Discover the jewel box city of Amsterdam: A photoblog…
Walk it, bike it, or get a languorous cruise…the ‘canal’-ity of life will inevitably entice you in Amsterdam. Surprise, surprise. The throbbing nerve-centre of Netherlands has a predictably unoriginal name, literally meaning ‘Dam on River Amstel’. And a soul which is just the opposite….daring, independent, vivacious, lively. Over 4.5 million throng every year to admire its wonderland of 165 concentric canals, arched by 1500 graceful bridges and lined with trees and gable-crowned townhouses. And talking of surprises, try this: Venice lags far behind, with just 409 bridges.
From swampy marsh to sophisticate city
Jump on to one of the small canal-cruise catamarans to drift along the calm waters and absorb the atmosphere. Rewind to the 16th-17th centuries. Swampy soil all around. Merchants and immigrants, rich from investing in the Dutch East India Company, spice import and slave trade, flooding in. Reclaiming the area, constructing houses, bridges, and canal walls over oakwood pilings from the Black Forest in Germany. Keep your eyes peeled for the three massive canals from the bygone days: the Herengracht (gentlemen’s canal), Prinsengracht (princes’ canal) and Keizersgracht (emperor’s canal). Notice that the houses on the Keizersgracht are grander…inspired from palaces of the Roman Empire, perhaps. Many exclusive, luxury hotels are housed here now. Feel the transition of the centuries melting in your line of sight?
Jewel box town
Marvel at the way the frugal Dutch dressed up these simple buildings. Elegant cornices, fancy mouldings and ornate gables (shaped like steps, vase necks, bells and points). Its a jewel box city! Most buildings are narrow, maybe 30-feet wide or less, with the slimmest side facing the canal. Interesting reason for that…taxes used to be based on the width of the house. Creative floor design…everything was made to fit in, shops on the ground floor, family residence in the middle, and warehouse in the attic. Notice how the houses proudly bear ‘establishment dates’…there’s one from 1616!
Very few windows have curtains. No brainer…it allows more light. Prying eyes are obviously no concern here…mutual trust and respect for privacy solves it all. Slim houses, narrow staircases. you will see someone transporting furniture with the help of a pulley and lifting it in through removable windows. Handy idea. Some houses appear to lean towards the water, others are misaligned. Crookedly cute. One of them has open louvred windows on all floors, painted red on the inside. The vibrance is even more striking against the stark black painted brick facade. Black houses…only in Netherlands. Never say never.
Floating houses
Several houseboats are docked along the canals…there are nearly 2,500 floating homes in all. Living on the water despite the dampness and gloom, or a forever-on-vacation feeling? Play ‘I spy’. Take a peek. Some are basic, others luxurious…gardens and hammocks on terraces, folding chairs on the front, colourful flower pots hanging from wooden walls, a library lined with books visible through a window, a table for four laid out on a floating porch. Some houseboats even have addresses and mailboxes. If the owner moves up the canal, would he change his address?
Two wheel drive
A million people and a million bikes…a terrific vantage point to observe a swirl of the biking Dutch…doing chores, flirting, delivering, texting on two wheels. Suit-clad office goers with laptops, women with two toddlers in child seats, school boys and girls in cargo bikes, a man with a pet dog on a leash, shoppers with four grocery bags, an elderly man balancing a rolled mattress neatly on the cycle back. No latest models or hi-tech gadgetry being flaunted…just laid-back coolness. It’s infectious…having the urge to sell off your car and buy a bicycle instead?
All streets are cycle-friendly…bike lanes run next to the sidewalks with smooth surfaces, separate signs and traffic lights, wide enough for side-by-side cycling and overtaking. Cars are parked along the canal side and lower down, at the edge of the banks, row of boats are tied to the railings…which outnumbered which?
Past to present
The cruise ends at the huge main port, where the river hits the sea. Modern ships with huge masts and sails are docked, where once upon a time, merchant ships from faraway lands used to sail in, loaded down with material delights (silks, spices, and porcelain). The world’s richest city, an international sea-trading port, and the cradle of capitalism, has metamorphosed into a vibrant, modern, fun, liveable city, top of every traveller’s bucket list. Feeling the vibe yet?
100cobbledroads.com 
I took one of those canal cruises. Certainly, a lot to see along the way. So pretty!
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Amsterdam certainly is a unique city.
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I am headed to Amsterdam in a few weeks and I will definitely make sure to add this to my to-do list!!
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Have fun!
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This looks like so much fun and a unique way to see a beautiful place. The floating homes are interesting. They seem to be becoming more popular these days with the rising costs of property on land.
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Yes, and I least expected to see them in Amsterdam.
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Cool that you can see so much life as you pass by. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for your comment.
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Thanks for sharing this guide! Haven’t took a canal cruise in Amsterdam yet, but your pictures and descriptions are good enough to inspire me to do it!
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It is an enchanting city. And there’s so much to it beyond the canals too. You will love it.
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Oh I love Amsterdam. This takes me back. What a great way to see such a beautiful city. The architecture is simple but I really love it. The buildings are so cute and I love that bike culture. Great photos.
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There’s so much more to the city. I will be doing another post on it, capturing other facets of it.
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I love Amsterdam, it’s such a warm, friendly, lively city and with much to see and enjoy for a visitor. Seeing it by boat is always a pleasure, you can relax as the beautiful city offers itself up to you from the water. Your photos are lovely.
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Thanks! I was really drawn to the town-houses.
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The Netherlands is one of those countries that you can’t fully understand until you go there. We treated ourselves to this same cruise and it’s unbelievable!
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You’re right. People have pre-conceived notions about it, some highly exaggerated too.
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You have certainly captured the essence of Amsterdam. It’s easy to wander that city forever but from the water gives such great scenes.
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You’re right. From the canals. you’re just at the right distance to observe it all.
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Amsterdam is such a charming city isn’t it. It really does seem to mirror the Dutch persona – very friendly, open and welcoming. I haven’t done a canal cruise there and really should – I have friends who live there and do visit regularly!
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That’s so wonderful..having friends in Amsterdam. You must familiar with everything.
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Amsterdam is such a lively city with so many canals and bridges. Those sleek and narrow houses are so beautiful especially the black house with the red window. And the floating houses! You are right they will always give the feel of vacation. I liked that if the owner moves up the canal. Will he change his address?? Awesome pictures.
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Thanks so much. Glad you liked it.
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I have been to Amsterdam a few times but have never done a canal trip. Neither have I cycled there!! The views from the canal look great though. Maybe I can do on my next visit 🙂
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Go for it!
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I love the architecture of the houses. I am not sure about living in a house without curtains. It seems pretty unnatural to me but I surely get their point!
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Oh, they do have curtains…but leave them open for light 🙂
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I was not really that keen to take a canal cruise but I finally did on our last day in Amsterdam and it was great- good to get a different perspective of the city.
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So you did do it, finally. A great wrap on the city trip.
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Wow that’s really interesting about the pully systems and the pull out windows. It makes sense and I wish we had that here as I can’t even take some pieces of furniture to the second story of my inner Sydney flat! Great post!
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I took an evening canal cruise in Amsterdam and it was lovely. The only shame was they served stir fry instead of Dutch food! I really loved seeing all of the old houses and learning about the history of the city.
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Evening cruise would be equally fabulous, and so much more romantic, with all the glittering light on the water. 🙂
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Why didn’t I do this in Amsterdam – you’re making me regret some life choices 😀 what a beautiful experience and such a great perspective to see the city from. I also love your fun and whimsical style of writing ❤
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Awww..there is always another time..stopover just for this, maybe? Thanks for the lovely comment..glad you enjoyed the read.
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I’ve always wanted to visit Amsterdam, but for some reason we haven’t made it there yet. Hopefully we can check it out soon! Love the photos you took–the houses, especially the ones on the boat all look so adorable. Would love to go for a bike ride and take a boat along the canals, too!
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And Im sure its going to be one of the loveliest destinations you have ever been to.
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We loved our canal cruise in Amsterdam – it’s such a different perspective to watch the city go by form the surface of the water. Love your photos of the buildings too – they’re so picturesque!
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So, you know exactly what I mean.
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I love Amsterdam, but never took a canal cruise. Thanks for sharing your guide, I will keep this in mind for my next trip to Amsterdam!
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You will enjoy cruising along peacefully.
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I went to Amsterdam last February actually, my first city I ever stepped foot in, in Europe. Sadly, I did not get to do a canal cruise BUT I did ride a bike everywhere to get my bearings on the city! So cool to just ride up and down streets, taking in the culture, views and trying not to hit the other million people on bikes haha. Great pictures 🙂
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And what a fantastic first choice it is. Biking makes the Amsterdam experience so local, doesn’t it?
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Just when you think you cant find more reasons to love Amsterdam you do. For me it was always the architecture and cafes of Amsterdam that made me want to go there and now thanks to your post I found the best way to soak it all in 😀 Surely taking one of these canal cruises!
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It is the most unusual city, isn’t it? I will be doing another post…more angles to explore.
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Your beautiful writing style and photos made me to start planning visiting Amsterdam as soon as possible. I believe sunny spring days would be perfect time to enjoy Amsterdam!
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Thank a million. Yes, sunny days would be perfect. Autumn wasn’t too bad either, we went in October.
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Your photos are amazing! Especially that floating house looks interesting. Amsterdam on our bucket list, check!
-Gerome
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Thank you! It wasn’t a bright, sunny day, but we managed some good pictures.
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I did a canal cruise last time I was in Amsterdam – it’s a great and easy way to see the city. It’s so pretty from the water! I had a great time photographing all the gorgeous buildings.
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The architecture in Amsterdam is so cool and I think a canal ride like this would be the perfect way to see the city. I might stop in a cafe first and bring a little party favor to enjoy the ride with. Thanks for sharing all your beautiful photos too!
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We did a lot of walking around too, but with the boat, you can see both banks and you’re spoilt for choice.
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As soon as I saw the first image, I knew this would be about Amsterdam. The canals are truly iconic. Thanks for the history lesson, I didn’t know most of these things, and it’s so great to be educated. It looks like a great tour! Your musings are also really cool, makes you think 🙂
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Its good to hear that you enjoyed the read. Its so natural to wonder about the whys of what we see while travelling, isn’t it?
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I have never been to Amsterdam but I have been told that is beautiful and nice to live too!! Well, the main icon of Amsterdam and Holland are the canals, truly fascinating!! great post, thanks for sharing
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Absolutely, the canals are a great symbol of the city. Glad you enjoyed the post.
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Such a beautiful place I love Amsterdam .. next time we are there we will have to take this canal cruise.
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You will enjoy it immensely.
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I took this tour! And yes, I agree with you that it is a must. I learnt many interesting things about the city’s past and present and I could appreciate some interesting architecture and nice canals
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The streets are so narrow that you can’t get a full view of the houses, so being at a distance in the boat is perfect.
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Your photos are great! Amsterdam has been on my bucket list for awhile and this post really makes me want to go NOW!
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Hope you have a fantastic time in Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam looks good with your lenses. Beautiful pictures. Nice description. Well written post.
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Thank you so much!
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Any city built on water is always going to be beautiful and seeing a city from the water is one of the best perpsectives there is. Love Amsterdam.
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It turned out much more fabulous than we had even expected it to.
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Hihi, loved the curtain expression – it is so true! Glad you like my country and enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam. Were you on time for the light festival as well?
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Thanks! Your country is gorgeous! We went to some other places like Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken too. Loved them.
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Oh yes, I would love to! And if I ever do get to visit Amsterdam, I will sure be cruising those canals. Like Venice, the canals have become part of the identity of the city.
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So like Venice, but so unlike.
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You sold us. We’re dying to take this canal cruise. Amsterdam is simply gorgeous. Thanks for this tip.
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Glad you liked it! You will enjoy Amsterdam.
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The architecture never gets old to look at. I love anything that has to do with water and this canal cruise is something I would definitely consider. Europe is so charming and I had no idea this cruise puts Venice to shame!
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Every European city is charming in its own way. Personally, I love Venice as much, and the two cruises are as different as chalk and cheese. 🙂
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Netherlands is one of my favourite counties! I loved the black houses… how interesting. The cruise also makes for a really romantic evening…
Thanks for the lovely pictures!
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If you loved Netherlands, you will enjoy another post I did on Volendam. The title is “Make sturdy clogs to woo her? No diamond?”
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I agree that the best way to experience this lovely city is by a cruise. I am glad that I did one… The next time I want to do the hop on and off one so that I can visit some of those lovely places along the cruise. Lovely pics you have captured
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Thanks, Ami! Amsterdam was a delight. Of course, there’s a ton of other things to experience too…will be doing another post on some of those.
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I have long wanted to go to Amsterdam and keep researching to know more. I did not know about this hidden gem until I stumbled upon this blog. The canals and bridges make it an interesting an romantic city.
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So you happened to come across my blog through Google Search?
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I haven’t yet been to Amsterdam but I keep on meaning to go. With budget airlines flying from the UK, it is so cheap for me to go. I would love see the house boats there and experience a river cruise. Hopefully this summer!
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I hope you do go! Maybe catch the tulip season?
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If this place is like you have described it to be.. i so wanna leave my life and move here. It is so amazing. It has a warm and peaceful feeling… The place looks like a painting
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I have described it exactly like we saw it! Get ready to pack up 🙂
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Amsterdam is so charming and pretty. I didn’t know that it had so many bridges! It’s been many years since I was last there. I need to visit again soon.
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I didn’t know about the number of bridges earlier, either. In fact, Berlin has even more than Amsterdam!
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I love the style of those houses. It is my dream to live in those kind. Amsterdam is one of the countries that I am dreaming to visit someday with my boyfriend. You are very lucky for having the chance to explore it. More travels to come.
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If you can dream it, you can do it!
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Thank you for your encouragement. 🙂
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I’ve been on this canal cruise in Amsterdam too! Its just incredible!!! Esp that years old folding bridge was such an intriguing thing for me!!!
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Yeah, I wish it was still as narrow as it used to be in the original version. Apparently, it was named Skinny Bridge because it was just enough for one person to walk across at a time.
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Years ago I passed through Amsterdam for just one day. I was blown away by how beautiful the city is, and I have been looking forward to returning ever since. Thanks for this information. I am filing this post away for when I get around to getting back there.
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Amsterdam is picture perfect, isn’t it? But there’s more to it, than just the beauty. Look out for my second post on it…a few weeks later.
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Reblogged this on Journal Edge and commented:
Article Source: 100cobbledroads.com
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1500 bridges?? You would be my idol if crossed each of those bridges haha. I’ve never visited Amsterdam but I sure wish to and I hope to take the cruise as well. Another one of those bucket list items!
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Of course, no one can cross all the bridges, but knowing the number just elevates one’s visual image…I mean, just the sheer volume of waterways 🙂
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I’ve visited Amsterdam a good handful of times now but have never gone on a canal cruise! Maybe I should… your photos and description are certainly making me regret my decision not to have done one yet. I love the simple architecture of Amsterdam, and looking at toe pictures a canal cruise is the perfect way to get my architectural fix in.
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I hope you do manage it next time 🙂
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I took this canal cruise and really enjoyed it then. Your description took me there again. I don’t think a walking tour would be anywhere close to this. That would be a different perspective altogether.
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You’re right…a canal cruise gives you just that much extra.
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