(continuer en français) – Last updated: January 28, 2023
Amsterdam’s main charm comes from its canals. Without them, wouldn’t it be an ordinary city?
The largest city in the Netherlands, with a population of about 1.5 million, is also a major tourist destination in Europe. The number of visitors has increased in recent years thanks to the high-speed rail links with Paris and London.
Artist’s view and reality.
We do not realise that Amsterdam is actually an archipelago of 90 islands separated by 60 miles, 100 kilometres, of canals, linked by more than 1200 bridges and footbridges.
The canals were created in the 17th century, as were constructed many of the old houses that still line them, dwellings or warehouses, converted into lofts.
Sometimes there is not even a quay, the facades open directly onto the water, like in Venice.
The quays form as many terraces, sometimes even extended above the water by a pontoon or a barge.
Four main canals form successive rings around the old town, from which numerous passages connect them according to the needs of urban planning, creating a dense network of boat traffic.
It is possible to cruise the canals in the many bateau mouches or collective boats that leave from various points in the city.
However, it is much classier to have one’s own boat and to venture along the canals on the floating labyrinth.
It is also a local custom to have an aperitif at sunset while navigating through the city.
Paradoxically, although alcohol is accepted on the water, it is strictly forbidden on land outside licensed establishments.
When night comes, the canals become mirrors, letting the lights give them changing appearances, like a show to be followed from the quays that have become promenades.
The canals of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.
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Lookoom 
Thanks for taking me back to this enchanted canal cirt!
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I am glad that the visit left you with good memories.
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We loved our short time in Amsterdam in 2017. Thanks for the memories. Allan
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Time is always too short in the good places, that’s an efficient index.
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thanks for the memories! https://paris1972-versailles2003.com/2019/03/06/the-canals-of-amsterdam-yes/
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Thanks for the reference, your article confirms and completes mine.
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😎
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I’ve been to Amsterdam a few times over the years as I have family that live in the northern part of the Netherlands. It’s such a beautiful city during the day and at night when the canals are all lined with lights. Taking a canal tour is such a great way to see a different side of the city.
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There are other cities with canals around, but Amsterdam seems to have taken the experience to the next level and it’s a big city with so many other things around the canals. It’s a chance to get to know Amsterdam as a local.
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an iconic city for sure, but yet one that I never warmed to
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I think that besides the initial curiosity, you get caught up in the game of walking along the canals, there is no end to it.
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I tend to agree with you, without the canals and the waterfront buildings (all very charming) Amsterdam wouldn’t be ever so spectacular. It’s a nicely relaxed city though.
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It is well summed up, without the canals you would be satisfied with hanging out in a few places but not walking endlessly along the streets.
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