How Many Canals Does Amsterdam Have? A Guide
Amsterdam has around 165 canals, together making up more than 100 kilometres of water, about 90 islands and roughly 1,500 bridges. The famous canal ring has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. Cruising the canals is therefore one of the finest ways to get to know the city.
Below you will find which canals you come across, what you see along the way and how to cruise them yourself.
How many canals does Amsterdam have?
Amsterdam has around 165 canals. Together they form more than 100 kilometres of waterways, spanned by roughly 1,500 bridges. The city is built on about 90 islands, connected by all those bridges. That gives Amsterdam more canals than many other water cities.
The canal ring: the three main canals
The best-known part is the canal ring, the half circle of canals around the old centre. Its three main canals were dug in the 17th century:
- Herengracht, with the grandest canal houses, including the Golden Bend
- Keizersgracht, the widest of the three
- Prinsengracht, with the Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House and cosy cafes
Inside them runs the Singel, once the city's old defensive moat and now the innermost ring. Together they tell the story of the Golden Age, when Amsterdam grew into a world port in a short time.
What you see along the way
From the water you see the city as it was once meant to be. Narrow canal houses with their characteristic gables, hoisting beams and tilted facades. Wooden bridges, houseboats and the typical narrow Amsterdam streets that open onto the water. Many buildings look better and are easier to see from the canal than from the street.
Cruising the canals yourself
There are several ways to cruise the canals. On a shared canal cruise you share the boat with other guests. On a private boat you sail with your own group only and set the mood yourself. At Floating Amsterdam you cruise in luxury, silent electric boats, with a captain who knows the way and can tell you all about it along the route.
Frequently asked questions
Exactly how many canals does Amsterdam have?
Amsterdam has around 165 canals, together more than 100 kilometres of water, with roughly 1,500 bridges and about 90 islands.
What are the main canals of the canal ring?
The three 17th-century main canals are the Herengracht, the Keizersgracht and the Prinsengracht. Inside them runs the older Singel as the innermost ring.
Are the canals a UNESCO site?
Yes. The 17th-century canal ring has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
What is the most beautiful canal in Amsterdam?
Tastes differ, but the Herengracht with the Golden Bend and the Prinsengracht along the Westerkerk are among many visitors' favourites.
Can you cruise the canals year round?
Yes. On a covered boat you can cruise the canals comfortably in autumn and winter too.
Want to experience the canals from the water yourself? Read more about the Amsterdam canals and plan your cruise.