t The Singel is home to the Bloemenmarkt which floats on the water.
t The Singel is home to the Bloemenmarkt which floats on the water.
Discover A Canal Walk
With the increase in wealth and civic pride in Amsterdam during the city’s 17th century Golden Age, an ambitious plan was formed to build a splendid ring of canals round the city. Conceived in 1609, and added to in 1664 by Daniel Stalpaert, the scheme grew to encompass wide canals lined with opulent town houses in a variety of architectural styles. These houses reflect the wealth of the inflating merchant class who prospered from the spoils of the United East India Company and West India Company at that time.
A walk along the canals takes in these merchants’ mansions, as well as unbelievably narrow houses and wonderful examples of the Amsterdam School of Architecture. The diverse façades, reflected in the glass-like canals, have come to represent the city for people around the world.
The following pages guide you along the Singel, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Reguliersgracht and Prinsengracht canals. Listen to the sounds of the waterways and feel their bustling energy as you explore the arteries of this water-fuelled city.