Once over the Singel, The first of Amsterdam’s inner canal ring (Or grachtengordel in Dutch) is the Herengracht canal. Starting at the Brouwersgracht slightly north west of Central Station, the Herengracht circles the city in a horseshoe style shape.
Running all the way to the Amstel river east of the city, the Herengracht, (also known as the Gentlemans Canal) has some magnificent buildings, especially in the part known as the “Golden Bend” which is located between the Vijzelstraat and the Leidsestraat where you can see some historic and beautiful double wide mansions,gardens,coach houses and the luxury style of the buildings, that say this part of the Herengracht is where the rich used to live, or still do.
With plenty of hotels and leisure boats cruising up and down the Herengracht, there’s no lack of things to do or see. Staying in one of the many hotels along the canal gives quick access to many of the sights and things to do while in Amsterdam from one central location, Saving money and time on travelling to where you wish to be.
At the end of the canal where it meets the Amstel river, you can see two of the many historic bridges in Amsterdam. The Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge) is just over the river to the left, and the Magere Brug (Skinny bridge) is a little bit down on the right.
Amsterdams canals are loved by the world over, and once you’ve visited them. It’s easy to see why.
Buildings and sights on or near the Herengracht canal :
Hotels on Herengracht :
Ambassade Hotel - Herengracht 341
Rembrandt Classic Hotel – Herengracht 255 (Nearby to Central Station & Dam Sq)
The Times Hotel – Herengracht 137 (Central)
Banks Mansion – Herengracht 519-525
Things to see and do nearby :
Rembrandtplein is nearby to the southern part of the canal.
The Bloemenmarkt is just a five minute walk up Vijzelstraat.
The nearby Munttoren is part of the cities old defences, a short walk from the canal.
Shopping on the Leidsestraat is within a short walking distance from the southern part of the canal.
Take a stroll round the canal during the evening and see the buildings and bridges lit up in all their glory.
Enjoy a relaxing and peaceful canal tour round the canal, Jump aboard behind the Leidseplein.
Museums on Herengracht :
Theatermuseum – Herengracht 168
Bijbelsmuseums [The Biblical museum] - Herengracht 366-368
De Kattenkabinet – Herengracht 497
The Museum of bags and purses [Tassen Museum Hendrikje] – Herengracht 573
Museum Willet-Holthuysen – Herengracht 605 (South East section of the Herengracht)
