Tour the Canals of Amsterdam

See Amsterdam From the Water

Whether you are here on a layover, a few days in between other places, or for an extended vacation, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a canal tour . Providing a unique view of the city, this is one tourist attraction that is popular with both locals and tourists, old and young folks alike.

When you visit Amsterdam for the first time, you’ll soon realize the important role water plays in this city. Amsterdam’s very name refers to the fact that the town started around a dam in the river Amstel.

Canal Tour in Amsterdam
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Currently, Amsterdam –sometimes referred to as the ‘Venice of the North,’ has 1 river and 160 canals, creating 90 artificial islands which are connected by 1281 bridges.

In Amsterdam’s early history, the centuries-old canals — in what is now the history city center — served a dual purpose:

1. As moats that were useful in defending the expanding town from attacks.
2. As transportation venues for the goods that flowed in an out of Amsterdam.

Nowadays, the warehouses you see lining some of the old canals have been turned into luxury apartment buildings.

Damrak — now the main street leading from Central Station to Dam Square — was once Amsterdam’s harbor (then known as Buitenrak), which in turn was directly connected to what was then the open sea.

The docks were lined with ships carrying — among other things — coffee, tea, wood, spices. And yes, slaves.

Water from the river Amstel flowed into the harbor via a sluice at Dam Square. The square long sported a weigh house, where goods were weighed, taxed, and from there further transported to warehouses or markets. At the time he Kalvertraat — the world-renowned shopping street that runs from Dam square to Munt — was a cattle market (kalf = young cow).

Amsterdam Canal Touring Boats

A small section of the early harbor has survived at Damrak near Central Station. (Note that the houses of Warmoesstraat arise directly out of the water.)

The canal tour boats also visit a portion of Amsterdam harbor

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The tour boats you see here, at docks in front of Central Station, and at several other locations throughout Amsterdam, provide a hugely popular tourist attraction.

There are several options to sail the canals, including the Water Taxi, The Canal Bus, and the Museum Boat. However, this entry deals with the canal tours dedicated to the sole purpose of showing you Amsterdam as seen from the water.

There are a number of canal tour operators. They are all fairly similar, in that each will give you a good ride through the canals and part of the harbor. The boats do take slightly different routes, and sailing times may vary as well.

In general, expect a 1-hour tour at rates of €6.50 – €9.00. On most rides tips are solicited, but don’t feel obligated to contribute. Note: If you have an I Amsterdam Card you get a free or discounted (depending on the operator you select) canal tour.

In the past, most boats had on-board tour guides — often students — explaining the sights. Never mind that historical facts and figures were sometimes made up on the spot and were subject to change from one ride to the next. Purists prefer the old way over the current approach in which a multi-lingual presentation is played over the sound system.

That said, in our experience on some rides the captain will at times turn off the sound track and instead provide on-the-spot commentary himself (which, in our estimation, is indeed worthy of a tip).

Booking a Canal Tour

There is no need for advance bookings. Most tour boats leave at 15-30 minute intervals.

Downtown Amsterdam is best seen from the water.

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Once you have bought a ticket, if a window seat is important to you don’t feel obligated to board a boat in which none are available.

Note that the configuration of tour boats differs somewhat from operator to operator, and even within the same company.

Many of the glass-topped boats are completely covered, while some sport an open roof and/or open deck — something to keep in mind if you are planning to film or take pictures.

At the start of some canal tours you can elect to have your picture taken. If you are truly interested in buying a picture of you getting into a canal tour boat, you can do so at the end of your trip. Most operators have wisely discontinued this practice.

What to Avoid

In between stretches of overcast grey, Amsterdam weather is feast or famine — often all within the same day.

The boat trips are at their best when the sun is shining. Avoid canal trips during rainy days.

That said, during the winter a tour of the tree-lined canals provides a unique experience. With the trees bare, you’ll be able to see much more of the gabled houses.

A word of caution: If your boat has an open roof, or if you sit on an open deck, keep an eye on anybody leaning over the bridge. Not because — as one correspondent suggested — you might get to peek up a short skirt, but because an occasional nutcase might spit at you.

• Book an Amsterdam City Tour & Canal Cruise

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