Caro;l Cram on a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam

An Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Should You Take One?

You’ve arrived in Amsterdam and started strolling around the Centrum—that enchanting half-circle of canals built four hundred years ago that gives Amsterdam its unique ambiance.

Just about every time you cross a bridge spanning an Amsterdam canal, you’ll likely see a wide-bottomed, glass-topped canal boats bristling with camera-snapping tourists gliding past.

Should you take an hour out of your sightseeing schedule to enjoy an Amsterdam canal cruise?

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say, absolutely!

It’s a super relaxing way to see the canals of Amsterdam from a new perspective, and you’ll learn stuff.

A Bit of Background

Although I’ve visited Amsterdam numerous times since my first visit in 1970, I had not taken a canal trip since 1974. I was a fresh-faced eighteen-year-old on my very first solo trip to Europe—a two-week jaunt from England where I’d moved to go to university.

I had my backpack, my red anorak (très chic—not) and a thin wad of traveler’s checks.

After flying from London Heathrow to Amsterdam, I took the bus into the city (no splashing out on taxis in those austere days), stashed my backpack at a dorm room at the Hans Brinker Hostel (which is still going), and then went in search of a canal tour. As a first-time solo traveler, it seemed like a savvy thing to do.

I couldn’t get lost sitting on a canal boat.

That first canal tour was, frankly, not that memorable. Amsterdam in 1974 was lively, but it was also grubby and kinda seedy. The house façades looked neglected, the harbor still showed the effects of World War II, and the Dutch people appeared a bit on the grim side.

The energetic, multicultural, joyous atmosphere of today’s Amsterdam was nowhere to be found.

 Canal boats in Amsterdam

Finding a Canal Cruise

Fast forward forty-one years (yikes!) and I’m again on board a canal boat for a 75-minute cruise. I’ve only just arrived in Amsterdam after a nine-hour flight from Vancouver. Taking a relaxing cruise in the late afternoon turns out to be the perfect way to recover.

Book Ahead

If Amsterdam is your first stop on your European vacation, I recommend you book your cruise before you leave home. Choose a time slot that is a few hours after you arrive in Amsterdam so you can get settled and find your way to the dock closest to your hotel.

A canal cruise is a great way to get the lay of the land and see Amsterdam’s city center up close.

Here’s an option for a standard 75-minute tour:

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I purchased tickets through GetYourGuide before I left home and so I just needed to present the QR code on my phone to the attendant. I chose the Blue Boat company, but there are several more in Amsterdam.

Cruise Company

Your choice of cruise company will likely be dictated by location. I’m staying at the Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American on the Singelgracht. The Blue Boat (and at least two more companies that I could see) have departure docks in this area.

Clayton Hotel on the Singelgracht in Amsterdam
Clayton Hotel on the Singelgracht in Amsterdam near the Blue Boat dock

The Blue Boat is about a five-minute walk along the Singelgracht toward the Rijksmuseum.

Go to the website of any cruise company and check where they have departure point, then choose the one closest to your accommodation. Most canal cruises go from Singelgracht or from the Damrak close to Central Station.

Cruise Types

In addition to the classic canal cruise in a glass-topped boat (the kind I took), you can also discover Amsterdam by canal in plenty of other ways. 

Choose from open boat cruises, dinner cruises, pizza cruises, and evening cruises, or for a more intimate experience, book a private boat tour just for yourself and your party that includes food and drinks.

Here are some boat cruises on GetYourGuide that show you Amsterdam from the water.

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Boarding the Cruise

The April afternoon is brilliantly sunny (a not usual occurrence in my experience visiting Amsterdam almost annually since 2008).

The boat is only half full, so Gregg and I have a table for six to ourselves. The top of the table is printed with a map of the canals, but it isn’t very useful because it doesn’t include the route.

This is my only complaint. I would have appreciated a visual representation of our route that showed me exactly where the canal tour went. The only other option is to follow the route on Google Maps on my phone.

And speaking of phones, make sure you purchase an eSim card from a company such as Airolo (my first choice) to you can keep on roaming without paying exhorbitant fees.

Tour Commentary

The Blue Boat tour I chose doesn’t include live commentary, probably because it was one of the least expensive options. I’m given a cheap pair of headphones and directed to plug into the wall next to the table and choose my language.

The commentary is informative but not constant. During the course of the 75-minute tour, it comes in and out, and is, to be kind, a bit on the dull side.

However, I do learn that Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris. The beautiful canals we see today date from the 17th century when, as a result of severe overcrowding in the old center of Amsterdam, the city fathers decided to build more canals and more warehouses.

The main canals of Herengracht, Keisergracht, and Prinsengracht were completed over the course of 40 years.

During the cruise, you can choose to sit outside at the back of the boat, which is the place to be to take unobstructed pictures of the picturesque canals. The downside is that the canned commentary isn’t available outside.

I spend a bit of time out there, but the wind is chilly and so quickly resume my seat under the glass roof.

bridges on the canals in amersterdam as seen from a canal cruise

Amsterdam from Below

What strikes me first as we get going is that I’m viewing Amsterdam from below looking up. I’m always used to looking down on Amsterdam’s canals from the bridges, not up from the water. The perspective provides a different, more intimate view of this enchanting city.

I love watching the gorgeous facades of the canal houses drift by. Most have been beautifully renovated—a striking contrast to the careworn and grimy scenes I remember from my cruise in 1974. Now, I admire plenty of white plaster leaves and swirls, ornate gables and other rich decorations including statues and columns.

facades of canal houses in Amsterdam seen from a canal cruise

After tootling around several canals in the Centrum, the boat ventures out into the harbor. Quaint gabled narrow houses give way to a plethora of ultra-modern buildings, the vast majority of them built since my 1974 trip.

The commentary informs me that Oosterhoeck Island used to be a wasteland of abandoned buildings until being reclaimed and built on in 2003.

Houseboats

The boat cuts a wide arc across the harbor and then back into the canals on its way to Singelgraacht and “home.” We pass people sit atop their canal boats enjoying wine in the sunshine.

I learn that the houseboats are permanently fixed in place on concrete pads. Unlike in the UK where houseboats are mobile, the Amsterdam ones stay put.

houseboat on a canal in smterdam as seen from an Amsterdam canal cruise

Staying in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has many options–from boutique hotels to grand hotels to apartments to chain hotels. I’ve stayed in all of these types and they all have pros and cons. On my most recent trip to Amsterdam in 2025, I stayed a the Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American which I highly recommend. This venerable old hotel is an Amsterdam icon with a fabulous art deco restaurant.

We were upgraded to a canal view room with a view over the Singelgracht. The location of the Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American. It’s about a ten-minute walk to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum and right on the edge of the Centrum. The area is lively with plenty of restaurants.

View from hotel room at Clyton Hotel Amsterdam American in Amsterdam
View over the Singelgracht from my room a the Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American

Another good choice that I highly recommend if you’re looking for a slightly more reasonably priced option is the Holiday Inn Express – City Hall, steps from the harbor and within walking distance of old Amsterda. Ask for a canal view room.

View of canals from the window of a room at the Holiday Inn Express - city Hall in Amsterdam
View of canals from the window of a room at the Holiday Inn Express – City Hall in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not a cheap city. Plan on spending at least €300-€400 per night for a decent hotel in a central area of Amsterdam. I recommend you avoid places outside the city center. They may be cheaper, but you’ll spend too much time on trams getting into the interesting parts of the city.

Book a place as close to the Centrum as possible and enjoy many hours of wander alongside the beautiful canals.

Conclusion

The word that comes to mind to describe a canal boat tour in Amsterdam is restful. You have zero to do except sit and watch the world glide past at a comfortable walking pace. Snap endless pictures of elegant narrow houses, listen to the commentary now and again, and just relax.

You’re in Amsterdam!

Have you taken a canal cruise in Amsterdam? Share your experience in the comments below.

Here are some more posts about Amsterdam (one of my favorite European cities):

Best Two Days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has plenty of sights and activities to keep you busy for two full days and three nights. If you’re pressed for time, you can see most of the high points in a two-night stay.

Following are my suggestions for two full days in Amsterdam. Stay in a hotel on one of the outer canals, such as the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, or Keizersgracht. From there, you’ll be able to walk almost everywhere.

Pinterest graphic with the text best two days in amsterdam over a picture of a canal in Amsterdam that includes a bridge and a bicycle.

Orientation to Amsterdam

The map below shows the places mentioned in this post. Click a number on the map for more information.

Trip map created with Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

Day 1 in Amsterdam

First thing in the morning, after fortifying yourself with a breakfast where good bread and Gouda cheese will likely play a role, head to the Museumplein.

Tour either the Van Gogh Museum (#1 on the map) or the Rijksmuseum (#2) as soon as it opens. Don’t try touring both museums on one day or you’ll risk art overload.

Buy your tickets online well ahead of your visit. I suggest visiting one major museum on one morning and the other on the next morning or later that afternoon.

Avoid going to either museum in the middle of the day when both are mobbed (particularly the Van Gogh Museum).

Here’s information about the Van Gogh Museum, with details about the Rijksmuseum provided under Day 2.

Van Gogh Museum

Armed with the ticket you pre-purchased, arrive at the Van Gogh Museum at your appointed time (preferably as early as possible).

The Van Gogh Museum lives up to the hype as one of Europe’s most visit-worthy art museums. You get a wonderful overview of van Gogh’s work from the early years to the very end.

In fact, the museum contains the world’s largest collection of van Gogh’s art, including such signature pieces as Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, and a personal favorite, Wheatfield with Crows, one of his last paintings. Download the app provided by the museum. It’s a good one.

Buy tickets in advance for the Van Gogh Museum

Check out my detailed overview of the Van Gogh Museum and my suggestions for touring.

In the afternoon (weather depending), take a canal cruise and visit Anne Frank House.

Anne Frank House

I first visited Anne Frank House (#3) when I was fourteen–the same age Anne Frank was when she was murdered.

Walk behind the bookcase that concealed the hiding place to view the unbelievably cramped spaces. It’s impossible to imagine how Anne and seven other people lived there for two years.

You must buy your ticket online for a specific time slot up to two months in advance to visit the Anne Frank House. Tickets sell out fast so check the website two months before you plan to be in Amsterdam. Don’t wait or you may be disappointed.

Canal Cruise

Take a canal cruise (#4) while you’re in Amsterdam. If the skies are clear, go later in the afternoon when the light turns golden. During the summer months, consider an evening cruise. You’ll get a different perspective on Amsterdam as you glide past gabled houses and under bridges crusted with lights.

Here are options for canal cruises in Amsterdam. Some include dinner.

View of illuminated bridges in Amsterdam at night.
Amsterdam at night–it’s magical; this vista is next to where we stayed on the Herengracht.

On your first evening, venture into the lively Centrum. Enjoy a beer at a canalside restaurant, then wander back to the quieter canals to avoid marauding bands of partying Brits.

The people of Amsterdam are working hard to take back their city from the invasion of large groups–often from England. Here’s an interesting article about over-tourism in Amsterdam.

If you steer clear of the streets around the station (the infamous Red Light District) and stick to the canals in the outer rings of the Centrum (the Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Prinsengracht), you’ll find plenty of peaceful walks, lively and safe squares like the Rembrandtplein (#5), and attractive canal vistas.

Day 2 in Amsterdam

Depending on which of the two art biggies you visited on Day 1, visit the other on Day 2. Again, make sure you purchase your ticket ahead of time and choose a time either early in the day or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Rijksmuseum

If you enter the Rijksmuseum (#2) when it opens at 9 am, you’ll have it all to yourself. On a recent visit there in April, we barely saw another person for a good hour after entering around 9:15.

By the time we left around noon, the line-up extended out into the rainy Museumplein. Satiated by great art and in cheery spirits after our leisurely stroll through near-empty galleries, we pitied the sad-looking tourists huddled under dripping umbrellas. Don’t be one of those tourists!

Facade of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in the Netherlands--the top site for travelers to Amsterdam
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum houses some of the greatest Dutch art in Europe. You’ll find numerous works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals in more than thirty galleries that feature art from the Dutch Golden Age.

A special room is devoted to displaying Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, a vast improvement from when I first saw the painting back in 1970. Then, the painting was so dark and ill-lit that my 14-year-old self left unimpressed.

Now, the painting holds pride of place in a special gallery that most of the time teems with camera-snapping tourists. Remember – go early and contemplate Rembrandt’s masterpiece in blessed solitude.

The Night Watch by Rembrandt: buy tickets in advance for the Rijksmuseum

Paintings from the Golden Age are just some of the attractions at the Rijksmuseum.

I was taken by the Medieval/Renaissance collection (1100 to 1600) displayed in beautifully lit and organized galleries. Since most visitors make a beeline for The Night Watch, you’ll find the medieval galleries comfortably empty. Enjoy numerous paintings, sculptures, objets d’art, furniture, and even tapestries.

As the premier museum in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum has even more to offer, including special exhibitions. These usually require an additional ticket so check ahead.

For more about the Rijksmuseum, check my dedicated post detailing more fabulous things see during your visit.

Lunchtime Concert at the Concertgebouw

If you’re in Amsterdam on a Wednesday, drop in to the Concertgebouw (#5) across the street from the Museumplein for a free lunchtime concert. You’ll be one of the few tourists there enjoying classical music alongside locals.

We saw an amazing concert of two vibraphonists–one Dutch and one Italian. Arrive well ahead of time to make sure you get a seat. The concerts are popular and fill up fast.

Check the Concertgebouw website for details about the free lunchtime concerts.

H’ART Museum

When we’re in Amsterdam, we almost always pay a visit to the H’ART Museum (#6), which was formerly known as the Hermitage Museum. The H’ART Museum is an art museum where famous works of art and stories from around the world are brought together in one-of-a-kind exhibitions.  

In our experience, this large museum overlooking the Amstel River has never been crowded and is a delight to walk around. At the back, enjoy lunch in the courtyard garden, a calm oasis in this bustling city.

Begijnhof

Another calm oasis is the charming Begijnhof (#7) courtyard surrounded by old-style Dutch homes that date to the 14th century, although most of the facades were replaced in the 17th and 18th centuries. The wooden house (Houten Huys) at Begijnhof 34 is the oldest house in Amsterdam.

Step into the Begijnhof chapel to view a series of panels that tell the story of the Miracle of Amsterdam.

 Begijnhof courtyard of characteristic Amsterdam homes
Lovely Begijnhof courtyard of characteristic Amsterdam homes

Walk Along the Canals

Apart from viewing art, one of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam is to wander along the main canals. Cross bridges, browse the shops, and snap picture after picture of the fabulous narrow houses, many dating from the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.

Take your time getting to know the quieter parts of this lovely city. Walk over to Vondelpark (#8) and join other people at play.

If you’re feeling brave, rent a bike. But be warned – locals ride fast! When you’re walking, always check that you’re not in a bike lane or you risk hearing the clang of a bell attached to a sturdy bike ridden upright by an angry Dutch person.

For more to see and do in Amsterdam, check out these tours and suggestions.

Eating in Amsterdam

On at least one evening, enjoy a Rijsttafel meal. This Indonesian import consists of up to forty small dishes, including egg rolls, sambals, satay, fish, fruit, vegetables, pickles, nuts, and more, accompanied by rice. The variations of taste, texture, and heat make rijsttafel (in Dutch, “rice table”) an eating adventure.

Be careful! Some of the food is super spicy!

Staying in Amsterdam

In my experience, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most expensive cities. Plan on spending at least €300-€400 per night for a decent hotel in a central area of Amsterdam. We’ve found that splurging for a good hotel in an attractive area is well worth it.

Occasionally, we’ve stayed farther out in cheaper hotels in nondescript neighborhoods and have regretted the decision.

The Mokum Suites on Herengracht is a wonderful choice as is the apartment called Here’s Lucy that is right in the heart of Amsterdam. You can walk everywhere.

The map below shows options for hotels in Amsterdam.



Booking.com

Amsterdam Walking Tours

GuruWalk lists pay-what-you-please walking tours that connect tourists with tour guides all around the world. Check out their tours of Amsterdam!

Tours in Amsterdam

Here are some tours offered through GetYourGuide. I’ve booked tours with them several times and have always had a good experience.

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Have you been to Amsterdam? Share your recommendations with other artsy travelers in the Comments section below.

Here are some more posts on Artsy Traveler about recommended sightseeing in Europe: