Cruise the scenic waterways of Amsterdam and see the Netherlands with new eyes. Over 165 canals were created during Amsterdam’s growth as a city and Amsterdam’s canal ring is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. Capture the moment to last a lifetime and share the experience with friends and family. An Amsterdam canal cruise is a wonderful way to explore the waterways of Amsterdam and there are many options and cruise companies to choose from.
Holland International Cruises: One of the most popular cruise lines, this cruise offers passengers the most beautiful of Amsterdam’s areas. Glide through the center of the old city for elegant mansions, majestic churches and historic buildings from Holland’s Golden Age. This one hour cruise offers tickets from 8 to 16 Euros.
Lovers Canal Cruises: A scheduled canal cruise will be experienced in a luxurious canal boat and will offer a water-view of the best of the Amsterdam canal belt, including historic canal houses, the zevenbogenbruggengracht, and the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Children are 8 Euros and adults are 16 Euros per person.
Blue Boat Company: This longer cruise, approximately 75 minutes, has scheduled departures between 10 am and 6 pm. It is free with the purchase of a valid I Amsterdam Card and allows visitors to experience picturesque Amsterdam and important Canal Ring sites such as the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht.
Hop-on hop off service: Canal Bus offers this day ticket to get around the canals and stop off at many of the top attractions. Comfortably equipped boats offer regular service and four routes for visitors to select from with 20 stops near popular areas. Tickets range from 10.25-20.50 Euros.
There are canal cruise options to support diverse preferences and schedules. The majority of cruises take approximately an hour, but candle-lit tours and child friendly adventure cruises are also available. If purchasing an I Amsterdam City Card, your selected cruise may be free. Adding in an Amsterdam canal cruise as a part of your tourist activities in Holland is a great way to get another perspective of the beauty and history of Amsterdam.
