Canal Ring

Amsterdam

Amsterdam which includes a river or creek, boating and a city
Canal Ring showing a river or creek
Canal Ring showing a river or creek
Canal Ring featuring a bridge, heritage elements and a sunset
Canal Ring showing a river or creek, a city and heritage elements

Visit these semi-circular canals built in the 17th century to see why Amsterdam got the nickname “The Venice of the North.”

Walk or cycle around the Canal Ring for half a day and you’ll come across countless monuments, restored warehouses, houseboats and fine examples of the gabled homes that are typical of Amsterdam. The quickest way to tour the Canal Ring is by a canal boat cruise, which is also a great way to hear interesting facts and stories about the history of the Dutch capital.

The inner canal district, between the IJ River and Singelgracht, is an internationally protected heritage site. The first canals dug around the Dam in the 13th century protected the city from inland waters from the North Sea. The Singel was the city’s outer edge during the Middle Ages. In the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age, the industrious Amsterdammers built the semi-circular Canal Ring that you can still see today. Barges used the canals to bring goods from all over the world to inner-city locations. The ring consists of three main canals, the Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.

Hundreds of bridges span the canals, connecting the cobblestone streets and main thoroughfares of the old city. Illuminated at night, the arched bridges are a romantic sight. When the sun is out, the canals fill up with pleasure boats. Twice a year, during the Gay Parade and the King’s holiday, decorated boats full of dressed-up party people entertain the crowds.

For the Dutch, a good winter is when the canals freeze over and they can ice skate instead of cycle to work. This time of year vendors sell hot chocolate and oliebollen, the Dutch equivalent to doughnuts. Any other times of year, the canal cruises show tourists the best spots in the inner city, such as the Seven Bridges viewpoint and the Golden Bend with its elegant mansions. Various tour operators offer English-narrated canal boat cruises, with the Canal Bus allowing you to hop-on and hop-off at the main tourist attractions.

If you rent a bike you can cover most of the Canal Ring loop in one day. There are over 1,500 monumental buildings to admire, including leaning gabled houses with ornamental staircases, inviting old shops and churches.


Popular places to visit


Canal Ring Hotel Deals

Eden Hotel Amsterdam

Eden Hotel Amsterdam

4.5 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
The price is NT$4,908 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$4,908
NT$5,964 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,485 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 2025/8/7

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
citizenM Amstel Amsterdam

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Sarphatistraat 47, Amsterdam
The price is NT$5,120 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$5,120
NT$6,221 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (758 reviews)
"the room was cozy and good for one traveller max. staff is great and food options are ok if you’re really hungry. my room was really dusty for some reason and would continue to collect dust throughout my stay."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam
Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Prinsengracht 323, Amsterdam
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$13,234 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
NT$13,234
NT$16,079 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
"Top notch place to stay close to the center of Amsterdam but just outside the major tourist circle. Perfect for high end business meetings or upscale casual tourists. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/5

Pulitzer Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam

NH City Centre Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam
The price is NT$5,721 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$5,721
NT$6,950 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Llvely staff eslecially Elenya who gave great restaurant reccemendations"

Reviewed on 2025/8/8

NH City Centre Amsterdam
Hotel Notting Hill

Hotel Notting Hill

4 out of 5
Westeinde 26, Amsterdam
The price is NT$3,697 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
NT$3,697
NT$4,492 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Good experience"

Reviewed on 2025/8/3

Hotel Notting Hill
Hotel Nes Amsterdam

Hotel Nes Amsterdam

3 out of 5
Kloveniersburgwal 137-139, Amsterdam, North Holland
The price is NT$4,175 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
NT$4,175
NT$5,073 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (451 reviews)
"Beautiful view from room. Clean room. Excellent breakfast. Super helpful desk staff. Great neighborhood for walking. Very affordable price."

Reviewed on 2025/8/6

Hotel Nes Amsterdam
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Canal Ring

Grachtengordel-Zuid which includes a river or creek as well as an individual male

Grachtengordel-Zuid

If you're spending time in Grachtengordel-Zuid, check out sights like Reguliersdwarsstraat or Flower Market and hop on the metro to see more the city at Muntplein Tram Stop or Rembrandtplein Stop.

Grachtengordel-Zuid
Red Light District showing a city, a river or creek and a sunset

Red Light District

Explore this vibrant area with a mix of architectural styles and colorful streets known for adult entertainment. Visit local coffeeshops and the museums in the neighborhood for a unique experience.

Red Light District
Amsterdam showing a city, street scenes and a river or creek

Binnenstad

While you're in Binnenstad, take in top sights like Dam Square or National Monument, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Binnenstad
Leidseplein which includes a city, road cycling and street scenes

De Weteringschans

While you're in De Weteringschans, take in top sights like Paradiso or Holland Casino, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Vijzelgracht Station or Weteringcircuit Stop.

De Weteringschans
Flower Market showing a city, a river or creek and markets

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,270 area reviews)

Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are a few top attractions in Amsterdam City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops.

Amsterdam City Centre
Dam Square which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

Old Town Amsterdam

Historical city centre with a majority of landmarks, Amsterdam-Centrum boasts the UNESCO-listed canal belt and consists of fourteen distinct neighborhoods. Explore the charming streets and immerse yourself in the rich history.

Old Town Amsterdam

Canal Ring