The Nine Streets

Nine short streets cross the three main canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, between Raadhuisstraat and Leidsegracht. They were laid out in the 17th century to link the canals, and many are named after the trades and the hides tanned here.

Today they are packed with small independent shops: vintage clothes, Dutch design, cheese, books, glasses and galleries, with cafés and terraces in between. Because they run between canals, every crossing gives you one of Amsterdam's classic views.