The Vijzelgracht is adjacent to the Grachtengordel (canal belt) and is an extension of one of the most important city radii for public transport and normal traffic.

[1] The canal is shown on the 1662 map by Daniël Stalpaert, with some houses already built along the streets leading to the east and west.

The city wanted to stimulate the textile industry, and made the land available to the Burgerweeshuis, Gasthuizen and Leprozenhuis.

In the 17th century, on the corner with Vijzelgracht and Lijnbaansgracht, the "city street maker's yard" was surrounded by water.

The street was already open for construction of the station, it was argued, so the historic appearance of the canal could be restored immediately.

The neighborhood committee "Vijzelgracht - Entree met Kracht" was set up by enthusiastic local residents.

On 19 June 2008, four monumental buildings (weaver houses) sagged 15 centimetres (5.9 in) due to a leak in the deep wall.

In 2008, the Deltares research agency hired by the municipality of Amsterdam found 114 weak spots and a hole in the concrete sheet piles of the Vijzelgracht.

According to Deltares, those weak spots were caused, among other things, by the use of bad and polluted concrete and poor reinforcement.