Prinsengracht

The Prinsengracht is the longest and perhaps the most beloved canal of Amsterdam. With a length of well over three kilometres, the canal winds from the Brouwersgracht to the Amstel and forms the outermost of the three main canals in the famous canal belt. Along the water you find a mix of stately canal houses, houseboats, atmospheric cafés and iconic sights such as the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk and the Noordermarkt. Unlike the more chic Herengracht, the Prinsengracht has always had a lively and accessible character. Here lived not only well-to-do Amsterdammers, but also craftsmen and small entrepreneurs. That is what still makes the canal a lively place where history and daily city life come together effortlessly. Since 2010 the Prinsengracht, together with the rest of the canal belt, has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Where does the name come from?
The Prinsengracht is named after the Prince of Orange, the title of the Dutch royal house. The canal was laid out during the great city expansion from 1612 onwards and was given this name as a tribute to the princely title.
Fun fact
On the Prinsengracht stand more than 900 monumental buildings. In addition, there are hundreds of houseboats, giving the canal its very own appearance. No other Amsterdam main canal combines so many historic buildings, houseboats and famous attractions in one place.