Oudezijds Achterburgwal, Amsterdam

This canal, dug in 1367, once formed the eastern border of medieval Amsterdam. Today, the city has grown out far beyond the canal, but Oudezijds Achterburgwal still forms an important part of De Wallen, a part of town better known as the Red Light District. A bridge along the canal forms a definite division between the northern stretch, home to coffee shops and peep shows, and the southern stretch, a picturesque quiet residential area that terminates in the beautiful campus of the University of Amsterdam. The northern stretch is also home to a very brave or very stubborn family of swans, who do not seem to mind the noise and lights all around them. -Declan Aylward

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