The Most Famous Canals in Amsterdam | Prinsengracht, Herengracht & More

A Guide to Amsterdam's Most Famous Canals: Prinsengracht, Herengracht & Keizersgracht

The Amsterdam Canal Belt is a masterpiece, but it's made up of many individual waterways, each with its own character and history. At the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site are the three main canals, constructed during the 17th century.

Get to know the "big three" and what makes each one so special as you glide past them on your next canal cruise.

1. Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal)

The Prinsengracht is the outermost and longest of the three main canals. Named after the Prince of Orange, it was traditionally the canal of the bourgeois merchants and artists. It feels more lively and diverse than the other two.

• What makes it special? It's known for its many charming houseboats and vibrant atmosphere.

• Famous Sights: The world-famous Anne Frank House is located at Prinsengracht 263. The imposing Westerkerk (Western Church), where Rembrandt is buried, and the Noordermarkt, a popular farmers' market, are also situated on this canal.

2. Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal)

The middle and widest of the three canals was named after Emperor Maximilian I of Austria. It is considered an elegant blend of the grandeur of the Herengracht and the liveliness of the Prinsengracht.

• What makes it special? The Keizersgracht is known for its double rows of elm trees, giving it a particularly green and stately appearance.

• Famous Sights: Here you'll find the Museum Van Loon, a magnificently preserved canal house offering a glimpse into the life of the 17th-century upper class, as well as the "Homomonument," a memorial for all gay men and women.

3. Herengracht (Gentlemen's Canal)

The Herengracht is the innermost and most prestigious of the three canals. Its name means "Gentlemen's Canal," and this is where the richest and most powerful citizens of Amsterdam lived. The houses here are often larger and more opulent.

• What makes it special? The famous "Gouden Bocht" (Golden Bend), a stretch between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat, represents the pinnacle of splendor with the most expensive canal houses in the city.

• Famous Sights: Besides the Golden Bend, the Herengracht is home to the Museum of the Canals and the KattenKabinet (Cat Cabinet), a quirky museum dedicated to art about cats.

Discover Them All from the Water Undoubtedly, the best way to experience the unique personalities of these three canals is from the water. On a classic canal cruise, you'll traverse all of them, allowing you to absorb their beauty and history firsthand.

The Prinsengracht, Herengracht, and Keizersgracht are waiting to be discovered. A Canal Cruise in Amsterdam is the only way to truly grasp the magnificence of these three main waterways. Find your ideal tour on our homepage.