Amsterdam’s Canals – Peachin Adventure

Text and photos by Mary L. Peachin

March, 2011 Vol. 15. No.5

Amsterdam’s slow flowing canals create an aura of a floating city. Like its majestic swans that drift in the current, there are many options to experience the canals.

Historically and culturally, life in Amsterdam’s revolves around its canals. There are numerous touring boats, canoes, kayaks, and pedaling bikes. Houseboats are available to sleep on a canal.

Amsterdam is considered one of, if not the most, watery cities in the world. Surrounding its metropolitan area, home to a population of a million and a half inhabitants, 165 concentric canals are covered by 1300 bridges, including eight wooden drawbridges that span a distance of sixty miles.

Adding charm to the city known as “Venice of the North”, the three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, date back to the 17th century Dutch Golden Age.

White elm blossoms drifting like snow flurries cover the narrow cobblestones streets and bridges. Symphonic tones of classical music attracted people to a one man concert. In a small colorful boat, a busker played a trumpet using improvisation instead of additional instruments. Following a spontaneous applause from gathering onlookers, after several encores, he extends a fishing pole holding a wooden clog to collect gratuitous Euros. He then motored off in search of the next audience.

On a Saturday morning, the pace of the city was hectic. Locals headed to one of many farmers, flea, flower, or antique markets. Visitors stood in a line stretching several blocks to gain entry into the Anne Frank Huis. Others waited for canal cruises or bicycle tours.

In addition to Van Gogh and Rembrandt, there is a museum for every interest: prostitution, sex, marijuana, hashish, and more. Red lights designate the windows of sex workers. Young, attractive, and scantily dressed, they smile, flirt, and beckon passing men. Secure in small glass showrooms and offering fixed prices, prostitution appears very civilized.

A drink at a waterfront terrace or meal in a floating restaurant is another option for enjoying the canals. Near the cobblestoned bridge of De Torensluis, visitors sip homemade soup. Others indulge in a piece of pie at Villa Zeezicht or Café van Zuylen. In suburban Jordaan, young locals imbibe at Tabac. De Admiraal Brown’s canal-side patio serves samples of locally distilled Van Wees liquors. Hip rock bar Café Sound Garden overlooks the Singelgracht canal.

In the mood for Chinese food, try multi-storey Sea Palace. Deck dining is popular at trendy Odessa, designed as a Ukrainian fishing boat.

Stately buildings edging the canals, some centuries-old, share a common wall with mansions, row houses, and hotels. Amsterdam is a bicycle-crazed city. Along narrow roadways and bridges, hundreds of bikes are parked. Automobiles are clearly the exception.

In the 17th century, Amsterdam’s canals made the city a wealthy, powerful and world famous trading center. Originally intended to protect against invasion, Amsterdam’s rapid growth and shipping needs led to a continual need for new canals.

Today, international cargo is still unloaded harborside while Amsterdam’s canals are enjoyed by more than two million people.

Since 1621, when Queen Elisabeth Stuart of Bohemia was welcomed into the city on the first pleasure cruise followed by a parade of festively decorated admiralty sloops, Amsterdammers and visitors alike have loved the city’s canals.

If you go:

Places to Stay:

Ambassade Hotel, www.amvassade-hotel.nl

Seven Bridges Hotel, www.sevenbridgeshotel.nl

Amsterdam American Hotel, www.edenamsterdamamerican.com

The Dylan Amsterdam, www.dylanamsterdam.com

Hotel de l’Europe, www.leurope.nl

The College Hotel, www.thecollegehotel.com

Hotel 717, www.717hotel.nl

Hotel Toren, www.thetoren.nl

Hotel Okura, www.okura.nl

Boat Rentals: