Strolling along Amsterdam’s Singel Canal feels like stepping into a storybook. Stretching from Central Station to Muntplein, the canal once served as the city’s defensive moat and now forms the innermost ring of Amsterdam’s famous canal network.

As we walk, we can admire floating flower markets, historic canal houses, grand heritage buildings, charming bridges, and cozy cafés that line the water.

- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8:00–10:00 AM) for soft light and fewer crowds. Afternoon light is great for photography with reflections on the water.

- Transportation: Trams 4, 9, 16, or 24 stop at Muntplein. A single tram ticket costs $3.50 and is valid for 1 hour. Walking along the canal from Central Station to Muntplein takes about 20–25 minutes.

Bloemenmarkt – Floating Flower Market

- Location: Singel between Koningsplein and Muntplein

- Admission: Free

- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily

- Best Time: Morning, before 11:00 AM to avoid crowds

- Tips: Stalls float on boats—watch your step! Tulip bulbs are cheap souvenirs ($2–$5 per pack) and the vibrant colors make for fantastic photos.

We can wander past dozens of floating stalls filled with tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. Smelling the fresh flowers and watching the boats bob gently on the water is a peaceful way to start our day.

De Dolphijn House – Historic Home at Singel 140–142

- Admission: Private residence (view from outside)

- Best Viewing Time: Daylight hours

- Tips: Admire the grand gables, tall windows, and elegant design. This house was once home to Frans Banning Cocq, the central figure in Rembrandt’s “Night Watch.”

Passing by, we can imagine life here during the 1600s. The combination of ornate architecture and canal-side location shows the wealth and status of its original residents.

Singel 7 – Narrowest House

- Admission: Private residence (view from outside)

- Highlight: Only 1 meter wide at the back, slightly wider at the front

- Best Viewing: Daytime for clear photos from across the street

- Tips: A fun photo opportunity and a striking example of Amsterdam’s creative use of narrow spaces.

Even though it’s tiny, the house shows how Dutch architects maximized every inch along the canal, making it both practical and charming.

Oude Lutherse Kerk & Ronde Lutherse Kerk

- Locations: Oude Lutherse Kerk (Singel 411), Ronde Lutherse Kerk (Singel 175)

- Admission: Free outside; guided tours inside €5–$8

- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; check Ronde Lutherse Kerk for seasonal hours

- Tips: Guided tours explain the history, interiors, and hidden details. Photography allowed outside only.

These historic buildings offer beautiful domed roofs, stonework, and a glimpse of 17th-century architecture. We can pause here to admire the craftsmanship and quiet elegance amid the bustling city.

Torensluis Bridge – Oldest and Widest

- Location: Singel at Oude Leliestraat / Damrak

- Admission: Free

- Tips: Stop at the nearby café terraces for coffee ($3–$6) while watching boats pass below. The bridge is 42 meters wide, the oldest and largest in Amsterdam, with foundations of the old Jan Roodepoortstoren tower still visible.

Walking across the bridge, we feel connected to centuries of urban life. It’s a perfect spot for photos, people-watching, and imagining how the city’s residents traveled centuries ago.

Accommodation Near Singel

- Luxury: Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam ($250–$350/night) – central location, modern amenities, canal views

- Mid-range: Hotel Estheréa ($150–$220/night) – cozy interiors, charming decor, walking distance to most attractions

- Budget: Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark ($50–$80/night) – clean, simple rooms, ideal for backpackers

- Tips: Weekend stays are busy; book in advance. Some hotels offer canal-view rooms for an extra $30–$50/night, worth it for the view.

Dining Options

- Café Winkel 43 (Oudezijds Voorburgwal): Famous for apple pie, $4–$6

- De Carrousel Restaurant (Singel area): Dutch pancakes and sandwiches, $12–$20 per meal

- Local Snack Tips: Stroopwafels $2–$3, Dutch cheese platters $6–$10

- Tips: Enjoy a café terrace along the canal to combine a meal with scenic views.

Walking Tips and Practical Advice

- Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and canal bridges

- Bring a camera or phone for reflections, narrow houses, and gabled facades

- Public restrooms are scarce; cafés are best for breaks ($1–$2)

- Weekdays are quieter; weekends can be crowded

- Carry small change for trams, souvenirs, or café stops

Discovering Singel Together

Lykkers, walking along the Singel Canal is more than just seeing sights—it’s feeling the heartbeat of Amsterdam. From floating flower markets to charming narrow houses, grand canal mansions, historic landmarks, and old bridges, we can experience the city’s past and present in one stroll. With nearby cafés to pause, convenient accommodation, and easy transport, exploring Singel becomes both relaxing and memorable. Let’s enjoy the views, capture photos, sip a coffee, and connect with centuries of history. Singel truly shows the soul of Amsterdam in every corner.