Route length
2 days
Moving time
~14 h
Distance
25 km
Budget
€300–750/person
Transport
Walking, Cycling, Mixed
Best Season
Spring
Wanderpath gives you stops and context. Use Google Maps, Komoot or OsmAnd for turn-by-turn directions tailored to your vehicle.
Route Map
Route Waypoints
Leave Centraal on foot south along the Damrak to the Dam square (Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk, National Monument). Duck immediately left into the canal belt — the grid of four concentric canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, built between 1610 and 1660. The Nine Streets (9 Straatjes) neighbourhood sits in the western canal belt: nine short streets crossing the canals between Leidsestraat and Raadhuisstraat, lined with vintage shops, independent bookshops, small galleries, and the best window-shopping in Amsterdam. End at Westermarkt and the Westerkerk tower for a view.
Practical Tips
Walk the canals in the morning (08:00–10:00): the light on the water, the houseboats, the cyclists — this is the real Amsterdam. By 11:00 tour groups dominate the Damrak and Jordan areas.
Herengracht "Golden Bend" (near Vijzelstraat): the widest, grandest section of the canal belt — 17th-century merchant mansions with double-width plots. Compare their gable shapes (step gable, neck gable, bell gable) as you walk.
Begijnhof (Gedempte Begijnensloot): a 14th-century almshouse courtyard hidden behind an unmarked wooden door. Free entry, open daily ~09:00–18:00. One of the most peaceful spots in the entire city — locals sit here on benches surrounded by grass and 17th-century wooden houses.
Nine Streets coffee: Koffiehuis van den Volksbond (Kadijksplein 4, VERIFY) for old-school koffie met koek; or Espressofabriek (a local roaster chain) for specialty.
Bikes: pick up a rental at MacBike Centraal (Stationsplein 12, (GPS [2])52.37784.9004) before starting — you'll want wheels for De Pijp and Noord sections.
Coordinates:[1] 52.36760, 4.88510 · [2] 52.37780, 4.90040 · [3] 52.36928, 4.88401 · [4] 52.37094, 4.89364 · [5] 52.36903, 4.89732
Where to stay
- The Dylan AmsterdamHotel · €380–750 · 201 m
Boutique luxury hotel on Keizersgracht canal; 17th-century building; rooms overlook canal; the most romantic address in Amsterdam
- Hotel V NespleinHotel · €150–280 · 688 m
Boutique design hotel on lively Nes street; 5min walk from Dam; good value for the location; stylish rooms
- Stayokay Amsterdam CentrumHostel · €30–75 · 845 m
Best-located hostel in Amsterdam; 5min walk to Begijnhof; private rooms available; bike rental on site; HI-affiliated
This route in collections
Practical info
Lifetime access
Free preview: Stop 1 of 7 unlocked
What's included:
Lifetime access
Free preview: Stop 1 of 7 unlocked
What's included:
Traveler Reviews
What adventurers are saying about this route
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Similar Routes
Discover more cycling adventures across Europe
Apeldoorn in a Day — Het Loo Palace, Hoge Veluwe & Kröller-Müller
Amsterdam in a Day — Canals, Anne Frank, Rijksmuseum & Jordaan
