It runs from the Grimburgwal in the south to the Zeedijk in the north, where it changes into the Oudezijds Kolk, which drains into the IJ.

The OZ Voorburgwal was originally a creek that was later dug into a canal around the eastern part of the city, the old side.

When the buildings on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal were built in the Golden Age, canal gardens were laid out behind the mansions.

With the passage heights in the table, one must take into account the fact that the Oudezijds Achterburgwal, like all other canals in the city center, is 0.40 metres (1 ft 4 in) below the NAP.

Notes on the three northern bridges: The Oudezijds Voorburgwal is depicted on the ace of the standard Dutch deck of cards.