Grachtenhuizen langs de Amstel

Along the Amstel stand some of the most impressive canal houses of Amsterdam. From the 17th century onwards, wealthy merchants, bankers and regents had stately mansions built here with high ceilings, graceful façades and deep gardens. The location on the river offered not only a beautiful view, but was also ideal for the supply and removal of merchandise. Many of these buildings still feature authentic details, such as hoisting beams, gable stones and richly decorated neck or bell gables. During a walk along the Amstel you see how the grandeur of the Golden Age is still visible, with iconic buildings such as Carré, De L’Europe and countless monumental homes that give the river a chic appearance.
Where does the name come from?
The name is easy to explain: these are canal houses built directly on the Amstel. The river formed the historic heart of Amsterdam and even gave the city its name: Amstelredamme, or the dam in the Amstel. The houses along this river were among the most sought-after addresses in the city for centuries.
Fun fact
Take a good look at the houses on the Amstel around numbers 100 to 112. These are known as the ‘Dancing Houses’. Due to the soft Amsterdam peat soil and centuries of subsidence, the buildings seem to sway cheerfully back and forth – a typically Amsterdam sight that is photographed by thousands of visitors every year.