Singel

The Singel is the oldest of the four main canals of Amsterdam and formed the outer boundary of the city until the end of the 16th century. Once the city wall with defensive works ran here; today it is an atmospheric canal full of monumental buildings, houseboats, bridges and cosy terraces. Along the Singel you find well-known spots such as the Flower Market (Bloemenmarkt), the Torensluis bridge and the historic Koopmansbeurs. The canal connects the IJ with the Munt and beautifully shows how Amsterdam developed over the centuries from a small trading town into a world metropolis. Just like the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, the Singel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Where does the name come from?
The name Singel is derived from the medieval word ‘cingel’, which means ‘girdling’ or ‘ring’. The canal used to enclose the city and served as a defensive moat. When Amsterdam expanded in the 17th century, the Singel lost its military function, but it kept its historic name.
Fun fact
On the Singel stands the narrowest house of Amsterdam. At number 7 the façade is only about one metre wide. Although the building continues deeper behind the façade than you would expect, it remains one of the most photographed houses in the city and a fine example of how cleverly Amsterdammers used to deal with the limited space.