Southern Canal Belt: Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Southern Canal Belt lies just beyond the former medieval city walls. The canals are lined by grand houses, giving a good idea of what life looked like during Amsterdam's Golden Age. At the top of the Canal Belt you can find Rembrandtplein, a major clubbing district popular with the Dutch. From Rembrandtplein, you can walk along the Reguliersgracht (a smaller canal connecting the three major canals), and see Amsterdam's famous Seven Bridges.

From there, you are not far from Leidseplein, Amsterdam's busiest nightlife centre. The square used to be the gateway for sailors heading south to Leiden, and it was here that they would stop to re-fill on supplies, as well as beer and a good time. Today, the square is full of bars, restaurants, and clubs varying in class, but three are worth a visit: Paradiso (located in an old Church), Melkweg (located in an old milk factory) and Sugar Factory.

The Southern canal belt also has a few interesting museums, including FOAM, a gallery dedicated to modern photography, and Museum Van Loon, the house of a wealthy Golden Age family that is now open to the public. If you follow the canal belt eastward, you will reach the Amstel River, with a good view of the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), Amsterdam's most famous bridge.

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