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

Things to do


Canal Ring Hotel Deals

Eden Hotel Amsterdam

Eden Hotel Amsterdam

4.5 out of 5
Amstel 144, Amsterdam
The price is ¥25,759 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥25,759
¥31,296 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! (1,493 reviews)
"Convenient and great room and buffet."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Eden Hotel Amsterdam
Pulitzer Amsterdam

Pulitzer Amsterdam

5 out of 5
Prinsengracht 323, Amsterdam
The price is ¥68,142 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
¥68,142
¥82,793 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Tthe only subpar item was the food."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Pulitzer Amsterdam
citizenM Amstel Amsterdam

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Sarphatistraat 47, Amsterdam
The price is ¥22,700 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
¥22,700
¥27,580 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (764 reviews)
"Everyone was very accommodating, friendly, and helpful! The staff is absolutely amazing. I’d they they go above and beyond. I will definitely visit again."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam
NH City Centre Amsterdam

NH City Centre Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Spuistraat 288-292, Amsterdam
The price is ¥33,502 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥33,502
¥40,704 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,002 reviews)
"We found the room small Otherwise we were pleased with the location and helpfulness of the staff"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

NH City Centre Amsterdam
Hotel Notting Hill

Hotel Notting Hill

4 out of 5
Westeinde 26, Amsterdam
The price is ¥15,218 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥15,218
¥18,490 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Was a comfortable stay - the bed was a little soft but in a convenient area that’s walkable to major attractions. It’s quiet at night and not noisy but most restaurants close early if you’re looking for late night food. The room was comfortable and staff were great - only downside is that the cleaning ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Hotel Notting Hill
The Hoxton, Amsterdam

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

4 out of 5
Herengracht 255, Amsterdam
The price is ¥40,614 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥40,614
¥49,345 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Amsterdam. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (999 reviews)
Great Location
"This was a nice hotel. We had a canal view room on top which was beautiful. But they kept the ac at 19C which was too hot. They said to keep big heavy curtains closed on the window to help with the heat. But then our view was a big grey wall. Furniture in room was kind of shabby. The bathroom was ..."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Hoxton, 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