Page 14 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

12 ❯❯ Top 10 Amsterdam Highlights

Canals and Waterways

With their pretty bridges (1,703 in all), idiosyncratic gabled houses
and relaxed waterside cafés, Amsterdam’s 75 km (47 miles) of canals
are perfect for a leisurely stroll. They are a constant reminder that
the Netherlands is the world’s flattest country, portions of which
have been reclaimed from the sea with the aid of dykes, canals,
tidal barriers, and man-made land. Before exploring the canals on
foot, take a boat tour (see p14 and pp142–3) for a fascinating
overview. In 2010 the 17th-century canal ring
was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Reguliersgracht
Herengracht
1 3
Stateliest canal
Much loved for its
of the Grachtengordel pretty canal houses and
(see p15), the elegant humpback bridges,
Herengracht (above) is Reguliersgracht was cut in
famous for its Golden 1664. Look out for Nos. 57,
Bend – a grand stretch of 59 and 63.
mansions built for the
Entrepotdok
richest merchants. A 4
Leidsegracht
more beautiful stretch An imposing 6
lies between Huidenstraat stretch of former This canal was cut
and Leidsestraat, best dockland has been in 1664 as a barge route
viewed from the east side. restored to provide to Leiden (above). Today
offices and apartments, it is one of the city’s most
with outdoor cafés exclusive addresses.
overlooking colourful
houseboats.
Prinsengracht 5
The outermost
canal of the Grachten-
gordel, designed for
warehouses and
Keizersgracht
artisans’ housing, has
2 a breezy, laid- back air.
A central canal
of the Grachtengordel It is peppered with cafés,
(above) has fine stretches art galleries and
between Brouwersgracht houseboats. Cycle its
and Raadhuisstraat, and 3-km (2-mile) length, or
again between Runstraat explore short stretches
and Leidsestraat. on foot (right).

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