Weesperzijde runs along the eastern bank of the Amstel river, just south of the center between De Pijp and the Amstel station area — a genuine, flowing river rather than the still canal-ring water, and a street that carries surprisingly little tourist traffic given how close it sits to the city's busiest areas.
Why the river feels different from the canals
Unlike the canal ring's engineered stillness, covered in our Museum of the Canals guide, the Amstel is a genuine flowing river, historic houseboats and rowing clubs line parts of its banks, and the wider water gives a more open, less enclosed feeling than the narrower canal streets closer to the center.
This stretch is popular with local runners and cyclists rather than tourists — walking it at golden hour, when rowers are often out on the water, is a genuinely pleasant, low-key way to end a day.
What to actually look for
- Rowing clubs — several historic clubs operate from this stretch, often visible actively training on the water.
- Houseboats — a different, quieter cluster than the ones covered in our dedicated houseboats guide, worth the same respectful distance.
- Views back toward the Magere Brug — the famous "Skinny Bridge" is visible from parts of this walk, offering a different angle than the classic canal-cruise photo.
How to use this guide
Best as a connecting walk between De Pijp and the center rather than a destination in its own right — a genuinely pleasant alternative route that avoids retracing busier canal-ring streets.
This guide is reviewed and updated as part of our weekly refresh.