Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Canal street in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Oudezijds Achterburgwal is a street lining an old canal in the center of Amsterdam. It follows the water with rows of narrow brick houses, small cafes, and aging stone bridges that link one side to the other.

This street began as a canal dug in the late 14th century, when it marked the eastern edge of the growing city. Over time the ramparts disappeared and the waterway became a residential street, later home to factories, shops, and families.

The names of nearby alleys still point to the monasteries that once stood here, such as Bethaniënstraat and Monnikenstraat. Today people sit on the edges of the canal in the afternoon, talking quietly while boats slip past, giving the street a lived-in, everyday feel.

Walking along this street is straightforward, but the cobblestones and narrow paths near the water require attention, especially when cyclists pass. Plan to explore slowly because the space is best understood on foot rather than by public transport.

Some former residents of this street sold plants or scraped fish for a living before being taken away during World War II. Their old addresses are still visible on the buildings, and walking past them connects visitors to those individual lives.