Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals), Amsterdam
Even though it's just a quick 45-minute visit, the Museum of the Canals provides tremendous insight into the physical building it occupies, as well as the construction techniques required to build in Amsterdam as its population grew. Fittingly occupying a four-story former 17th-century luxury canal house on the Herengracht, it also provides an inside look at how the city's upper crust lived.
Delightfully informative, the exhibits explain why some houses lean sideways or forward, the city planning and associated negotiations, and even the funding of America's revolution. Miniature models of the canal houses are of interest, but even better are these little "voyeur" peepholes in the walls where visitors can peek into canal house interiors from different times. A lot of thought had been put into making this place interactive and fun, creatively using video projections and 3D displays.
Last but not least, since most of the canal houses in Amsterdam have beautiful gardens behind them that you cannot see from the road, it’s a real a treat to get a view of the lovely garden behind this museum; a quiet oasis and great example of Amsterdam’s hidden gems.
Delightfully informative, the exhibits explain why some houses lean sideways or forward, the city planning and associated negotiations, and even the funding of America's revolution. Miniature models of the canal houses are of interest, but even better are these little "voyeur" peepholes in the walls where visitors can peek into canal house interiors from different times. A lot of thought had been put into making this place interactive and fun, creatively using video projections and 3D displays.
Last but not least, since most of the canal houses in Amsterdam have beautiful gardens behind them that you cannot see from the road, it’s a real a treat to get a view of the lovely garden behind this museum; a quiet oasis and great example of Amsterdam’s hidden gems.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals) on Map
Sight Name: Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Red Light District Walking Tour
Amsterdam's Rosse Buurt (Red Light District) has been the subject of much fascination for centuries. The medieval part of it, also the largest, known as De Wallen (or De Walletjes), is particularly famous for its fantastic juxtaposition of age-old architecture, leaning canal houses, narrow alleys lined with old-school bars, quaint shops and late-night pursuits. Of course, the main draw here... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, some say, “dances to its own beat.” Indeed, Amsterdam – where “hipness meets history” – has a rather unusual life rhythm and style, famously manifested in the air of legalized cannabis, coffee shops, and the Red Light District. In large part, this “air of freedom” attracts annually to the city over five million visitors.
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
City Center Walking Tour
The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour
The history of Amsterdam is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. The city is home to several historical churches, each with its own unique charm and significance. These religious sites serve as both spiritual centers and architectural treasures that provide insight into the city's past.
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Canal District, known as Grachtengordel in Dutch, is a globally renowned example of urban planning and architectural excellence within Amsterdam. This area has remained remarkably well-preserved for over four centuries, celebrated for its charming small bridges, canal crossings, and 17th-century residences. Encircling the Old City Centre in a horseshoe shape, the Canal Ring encompasses three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
The Oldest and Historic Pubs of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a stunningly beautiful city, steeped in history, with hidden treasures and fascinating tales practically around every corner. Like all marvelous cities, Amsterdam has its share of dining and drinking establishments from the modern to the ancient. This guide will assist you in exploring...
Souvenir Shopping in Amsterdam: 20 Dutch Things To Buy
Tulips, red lights, weed... Other than these, there are plenty of good things to remember Amsterdam by. What's more, you can take home some of them quite legally. Look here to see what to buy in Amsterdam and...
12 Traditional Dutch Foods You Must Try in Amsterdam
Cool climate, closeness to sea, and sense of adventure have made the Dutch what they are – skillful farmers, industrious seafarers and, generally, people with the taste for life and good hearty meal, whether it comes from the sea they live by or the land they set their feet on. All of this has...
Dutch Sweets and Pastries
Known primarily for their cheeses, the Dutch have proven just as passionate about their sweets and pastries, many of which have come about as a result of the centuries of colonial past that had infused Holland with Oriental flavors and ingredients. Blended with their own dairy-rich European...
Top 7 Dutch Cheeses to Try in Amsterdam
Don't mind things turning a bit "cheesy" when in Holland. After all, this small country is renowned for its cheese manufacturing and successfully competes, in terms of cheese exports, with such economic giants as the United States and Germany. Amsterdam alone and its vicinities are...
Bars of De Pijp, Amsterdam
Sitting to the south of the Centrum (city centre) De Pijp area of Amsterdam is a fascinating mixture of trendy urbanites, students, immigrants and Amsterdammers. De Pijp has a long history as the Bohemian part of town, which is reflected in the different cafés of the area. There truly is something...