Introduction

During this walk you’ll get to know the stately canal houses that arose in Amsterdam’s golden era. As you stroll along the waterfront, you’ll see façades with richly carved ornaments, tall windows, and elegant coach gates that recall the time when affluent merchants lived here. Many of these houses still look like small palaces: broad staircases, deep basements, and imposing entrance halls betray the grandeur of the past.

The function of the buildings has changed over the centuries. Some have been transformed into luxurious hotels or prestigious offices; one of the most prominent buildings even serves as the mayor’s official residence. At the same time, a number of canal houses are still lived in, or have been carefully divided into stylish apartments—fine examples of how heritage and contemporary city life can coexist.

Information

Because you’ll both see and hear a lot during the audio tour, we recommend comfortable shoes. If you want to complete the full route, expect to cover roughly 8 kilometers. The route takes you over little bridges and quays with occasionally uneven paving; take your time, pause wherever you like, and follow a pace that suits you.

After purchase, your access to the audio tour is valid for 24 hours. Those 24 hours only begin when you click the link. Within that time frame you can start the tour whenever you want and finish it at your own pace. That way, you decide whether to experience everything in one go or split the walk into several stages.

You’ll also receive the tour link by email, so you won’t lose it by accident.