Lovers Canal Cruises

Lovers Canal Cruises has operated boat tours since the 1950s, becoming a popular way to see Amsterdam’s historic canals. Their fleet of glass-roofed boats offers scenic, narrated trips focusing on the city’s bridges, architecture, and waterways.

Centraal Station

Amsterdam’s Central Station was designed by Pierre Cuypers and built between 1881 and 1889 on three artificial islands in the IJ lake. Its Gothic and Renaissance Revival style and iron platform roof combine historical grandeur with 19th-century engineering.

Keizersgracht

The Keizersgracht canal, named after Emperor Maximilian I, was dug in 1612 as the widest of Amsterdam’s main canals. It features grand merchant houses that reflect the city’s increasing wealth during that period.

Herengracht

Also built in 1612, the Herengracht was Amsterdam’s most prestigious canal, lined with mansions along the “Golden Bend” where the city’s elite once lived.

Magere Brug

The Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge is a wooden drawbridge over the Amstel River originally constructed in 1691 and rebuilt in 1934 in the traditional style. It is known for its elegant design and nightly lighting.

Red Light District

De Wallen is Amsterdam’s oldest neighborhood, dating from the 14th century as a harbor area. Today it is a regulated zone combining historic buildings, legalized sex work, nightlife, and tourism.

Westerkerk

Completed in 1631, the Westerkerk church is a fine example of Dutch Renaissance architecture. Its tall Westertoren tower is a city landmark near Anne Frank’s house.

9 Little Streets (Negen Straatjes)

The 9 Straatjes are nine narrow streets in the canal belt known for their boutiques, vintage shops, and cafés. Developed in the 17th century, this area blends historic charm with modern culture.

The Amstel

The Amstel River runs through Amsterdam and was central to its founding and development. It has been a vital waterway for trade and transport with historic buildings and bridges along its banks.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum

The Scheepvaartmuseum is housed in a 17th-century warehouse and showcases the Netherlands’ maritime history with ships, maps, and nautical artifacts. Renovated in 2011, it features exhibitions about the country’s connection to the sea.

Prinsengracht

The Prinsengracht canal was dug in the early 17th century during Amsterdam’s Grachtengordel expansion. Named after the Prince of Orange, it became a desirable residential area with elegant canal houses.

NEMO Science Museum

Designed by Renzo Piano and opened in 1997, NEMO Science Museum features a green, ship-like structure above the Oosterdok. It is an interactive science center focused on children and families.

Nieuwmarkt

The Nieuwmarkt square was created in the 17th century after demolishing the Sint Antoniespoort city gate. Its centerpiece is the Waag building, once a city gate and later a guildhall.

Bloemenmarkt

Established in 1862, the Bloemenmarkt is the world’s only floating flower market with stalls on houseboats along the Singel canal. Originally a daily flower supply point, it now sells bulbs, souvenirs, and plants.

IJ

The IJ is a body of water connecting Amsterdam to the North Sea. It played a key role in maritime trade and now serves as a waterfront area with ferries and cultural venues.

Rijksmuseum

Opened in 1885 and designed by Pierre Cuypers, the Rijksmuseum blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. It houses the Netherlands’ national art and history collection, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.