Brick bridges and gabled houses where two canals meet, in spring sunshine

6 of the best · Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The Best Walks in Amsterdam

The Golden Bend, the Jordaan, the Nine Streets, the old centre, the Plantage and across the IJ to Noord.

Our 6 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026

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Insiders' picks

Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Amsterdam.

  1. The grandest canal houses

    The Golden Bend and the Herengracht

    Canal Ring·Walk

    Along the Herengracht from the Leidsegracht to the Vijzelstraat, past the widest and grandest canal houses.

    Explore View on map

  2. The village inside the city

    The Jordaan: lanes, courtyards and brown cafés

    Jordaan·Walk

    Narrow canals, almshouse courtyards and the Noordermarkt, ending in a brown café.

    Explore View on map

The full list: Walks, A–Z

Show all 6 places on a map
Neighbourhood

Town walks 6

Streets with stories.

  1. By ferry to the north bank

    Across the IJ to Noord

    Noord·Walk

    Take the GVB ferry from behind Centraal Station to the Eye and the A’DAM Tower, or on to the NDSM wharf.

    Explore View on map

  2. The grandest canal houses

    The Golden Bend and the Herengracht

    Canal Ring·Walk

    Along the Herengracht from the Leidsegracht to the Vijzelstraat, past the widest and grandest canal houses.

    Explore View on map

  3. The village inside the city

    The Jordaan: lanes, courtyards and brown cafés

    Jordaan·Walk

    Narrow canals, almshouse courtyards and the Noordermarkt, ending in a brown café.

    Explore View on map

  4. Shops between the canals

    The Nine Streets

    Canal Ring·Walk

    Nine short streets crossing the canals between the Singel and the Prinsengracht, full of independent shops.

    Explore View on map

  5. The heart of the city

    The old centre: Dam, Spui and the Begijnhof

    Centrum·Walk

    From the Dam and the Royal Palace through the lanes to the Spui and the hidden Begijnhof.

    Explore View on map

  6. Gardens, zoo and docks

    The Plantage and the eastern islands

    Plantage·Walk

    From the Hortus and Artis to the Maritime Museum and the eastern docklands.

    Explore View on map

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