The Leidsegracht is a transverse canal that cuts perpendicularly through the main canal ring, located just steps away from the bustling Leidseplein. It connects the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht to the outer edge of the city center. This short waterway historically marked the boundary between the middle and southern expansions of the Grachtengordel.
You should visit to stand on the stone bridges, which offer some of the best vantage points for looking down the long stretches of the main canals. The canal originally served as a vital transport route for barges bringing fresh produce into the city from the countryside. Today, its peaceful, tree-lined quays provide a scenic escape from the noise of the nearby nightlife squares.
Did You Know?
City planners originally dug this canal to serve as the strict southern border between the first and second construction phases of the Grachtengordel.
Table of Contents
History of the Canal
City planners originally dug the Leidsegracht to serve as a strict border for the growing city. It marked the southern limit of the Third Expansion between 1615 and 1658. This waterway separated the settled canal ring from the open fields until the Fourth Expansion pushed the boundary further east.
Merchants utilized this canal as a crucial transport artery during the Golden Age. Barges departed from these quays to carry goods and passengers directly to the city of Leiden. This specific connection gave the waterway its lasting name, distinguishing it from the residential canals nearby.
Two icons of Dutch history have deep ties to this specific location. Engineer Cornelis Lely was born at number 39 and later designed the massive Afsluitdijk dam that reclaimed the Zuiderzee. Composer Pieter Goemans wrote the famous song “Aan de Amsterdamse grachten” while walking across the bridge at the Prinsengracht intersection.
The canal now offers a quiet escape just steps from the noisy Leidseplein entertainment district. Visitors stand on the bridges to capture one of the few vantage points that overlook the long straight sections of the main canals. This transversal waterway connects the historic center to the outer Singelgracht with enduring elegance.
Did You Know?
Locals named the waterway after the city of Leiden because it served as the primary departure point for barges traveling to that destination.
What to Expect
This quiet transverse canal is often treated as a mere shortcut between the bustling Leidseplein and the main canal ring, but rushing past means missing the city’s most authentic historical details. You should explore these quays to find the specific spots where Dutch culture was written, engineered, and built. A short walk here offers a deeper understanding of how the city grew and how its people tamed the water.
The Musical Bridge
Stand on the Pieter Goemansbrug (Bridge 93) at the intersection with the Prinsengracht to see the view that inspired the city’s unofficial anthem. Composer Pieter Goemans wrote the classic song “Aan de Amsterdamse grachten” while walking across this specific spot in 1949.
Lely’s Birthplace
Look for the unique gable stone at number 39 that depicts the Zuiderzee and IJsselmeer to honor the house’s famous former resident, Cornelis Lely. This brilliant civil engineer designed the massive Afsluitdijk dam that permanently protected the Netherlands from the open sea.
The Infinite Views
Pause on the stone bridges that cross the Herengracht and Keizersgracht to capture photos of the canals stretching endlessly to the north. Because the Leidsegracht cuts perpendicularly across the ring, it provides rare vantage points where you can look down the entire length of the major waterways.
The Merchants’ Route
Note the mix of elegant residential homes and functional warehouse facades that line the water, revealing the canal’s working past. The waterway was originally dug to serve as the primary freight route for barges transporting goods south to the city of Leiden.
Did You Know?
Locals named the waterway after the city of Leiden because it served as the primary departure point for barges traveling to that destination.
Image Library
This photo library displays the quiet beauty of one of the city’s most elegant cross-canals. You can view the graceful stone bridges reflecting in the water, offering perfect sightlines down the Herengracht and Keizersgracht. The images showcase the historic brick houses and tree-lined quays that give this area a serene atmosphere. Use these pictures to scout the best angles for your own photography or to visualize the peaceful setting before you arrive.
These photos also demonstrate how the light and seasons change the mood of the canal throughout the year. You see the sun illuminating the long views of the central ring and the warm glow of streetlamps on the dark water at night. Whether you want to find the spot where the famous canal anthem was written or simply admire the architecture, this collection highlights why the Leidsegracht remains a favorite detour.
Did You Know?
Famous engineer Cornelis Lely was born at number 39 and later designed the massive Afsluitdijk dam that reclaimed the Zuiderzee.
Location & Access
Getting to this peaceful waterway is effortless, as it sits tucked just behind the bustling Leidseplein and the main canal ring. While it feels like a quiet escape, the Leidsegracht is only a short stroll from the city’s vibrant nightlife hub, making it a perfect detour during a tour of the historic center.
Did You Know?
Composer Pieter Goemans found the inspiration for his famous song “Aan de Amsterdamse grachten” while walking across the bridge at the Prinsengracht intersection.
