Amsterdam, canals, water excursions and walks around Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city of canals, and it is not for nothing that it is called the Northern Venice. The first thing a tourist should do when arriving in this bright and picturesque city is to go on a water excursion, during which one can get to know Amsterdam a lot better.

The canals in this city are a well-planned cobweb. They cross each other, diverge, and then meet again. Their total length is several hundred kilometers. The reservoirs divide Amsterdam into 90 islands, and here there are almost 1,500 bridges. And, more importantly, all the city's channels are under the protection of UNESCO.

A little bit about Amsterdam

You can immediately notice that this city is not like the others. It is special, with its zest, which it is impossible to catch practical. A fascinating architecture, narrow streets, cut by canals, magnificent nature, tulips and windmills are all the Netherlands (Amsterdam).

The city is located on the banks of the Amstel River. Its history begins in 1276, when a dam was built on this place, and then formed a tiny fishing village. Gradually developing, it became what you can see today - a colorful Amsterdam. Actually, the name is translated as "dam on the Amstel River". Today there are a lot of different sights and unusual museums. A walk along the canals of Amsterdam is the best opportunity to explore the city and its style, because the water arteries are rather narrow, which gives the impression of a leisurely walk along the boulevard.

How many canals in the city?

To date, there are already more than 165 channels. They all originate from the Amstel River, flowing through the central part of the city. The creation of an aquatic "spider web" began with the Three-Channel Plan, presented in 1658 by architect Hendrik van Keizer. All reservoirs are artificially created.

The main are only 4 waterways:

• Prinsengracht.
• Singel.
• Keizersgracht.
• Herengracht.

They appeared as the development of Amsterdam. The canals of Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht and Herengracht were dug in 1612-1613. Initially they reached only Leidsegracht, and only after almost 50 years their way was extended to the Amstel River, and even further. They have an arcuate shape, together they round the central part of the city, forming a golden bend. Such a name was given because ancient mansions were built on the banks.

But the very first channel appeared in 1452. It was Singel. It was created as an urban moat, and when Amsterdam began to develop, it was turned into an internal canal. It starts near the main station and flows into the river near the Myuntplein square.

The longest is Prinsengracht, which was named after the Prince of Orange of Wilhelm. The Imperial Canal, or Keizersgracht, received its name from the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Maximilian. The latter, Herengracht, is opened in honor of those who ruled the city and developed Amsterdam. Channels, as can be judged from the information received, for the Dutch a little more than just a water artery.

It is worth paying attention to the Grachengardel - one of the most popular areas of Amsterdam, whose name translates as "Ring of Channels". In 2011, the Het Grachtenhuis Museum was opened in his honor, in which guests are told interesting facts and events, the history of the origin of the channels and much more, and also shows multimedia material and exhibits. In general, this museum will tell even more about the main features of the city.

Amsterdam bridges as works of art

Speaking about Amsterdam, the canals and architectural features of the city, we can not fail to mention the bridges. They complement the unsurpassed image that creates ancient buildings, paved streets and charming lanterns. The city has modern steel structures, the most striking of which is the Python. It not only adorns Amsterdam, but also enters the top ten most amazing bridges in the world. This massive structure of steel is painted in red, due to which it can be seen from afar. And the name was a bridge because of its wriggling form.

There are also ancient bridges built in Amsterdam, built of wood or stone. For example, Blauburg exists since 1883, and before that time in its place was a wooden predecessor. It is also beautiful to call the Blue Bridge, although it has radically changed. But in the XVII century it was wooden and painted in blue.

Boat, swim! How to get on a tour?

Passenger ships are the most popular transport in Amsterdam. It is such an original attraction that no tourist will miss. And he will do it right, because a boat trip will give a lot of pleasant impressions and colorful memories. You can choose a tram or even a boat with a transparent roof. All channels are used exclusively as an excursion route, and the speed of the boat is strictly limited. They move very slowly, but we can not say that this is a minus, because it will be possible to better consider everything around and take pictures for memory.

The tour can be booked almost anywhere in the city, where there is a canal. The cost starts from 10 euros and can be much higher - the price depends on the chosen route. Tourists are offered an audio guide, which speaks most foreign languages. In addition, you can buy a ticket for passenger ships that follow several routes. They stop near museums, shops and attractions.

What can you see on the cruise through the channels?

If you choose the latter option, that is, buy a ticket for the boat following the several routes, you can not only enjoy swimming, but also periodically go to interesting museums, shops, take photos near the sights. The simplest water trip will also give a lot of impressions. Netherlands (Amsterdam) in all its glory will present unique bridges, paved streets and, of course, nature. Trying to reach the boat, the trees will bow their heads, and as the ships move slowly, you can make many colorful photos against the backdrop of bright greenery.

It is worthwhile to carefully consider the buildings, because they are so unusual - narrow and high, and have long become a distinctive feature of Amsterdam. By the way, they are so because earlier the land was very expensive, people bought small plots and built a high housing, but close to other houses. If you use the services of a personal guide, he will tell you a lot of interesting things about the country and the city.

What do tourists like to advise?

Any time of year you can go to Amsterdam. Channels, houses, bridges and streets change their "clothes" depending on the weather, so the city is beautiful in summer, autumn, winter and spring. In addition to the water trip, which is obligatory, people who have a rest here advise:

• Buy seeds of tulips.
• Try on and buy the clobs - traditional wooden shoes.
• Try cheese and wife.
• Enjoy the taste of baking and coffee.
• Try the main dish - lightly salted herring.
• Be careful with the prevalent smoking mixtures and pies with hashish or mushrooms.

Amsterdam - how many emotions are hidden behind one word! No other city is like him. To visit Amsterdam means to make the best gift in life for yourself. And in any case, you can not give up water walks and photos. They will give the most vivid impressions!