Exploring Amsterdam's Canals

Like Venice, that other famous city built on water, the one enduring memory any visitor to Amsterdam will have is of time spent exploring the city's wonderful canals. While many of Amsterdam's best tourist attractions can be easily accessed by boat tour or water taxi - including most of the major museums and art galleries - there's much to be gained by simply strolling along the smaller, quieter streets that line the waterways. One such neighborhood is the Grachtengordel with its many small bridges and quaint 17th-century homes. You'll be rewarded as you explore these 400-year-old streets by countless examples of beautiful architecture, small boutique shops, cafés, and hotels, as well as many quaint colorful gardens.