Brouwersgracht (Brewers' Canal)

Brouwersgracht (Brewers' Canal) Review

Regularly voted Amsterdam's most beautiful street, this wonderful canal at the northern border of the Jordaan is lined by residences and former warehouses for brewers, fish processors, and tanneries who traded here in the 17th century when Amsterdam was the "warehouse of the world." Without sacrificing the ancient vibe, most of the buildings have been converted into luxury apartments. Of particular note are Nos. 204-212 and their trapezium gables. At No. 162, there are two dried fish above the door. This decoration on a metal screen was the forerunner of the gable stone denoting occupation. The canal provides long views down the grand canals that are perfect for photo-ops. The Brouwersgracht runs westward from the end of the Singel (a short walk along Prins Hendrikkade from Centraal Station) and forms a cap to the western end of the Grachtengordel. On top of the old canal mansions dotting the Brouwersgracht are symbols referring to the breweries that used this waterway to transport their goods to thirsty drinkers hundreds of years ago.