Golden Bend

Walk along the most prestigious stretch of Herengracht to witness Amsterdam's Golden Age wealth frozen in stone. You'll see towering canal houses with elaborate facades that were built by the city's wealthiest merchants, each one trying to outdo their neighbors despite sumptuary laws. The bend between Leidsestraat and Vijzelstraat showcases the most impressive examples of 17th-century canal house architecture. This is where Amsterdam's elite demonstrated their prosperity through grand double-wide mansions and ornate decorative details.