By Linda Tancs

Think of Amsterdam and you probably envision wooden shoes and tulips.  But did you know that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice?   Along those 17th century canals where you’ll experience some of the oldest homesteads in the city as well as its industrial heritage, watch out for the clock gable and the fabulous canal houses along what’s known as The Golden Bend.  Along Prinsengracht, you’ll find very old homes, including the location of the Anne Frank House and museum.  For a taste of the city’s industrial past, sail by the giant warehouses of Keizersgracht.  The canal gardens have a charm of their own, highlighted each year in June during Open Garden Days.  Located around Keizersgracht and Herengracht, features include the floating gardens on the houseboats’ roof and behind the canal houses.   On the 17, 18 and 19 of June this year some thirty canal gardens will be open to the public.   Reachable on foot, a three-day pass will give you plenty of time to discover the color in the canals.