Running in Amsterdam: the Venice of the North
- audreyubertino
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Amsterdam is not only the capital of the Netherlands, it's also a unique city in the world where history, architecture and the art of living come together in harmony. Exploring the city on a run is an opportunity to plunge into the heart of its past while enjoying some unusual urban landscapes. From the medieval origins around the Dam to the tranquil banks of the canals, not forgetting the old quarters, every stride takes you back to another era.
‘Morals, simplicity and equality were the same in Amsterdam as in Sparta, and sobriety was greater’, declared Voltaire in the 17th century. Today, the capital has become the cultural and financial centre of the Netherlands. A pedestrian and cycling city first and foremost, the city has 165 canals and over 1,200 bridges! An almost limitless playground. Accessible to all, as Amsterdam is geographically one of the flattest cities in the world.
A little history
The origins of the city lie in a simple dam, the famous Dam, which gave Amsterdam its name. In the 13th century, by order of the Count of Holland, a dam was built to contain the waters of the Amstel. Not only did this protect the village from flooding, it also created the first port area downstream. The area quickly became a centre of trade and commerce.
The dam, coupled with a bridge, marked the starting point of the city's history. Economic and social life developed around the dam, and Amsterdam soon established itself as a major crossroads. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the area around the dam was filled in and turned into major thoroughfares. Today, Dam Square, in the heart of the city, is a must-see location. This is where you'll find the Royal Palace, a former 17th-century town hall that still bears witness to the power of the merchant city during the ‘Golden Century’.
For a runner, this square is an excellent starting point: it links the historic centre with the modern districts and offers a condensed version of what Amsterdam stands for: tradition, history and dynamism. Each stride from the Dam is a plunge into several centuries of urban history.
Around the canals
It's impossible to visit Amsterdam without walking along its famous canals. The city is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, but it has its own distinct charm. More than 100 kilometres of waterways wind their way through the streets, creating a picturesque network that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.
Running along the water's edge is all about experiencing the unique atmosphere that makes Amsterdam so special. But beware: the city is home to more bicycles than inhabitants, and the cycle paths are sacred! A cyclist must therefore be careful not to find himself in the middle of a stream of hurried cyclists.
As you walk along the cobbled canals, you'll come across a multitude of moored barges. Many have been converted into hotels or residences, offering an atypical lifestyle, combining modernity and maritime tradition.
Another striking detail is the narrow, tall and colourful houses that line the water. This architectural feature has its origins in the tax system introduced in the 17th century: residents were taxed according to the width of their frontage. As a result, the buildings are slender but often deep and ingeniously designed. Some even appear to lean, adding to the unique charm of the urban landscape.
Along the canals, your strides will also be punctuated by sensory encounters: flower stalls brimming with tulips, the symbol of the Netherlands, and cheese dairies where golden wheels of Gouda or Edam cheese take pride of place. This lively atmosphere makes every race both a sporting and a cultural experience.
Running in old neighbourhoods
While the centre of Amsterdam is now an open, progressive metropolis, its old quarters retain the soul of an old fishing village. To wander through these narrow streets is to feel the layering of eras and the evolution of the city.
The De Wallen district, better known as the “Red Light District”, is undoubtedly the most controversial but also one of the most visited. Famous for its illuminated shop windows featuring nude women, it illustrates the tolerance and freedom that characterise Amsterdam. But beyond this sulphurous image, the district is also rich in imposing medieval buildings, such as the Oude Kerk (Old Church), built in the 13th century and surrounded by small traditional houses.
Nearby, the famous coffee shops, emblematic of Dutch alternative culture, contrast with the classical architecture. Runners will come across an eclectic mix of tourists, artists and locals, all contributing to the city's distinctive atmosphere.
Another must-see is the canal belt, or Grachtengordel. This concentric network of canals was developed during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, when Amsterdam was one of the world's largest ports and a major financial centre. The bourgeois mansions that still stand here today are richly decorated, with carved gables and tall windows. Running through this romantic setting almost gives you the impression of travelling back in time, between past splendour and present-day vitality.
Finally, a route through the old quarters would not be complete without a stop at the Albert Cuyp market in the De Pijp district. Even if you have to slow your pace, the spectacle of its colourful stalls, stroopwafels (waffles in syrup) and popular atmosphere is well worth the stop.
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Amsterdam sounds like a runner’s dream - flat streets, Retro Bowl historic canals, and vibrant neighborhoods full of life. I love how every stride there seems to blend culture, history, and local charm!