Free self-guided walk · Amsterdam

Dam Square, the canal ring and the Jordaan

A free self-guided walk from Dam Square through the Begijnhof and the western canal ring to the Jordaan, ending at the Westerkerk by the Anne Frank House.

Distance
3.3 km
Walking time
44 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsAmsterdam city guide

About this walk

Amsterdam's centre is small, flat and laced with canals, which makes it one of the easiest cities in Europe to see on foot. This walk starts at Dam Square, slips into the quiet courtyard of the Begijnhof, then follows the 17th-century canal ring west into the Jordaan.

Watch for bikes: cycle lanes are often red asphalt and look like pavement. Step onto them only to cross.

  • Terrain: Flat throughout, on brick pavements and narrow canal-side streets. Bridges have gentle slopes. Pavements can be crowded and are often blocked by bikes.
  • Best time: Morning, before the centre fills up. The Begijnhof is quiet and residential, so visit in daytime and keep voices down.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Dam Square

    Start in the city's main square, with the Royal Palace (the former town hall) on one side and the Nieuwe Kerk beside it.

  2. Begijnhof

    A hidden courtyard of houses built around a garden, home to a community of religious women for centuries. The entrance is through an archway off the Spui.

  3. Spui

    A small square of bookshops and cafés at the edge of the university district.

  4. Herengracht

    The grandest of the three main canals, lined with merchants' houses from the Golden Age.

  5. Negen Straatjes

    The 'Nine Streets', small shopping streets that cross between the main canals.

  6. Noordermarkt

    The square at the heart of the Jordaan, with a church in the middle and markets on Mondays and Saturdays.

  7. Westerkerk

    Finish at the church whose tower is the tallest in the old centre. The Anne Frank House is a few doors along the Prinsengracht; book its tickets well ahead.

Tips

  • Tickets for the Anne Frank House are sold online only and sell out weeks ahead.
  • Trams 13 and 17 stop near the Westerkerk and run back to Centraal station.
  • Never stand in a cycle lane to take photos.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.