Brouwersgracht is a canal in Amsterdam’s Jordaan, known for its 17th-century houses, bridges and calm water. Former breweries and warehouses once lined this waterway, which takes its name from the beer trade. Today, many of those buildings are residences, but details such as broad windows, wooden shutters and hoisting beams hint at their working past. Walk beside the canal for views of the gabled façades and their reflections, and look for the distinctive trapezium gables at numbers 204 to 212.
A canal built around the beer trade
Brouwersgracht means “Brewer’s Canal.” In the 16th and 17th centuries, breweries and warehouses stood along the waterway, which was used to move goods by boat. Some of the old brewery buildings remain, though many have since become residences.
The canal’s former industrial role is still legible in the buildings. Warehouses had wide doors and hoisting beams for moving goods between boats and storage. Broad windows and wooden shutters are other details to look for as you walk.
Gables, bridges and the canal view
The canal is lined with old houses and former warehouses, with bridges crossing the water between them. A series of ten small bridges spans the canal. The view is especially photogenic where the façades, bridges and water reflections come together.
At Brouwersgracht 204 to 212, look up for trapezium-shaped gables. These buildings are a notable example of the canal’s historic architecture. Red shutters and the varied shapes of the neighboring houses add more details to spot along the way.
Walking through the upper Jordaan
Brouwersgracht sits in the upper Jordaan. A walk along the canal is short, with views of the houses and bridges along the route. You can also cycle beside it, but keep an eye out for other people using the street when you stop to take photographs.
For a guided visit, choose a tour that covers the canal’s history and its former role in Amsterdam’s brewing trade. The early morning is a good time for photos: the water can be calmer, giving you clearer reflections.
FAQ
What does Brouwersgracht mean?
The name means “Brewer’s Canal,” referring to the breweries that once operated along the waterway.
What can you see on Brouwersgracht?
Look for former warehouses, gabled canal houses, wooden shutters and bridges. The trapezium gables at numbers 204 to 212 are a distinctive detail.
When is the best time to photograph Brouwersgracht?
Go early in the morning, when the water may be calm enough to reflect the houses and bridges.
