The western central area is bounded in the north by the IJ river and to the west, east and south by the Singelgracht, Singel and Leidsegracht canals respectively (see map).

This section of the three grand canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, was the first to be built in Amsterdam's 17th century Golden Age. Beyond them is the fascinating Jordaan area. Dating from the same era, this was originally the artisan’s quarter. North of the Brouwersgracht is Harlemmerstraat, once a route into the city across the Singel bridge and through a gate in the wall.