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We recently returned from a wonderful two-week trip exploring the European cities of Paris, Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam. These cities are all fairly close together, so it made for the ideal vacation itinerary. The iconic city of Amsterdam, Netherlands, really stood out in our minds for its modern amenities and old-world charm. One of our favorite activities was taking a canal tour of Amsterdam.
We loved our canal tour of Amsterdam so much that we did it twice during our three-night stay in the city! Once was a daytime canal boat tour, and the second was an evening Amsterdam canal cruise complete with wine and cheese. I am excited to share more with you about the entire canal tour experience.
Visiting Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is a bustling city steeped in history. It exudes a unique energy that’s hard to quantify. It’s a fascinating blend of medieval art and architecture, infused with a modern, youthful culture. The city has a latticework of canals that crisscross everywhere, creating an entirely separate set of routes that link the city by water. In fact, Amsterdam has three different types of commuter routes – paths for bikes (the busiest), streets for cars, and canals for boats.
Amsterdam has been named “the Venice of the North” because of its canals, and you know we love Venice, Italy! The city has 165 canals that create hundreds of small island neighborhoods. Spanning these canals and connecting the city are over 1,900 bridges. You can travel over 100 km on the Amsterdam canals. I can’t imagine visiting this bucket-list destination and not booking a canal cruise of Amsterdam! The canals are such an inherent part of the city’s culture and mystique.
Booking A Canal Tour Of Amsterdam
I recommend booking your canal tour of Amsterdam in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak tourist season (March to May and June to August). However, it is often possible to book the same day, giving your group flexibility in scheduling. We didn’t book in advance, and we were able to get same-day tickets. After already traveling for a week in both Paris and Belgium, we wanted to leave our time in Amsterdam flexible and allow for rest if needed.
Using Get Your Guide
We booked our canal tour of Amsterdam through a website called Get Your Guide. Get Your Guide makes it so easy to book outings while on the go. We love taking Get Your Guide tours and have taken them all over the world. These tours are among are best family memories while traveling! Be sure to read the tour description as each tour has a different meeting point, amenities, and restrictions.
If you are short on time and can’t read this entire post, here is our pick for the best overall canal tour of Amsterdam: Classic Canal Cruise With Optional Wine and Cheese
I read all of the online reviews, so you don’t have to! By far, the most raved-about and highly rated canal tours of Amsterdam are provided by Flagship Amsterdam, a major canal tour operator in the area. Additionally, TripAdvisor rated them the #1 Best Day Cruise Trip in the World. Flagship provides a really good tour experience, combining nice boats, knowledgeable staff, and high-quality food and amenities.
We went on a daytime canal tour of Amsterdam with our kids on our first full day in the city. Matt and I had so much fun, we decided to take a second tour the next evening for just the two of us.
The magical scenery, a warm summer evening, and unlimited wine and cheese made it a fantastic date night! It made for a romantic evening and gave us a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the family trip. The kids stayed back at our Amsterdam apartment and enjoyed some well-deserved downtime.
RELATED POST: Top Landmarks To See In Amsterdam
Canal Tour Of Amsterdam Options
Flagship Amsterdam runs cruises all day and into the evening, with convenient departure points at the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and Central Station. Two of these were just a short 5–12 minute walk from our rental. We did a daytime cruise departing from the Rijksmuseum and an evening one departing from the Anne Frank House. Both were easy to reach and a great way to see the city.
There is a cruise for everyone, and Flagship offers both public and private Amsterdam canal tours. Choose from a covered, uncovered, or partially covered boat, open bar, wine and cheese, and much more. The canal tours of Amsterdam range from one hour to two hours long. There is even a private Prosecco cruise that sounds like a wonderful tour for a sunny day! Hungry? Choose a BBQ Cruise with a private chef or opt for a pizza or burger cruise.
Canal Tour Of Amsterdam Tickets and Availability
You can check rates and availability for each of the canal tours below. Even without selecting dates or participants, you can click on Check Availability, which will take you to detailed information about that specific canal tour of Amsterdam.
From the tour description page, you can read reviews from travelers and learn more about the tour meeting point, amenities, and duration. Once you book, I recommend downloading the Get Your Guide app onto your smartphone. It makes managing your tours easy while on a busy vacation.
What to Expect On The Canal Tour Of Amsterdam
Each Flagship Amsterdam boat tour of Amsterdam is slightly different because the boat, crew, and offerings differ. So, pay attention to the tour description page to know what’s included in your canal tour.
The standard model is that a skipper and a guide crew each tour. The skipper was local on both cruises, and the guide narrated in good English. The skipper and guide were friendly and accommodating, making the experience pleasant. They were especially interactive on the wine and cheese tour, cracking jokes, getting to know the passengers, and making everyone feel welcome. It is the perfect before-or-after dinner cruise!
Details Of The Flagship Boat Tour
The Flagship boats are lovely and well-maintained. On average, they hold around 30 passengers, so they aren’t overwhelmingly big. The deck was lined with comfortable, cushioned seats and didn’t feel cramped. The boats have electric, instead of gas motors, eliminating smelly fumes and loud noises.
Our daytime canal cruise was in an open boat, totally uncovered and exposed to the sky. It allowed for excellent viewing by everyone as we enjoyed the warm June sunshine. The seats at the end where we sat are slightly elevated, so you must bend over under some of the lower bridges!
Our evening wine and cheese canal tour was on a boat that was about 50% covered with an awning. This arrangement is perfect because passengers can sit protected from the beating sun. The evening wine and cheese cruise offered white and red wines and Dutch cheese cut into cubes on a platter. The guide quickly offered us new bottles when they had been emptied, and extra cheese was available upon request.
Some canal tours of Amsterdam offer an open bar, which includes beer, soft drinks, and spirits. Blankets are available if you start to get chilly or are visiting the city during the colder months.
The two canal tours of Amsterdam we took were each one hour long. This was the perfect length, allowing us to get a feel for the canals and see some memorable sights. But it still left plenty of room in the day to catch dinner or explore other city attractions.
What Will You See On A Canal Tour Of Amsterdam?
A canal tour of Amsterdam will take you along the enchanting canals in the city’s heart. The guide will point out interesting buildings, architectural features, and bridges. They’ll also use these places to paint a picture of the city’s past, adding fascinating vignettes about cultural, economic, and political issues over its 800-hundred-year history.
The canal tour of Amsterdam is a lot of fun because it feels interactive. It was educational for Abby and Jake, as well as the adults, too! You’ll float down narrow brick-lined canals, close enough to touch the walls, and glide effortlessly under ancient stone bridges covered in moss. You’ll pass groups of teenagers hanging out, couples kissing, and people tending to their vibrant tulip gardens.
It’s an immersive way to experience Amsterdam’s magnetic energy, beauty, and eccentricity. Trust me, do it once, and you’ll understand why we did it twice!
Here are the prominent locations and talking points that the guides covered during our canal tours. You may not see each one on your canal tour of Amsterdam, but there is a pretty good chance you will see most of these.
Seven Bridges in Amsterdam
The Seven Bridges refers to the view on the Reguliersgracht, where seven arched bridges can be seen in a row. This picturesque sight is best viewed from the bridge at the intersection with Herengracht. At night, the bridges are illuminated, creating a magical scene. I was able to capture a photo as we passed by it!
Narrow Houses And Modest Taxes
On the cruise, we learned why the houses in Amsterdam are so tall and narrow. In the city’s early years, taxes were levied based on the width of the home’s frontage. This meant wider houses had to pay more taxes. As a result, the homes began to be built narrow and multi-story to maximize space and minimize taxes. If you had a wide house, it was a sign that you were among the wealthy.
The Amsterdam Dancing Houses
Amsterdam’s Dancing Houses are a famous row of leaning houses along the Damrak. These houses are often called “dancing” because of their slight tilt and uneven alignment. The tilt is due to the wooden foundation, which has shifted over time as it settled into the soft soil. Did you know that Amsterdam is actually built upon 11 million poles? This is to help avoid the sinking, as the city is only three meters above sea level.
Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
The Skinny Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in Amsterdam. This wooden drawbridge spans the Amstel River, connecting the city’s two sides. Its current structure dates back to 1934, but a bridge has existed at this location since the 17th century. We went under this bridge on both of our canal tours of Amsterdam.
Plague Houses in Amsterdam
We found this landmark very interesting! The guide told us that some of the canal houses are painted black, a tradition from the time of the plague. People say that families who fell ill with the disease would mark their front doors in black to alert others. Tar was often used as paint. Subsequently, it was almost impossible to clean off, so the entire door, or even the whole house, was painted black.
Hermitage Amsterdam on the Amstel River
The Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch of the world-famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Located on the Amstel River, this museum showcases art and cultural exhibits, often highlighting Dutch-Russian relations. The building is a beautiful example of 17th-century architecture. Did you know that Amsterdam has the highest capita of museums per square meter in the world?
Cantilever Hooks on Houses
On a canal tour of Amsterdam, you’ll see many cute rowhouses. Many canal houses feature cantilever hooks on their facades. These hooks were historically used to hoist goods into the upper floors of buildings, as the narrow staircases made it challenging to carry items by hand. Today, they remain an iconic feature of the city’s architecture. Many are still used to this day!
Houseboats Everywhere
Amsterdam’s canals are lined with a wide array of houseboats. They’re parked in the water and moored to the canal wall, accessible by ramps. Some houseboats are gorgeous and new, while others are floating junkers in a state of disrepair.
Over 2,500 houseboats, ranging from traditional barges to modern floating homes, line the waterways. Initially an answer to housing shortages, houseboats have become a sought-after form of living for some. A few are available for rent, which we would absolutely love to try!
Recovering Bikes From The Canal Bottom
Amsterdam is famous for its bicycles, but many end up in the canals, accidentally or through vandalism. Regular operations are conducted to salvage these bikes from the canal bottom, and tens of thousands are retrieved yearly. It’s a peculiar yet fascinating aspect of life in a city where bikes and waterways are ubiquitous.
Prinsengracht Canal And Anne Frank House
Prinsengracht is the longest of Amsterdam’s main canals. It’s lined with charming buildings, including the Anne Frank House. The canal is named after the Prince of Orange and is the outermost of the three main channels that make up the city’s historic canal ring. One of the three Flagship Canal Tours of Amsterdam departure points is located in front of the Anne Frank House.
Herengracht Canal And Golden Bend
Herengracht is another of Amsterdam’s primary canals. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal ring and features stunning 17th and 18th-century architecture. A section includes the Golden Bend, which showcases some of Amsterdam’s most magnificent canal houses.
Golden Bend Amsterdam
The Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht) is a segment of the Herengracht Canal featuring some of Amsterdam’s most opulent canal houses. Built during the Dutch Golden Age, these mansions were the residences of wealthy merchants and are known for their ornate facades and interiors. You’ll want to snap a photo of these on your canal tour of Amsterdam.
9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
The 9 Streets, or De Negen Straatjes, is a trendy neighborhood comprising nine narrow streets that cross Amsterdam’s main canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. This area is famous for its chic boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.
We Loved Taking A Canal Tour Of Amsterdam
A canal tour of Amsterdam is a special way to experience the city’s rich history, architecture, and cultural vibrancy. These sights provide a window into the city’s unique heritage, from the mansions along the Golden Bend to the quirky cantilever hooks and the somber black-painted doors. And how better to experience this but with wine, cheese, a comfortable seat, and a special friend or family member?
Floating the Dutch canals will make you marvel, smile, and sometimes wonder. It will also leave you with an unforgettable memory of a city lost in time, a place with an ancient voice, a wandering spirit, and a welcoming embrace for travelers far and wide.
Book Your Canal Tour of Amsterdam with Flagship Amsterdam
If you would like to book a tour with Flagship Amsterdam, I highly recommend using Get Your Guide!
CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE FLAGSHIP AMSTERDAM CANAL TOURS ON GET YOUR GUIDE
Likewise, there are also countless other Amsterdam activities and day trips available that are sure to please anyone in your group!
More European Travel Inspiration & Tips
If you are planning a trip to Belgium or anywhere in Europe, make sure to check out some of my other travel posts. We always provide first-hand travel tips along with my photography to help you plan the best trip possible! You can browse the entire Belgium Travel Section or click any of the links below to go straight to that European travel blog post!
- Brussels Chocolate Tour
- Day Trip To Bruges, Belgium
- Bruges Canal Tours
- 2-Day Brussels Itinerary
- Hotel Indigo Brussels
- Warwick Secret Rooftop Bar Brussels
- 10+ Europe Travel Essentials
- Finding The Best Flight Deals
- How To Plan A Trip To Europe
Pin Canal Tour Of Amsterdam Guide
What a beautiful tour and such helpful tips. I would love to see the Anne Frank house so thank you for sharing this blog!
Wow, these canal tours look so beautiful. I didn’t make time for one last time I was in Amsterdam. I definitely won’t make that mistake twice. Thanks for sharing your tips on the best company to choose.
This looks like such a fun way to experience Amsterdam! I love any activities that involve food! 😛
A canal tour is a great way to experience Amsterdam. I’ve done two so far, one standard very touristic one and one in the evening during the Amsterdam Light Festival in December/January. I think I’ll like to take a cheese one next time.
What a delightful canal tour of Amsterdam you’ve shared! Your beautiful photos truly capture the essence of this charming city. I’m looking forward to visit this beautiful city!