Western Canal Belt Walking Tour (Self Guided), Amsterdam

Dam Square, or the Dam, is a central town square in Amsterdam, known for its significant buildings and frequent events. Positioned in the historical heart of Amsterdam, it sits on the site of the original dam on the Amstel River. The square extends some 200 meters from west to east and 100 meters from north to south, connecting Damrak and Rokin streets that trace the Amstel's original course.

The square is also the termination point for other notable streets like New Dike, Calf Street, and Dam Street, with the main red-light district, De Wallen, just beyond its northeast corner. Prominent features on Dam Square include the neoclassical Royal Palace, the 15th-century Gothic New Church, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, and the National Monument which honors World War II victims, all of which collectively turn the Dam into a major tourist hub.

The name "Amsterdam" originates from a dam built on the Amstel River around 1270. This dam, integral to the city's development, included a discharge sluice and later locks to facilitate navigation and control water levels. By 1275, the settlement was significant enough to be recorded in connection with a road toll granted by the count of Holland, Floris V. Over time, the dam expanded to accommodate a town square, now known as Dam Square. Eventually, the area became a hub for commercial and governmental activities, featuring a large fish market and a town hall.

Significant changes occurred over the centuries, including the demolition of a weigh house in 1808 to clear the view for Louis Bonaparte’s Royal Palace and the infilling of Damrak Avenue in the 19th century. The square also hosted the Beurs van Zocher stock exchange until 1903. Today, the De Bijenkorf department store has been in its place since 1914. Dam Square has also been a site for national events – such as the National Memorial Day commemorations at the National Monument unveiled in 1956, and public demonstrations, – maintaining its status as a national and cultural gathering spot for the Dutch.

Tip:
For those in need of a restroom, free and well-maintained toilets are available at the De Bijenkorf shop on the 5th floor.

If bridges had egos, the Torensluis would be the show-off of Amsterdam. Spanning a hefty 42 meters, it proudly holds the title of the widest bridge in the city—and one of its oldest. Built in the mid-17th century, it owes its name (which means “tower lock”) to the rather dramatic tower that once stood here, before it was unceremoniously demolished in the 19th century. But history leaves its fingerprints—traces of the old tower linger in the bridge’s pavement and, more intriguingly, in the dungeon lurking beneath. Yes, you heard that right. Beneath your feet, actual prison cells remain, complete with barred windows and an arched entrance. Today, they’re less about captives and more about culture, hosting exhibitions and events.

The surrounding area has barely aged a day since the Dutch Golden Age of the 1600s. Back when Amsterdam’s merchants were busy conquering the seas and establishing far-flung trading posts, they also had another pressing priority: outshining their neighbors with lavish homes. The result? A skyline brimming with architectural bravado. Take a slow spin—360 degrees of history await.

But the bridge itself isn’t just about old stones and bygone towers. It also has a statue of Multatuli, the outspoken writer and anti-colonialist who ruffled more than a few feathers in his time. And for those who prefer their history with a side of Dutch hospitality, you’re in luck! The sun-drenched terraces of Café van Zuylen is known for its impressive beer selection.

Tip:
Find your perfect perch. Whether it’s leaning against the railing, settling onto a bench, or claiming a table at Café van Zuylen (open late for those who lose track of time), this bridge invites you to pause, sip, and soak it all in.

If chocolate were a symphony, Puccini Bomboni would be Amsterdam’s finest conductor. This celebrated chocolatier orchestrates a dazzling lineup of artisanal bonbons, blending intriguing flavors like lavender, drambuie, vanilla poppyseed, and even a cheeky marzipan currant with black pepper. One step inside their stylish shop and you’re met with the heavenly aroma of cocoa and rows of stunning, oversized truffles—renowned as some of the best in the world.

Every piece is handcrafted on-site, made with sustainable chocolate and absolutely no preservatives. It’s a labor of love, using only top-notch, natural ingredients. You can mix and match your favorites, then have them wrapped in a chic purple box or a shiny cellophane bag—perfect for gifting, though keeping them all to yourself is entirely understandable.

Tip:
Pick them up close to your departure. They’re at their peak for about a week, provided you don’t give in to the inevitable temptation to sample them all before they make it to their intended recipient.

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Anne Frank, a Jewish diarist during World War II. Hiding in the Secret Annex of this 17th-century building during the Nazi occupation, her family and four others remained concealed here until their discovery. Although Anne did not survive the war, her diary was published in 1947 by her father, Otto Frank, who was the sole survivor among those hidden.

The building itself dates back to 1635. By the 20th century, it had transitioned from a private residence to a warehouse and stable and served various commercial purposes.

In 1940, Otto Frank relocated his spice business here. The building included a front goods entrance, a middle section with spice mills, and a rear warehouse for packing and dispatch. The offices above contained a radio used by the group in hiding until 1943.

The building's secluded rear extension, known as the Secret Annex, became the hidden refuge for the Frank family—Otto, his wife Edith, and daughters Margot and Anne—along with four other Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Despite its small size (about 450 square feet), Anne Frank described it in her diary as relatively luxurious. Here, they remained concealed for over two years until their discovery and deportation by the Nazis. Only Otto survived the concentration camps.

After the arrest, the annex was emptied on Nazi orders, but the company's employees managed to salvage some belongings, including Anne's writings. After Otto Frank's return to Amsterdam in 1945, he compiled Anne Frank's diaries into a book called “The Secret Annex.”

After its publication, visitors to Anne Frank's hiding place were guided by employees who had helped hide the families, allowing access to the secret rooms. By 1955, the building faced demolition for factory construction, but a campaign initiated by a local newspaper helped declare it a protected monument. The Anne Frank Foundation was established in 1957 by Otto Frank, acquiring the building through donations and purchasing the adjacent property.

The museum opened in 1960, drawing significant attention globally. After being expanded to include more exhibition space, the museum was reopened in 2001 by Queen Beatrix. In 2007, it saw over one million visitors, becoming the third most-visited museum in the Netherlands. Among other exhibits, it displays an Academy Award won by Shelley Winters for her role in the 1959 movie “The Diary of Anne Frank.” Donated by the actress, the Oscar is housed in a bullet-proof glass case within the museum.

Tip:
Plan your visit well in advance, and be mindful that the house has numerous stairs, and photography is not permitted inside.

Anne Frank once found comfort in the gentle chimes of the Westerkerk’s bells—a reassuring hint of life outside her secret refuge—until those very bells were melted down for the German war effort. The church’s 85-meter-tall tower, the Westertoren, still stands as Amsterdam’s most dazzling spire. Rising gracefully above the city, it offers balconies with stunning panoramic views of the center and a carillon that strikes every quarter-hour, plus occasional full musical interludes. At its tip, you’ll find Emperor Maximilian’s crown, a proud emblem of Amsterdam and a glittering highlight of this Protestant landmark. Built by Hendrick de Keyser and completed in 1631, a decade after his passing, the church was a vital piece of the city’s early expansion.

Outwardly, the Westerkerk projects an air of restrained elegance; inside, however, it embraces Calvinist simplicity. Apart from the ample plain-glass windows that flood the space with natural light, the main attractions are the grand Baroque organ and the ornate wooden pulpit, topped by an oversized sounding board that once lent authority to lengthy sermons. While the Protestant elite shunned opulent decorations, they did indulge in a little exclusivity: boxed-in benches at the base of the nave’s stone columns, rented out by the well-to-do to signal their status.

Pro Tip:
Feeling adventurous? From April to October, you can climb the tower for a firsthand look at the bells and unbeatable views from a platform near the top. The stairs are steep enough to be interesting, but not so tough as to keep you from reaching one of the best vantage points in Amsterdam.

This neo-Gothic Roman Catholic church, with its striking brick façade from 1854, is a visual stunner—no tower necessary. Its exterior commands attention and makes a photographer’s job delightfully easy, while the interior goes all out: literally every column, corner, and crevice is painted, with stained glass windows adding an extra dose of grandeur. It’s a feast for the eyes, inside and out.

Back in the day, Gothic architecture held a special place in Catholic hearts, as it harked back to the glory days of majestic cathedrals. In December 1854, the Catholic newspaper De Tijd heaped praise on the newly built church: “The Church of Our Lady stands as a testament to the marvels of Gothic architecture. Within its walls, one encounters no mishmash of discordant styles and orders, a regrettable sight often witnessed in various church edifices, including those of more recent origin. This architectural style radiates purity and harmony among its diverse elements, coming together to form a breathtaking entirety that leaves an indelible mark on all who cross its sacred threshold. The facade, too, is a masterpiece, gracing the Keizersgracht.”

Fast forward to 1985, and the church was handed over to the Syrian Orthodox Church. But Catholic services still hold their ground. For Sunday Mass, tourists are more than welcome, with services conveniently offered in English.

While supermarket cheese may be the norm these days, Amsterdam still has a thriving scene for the real deal—think street markets, farmers’ stalls, and charming specialty shops. One shining star among them is De Kaaskamer, nestled in the Nine Little Streets (or De Negen Straatjes, if you’re feeling fancy). This place takes cheese seriously, curating a drool-worthy selection from all corners of the globe. Whether it’s imported treasures or locally crafted delights, you’re bound to find something spectacular.

Unlike the sea of kitschy cheese shops plastered with touristy packaging and sky-high prices, De Kaaskamer is authentic and even artisan in nature. This is the kind of spot where locals actually shop, not where they run for the hills. And while it’s popular and rather busy, the friendly and efficient staff ensure the experience is as smooth as a slice of their finest Gouda. Oh, and did we mention the free samples? Yes, please.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the choices? No problem—just ask the staff for guidance. But if you’re looking for a head start, their truffled Gouda is pure bliss, and the aged Gouda with cumin seeds? Pair that with a fig-and-nut loaf and you’re in cheese nirvana.

In just 45 minutes, the Museum of the Canals packs in an impressive amount of insight—shedding light on the building it calls home, the challenges of construction in a growing Amsterdam, and how the city’s elite once lived. It’s appropriately housed in a four-story 17th-century canal mansion along the Herengracht, making it a history lesson wrapped in luxury.

The exhibits are a treasure trove of information. Ever wonder why some canal houses tilt forward or lean to the side? Or how the city’s meticulous planning shaped its iconic waterways? How about the curious connection between Amsterdam’s prosperity and America’s revolution? All is revealed here, complete with clever touches like miniature canal house models and playful peepholes that let you peek into interiors from centuries past. A lot of thought was put into making this place interactive and fun, using video projections and 3D elements to keep things lively.

And, as a cherry on top, you’ll get a rare view of one of Amsterdam’s hidden delights: the serene garden tucked behind the museum. With most canal houses keeping their greenery out of sight, this spot offers a special glimpse into one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

When you think “Dutch beer,” your mind probably goes straight to Heineken—the global juggernaut that’s as easy to find as water. And hey, Heineken’s a decent choice, but here’s the plot twist: The Netherlands is brimming with beers that put it to shame.

Enter De Bierkoning, the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s beer shops. This legendary spot has been delighting beer lovers for decades, offering a treasure trove of more than 1,000 Dutch and international brews. If you can dream it, they’ve probably got it, along with a few surprises you didn’t know you needed (anyone up for a cocoa beer?).

Beyond the dizzying array of bottles, De Bierkoning also stocks a delightful collection of beer glasses, mats, bottle openers, and more—all at prices that won’t make you cry into your pint. And the staff? Total beer enthusiasts. They’ll happily help you discover the coolest new brews or steer you toward the ones making waves in the beer world. Cheers!