During the good old days, Amsterdam levied taxes which were calculated according to the width of the front of the houses. The streetwise Dutch people rapidly triumphed over this difficulty by constructing extremely narrow houses, in fact, some are barely wider than their front door. A few of these buildings still stand presently, 500 years later, but most of them lean quite dangerously, and continual renovations keep them in a condition fit for habitation. New buildings in the historic city centre is prohibited by strict city regulations and some of these enchanting canal houses are worth millions.

Every city is distinctive, but Amsterdam seems to have far more character than most. The Amsterdam Canal Houses merit a visit, as do the marvellous Amsterdam Hotels!