The Nieuwe Vaart is a 17th-century canal in Amsterdam that runs in a southeastern direction from the Kattenburgerplein, near the Maritime Museum, through to the Zeeburgersluis, where it connects with the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. Along its course it forms the southern boundary of the Eastern Docklands (Oostelijk Havengebied), passing between the Oostelijke Eilanden to the north and the Kadijken to the south.

The canal intersects with several other waterways. From the north, the Kattenburgervaart and Wittenburgervaart join via culverts, while the Entrepotdok connects from the south through the Entrepotdoksluis. At the Dageraadsbrug, a short connection links the Nieuwe Vaart to the Lozingskanaal, an extension of the Singelgracht. A floodgate known as the Nieuwe Vaartbemaling can be closed to block high water from the IJ, which is worth noting when planning a route through this section.

Paddlers traveling the canal pass a number of notable landmarks. The Oosterkerk is visible along the waterway, and the De Gooyer windmill — with Brouwerij het IJ alongside it — marks a recognizable point near the eastern end. The 't Kromhout shipyard, identifiable by its characteristic steel arches dating to 1887, also lines the canal. The Overhaalsgang bridge and the Kattenburger Bridge are visible along the northwestern stretch.

The canal is used by canoeists year-round, including during winter months, though paddlers should be prepared for cold temperatures; ice on boat decks has been noted on winter outings. The waterway forms part of longer urban paddling routes connecting Amsterdam's historic canal network with the broader eastern waterways, making it a practical through-route as well as a destination in its own right.