The Amstel River has played an important role in the shape and development of the city of Amsterdam through the centuries. Today it can be enjoyed by taking a boat ride along its waters, by walking the streets which line its banks or be standing on one of the bridge crossings.

A fun location along the Amstel is the The Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge), which is not only an attractive crossing but a nice spot to witness much boating activity on both sides of the bridge while admiring the Amstel River. Try to imagine the scene here two or three centuries ago compared to what can be viewed today.

A walk along The Amstel can be enjoyable. On the east side you can visit the Hermitage Museum, situated in the 17th century Amstelhof (retirement and nursing home) building. On both sides, you will see wonderful examples of Golden Age architecture in the houses lining the Amstel River as well as the intersecting canals which form the basis of the UNESCO World Heritage Grachtengordel.

In the end, seeing the Amstel River can be a interesting part of trips to Amsterdam. Perhaps not a critical inclusion if you are short on time but for those with interest in Dutch and more specifically - Amsterdam history, it is well worth making time for during visits.

The Amstel river is not very wide in the city of Amsterdam, the bridges over it are not a huge exertion if you are walking them. But those bridges are a good viewing point for watching big and smaller boats ride the river Amstel. Waving to people in the boats is a fun way to spend part of your day. Or better still: go and be in one of the boats that rides the Amstel river. Just google it.

worth a vist, or rather a boat ride the Amstel is a small river with a long history and the reason for aamsterdam's exitence. Try to get a boat ride out of the city and enjoy the typical dutch landscape andd some of the fantastic mansion that were built during the 18th century. Riding a bike along the bank is also a nice and very popular option.