The Prinsengracht at a glance
The Prinsengracht is one of the three main canals of the Amsterdam canal ring, together with the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht. Work on it began in 1614. Compared with the grand Herengracht, it has more warehouse buildings, and you notice that in the gables and in the working feel of the street.
One landmark is the Westerkerk, a church you can enter. Its tower is a different matter, because climbing it is not possible at the moment. The canal also carries the address Prinsengracht 263, which is tied to the Anne Frank story.
Westerkerk, the church on the Prinsengracht
What you can see and what to skip.
Building and design
The Westerkerk was built between 1620 and 1631 to a design by Hendrick de Keyser.
Entrance and opening
The entrance is at Prinsengracht 279. Regular opening is Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and entry to the church is free.
The tower is closed to climbers
You cannot climb the Westertoren at the moment. Do not plan a visit around a tower view, and keep in mind that an open church does not mean an open tower.
Closed days and groups
The church closes on Boxing Day (26 December), New Year's Day, King's Day, Ascension Day and Whit Monday. Guided groups need to arrange a visit and get permission beforehand.
Our pick: a cruise past the Prinsengracht
This cruise route passes the Prinsengracht and is led live by a local skipper.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Prinsengracht cruises and canal walks
Boat trips and walking tours that pass the Prinsengracht, with live prices and availability.
Canal houses and warehouse gables
Why the Prinsengracht looks different from its neighbours.
The Prinsengracht has more warehouses with pointed gables than the more representative Herengracht. That fits a canal where goods came in by water and were stored behind the facade. Pointed gables turn up most on warehouses, so they are a good clue when you look up at the rooflines.
The houses you see are mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries, but not every house is unchanged. For a guide to gable types, see canal houses. For the grander stretch next door, read about the Herengracht and Keizersgracht.
Canal manners on the Prinsengracht
People live and work along the water.
Keep the noise down
City rules ask for consideration on the water, no music and no excessive noise. The same spirit helps on the pavement, especially in the evening.
Do not swim
Swimming is forbidden in the fairway and near bridges, locks and waiting places. Boat traffic and hidden objects under the surface make it risky.
Respect the church
The Westerkerk is a place of worship as well as a landmark. Open does not mean tower open, and groups need permission for a guided visit.
Prinsengracht 263 and the Anne Frank story
One address, kept short on this page.
The hiding place of Anne Frank was in the rear annex of Prinsengracht 263. The building consisted of a front house and an annex behind it. For the house and how to plan a visit, see the Anne Frank House guide.
How to see the Prinsengracht
On foot, on the water or as part of the Jordaan.
| Way | What you get | Price 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Walk the canal | Warehouse gables, houseboats, the Westerkerk and side streets at your own pace | No ticket |
| Day cruise | A 75-minute trip past several canals | From €18.50 |
| Evening cruise | A 90-minute trip when the houses are lit | From €20.80 |
The city's entertainment tax of €2.70 per boat passenger is sometimes shown separately. For most visitors, a day cruise followed by a walk to the Westerkerk gives a good mix. The Jordaan counts the Prinsengracht and the Brouwersgracht among its canal sights. If you want to look inside a houseboat, see the houseboats page. Boat trip details are on the canal cruise page.
Prinsengracht: frequently asked questions
Can I climb the Westerkerk tower?
No. Climbing the Westertoren is not possible at the moment, although the church itself can be visited. Check the current situation before you plan around a tower view.
When is the Westerkerk open?
Regularly Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and entry is free. The entrance is at Prinsengracht 279. The church is closed on Boxing Day, New Year's Day, King's Day, Ascension Day and Whit Monday.
Where was the Anne Frank hiding place?
In the rear annex of the building at Prinsengracht 263, which had a front house and an annex. The dedicated guide has the visiting details.
Is the Prinsengracht the same as the Herengracht?
No. They are separate main canals of the canal ring. The Herengracht was planned as a grand residential canal, while the Prinsengracht has more warehouse buildings.
When was the Prinsengracht built?
Work began in 1614, as part of the 17th-century expansion of the canal ring.