Select Page

Search Results for: canal

Amsterdam Pride: What It Is and How to Experience It (WorldPride 2026)

…city, cheered on by crowds standing several rows deep on every bridge and canal edge. This is the Canal Parade, the heart of Amsterdam Pride, and it’s still one of my favourite days of the year. But Pride here is much more than one Saturday. It’s over a week of street parties, films, debates, exhibitions and quiet moments as well. And it means something in this city, where the LGBTQ+ community has roots that go back much further than the party it…

Read More

Best Day Trips from Amsterdam: Dutch Cities You Need to Visit

…short trip. The historic city centre is gorgeous, with narrow streets and canals. The canal houses are right next to the canal’s water, with no borders, like in Venice. Dordrecht’s harbour area is very beautiful and must not be skipped if you go there. Old houses, many boats, old and new, and an impressive collection of special bridges, they are waiting for you to do a trip back in time. To see: the Grote Kerk, Dordrech Museum and Huis van Gijn,…

Read More

Best Way to See Amsterdam: the Canal Bikes

…. But the best way to see Amsterdam from the water is, in my opinion, on a canal bike (or pedal boat). The canal bikes can be rented for a reasonable price for few hours and the rental company will provide a map of the canals and a quick training session. Then the discovery can begin! When you rent pedal boats in Amsterdam, a few rules of the water will be explained to you by the guide, and it’s a good idea to pay attention, or you could end up ca…

Read More

Open Garden Days Amsterdam: Behind the Canal Houses, a Hidden Green World

…eme. This year it’s called Hof van Heden — Echoes of Eden: passion for the Canal Garden, referring to the passion and the dreams people pour into their canal gardens. A part of the money raised during the event goes to the Grachtentuinen Fonds (the Canal Gardens Fund), which helps keep Amsterdam’s green heritage open to everyone. Which gardens, and where to start Here’s the part that surprises a lot of first-timers: the addresses of the gardens ar…

Read More

Amsterdam Museums: A Complete Guide to All Museums in the City

…disability. Only the temporary exhibition is accessible. 17. Museum of the Canals (Grachtenmuseum) The Museum of the Canals tells the story of Amsterdam through its waterways. Using immersive multimedia presentations, it explains how the canal belt was designed and built during the 17th century and how it shaped the city’s growth, wealth, and social structure. You’ll get all this through a guided rooms tour (not exploring by yourself, so keep that…

Read More

What to Do in Amsterdam in Summer: A Local’s Guide

…find your favourites, you will keep going there. 8. Listen to music on the canals with Grachtenfestival (canal festival) – 7–16 August 2026 The Grachtenfestival turns Amsterdam’s canals into the world’s most gorgeous concert hall every August, for about 10 days. Floating pontoons are built in the city center, and classical music mixes with the sounds of bycicles and seagulls cry. The concerts are in various locations throughout the city, not only…

Read More

Amsterdam in Spring: What to Do From March to June

…rather work for it, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fun way to see the canals from a different angle. Early mornings on weekdays are quiet, and you’ll have stretches of water entirely to yourself. 💡 Canal tip: The IJ ferry crossing to Amsterdam-Noord is free for pedestrians and cyclists, runs 24/7, and offers spectacular views of the city skyline. It’s one of the best free moments in Amsterdam. Spring markets Amsterdam’s market scene is year-r…

Read More

The beautiful Canal Belt

…s something to grab my attention, always something for me to discover. The canal belt includes the famous canals Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, built during the 17th century; it is fourteen kilometres (8.7 miles) long in total and crossed by 80 bridges. Each canal has its own character: Herengracht was historically the most prestigious address, home to Amsterdam’s wealthiest merchants, while Prinsengracht has a slightly more…

Read More

30 Things You Must Do in Amsterdam on Your First Visit

…g windows of the canal houses to get a glimpse of the life here. 2. Take a canal cruise — yes, even though it’s touristy The canal cruise has a reputation as the most tourist-y thing you can do, and locals will roll their eyes if you bring it up. But here’s the truth: Amsterdam was built to be seen from the water, and you simply see different things from a boat. The way the bridges line up; the cats sunbathing on houseboat decks; the birds surroun…

Read More

Amsterdam Light Festival 2026: A Winter Glow Over the Canals

…ing foundation continue its activity, so that’s one thing to keep in mind. Canal Cruise A canal cruise offers an unforgettable experience. I still fondly remember the one from a few years back, in 2018, when we sailed after a stormy day on some unexpectedly calm waters. Imagine gliding under arches of glowing lights, witnessing radiant reflections dance on the gentle ripples, and looking up to see artistry hanging over you. The beauty of the light…

Read More

About

Amsterdamian is a digital magazine exploring life in Amsterdam and the Netherlands and everything that makes this place unique. From everyday moments to cultural deep-dives, hidden corners to personal stories, it’s an invitation to discover not just the country, but the people who give it soul.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

The perfect gift for Amsterdam lovers: Amsterdam Through the Seasons - photo book

Archives

Enjoy the content? Support my work