Walking Tour: Explore Amsterdam's Western Canal Belt

There's no doubt that cruising the canals by boat is a must-do when visiting Amsterdam, but the best way to get up close and personal with the historic architecture and charming beauty of Amsterdam's famous "watery roads" is to navigate them on foot.

Aren't sure where to wander? Why not begin where the city's three main canals -- Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht -- got their Golden-Age start? This self-guided walking tour of Amsterdam's Western Canal Ring will reveal a wealth of historic buildings, two of the city's most impressive churches, its oldest bridge, the moving Anne Frank House and Amsterdam's hip, laid-back Jordaan neighborhood.

^{Pictured: The picture-perfect} Bloemgracht ("flower canal") is a highlight of the Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
Photo © 2006 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com