How Not to Get Lost in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s canals are like a large spider’s web. You get easily caught. Arm yourself with a map or GPS and remember that three canal rings fan out from Centraal Station in alphabetical order: Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht. Once you remember this, finding your way is a piece of cake.

Aerial View of Amsterdam

Canals

Three canals, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Prinsengracht, make up Amsterdam’s grachtengordel or canal belt. Prinsengracht is furthest away from the city centre and the houses along this canal are less opulent and lavish than those closer to the centre. Prinsengracht pulls more visitors than Keizersgracht and Herengracht because there are many cafes, restaurants and boutiques along this canal.

The Anne Frank House at Prinsengracht is a true tourist spot that attracts million of visitors every year. Cafes, boutiques and narrow houses line Prinsengracht and make this canal a pleasant place to be. All canals look a bit similar but look out for Westerkerk with its crowned steeple on Prinsengracht and you will know that you aren’t lost.

Photo credit wikipedia