The Prinsengracht – One of Amsterdam’s Iconic Canals
The Prinsengracht is one of the four main canals that form Amsterdam’s famous canal belt. Named after the Prince of Orange, it runs parallel to the Keizersgracht in the heart of the city.
Construction began in 1612, led by Mayor Frans Hendricksz. Oetgens and designed by city carpenter Hendrick Jacobsz Staets and surveyor Lucas Jansz Sinck. The canal was expanded in 1658, with later additions including the Nieuwe Prinsengracht, located east of the Amstel River.
At its northern end lies the Korte Prinsengracht, connecting the canal to the Westerdok. Historically, the area also hosted a bustling vegetable market at Reestraat from the mid-17th century, which later relocated to Marnixstraat and eventually to Jan van Galenstraat.
The Anne Frank House, located at Prinsengracht 263, is one of Amsterdam’s most important historical sites. This is where Anne Frank, her family, and others hid in a secret annex during World War II, as she wrote her famous diary. Today, the building has been transformed into a museum that tells the story of Anne’s life, the horrors of the Holocaust, and the power of hope and resilience.
Visitors can walk through the preserved rooms of the Secret Annex, see Anne’s original diary, and reflect on one of the most impactful stories of the 20th century. The Anne Frank House is a deeply moving experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
One of the most charming aspects of the Prinsengracht is its many elegant bridges, each offering picture-perfect views of the water and surrounding architecture. These historic stone and iron crossings connect the city’s neighborhoods and provide lovely vantage points to watch the boats, houseboats, and daily life pass by.
Whether you’re admiring the reflections at sunset or snapping a photo of a flower-filled bridge railing, the scenery here never disappoints. The way the canals and bridges intersect creates a stunning geometric pattern — a testament to Amsterdam’s thoughtful urban planning from centuries ago. A walk across these bridges is a quiet, beautiful moment in the heart of a vibrant city.
