Thinking of exploring Amsterdam’s vast network of canals from the comfort of a boat? Here’s a list of the city’s best canal boat tours to help you on your way.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Canals form a huge part of Amsterdam’s identity. They are about as crucial to the city’s international image as the bikes, art galleries and “coffee” shops. Taking a boat cruise is not only a top thing to do in the Dutch capital city, it’s also the perfect way to get to know the best sights from a new perspective. Here are five of the best canal tours in Amsterdam, taking into account factors such as the value for money, duration and reviews from previous guests.
Luxury Canal Cruise of Amsterdam
Explore the beautiful 17th-century face of canalside Amsterdam in a 21st-century environmentally friendly manner on this electric luxury cruise. This company has a range of boats to suit all weather conditions, so you’ll be protected from the elements as you cruise past the Hermitage Museum or beneath the quirkily designed Skinny Bridge. Commentary along the route will help to illuminate the things you’re seeing and their context in this marvellous city. From €19 per person.
Amsterdam City Highlights Canal Cruise
This 75-minute boat tour passes by, among other places, the Anne Frank House and the Golden Bend, one of Amsterdam’s most prestigious streets, where Golden Age mansions overlook the canals. Seeing Amsterdam from a canal boat is the most authentically Dutch way to experience the city and would have been the way many people arriving in the city would have first experienced it. There are regular daily departures (usually every half hour) between 10am and 6pm. From €23 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with Bar Service
There’s a real romance to Amsterdam, particularly in the evening, when the bridges and trees drip with twinkling fairy lights and the city’s historic buildings glow in a warm light. This 90-minute cruise takes in the classic sights of the Skinny Bridge, Golden Bend and some of the finest canals in the city. Better yet, there’s an onboard bar serving beers and wines (not included in the ticket price) to toast the sunset as you cruise along. From €25 per person.
Canal Cruise with Heineken Experience Ticket
One of the world’s largest beer brands, Heineken, was started right here in Amsterdam. If you’re planning to visit the Heineken Experience and take a canal boat tour during your trip, then this combo tour and skip-the-queue ticket is a great way to save both time and money. Take a 75-minute cruise along the canals, which enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status, then head to the former brewery for a self-guided tour and a couple of complimentary beers. From €35 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Amsterdam Canals Pizza Cruise
One of Amsterdam’s more fascinating cruises also happens to be one where pizza and two drinks are included in the price. You’ll visit Singel, the city’s moat during the Middle Ages, plus see the Houseboat, and National Maritime museums, both dedicated to a Dutch history that’s inseparable from the water. Choose between beer, wine and soft drinks and five different types of pizza during the trip. There are daily departures for much of the year. In winter, the tour runs only on Fri and Sat. From €41 per person.
