Canal cruises

A canal cruise is the standard way to see Amsterdam from the water, and it works well because the city was built around its canals. The great ring of Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht was dug in the seventeenth century, during the Golden Age, as part of a planned expansion to house a booming population of merchants and traders. The Canal Belt was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010 for its outstanding planning and architecture, and a boat gives the clearest view of why.

Most cruises last about an hour to an hour and a quarter and follow a loop that takes in the main canals, the Amstel river and a stretch of the harbour. From the low seat of a boat you see the tall, narrow merchant houses with their gables and hoisting beams, the arched bridges, and the houseboats moored along the banks. Many boats carry an audio guide in several languages, while smaller vessels may have a live commentary. Open boats offer the best views and photographs, though covered boats with glass roofs are more comfortable in rain or cold.

The quality of the experience varies with the operator and the time of day. Large boats run from the central area near the station and the Dam, and smaller electric or classic boats offer a quieter ride with fewer passengers. Evening cruises show the bridges and the canal houses lit up, and some operators offer themed trips such as dinner cruises, cheese and wine tastings or music. If you want a more private outing, small boats can be hired for a group.

Some of the sights you pass are well known. The Amstel river runs under the Magere Brug, the Skinny Bridge, and the Westerkerk tower rises over the Prinsengracht near the Anne Frank House. The cruise also gives a view of the Begijnhof area, the flower market and the houses of the Nine Streets, and it helps orient you before you explore on foot. Floating homes are a feature of daily life in the city, and you will see many on the water.

A cruise suits first-time visitors, families, older travelers and anyone who wants a restful way to take in the city. It is worth doing early in a stay, to understand the layout, and it is easy to combine with the museums and walking routes around the canal ring. Book ahead in high season, check what is included, and dress for the weather.