Location: Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
Top Things to do in Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) That You Shouldn't Miss
This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam's labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot. For an unusual and memorable alternative to hotels, consider staying in a houseboat.
Restaurants in Amsterdam
1. Anne Frank House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62,301 reviews
The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. As a visitor, you experience this story through a audio tour, quotes, photos, videos, and original items. The Anne Frank House can only be visited with an online ticket for a specific date and time.
Reviewed By Skiforever1223 - Salt Lake City, United States
This is a very special museum for many reasons but I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully the museum created the narrative and the spaces they created. My two teenage daughters and I will never forget this experience. I loved the amazing artwork at the end portraying scenes recreated from the hiding place and also recommend taking time to watch the touching tributes video at the end where you hear visitors’ experiences and guest book comments from Nelson Mandela, Steven Spielberg and more. Read or re-read Anne Frank’s diary prior to visiting to really feel the spirit of this young reminder of so many tragically lost. You do have to reserve tickets online. Per the website: 80% of tickets are released exactly two months in advance at 12:00* hours noon, 20% on the day itself. Every day at 9:00* hours, the tickets for the day are made available on this site. (*Amsterdam time). The museum recommends this for children 10 and older. I would recommend 11 yrs. for a well-prepared child. It is a quiet, sober tour and there is one brief concentration camp scene that is graphic. Bag check and audio guides included with your ticket and there is a cafe and shop for after your tour. No photography. You line up outside at your assigned time slot until it’s time for your group to go in and it’s best to take a picture of your ticket rather than try to pull it up in your email because connectivity is spotty. The actual house/store is encased and preserved by the museum surround on Prinsengracht street. We booked an evening visit which also added to the poignancy as you leave the museum and see the canals lit by street lights. Highly recommend.
2. De 9 Straatjes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,762 reviews
This neighborhhod of "nine little streets" is full of quirky stores selling clothing, books, art, food and lots more.
Reviewed By CorneliusfudgeGM - Stockport, United Kingdom
A great neighbourhood with lots of independent shops and tucked amongst them are some great bars and restaurants. You won’t be disappointed at strolling through the 9 streets.
3. The Amstel
4. De Poezenboot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 422 reviews
Reviewed By martingA97JJ
If you love cats, then you MUST visit the Cat Boat here in the 'Dam on the Singel - populated with up to 50 rescue cats of all shapes, sizes and ages, it is a feline lover's paradise. This is a working cat rescue centre and not strictly a tourist attraction but it has become part of Amsterdam sightseeing. Lovely staff and a really relaxed atmosphere to escape the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city centre....There are queues sometimes as it is so popular and it only opens for two hours per day so ensure you have the correct times to avoid disappointment. On entry, you donate voluntarily as there is no mandatory admission fee. Donations help to keep this place going and they are much welcomed. You can also buy merchandise, tote bags, postcards and other small novelty items here. Do not miss it.
5. Rembrandt van Rijn en Nachtwacht
6. Spiegelkwartier
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
This historic neighborhood features typical old Dutch houses and is considered the heart of the national art and antiques trade for the past eighty years.
7. Rembrandtplein
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,186 reviews
One of Amsterdam's main squares, this is an ideal place to sit on one of the many terraces and watch the world go by.
Reviewed By nass673 - Long Beach, United States
While taking the tram, I saw the statues in the distance without knowing about the area. I had to get off at the next stop to walk back to Rembrandt Square and I'm glad I did. Very neat statues showcasing respectable people. Worth the stop!
8. Munt Tower (Munttoren)
9. Bridge of 15 Bridges
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 235 reviews
There is one bridge in Amsterdam’s central canal belt that gives a view of no less than 15 bridges. This unusual sight is found at the bridge crossing of the Reguliersgracht with the Herengracht, on the side with odd numbers. Standing on this bridge with your back to the Thorbeckeplein, you will see six arched bridges in a row. To the left you will find six more over the Herengracht and on the right you will see the next two. The 15th is the bridge you are standing on. It is particularly worth coming here at night as the bridges are illuminated giving one of the most beautiful and romantic views in Amsterdam.
