Amsterdam is home to more than 160 canals stretching for a total length of over 99 kilometers. The canal system was constructed in the 17th century to enhance the transportation system in the city as well as boost trade. The canal system is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ubiquitous of the city’s landscape.
Also referred to as the Venice of the North, the unmatched beauty of Amsterdam’s canal system has its origins in the creative history and rich culture that flows across the elaborate network of bridges and canals. The open-hearted city plays host to over 5 million visitors each year. An Amsterdam canal cruise is one of the best ways to see and feel the serenity of the canals and its other waterways as well the many eclectic tourist attractions. You can easily include the cruise in your Amsterdam itinerary.
Before choosing a canal cruise in Amsterdam, travelers need to take the below listed factors into account:
The location of boarding and the route of the cruise have to be researched so that you can select a canal cruise in Amsterdam that best serves your interests as a tourist. Also, it is best to get hotel near the pier if you are planning to enjoy the joyous boat cruises. Most tours begin from PrinsHendrikkade Street or Stationplein, opposite Amsterdam Central Station.
Most canal tours begin at 9 AM and run till 10 PM. Also in the summer season, both depart every half an hour, but in the winter, the flow is every hour. The duration can be from 1 hour to 2 hours. Check with the provider about the exact timings when your boat would leave.
A typical 1-hour tour can be around 15 Euros per person. Some boats also offer you a free welcome drink, after which a successive drink is charged. There are also audio guides that explain the history and facts behind every architectural delight that you traverse along, on your route.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and canal cruises tend to fill up fast. It is therefore important to book your tickets in advance.
Ticket prices for the cruise raise with value additions. Different cruises offer different options such as historical tours, or cocktails and relaxation, or pizzas and burgers, or children/family friendly cruises, or candle-lit dinners, etc. There are also those that offer combo canal cruises that are enjoyable as well as educational. Those who are interested in experience the local traditions and culture may plan a trip to Amsterdam to coincide with varied festivals such as the Canal Festival or Grachtenfestival.
Listed below are some of the best canal cruises in Amsterdam:
Amsterdam becomes real dreamy as the sun begins to set and the quaint paths and canals get illuminated by moonlight and decorative lamps. A 90-minute evening canal cruise under a starry sky will take you through some of the most popular landmarks in the city, including through the Red Lightdistrict which is not a part of day canal cruises. Other features of the boat ride are one choice of a drink and audio guide in 17 different languages.
It is one of the best ways to check out the different sights and sounds of Amsterdam due to the immense flexibility that the cruise offers. Travelers can buy tickets with validity of 48 hours or 24 hours. These boat rides have 2 routes, the blue line and the green line. Tourists can hop onto the canal cruise boats and hop off at different stops and hop back on to continue the cruising till the ticket is valid. The boats come with WiFi and GPS.
The capital city is famous of its spectacular architecture with intricate baroque façades. The 75-minute Amsterdam city canal cruise offers a ride back into history as tourists will come across over 1500 landmark structures such as the Music Building, Overhoeks, and the Golden Bend. An audio guide in 21 different languages will keep you informed about all the attractions.
Tourists on this 60-minute immersive canal cruise will be able to explore the artifacts and architecture of the Golden Age next to the plantation region. Breathe in the fresh clean air while soaking in the unblocked magnificent views of Amsterdam’s landscape. There is multi-lingual audio commentary. The boats are solar powered and thus do not make any engine noise. You can thus enjoy a silent and peaceful canal cruise in Amsterdam.
These combo city canal cruises come with skip the line for the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum or skip the line for Madame Tussauds. Thus, tourists will get to enjoy relaxing boat cruises as well as hassle-free trips to popular hot spots in the city. The Madame Tussauds combo city canal cruise also comes with free entry to the Holland Casino.
This open-air boat ride aboard a small boat is ideal for tourists who are seeking a relaxing cruise across the urban canal ring in the city. Since the boat is small, the number of travelers is limited which makes for an intimate and quiet setting. There is commentary by the captain himself/herself, which adds a personal touch to the peaceful cruise. Also, as there is no obstruction, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the brilliant landscape of Amsterdam.
The European continent is famous for its delectable cheeses and vineyards. Travelers aboard this night-time canal cruise will get to experience this inherent culture and tradition of the land. You will have access to unlimited amounts of the country’s diverse brands of beer, wine, and other drinks along with lots of flavorful charcuterie and cheeses, while simultaneously enjoying the glittering beauty of the many canal districts of Amsterdam. Also, there is live commentary by a guide, which just adds a little bit more to the wondrous experience!
This luxurious canal cruise is a fabulous way to check out the magnificent landscape of the city. Lasting for 150 minutes, tourists will be welcomed with a drink and an amuse bouche after boarding the boat. Later, they can gorge on 4 courses of finely-prepared gourmet dinner and revel in the bliss of the senses. After the cruise ends and the boat docks, there is free admission to the Holland Casino.
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