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Amsterdam Canals: Leidsegracht and Reguliersgracht

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Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht, in Dutch, Princes canal, Emperors canal and Knights canal respectively, are the three most important and spectacular Amsterdam canals.

These wonderful canals built during the expansion of the city in the seventeenth century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, are concentric canals delimited by Singel, which was the city moat during the Middle Age.

With a length between three and four kilometers each one, these parallel canals cross the city from Brouwesgrach next to Central Station to the Amstel river just before it flows into the city center in the area close to City Council and Muntplein.

There are over ten streets and dozens of bridges connecting these three canals between them, but few people know that there are only two canals that connect the waters of these three main canals of Amsterdam. These secondary but essential canals are Leidsegracht and Reguliersgracht.

Leidsegracht, named after the city of Leiden, was built in the second half of the seventeenth century. At the time of its construction, it marked the Southern border of the city. It’s located next to Leidseplein and is parallel to the famous street – Leidsestraat.

Reguliersgracht is located further West to Leidsegracht and was built within the same expansion plan at the beginning of the second half of the seventeenth century. The canal lies next to the squares of Rembrandtplein and Frederiksplein and close to Amstel River. The famous Seven Bridges of Amsterdam are located in this canal.

The best way to learn the history of Amsterdam’s canals and enjoy wonderful views is doing a Boat Tour, these tours are varied and numerous, some even offer dinner on board.

Amsterdam is a city dimly lit at night, so if you want to take photos of places like the Seven Bridges from the boat we recommend you perform the tour during the day.

 

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