowing tale for the ages, and something almost every schoolchild reads in their adolescence. And while visiting the house where Anne wrote her book and hid from the Nazis is a powerful experience there are actually other places in Amsterdam to learn more about the war and the experience of Dutch people during the occupation of the Netherlands. If you can nab a ticket to the Anne Frank House that’s great, but if you miss out on booking it in advance check out my recommendations for amazing alternatives!

Instead, visit the Verzetsmuseum

The Verzetsmuseum or “The Dutch Resistance Museum” was chosen as the best historical museum in the Netherlands! Here, you literally walk through history as the exhibition tells the story of the Dutch people in World War II. From May 14th, 1940 to May 5th, 1945, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany. Inside the museum, you step back in time and get to experience what life actually looked like in Amsterdam in the forties.

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There are “streets” you walk along, and the walls are full of photos and decor that help evoke the climate of the war years. You can read actual copies of the underground newspapers, discover escape routes and see how people went into hiding (just like Anne Frank). There are moving personal documents which tell the story of people who were confronted with life or death choices by the German forces. This museum makes you feel like you have lived through what Anne and her family had to live through in a more in-depth way. The Verzetsmuseum is a fantastic alternative to the Anne Frank house and one which immerses you into the atmosphere of life in Amsterdam during the war.

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Don’t Underestimate the Weather

When you think of Amsterdam, your first thought might not be of rain. You think of tulips and wooden clogs and maybe even rounds of cheese. But let me tell you, you should be thinking RAIN and WIND! The city is called the “San Francisco” of the Netherlands. The Netherlands has a temperate, oceanic climate with over 200 wet days a year! This results in an average annual rainfall of about 760mm!! But don’t let this rain on your parade! Rain just requires a little bit of advanced planning.

Instead, come prepared!

Bring a sturdy umbrella and always keep a lightweight raincoat in your backpack for those unexpected downpours. You can find lots of compressible raincoats that fold up to find into your pocket so you always have one on hand. I always tell people to keep a list of “rainy day places” where they can escape to. Since the city is packed full of museums, this is an excellent opportunity to head inside. Enjoy the safety and warmth of the Dutch masters arms and peruse some beautiful artworks while you await the sunshine.

Don’t Gawk at the Red Light District Workers

Amsterdam’s Red Light District is famous the world over. It consists of a network of alleys containing approximately three hundred, one-room suits. These rooms can be rented by the hour where sex workers offer their sexual services to paying customers. They advertise themselves from behind glass windows or doors, typically illuminated with red lights, hence the name. The area where the Red Light District is located was historically a large port where sailors would come into dock. Sailors on leave were prime customers for sex workers and the area slowly became a hub for this kind of activity.

Many tourists make the mistake of coming here thinking the working women are themselves sideshow. They whip out their cameras or phones and snap photos as they pass. This is tantamount to being illegal in the area, and some sex workers are known to have a cup of pee on hand to throw in the face of tourists who take their photos. These women are not a tourist attraction. They are just trying to make a living. And it’s sad to see so many tourists come down here to make a mockery of their lifestyle. And if you come down here just to gawk at the girls in the windows, you’ll miss out on the treasure hidden behind the red lights.

Instead, explore the Real ‘De Wallen‘

The Red Light District is located in the famous De Wallen neighbourhood. And surprisingly, this area just happens to be one of the most exciting and historic parts of town! If you know what you’re looking for. Local guides can take you through the deep history of the neighbourhood, along the narrow alleys, into “Chinatown,”, past the famous “Weigh House,” and of course give you some interesting information on the reality of the red and blue lights and the women who work there. It’s a fantastic opportunity to really learn about the area and not just see it for it’s superficial exterior.

Forget Drinks in Leidseplein

Leidseplein has become THE spot for tourists to grab a beer. But most locals look at this square as a giant crowded tourist trap. Leidseplein used to serve as a parking lot for horse-drawn traffic in the 19th century, but today is a large public square packed with loud restaurants and rowdy nightclubs. Personally, I have a sore spot about the place because it was where I was almost hit by a tram, but that’s a story for another time… Sure it’s central and popular but there are so many better places to get a drink in the city.

Instead, head over to NDSM

NDSM (Nederlandse Droogdok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij) is located about 15 minutes away from the city centre. And the trendy area is only accessible by a free ferry which departs from the Central Station. The former shipyard, abandoned in recent years, has been transformed into a vibrant artist community. Here you’ll find incredible outdoor works of art that are constantly changing. The area started to drawn in so many tourists and local visitors that fabulous bars and restaurants started to move into the neighbourhood. Here you can dine and drink while immersed inside the most vibrant atmosphere. Sitting here enjoying a cafe or pint of beer is such a better experience than out in loud and touristy Leidseplein.

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Skip Vondel Park

Vondel Park is the Central Park of Holland. But with being so popular, you garner a lot of visitors, both locals and tourists alike. The park opened in 1895 and is spread out over 47 hectares of land! But amidst these 47 hectares are loud kids seemingly constantly screaming, lots of trash left behind by rude tourists and a seemingly never-ending stream of people. Overall, I found it felt too vast and unmanicured to feel overly cozy and relaxing.

Instead, Try Visiting Wertheimpark

Wertheimpark is the oldest park in Amsterdam. It opened to the public in 1812! The park really has an air about it that feels more local. Parents bring picnics to enjoy, old ladies stroll around with their friends and student comes to study under the shade of the trees. The park also comes packed with lots of history. It was named after Jewish banker and philanthropist, A.C. Wertheim, who died in 1897. Today, there is an Auschwitz monument here called ‘Nooit meer Auschwitz’ (Auschwitz never again) created by Jan Wolkers. Wertheimpark is also home to Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, which is definitely worth checking out if you’re into plants. With so much to see and do, in addition to just lounging around, this is definitely the park I think you should check out.

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Hopefully, this tour gave you some insight into what you might want to skip or alternatives to the big-ticket items in Amsterdam. The city is such a treasure, and there are so many secrets to discover around even the canal. Let me know in the comments what your favourite hidden gem is or any other bit of advice you want to share with new explorers!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post 11 Things NOT to do in Amsterdam, and What Amazing Things to do Instead first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.