The Enchanting Prinsengracht: A Jewel of Amsterdam
Discover the enchanting beauty and rich history of Prinsengracht, Amsterdam's iconic canal, perfect for leisurely strolls, dining, and cultural exploration.
Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam's most famous canals, invites tourists to explore its picturesque beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll along its scenic banks, where historic houseboats, charming cafes, and delightful boutiques create an idyllic setting. This UNESCO World Heritage site is perfect for soaking in the city’s culture, history, and arts, making it a must-visit destination for every traveler.
A brief summary to Prinsengracht
- Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Centrum, NL
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Consider taking a canal cruise to see Prinsengracht from the water, providing a unique perspective of the historic buildings.
- Check for local events or festivals taking place along the canal, as they often showcase the vibrant culture of Amsterdam.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and picturesque scenes, especially at sunset when the light reflects beautifully on the water.
- Try some local snacks at the nearby cafes, as they often offer delightful Dutch treats that are not to be missed.
Getting There
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Walking
From the center of Leiden, head towards the train station ('Leiden Centraal'). From the station, exit and turn left onto the 'Stationsweg'. Follow this road until you reach the 'Breestraat'. Continue straight along 'Breestraat' until you reach the 'Boommarkt'. Cross the canal and continue onto 'Groot Sloot'. This will take you to the 'Rapenburg' canal. Follow it until you reach 'Haarlemmerstraat'. Take a right onto 'Haarlemmerstraat', and then a left onto 'Zijlweg'. This will lead you to the bus terminal. From there, take bus line 40 towards Amsterdam. The bus will take you directly to Amsterdam. Once you arrive at 'Amsterdam Centraal', you can walk to 'Prinsengracht' by following the signs to the city center and then heading south along the canals.
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Bicycle
Rent a bicycle from one of the local rental shops in Leiden. Once you have your bike, head towards the 'Lambertus Zijlplein' and follow the signs for the 'N206' exit. Take the bike lane towards Amsterdam. The route is well-marked and should take approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Once you reach Amsterdam, continue to follow the bike lanes towards 'Prinsengracht', which is located in the Amsterdam-Centrum area. The vibrant canals and scenery along the way will make for a pleasant ride!
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Train
From 'Leiden Centraal' train station, buy a ticket to 'Amsterdam Centraal'. The train runs frequently, approximately every 15 minutes, and the journey takes about 35 minutes. Once you arrive at 'Amsterdam Centraal', exit the station and follow the signs to 'Damrak'. Walk straight until you reach 'Dam Square', then head southwest to 'Prinsengracht'. You can also use a map on your phone to help navigate the last few blocks.
Discover more about Prinsengracht
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Keizersgracht 319
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The Bench
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Hofje Huizen de Lely
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Canals of Amsterdam
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De drie Hendricken
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Descartes House
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Cromhout House
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Best Bench in Town
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Anne Frank House
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Electric Ladyland - Museum of Fluorescent Art
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Amsterdams Lieverdje
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Amsterdamsch Tehuis voor Arbeiders
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Spuistraat
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Houten Huis Oldest House
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Grachtenconcert Prinsengracht
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Keizersgracht
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Statues of Johnny Jordaan & Aunt Leen
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Johnny Jordaanplein
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Houseboat Museum
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Boatboys Private Boat Tours & Dinner Cruises
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Felix Meritis
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Roode Huys
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De 9 Straatjes
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Herengracht
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Westermarkt
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Jordaan
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Essential places to dine
Venus & Adonis
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Beulings
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Restaurant Johannes
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Moeders
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Muze The Store
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The Cool Collective
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La Savonnerie
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Bar Theo
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Café Pieper
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Bar Pif
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