Wealthy homes that line the Herengracht's Golden Bend are located between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat. These 3-4 storey double wide rowhomes were built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Each homeowner tried to make the facade of his home stand out so look for statues/busts, floral ropes, pilasters/columns, and grand entry staircases. Underneath these staircases, look for another doorway used by servants. Notable among these wealthier homes are number 475, with its pretty facade close to Spiegelstraat, and 507 close to Vijzelstraat. Many of these wealthy rowhomes have been now converted into banks, life insurance companies, various offices, even museums like the Museum for Bags and purses. However, to see the interior of one wealthy homeowner's mansion, visit the Willet-Holthuysen house at Herengracht 605. Herengracht empties into the Amstel canal - a good place to the Skinny Bridge/Magere Brug
Lot's of canals in Amsterdam and unless you are a student of canal history or are on a canal tour you will probably not notice much difference in most of the canals. That is not to say they are not interesting - they are.
Not only because it was the view from our hotel room... it is really very nice to have a walk there. Just take care of the bikers...
There are canals everywhere but the canals outside the Centrum are the most beautiful in my opinion. Bordered by Trees, houseboats and a variety of tall skinny houses and don't forget the bicycles. Select any bridge location for that perfect Amsterdam photo
Wow that's really nice, the biggest houses near the channel costs the most, but are beautiful. A tour trough the channels is always great.
