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Canal Ring Architecture walk

Amsterdam Architecture tour

Canal Ring Architecture walk

Amsterdam Architecture tour

Europe’s most spectacular urban landscape

Canal Ring Architecture walk

Book tour
Book tour
  • Startingpoint
    Startingpoint

    We start and finish at the Herenmarkt, on the Brouwersgracht, Behind the ‘West Indisch Huis’, a 10 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station​

  • Duration | Distance
    Duration | Distance

    2,5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

  • Highlights
    Highlights

    - Westerkerk
    - A visit inside a canal house
    - The 'House with the Heads'
    - Narrowest canal house
    - Nieuwe Lutherse kerk
    - oldest bridge
    - crooked architecture

  • Price
    Price

    See Booking page

Schedule your
private Amsterdam Architecture tour

More Information
Tour Reviews
  • Startingpoint
    Startingpoint

    We start and finish at the Herenmarkt, on the Brouwersgracht, Behind the ‘West Indisch Huis’, a 10 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station

  • Duration | Distance
    Duration | Distance

    2,5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

  • Highlights
    Highlights

    - Westerkerk
    - A visit inside a canal house
    - The 'House with the Heads'
    - Narrowest canal house
    - Nieuwe Lutherse kerk
    - oldest bridge
    - crooked architecture

  • Price
    Price

    See Booking page

Book your
Amsterdam Architecture tour

More Information
Tour Reviews

Amsterdam’s Canal Ring: An Architectural Masterpiece

Uncover the secrets behind Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring on our in-depth architecture tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to Dutch ingenuity and architectural brilliance.

The Amsterdam canals are an unique urban landscape. Miles of waterways stretch out underneath hundreds of bridges, forming a ring around the medieval city center. It’s easy to get lost here. Some visitors to Amsterdam complain that all the canals look exactly the same. We – naturally – disagree and are happy to help you get your bearings of the Amsterdam canal ring.

Renaissance Meets Lowlands

Discover how Italian Renaissance ideals were adapted to the unique challenges of the Dutch landscape. Learn about the innovative engineering solutions that transformed a swamp into a breathtaking urban canal system.

Architectural Evolution Through the Ages

From the early brick style to the ornate Baroque facades, witness the evolution of Amsterdam’s architecture. Our expert guides will illuminate the distinctive characteristics of each era and their impact on the city’s cityscape.

Canal House Insights

Step inside a beautifully preserved canal house and experience the opulent lifestyle of Amsterdam’s elite. Discover the intricate details of interior design, from ornate plasterwork to stunning landscapes on wall paper.

Engineering Marvels and Urban Planning

Explore the engineering feats that underpinned the creation of the canal ring. Learn about the challenges faced by architects and engineers in building on a watery foundation. Understand the urban planning principles that shaped this iconic district.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Capture the essence of Amsterdam’s architectural beauty with your camera. Our tour highlights the most photogenic spots along the canal ring, offering you the perfect opportunity to create stunning images.

Book your Canal Ring Architecture Tour today and immerse yourself in the architectural splendor of Amsterdam.

Tour reviews

  • star rating  I joined in on the WWII Amsterdam tour and can highly recommend it!
    I’ve been in Amsterdam for decades and was surprised how many landmarks I walk past on... read more a daily basis that have a historical significance. The tour was fun, informative and Tijs is a superb guide.

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    MsAmsterdam
    March 8, 2020
  • star rating  Maarten was our tour guide. Very punctual, friendly and informative. Booked for my partner who is a finance professional and he loved it. Other positives: well structured and researched; happy... read more to answer questions; and good value! Also worth mentioning that Maarten was happy to include...More

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    avatar thumb Sightseer778726
    January 6, 2019
  • star rating  Exploring the canals of Amsterdam on foot with Tijs as the tour guide was one of the highlights of my first visit to the city. Tijs not only has thorough... read more knowledge of the city's history and architecture (spanning both ancient and modern times, e.g. "The...More

    tripadvisor logo
    avatar thumb EC8531
    March 22, 2018
  • star rating  A very relaxed and experienced guide. Willing to talk and answer questions. The best investment knowledge is to buy high and

    tripadvisor logo
    Mickiewicz K
    August 1, 2021
  • star rating  Tijs is one of the people that makes us wish the day to have more than 24 hours! :) Not only a guide who makes the fascinating Amsterdam even more... read more fascinating! His vision for the city reveals the past, the present, and create great perspectives for the future. With all the secrets of each street, you learn not only about Nederlands but also its World's Influence. Knowledge, culture, amazing angles for photos and a real lesson of lively history in just one day, I can imagine how wonderful it would be if we had the privilege to spend a week with our new Dutch Friend! Absolutely recommended, I have no doubt he will be an essential part of my tours!

    tripadvisor logo
    RafaTraveller
    December 22, 2020

Blog posts

Top 5 Photography Ideas For Amsterdam

In this blog Historical Amsterdam Tours has curated some of the most iconic spots, as well as several snappy ideas to capture this vibrant old city.

Read More »

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