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Prinsengracht - The longest and most vibrant of the main canals 

As the outermost of the three major waterways in the historic canal belt, the Prinsengracht is celebrated for its lively atmosphere and deep historical roots. Navigating the Prinsengracht allows you to witness the city's transition from the stately Golden Age mansions to the bohemian charm of the Jordaan district. An Amsterdam Prinsengracht canal cruise provides the best perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a seamless blend of 17th-century architecture and modern Dutch life.

Where is it located?

The Prinsengracht is situated in the central canal ring of Amsterdam, running parallel to the Keizersgracht. It stretches from the Brouwersgracht in the north, curves around the city centre, and eventually flows into the Amstel River in the south.

How to access?

You can access the Prinsengracht by booking any standard Prinsengracht canal cruise, as most major boat tours include this route. Many cruises also offer dedicated boarding points directly on the Prinsengracht canal, such as the docks located near the Anne Frank House.

Things to know before booking Prinsengracht cruise tickets

  • While most general boat tours navigate the Prinsengracht, it is important to check your specific itinerary, as some tours may focus more on the Amstel or the Herengracht. Booking a dedicated Prinsengracht canal cruise ensures you pass by iconic landmarks like the Westerkerk and the Noorderkerk.
  • Ticket inclusion: Access to the Prinsengracht is usually included in standard canal cruise tickets, but luxury salon boats or private tours may have higher prices due to smaller group sizes and onboard amenities.
  • Accessibility: Most large glass-topped canal boats are not fully wheelchair accessible; however, specific Blue Boat tours operating on the Prinsengracht offer accessibility.
  • Timings: Daytime cruises offer the best views of the gabled architecture, while evening cruises on the Prinsengracht provide a romantic atmosphere with illuminated bridges.
  • Special events: During the annual Prinsengrachtconcert in August, water traffic is heavily restricted, and special event tickets are required to view the performances from the water.

Prinsengracht in a nutshell

A Prinsengracht canal cruise offers an intimate look at Amsterdam's most storied waterway, featuring a mix of monumental churches, historic warehouses, and colourful houseboats.

  • Must-see highlights: The Anne Frank House, the towering Westerkerk spire, and the historic Houseboat Museum are essential sights along the Prinsengracht canal.
  • Unique facts: The Prinsengracht is the longest of the four main canals in the city and was named in honour of the Prince of Orange. It also hosts the world-famous Prinsengrachtconcert, an annual classical music festival performed on a floating stage.

Your Prinsengracht canal cruise ticket types

Ticket typeIs Prinsengracht access included?Why go for it?Starting price
Standard sightseeing

Yes

Budget travel

From €10.88

Evening canal cruise

Yes

Romantic atmosphere

From €19.50

Wine & cheese cruise

Yes

Exclusive access

From €31.45

Dinner cruise

Yes

Fine dining experience

From €20.16

Hop-on Hop-off

Yes

Maximum flexibility

From €29.50

Private boat tour

Yes

Guided experience

From €150

Open boat cruise

Yes

Unobstructed views

From €17

Architectural highlights of Prinsengracht

Gabled merchant houses

The Prinsengracht is famous for its diverse range of gables, including step, neck, and bell gables. These styles represent the evolution of Dutch architecture from the 1600s to the 1800s.

The Golden Age warehouses

Unlike the more residential Herengracht, the Prinsengracht features many former warehouses with large shutters and hoist beams, used for storing spices and textiles during the 17th century.

Historic stone bridges

A Prinsengracht canal cruise will take you under several historic stone bridges, such as the Lekkeresluis, which offers one of the most photographed views of the Prinsengracht and its intersecting canals.

Historical and cultural significance of Prinsengracht

The Prinsengracht has served as a vital artery for trade and community life since its construction began in 1612. Urban planner Hendrick Jacobsz Staets and surveyor Lucas Jansz Sinck laid out the canal’s design under the leadership of Mayor Frans Hendricksz Oetgens. The stretch between Leidsegracht and the Amstel was added in 1658, expanding the canal eastward as Amsterdam’s influence and population continued to grow. While the inner canals were designed for the elite, the Prinsengracht canal was built for the working class and merchants, giving it a more eclectic and accessible cultural identity. Today, it remains the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural celebrations, symbolizing the city's resilience and its deep connection to the water.

​Learn more about Amsterdam canal history

Notable figures of Prinsengracht

Anne Frank

The world-famous diarist who lived in hiding at Prinsengracht 263.

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Otto Frank

Anne's father, who established his pectin business on the Prinsengracht before the war.

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Hendrick de Keyser

The renowned architect who designed the Westerkerk and other structures along the Prinsengracht canal.

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Know before you go

  • To avoid the largest crowds on the Prinsengracht, consider booking your Prinsengracht canal cruise for early morning (before 10am) or during the evening twilight. 
  • The "golden hour" provides incredible reflections of the gabled houses on the water's surface.
  • Most standard tours on the Prinsengracht canal last between 60 and 75 minutes. 
  • If you wish to see the entire length of the Prinsengracht, ensure your chosen operator includes the "Jordaan route" in their daily itinerary.

Large glass-topped boats on the Prinsengracht usually feature heating for winter and cooling for summer. Many premium Prinsengracht canal cruise options also provide restrooms and a small bar for drinks and snacks.

The Prinsengracht is easily accessible from several major hubs. Key boarding areas include the docks near the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the various tour operators located directly across from Amsterdam Centraal Station.

  • Sit on the right side when heading south to get the best views of the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and several historic canal houses clustered along that stretch.
  • Ask your skipper to point out the house at Prinsengracht 58, the narrowest on the canal, and explain the tax history behind Amsterdam’s famously skinny houses.
  • Book a late evening cruise to see the canal’s 14 bridges glow under string lights and catch the golden reflections on water near Westerkerk and Leliesluis Bridge.
  • If your cruise includes a stop option, get off near the Nine Streets area for a quick stroll, vintage shopping, or coffee break before hopping back on board.
  • Watch for Leliesluis Bridge and look backward right after passing under—it’s one of the best photo angles for capturing classic canal houses stacked neatly along the bend.

Frequently asked questions about Prinsengracht

Yes, almost all classic 60-minute canal tours include a significant stretch of the Prinsengracht canal in their route.

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Keizersgracht Canal

Herengracht Canal