Amsterdam/Canal District

The Canal District (Dutch: Grachtengordel) is the famous 17th-century district surrounding the Binnenstad of Amsterdam. The whole district is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique cultural and historical value, and its property values are among the highest in the country.

This article also deals with the Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein, the two prime nightlife spots of the city. The Weteringschans is also included.

By tram
The most convenient way to get into the Canal District is by tram.
 * Trams and  all run through the middle of the Canal District on their way between Amsterdam Centraal and Leidseplein, with notable stops at Koningsplein, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht.
 * Trams and, both from Amsterdam Centraal, pass through Rembrandtplein.
 * Trams and, both from Amsterdam Centraal, head for the western side of the district, with the stop Westerkerk as the most notable one as the Anne Frank House is nearby.
 * Tram goes south from Amsterdam Centraal through Muntplein and Vijzelgracht.
 * Trams, and  go along the southern side of the Canal District between Leidseplein and the Amstel River passing metro station Vijzelgracht. At the stop, these east/west tram lines connect.

By metro
The district has one metro station on line M51 running south from Amsterdam Centraal. Metro station Vijzelgracht connects with several tram lines at the Vijzelgracht tram stop.

Architecture
As the name implies, the main attractions of the Canal District are the canals and the rich architectural heritage of this area. Built-in the 17th century, the merchant-based oligarchy that ruled the trading city of Amsterdam built canal houses and mansions in the most prestigious locations, especially along the main canals. The city office for Architectural Heritage BMA has a chronological list of the most important ones:


 * Singel 140-142, De Dolphijn (circa 1600).
 * Herengracht 170-172, Bartolotti House (circa 1617).
 * Keizersgracht 123, House with the Heads (1622).
 * Herengracht 168 (1638).
 * Singel 104-106 (1743).
 * Singel 36, Zeevrugt (1763).

Do

 * Amsterdam Booze Cruise, Herengracht 564. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam is always a good idea. Discover Amsterdam from the water while enjoying a drink.
 * Amsterdam Booze Cruise, Herengracht 564. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam is always a good idea. Discover Amsterdam from the water while enjoying a drink.
 * Amsterdam Booze Cruise, Herengracht 564. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam is always a good idea. Discover Amsterdam from the water while enjoying a drink.
 * Amsterdam Booze Cruise, Herengracht 564. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam is always a good idea. Discover Amsterdam from the water while enjoying a drink.
 * Amsterdam Booze Cruise, Herengracht 564. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam is always a good idea. Discover Amsterdam from the water while enjoying a drink.

Eat
Most foreigners grab a restaurant in the area around the Leidsestraat. While there are some good restaurants in that area, be wary as there are a lot of overpriced tourist traps as well.

Drink
Nightclubs in Amsterdam are centered around two squares, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. Close to the latter is the Reguliersdwarsstraat, the gay street of Amsterdam. In between these squares are plenty of smaller bars and pubs that are also fun in the daytime.

Connect
CoffeeCompany offers free Wi-Fi at Leidsegracht, the walking street from the Binnenstad to Leidseplein.