Amsterdam/Canal District

The Canal District (Dutch: Grachtengordel) is the famous 17th-century district surrounding the Binnenstad of Amsterdam. The whole district is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique cultural and historical value, and its property values are among the highest in the country. This article also deals with the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein, the two prime nightlife spots of the city. The Weteringschans is also included. == Get in == === By tram === The most convenient way to get into the Canal District is by tram. Trams 2 and 12 all run through the middle of the Canal District on their way between Amsterdam Centraal and Leidseplein, with notable stops at Koningsplein, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Trams 4 and 14 , both from Amsterdam Centraal, pass through Rembrandtplein. Trams 13 and 17 , both from Amsterdam Centraal, head for the western side of the district, with the stop Westerkerk as the most notable one as the Anne Frank House is nearby. Tram 24 goes south from Amsterdam Centraal through Muntplein and Vijzelgracht. Trams 1 , and 7 go along the southern side of the Canal District between Leidseplein and the Amstel River passing metro station Vijzelgracht. At the stop, these east/west tram lines connect. === By metro === The district has one metro station on line M51 running south from Amsterdam Centraal. Metro station Vijzelgracht connects with several tram lines at the Vijzelgracht tram stop. == See == === Architecture === As the name implies, the main attractions of the Canal District are the canals and the rich architectural heritage of this area. Built-in the 17th century, the merchant-based oligarchy that ruled the trading city of Amsterdam built canal houses and mansions in the most prestigious locations, especially along the main canals. The city office for Architectural Heritage BMA has a chronological list of the most important ones: Singel 140-142, De Dolphijn (circa 1600). Herengracht 170-172, Bartolotti House (circa 1617). Keizersgracht 123, House with the Heads (1622). Herengracht 168 (1638). Singel 104-106 (1743). Singel 36, Zeevrugt (1763). 1 Magere Brug (tram 4 to Prinsengracht). The Magere Brug, literally "Skinny Bridge", is a bridge that spans the Amstel River and connects the Kerkstraat with the Nieuwe Kerkstraat. It's an iconic bridge that consists of nine arches and a drawbridge that is still operated by hand. The current bridge is made of white-painted wood, but it has been rebuilt several times and historically it has also been in concrete. The first bridge here was built in 1691, but the current one dates from 1934. It is one of the most photographed bridges in Amsterdam, especially at night because of the 1200 tiny lights that make it look like a picture-perfect postcard. === Museums === 2 Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis), Prinsengracht 267 (Tram Westermarkt), ☏ +31 20 556 71 00. 9:00 - 22:00 (shorter on some national holidays, closed 25 September). The house where the Jewish girl Anne Frank wrote her diary while hiding with her family from the Nazis. One must buy tickets online, only 20% are issued on the same day so buy them in advance. During high season tickets can be sold out a month in advance. To be safe, you should book 6 weeks in advance. Museumkaart is valid, I Amsterdam Card is not valid. €16; 10-17 € 7; 0-9 € 1. (updated Sep 2023) 3 Museum Het Grachtenhuis (The Museum of the Canals), Herengracht 386. Het Grachtenhuis is the gateway to the world-famous Canal District. Het Grachtenhuis tells the fascinating story of how Amsterdam's Canal District was created by a multi-media exhibition. €12. 4 Cat Cabinet (KattenKabinet), Herengracht 497, ☏ +31 20 626 53 78. A cat museum. Housed in a beautiful restored palatial home in an upscale area street - very Masterpiece Theater. It was opened by the homeowner after his favourite cat died... and he still lives in the home. Lots of cat-related art, and two real felines. The exhibition is spread across the first floor of the house. €12.5. 5 Museum Willet-Holthuysen, Herengracht 605, ☏ +31 20 523 18 22. M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00. It is the only fully furnished canalside patrician house in Amsterdam that is open to the public. The museum has a large collection of silverware, plates, and books from the Dutch Golden Age. It also has a substantial collection of art. €9. (updated Jun 2016) 6 Amsterdam Pipe Museum (Pijpenkabinet), Prinsengracht 488 (tram 1, 2, 5 stop Prinsengracht), ☏ +31 20 4211779, info@pipemuseum.nl. 12:00-18:00. Unique collection of smoking pipes in an authentic canal house from 1670. In the historic ambience of the collector's house, his collection of pipes covering 2,500 years is displayed. Visitors get a personal tour by enthusiast volunteers of the foundation that also runs the speciality shop in the basement: a huge selection of nearly 3,000 modern briar pipes are for sale, next to collectables and books on pipes and tobacco. €8. 7 Museum Van Loon, Keizersgracht 672. 17th century house with interior restored with furnishings to how it looked in the 18th century. Also interesting to see a garden you would not normally see from the streets. (updated Jul 2016) 8 Foam (Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam), Keizersgracht 609, ☏ +31 20 5516 500. M-W 10:00-18:00, Th-F 10:00-21:00, Sa-Su 10:00-18:00. Museum about photography. Group tours can be arranged via phone at +31 20 5516 505. €12.50 (adults), €8.50 (age 13-18). (updated Oct 2020) === Churches === 9 Westerkerk, ☏ +31 20 624 77 66, fax: +31 20 627 64 93. Apr-Sep M-F 11:00-15:00. Built in 1620-1631, located on Westermarkt near the Anne Frank House. You can climb the tower (with a guide only) every half hour, M-Sa €6. The tower is also open in the winter by group appointment (maximum 10 people) for €70/hr. In good weather you can see all of Amsterdam, and as far as the coast. Free organ concert held every Friday at 13:00. Free. === Monuments === 10 Homomonument, Westermarkt (Tram Westermarkt), ☏ +31 20 551 2512. The Homomonument is a memorial to gays and lesbians murdered in World War II, a call for vigilance against homophobia, and an inspiration for gays and lesbians the world over. It consists of three equilateral triangles made of pink granite that are connected by an inlaid band of pink bricks. These three triangles represent the past, present and future. 11 Rembrandtplein. This public square features a larger-than-life statue of Rembrandt on a pedestal. (updated Oct 2019) == Do == 1 De Poezenboot, Singel 38 G. You really like cats? The poezenboot (cat boat) is a refuge for cats awaiting adoption. 2 Ignatiushuis, Beulingstraat 11, platform.ignatiaansespiritualiteit@jesuits.net. A Jesuit society that organizes classes and activities. Membership is required, but every Tuesday (Sep-Jul) a free concert is given at 12:30-13:00. Everyone can attend. 3 Pathé Tuschinski, Reguliersbreestraat 26-34 (tram 4, 9, 16, 24 or 25 to Muntplein), ☏ +31 900-1458. 11:30-00:30 daily. Since its opening in 1921, Tuschinski has been the country's most breathtaking film theatre. It's worth a visit if only for its interior, a spectacular mix of Art Nouveau, Amsterdam School and Art Deco styles. If possible, get a tour of the building, taking in the sumptuous private rooms upstairs. If you're going to watch a film, pick the one that's in the big auditorium. With the exception of some animated films, all English films are subtitled and not dubbed, so you should be able to enjoy the standard Hollywood fare the way it's meant to be seen. €11.50. 4 Stadsarchief Amsterdam, Vijzelstraat 32 (tram 16 or 24 to Keizersgracht), ☏ +31 20 251-1511. Tu-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 12:00-17:00. This institute maintains the archives of the municipality and other organizations that are closely related to Amsterdam. The archives are open to everyone. Most interesting for travelers are the exhibitions and events, see the website. Amsterdam Booze Cruise , Herengracht 564. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam is always a good idea. Discover Amsterdam from the water while enjoying a drink. == Buy == 1 Bloemenmarkt (tram 1, 2 or 5 to Koningsplein). The world's only floating flower market, open daily on the Singel between Koningsplein and Muntplein. It is very touristy, but you could do worse than buying your tulips here. Make sure you buy pre-approved bulbs if taking them to the U.S. or Canada. They will have the holographic licence and export tag on the bag. 2 The Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes). Nine narrow streets enclosed between the main canals from the Prinsengracht to the Singel, southwest of Dam Square. The northernmost street is Reestraat and to the south is the Runstraat. The street names are marked with a sign of the Nine Streets, and some shops have a flyer of this area. You can find a lot of boutiques, specialist shops, galleries and restaurants here. 3 De Beeldenwinkel Sculpture Gallery, Berenstraat 29. This is a gallery for sculpture lovers, with bronze statues, pottery, abstract sculpture, raku-fired statues and marble figures sculpture to suit every budget and taste. == Eat == Most foreigners grab a restaurant in the area around the Leidsestraat. While there are some good restaurants in that area, be wary as there are a lot of overpriced tourist traps as well. === Budget === 1 Pancakes! Amsterdam, Berenstraat 38, ☏ +31 20 528 9797. Amazing variety of both sweet and savory pancakes. The quaint atmosphere and the street side tables are great for watching people. The only downfall is that street-side tables attract too many tourists asking for directions. 2 The Pancake Bakery, Prinsengracht 191, ☏ +31 20 625-1333. 12:00-21:30 daily. Large selection of sweet or savory pancakes. Frens Haringhandel, Koningsplein/Singel, 1017 AW Amsterdam. A stall offering simple Dutch seafood fare like Kibbling (fried fish) and Haring (raw herring). (updated Aug 2020) === Mid-range === 3 De Blauwe Hollander, Leidsekruisstraat 28, ☏ +31-20-6270251. 12:00-22:00. Dutch restaurant with an extensive menu of hearty home-cooked dishes like herrings, pea soup and hutspot. Unlike most restaurants in this area, this one gets local diners too, and if it gets crowded enough you may have to share tables. Pancakes are served only until 17:00. €20. 4 Damsteeg, Reestraat 28-32. They specialise in fish dishes, but they also have a wide variety of meat and vegetarian meals to choose from. With bar. 5 Letting, Prinsenstraat 3. Indian-owned breakfast, brunch and lunch spot. Letting offers a range of soups, sandwiches and scones, and it's on a street which is packed with an ever-changing line-up of fun boutiques. 6 Holtkamp, Vijzelgracht 15, ☏ +31 6248757. M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 8-17:00. Best pastry cafe in Amsterdam. Much better than the Zeitan, which many recommend. Do try the "holdkampf" with fillings! The Sachertorte is famous as a favorite of the former Queen Beatrix. 7 Alberto's Steakhouse, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 26, 1017 RC Amsterdam, ☏ +31 20 624 00 95. 12:00-23:00. Uruguayan Steakhouse with well-grilled steaks (updated Jan 2019) === Splurge === 8 Akbar, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 15 (near Leidseplein). Indian restaurant, Muslim (halal) / Hindu (no beef). Good quality dishes from different regions of India. Main courses €15-20. 9 La Margarita, Reguliersdwarsstraat 49 (near Rembrandtplein and the flower market), ☏ +31 20 623 07 07. Daily 17:00-23:00. This Caribbean restaurant offers a huge range of plates, including three different vegetarian options. Every dish comes with ample sides of white rice, black beans, plantains, and vegetables. In addition to having great food, the restaurant is decked out with a range of fantastic and magic-realist art. If you like your food hot, then be sure to ask for the special homemade hot sauce. Reservations accepted. €20-30 per person, with drinks. == Drink == Nightclubs in Amsterdam are centered around two squares, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Close to the latter is the Reguliersdwarsstraat, the gay street of Amsterdam. In between these squares are plenty of smaller bars and pubs that are also fun in the daytime. === Bars and pubs === 1 't Arendsnest, Herengracht 90 (Intersection of Herenstraat and Herengracht), ☏ +31 20 421 20 57. Su-Th 16:00-24:00, F-Sa: 16:00-02:00. Excellent biercafe serving only Dutch beers and liqueurs, including jenever. Around 30 beers on tap, 17 or so which change regularly, and over 100 bottled. Very friendly bartenders who know beer well and give great recommendations. Try the €8 sampler, which gives you 12cl (1.2ml) samples of 3 beers with a glass of water and some crackers. 2 Dan Murphy's, Leidseplein 24, ☏ +31 20 422 32 85. One of the many Irish pubs in the city. People from all over the world meet here and watch football, rugby and typical Irish sports like hurling and Gaelic football while drinking a pint of Guinness. 3 Feijoa, Vijzelstraat 39 (Tram Rembrandtplein), ☏ +31 6 53 726 137. Cocktail bar with a lovely atmosphere, pleasant music and friendly staff, including one of the Netherlands leading cocktail barmen. Will make any cocktail you ask for. 4 Hard Rock Cafe, Max Euweplein 61 (Tram Leidseplein, at Max Euweplein), ☏ +31 20 523 76 25. This is close to, or right next to the Holland Casino also close to the Leidseplein. Great service, great food, and plenty of drinks. 5 Mulligans Irish Music Bar, Amstel 100. The oldest Irish bar in Amsterdam, Mulligans has live music most nights. This is where the traditional music crowd gathers. 6 l'Opera, Rembrandtplein 27-29 (Tram Rembrandtplein), ☏ +31 20 620 47 54. A friendly spot for coffee, a beer, or something stronger. You may at first only notice the outside seating and the enclosed terrace, but there is also an elegant, (usually) quieter indoor area. Food, too, but you don't see many eaters. 7 Whisky Cafe L&B, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 82-84 (Tram: Leidseplein), ☏ +31 6 245 541 62. If you like whisky, this small, laid-back and friendly cafe is the ideal place to visit. Many unusual whiskies from independent bottlers and closed distilleries are available. The menu stretches along one wall and is about 2 meters in height, the cafe having had 1001 whiskies available since it opened. Just be warned the stairs to the toilets are pretty steep! 8 Czech and Slovak Bar (Het Wapen van Londen), Amstel 14, 1017 AA Amsterdam, ☏ +31 6 4076 2392. Su-Th 16:00-01:00 F Sa 14:00-03:00. (updated Jan 2019) === Nightclubs === AIR, Amstelstraat 16 (Tram: Rembrandtplein). Chicago Social Club, Leidseplein 12 (Tram Leidseplein). Amsterdam's nightlife king Casper Reinders joined with the founders of Bitterzoet and the owners of Boom Chicago to bring quality clubbing to the Leidspelein. Club HOME, Wagenstraat 7 (Tram Rembrandtplein). Escape, Rembrandtplein 11 (Tram Rembrandtplein). A large, fairly uninspiring nightclub that mostly plays mainstream house music. The first hall is large and attracts the more or less wannabe hip people of the city, although the crowd is diverse. The second hall upstairs has a completely different audience, mostly hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts. At some events, Escape is split in two, which means you can use the backside entry at Amstel for a different party. Jimmy Woo, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 18 (Tram Leidseplein). The most glamorous club in Amsterdam offers a selection of house and R&B, with a spectacularly lit dance floor downstairs. It is relatively small and there is table service, so it feels a bit like a VIP room. Entry policy is strict so dress sharp to get in. And boys, don't come alone. Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234 (Tram Leidseplein). A former milk factory, now it's one of the best live venues in Amsterdam. Its interior is not as good as Paradiso, but it feels more like a nightclub as the music is dance/trance-oriented. Popular among university students and younger tourists, it's a great place to go out till the sun gets up. Rates can vary widely, and go very steep during special events. Paradiso, Weteringschans 6 (Tram Leidseplein). Sometimes referred to as a nightclub, it feels more like a nightly music venue and is the safest bet in town. Its interior is phenomenal as it is housed in a former church, but the main room has relatively bad acoustics. It gets a mixed crowd as there are plenty of rooms with different bands performing and it isn't too crazy expensive. Its music straddles the line between pop and alternative. Much of the performances are rock, but it can really be anything: don't be surprised to be dancing the Russian troika with thousands of people on a Wednesday night. It gets fairly packed, as is obvious by the huge line on the weekends, especially after 01:00. Studio 80, Rembrandtplein 17 (Tram Rembrandtplein). This is a somewhat more underground, intimate club that's easy to miss because of its flashy neighbours. It prides itself on trying to stay at the forefront of electronic music in the city. Sugar Factory, Lijnbaansgracht 238 (Tram Leidseplein), ☏ +31 20 626 50 06. Bit of a remarkable place that integrates art, music, culture, theatre and nightclub into one. It has a relaxed atmosphere with an eccentric, artistic audience. Around €10. The Cave Rockclub, Prinsengracht 472 (Tram: Prinsengracht), ☏ +31 20 626 89 39. Cozy metal bar with friendly bar staff and interesting regulars, with live performances by touring metal bands on weekends. Waterhole, Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 49 (Tram Leidseplein), ☏ +31 20 620 89 04. Su-Th: 03:00, F Sa: 04:00. Light rock/funk jam sessions in a dingy but atmospheric bar with pooltables. Live bands play every night of the week. €1, entrance fee includes wardrobe. === Coffeeshops === Betty Too, Reguliersdwarsstraat 29. Absolute gem, cozy and friendly place with moderate prizes and interesting, international crowd. Bulldog, Leidseplein 13-17. This is the original shop that used to be a police department. Now it turned into a chain of touristy coffeeshops, bars, hotels and even an energy drink. Global Chillage, Kerkstraat 51. Good produce and nice tunes but uncomfortable seating. Grey Area, Oude Leliestraat 2. Tiny, but famous for their outstanding weed, especially "American" strains. The Otherside, Reguliersdwarsstraat 6. Gay coffeeshop. == Sleep == === Budget === 1 Hans Brinker Hostel, Kerkstraat 136-138 (tram 1 to Keizersgracht), ☏ +31 20 622-0687. Very light atmosphere and doesn't take itself seriously. Bar and downstairs club. dorm €24+ per person. 2 Mozart Hotel, Prinsengracht 518-520, ☏ +31 20 620 95 46. 47 en-suite rooms. Singles €50, doubles €60. 3 Hotel Nicolaas Witsen, Nicolaas Witsenstraat 4-8 (Tram 4: Frederiksplein), ☏ +31 20 620 51 13, info@hotelnicolaaswitsen.nl. €75. 4 Hotel Asterisk, Den Texstraat 16 (From the station - Tram 16, 24, 25: Weteringscircuit), ☏ +31 20 626 2396, fax: +31 20 638 2790, info@asteriskhotel.nl. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Smallish, but clean and quiet rooms in two buildings across a residential street. Generous check-in/checkout, good breakfast (included). Close to tram stop, walk to Rijks/van Gogh museums. €70, knock off a couple of euros by booking directly on their site. === Mid-range === 5 Blue Moon Bed & Breakfast, Weteringschans 123A, ☏ +31 20 428 88 00. Bed & Breakfast opposite the Rijksmuseum. From €105 to €165. 6 Cocomama, Westeinde 18, ☏ +31 6272 454. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 12:00. Amsterdam's first boutique hostel. Free wifi, garden, fully equipped kitchen for guest use, livingroom. Very social atmosphere. All rooms en suite. Private room €76 to €126, dorm €26 - €48. 7 Hotel La Boheme, Marnixstraat 415, ☏ +31 20 624 2828. Two star hotel with very friendly staff. Clean rooms and free wi fi. €80-130. 8 Hotel Nicolaas Witsen, Nicolaas Witsenstraat 4, ☏ +31 20 626 65 46, fax: +31 20 620 51 13, info@hotelnicolaaswitsen.nl. 3-star hotel in the city center of Amsterdam nearby Heineken factory. €132. === Splurge === 9 Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American, Leidsekade 97, ☏ +31 20 5563000, info.amsterdam@claytonhotels.com. Listed as an Art Nouveau monument, the hotel is right in the heart of Leidseplein Square. Both Café Americain and Bar Americain are in the hotel, famous for celebrity and VIP spotting. €200-400. 10 Hotel Ambassade, Herengracht 341, ☏ +31 20 555 02 22. Four star hotel on one of the main canals. Writers who stayed here left signed copies of their books in the hotel's library. €195. (updated Apr 2019) 11 Hotel Pulitzer, Prinsengracht 315-331, ☏ +31 20 523 52 35. 25 restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses overlooking two of the city's most picturesque canals, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, and made famous in Ocean's 12. €259. == Connect == CoffeeCompany offers free Wi-Fi at Leidsegracht, the walking street from the Binnenstad to Leidseplein. == Go next ==