canal cruises

Boat Trips and Canal tours in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city swimming in waterways, canals, and connecting bridges. While not as damp as the likes of Venice, it's about as close as you can get without the stilts. And with so much water, one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. Whether you're looking to see all the biggest landmarks, enjoy a bottomless brunch with your friends, or have a romantic meal on the water, Amsterdam has some amazing boat trips and canal tours to experience in the city. So, which are the best? Well, read our handy list and discover for yourselves! These are our picks for the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

Including:

  • 100 Highlights Cruise
  • Hop on-Hop off Boat Tour
  • G's Brunch Boat
  • Candelight Cruise
  • Pizza Cruise
  • and more!
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Everything, everywhere, pretty much in one go

If you want to see all the sights Amsterdam has to offer in one fell swoop, consider hopping aboard the 100 Highlights Cruise. Pack your camera and get ready to snap the likes of the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and so much more.

Thanks to the audio guide you'll get when you board, available in myriad languages, you'll learn all about the city and canals' history, as well as the highlights of each landmark you pass. It's the perfect introduction to Amsterdam's waterways and gives you the chance to learn about landmarks you might want to visit on land afterward!

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Hop to it

If you're hoping to see the sights up close, then check out a Hop on-Hop off boat tour instead! You're in complete control, so you board when you want, leave when you want to see one of the amazing landmarks that Amsterdam has to offer, and then hop back on the next boat to continue one. It's that easy!

You'll pass the likes of the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, A'DAM Lookout, and the Anne Frank House, which are all well worth exploring on foot.

So, if you want the freedom to go and see what you please on dry land, a Hop on-Hop off boat tour is one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

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Boat brunch like a G

Sure, you could spend your tour of Amsterdam's canals sightseeing. Or, you could enjoy a brilliant bottomless brunch courtesy of G's Brunch Boat!

Two options await you on your watery adventure. Either pick a drink and one of the amazing brunch options from G's impressive menu. Or, go all-in on the bottomless brunch, help yourself to as many cocktails, beers, wines, or proseccos as you like, and top it all off with a meal from the menu.

Food-wise, you'll find brunch classics like Eggs Benny, and breakfast burritos alongside meatier options like chicken and waffles, chicken burgers, and salmon-topped brioche.

Then, sit in for 75 minutes of amazing views, amazing drinks, and amazing food. Does it get any better than that? Probably not.

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Romance on the waves

If you're visiting Amsterdam with that special someone, or you're a resident who wants to impress their significant other, consider a romantic canal Candlelight Cruise!

You and your muse will sit down to a delicious selection of traditional cheese and meats as your tour guide waxes lyrical about all the landmarks you pass. Sip on unlimited drinks, with beers, wines, and soft drinks on offer.

It's a great way to get the lay of the land, while enjoying the lights reflecting off of the water. And your partner's eyes, of course. Romance, right? Top stuff.

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A pizza paradise

Boats and pizza - typically not two things you'd associate with one another, but when has that stopped humanity from making things happen? We created bacon mayonnaise, after all. So, why not see pizza and boats beautifully combine on a Pizza Cruise of Amsterdam!

Served by one of the city's favorite pizza chains in New York Pizza, you'll get to choose a pizza of your choice before you set off along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Your guide will regale you with tales of the sights and sounds you see along the way, all while you tuck into your slices and a couple of drinks to boot.

Ideal if the sun is shining and you have a group of friends with you, this 1.5-hour tour is easily one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

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Learn on the water

What if you could combine your love of water and boats with a sprinkling of learning and culture? Well, we have great news for you. You can, thanks to the Museum Line - Amsterdam's best museum cruise!

Following a set schedule, you'll glide along Amsterdam's canals, stopping off at major museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Hermitage. At each stop, you'll have the chance to explore and learn, filling your withered brain up with key information.

There'll even be the opportunity to do some shopping, should you require tributes to the in-laws back home. And all of that in one-and-a-half hours. Not bad! Not bad at all.

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Sail like a semi-pirate

And finally, we'll end this list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam with an old classic - the booze cruise. Yes, even Amsterdam's beautiful waterways are graced with these bad boys. So why not take a pub cruise and explore the more exciting parts of the city?

Your trip will take you through the red light district, where the eponymous lights will dance off of the canals. Beautiful, right? You'll also be free to drink beer, wine, and munch on a variety of snacks as you go, in case all that booze leaves you with cravings!

And that was our list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Canal houses over a canal bridge
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3 Days in Amsterdam

Known worldwide for its unique mix of extensive history, intriguing culture and renowned social hubs, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations. Many of the city’s top attractions are nestled together within a compact city center, making the Dutch capital ideal for weekend getaways and whirlwind trips. While you’re sure to find more than enough to last you a number of weeks, three days in Amsterdam is plenty of time to explore some of the best attractions that the city has to offer. In place of a strict, linear itinerary, we’ve put together a selection of our top recommendations for things to do within a three-day trip, along with recommended visit durations to help you plan your own itinerary. Must-Do Museums Rijksmuseum Recommended Visit: 2 - 4 hours Perhaps the most well-known hub of history and culture in Amsterdam and easily one of the most important museums in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum dominates the Museumplein with its striking Gothic- and Renaissance-style architecture. Officially opened to the public in 1885, the site is now home to a vast collection of historical artifacts chronicling over 800 years of Dutch history, along with an impressive collection of artworks by some of the Netherlands’ own master painters. Among its most popular pieces are works by Vermeer and Van Gogh, with Rembrandt’s famous The Night Watch taking pride of place. Amsterdam Museum Recommended Visit: 1 hour Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archaeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history. Van Gogh Museum Recommended Visit: 1.5 - 3 hours Among Amsterdam’s extensive selection of globally significant art galleries, the Van Gogh Museum remains the king. Understandably a great source of cultural and artistic pride for the Netherlands, the site houses the world’s most complete collection of works by history’s most famous painter. Attracting art aficionados and curious visitors alike from the world over, the museum is home to over 200 of the Dutch artist’s paintings, alongside more than 500 drawings and 700 letters. The site also hosts a rolling series of temporary exhibitions related to the works of Van Gogh, his contemporaries and his impact on the art world as a whole. Anne Frank House Recommended Visit: 1 hour Perhaps the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. Left virtually untouched structurally for the best part of a century, this unassuming canal house now serves as a museum and potent reminder of the difficulties and religious persecution experienced by jews and other minority groups during the Second World War. Originally the premises of the Frank family business, the building would later come to house the hiding place in which the family of the famous wartime diarist evaded German capture for almost two years. While the house is now empty of most original furniture, the original annex in which they hid still stands, continuing to breathe the tense atmosphere of the period. Engaging Activities Heineken Experience Recommended Visit: 90 minutes Historic home to one of the world’s most lauded beer brands, Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience takes visitors on a unique behind-the-scenes journey through the creation and history of the globally popular pilsner. The tour guides visitors through every aspect of production, from inception to brewing to marketing, before rounding off with a much-anticipated tasting session. Nightlife Recommended Visit: – Among many other things, Amsterdam is renowned for offering one of the best nightlife scenes in all of Europe. Popular venues can be found throughout the city, but as a general rule of thumb, the old area of Jordaan is typically very popular with young people for its trendy bars. Nes typically attracts more of an intellectual theater crowd, and the clubs on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein serve as a fantastic end to the night. Retail Therapy Recommended Visit: – If you’re looking to grab some European bargains or to pick up a souvenir or two from your trip, Amsterdam has you sorted. The Negen Straatjes (‘Nine Streets’) is a collection of narrow, historical streets at the heart of the canal district, replete with charming cafés and restaurants alongside a wide selection of both unique, independent stores and chain boutiques. For the best retail experience that Amsterdam has to offer, you’ll want to take yourself to Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, as well as the Kalverpassage shopping mall that connects the two. The Magna Plaza is your best bet for more of an independent mall experience, while De Bijenkorf is your best source for all things designer and luxury. Outdoor Escapes Canal Cruise Recommended Visit: Varies per provider Most likely the first thing most people associate with Amsterdam is its iconic waterways. Originally serving as means of water management, defense and facilitating trade, the capital’s labyrinthine canals accounts for 25% of the city’s surface area. With tourism now accounting for a huge portion of Amsterdam’s economy, the canals have evolved to serve largely as a unique means for visitors to explore the city from a new perspective. There’s a whole host of canal tour operators providing excursions through the city center, often accompanied by valuable local insights into the cultural and historical significance of many of Amsterdam’s top attractions. ARTIS Royal Zoo Recommended Visit: 2 hours One of the oldest zoos in Europe, the Natura Artis Magistra was established in the mid-1800s and has since continued to offer an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Amsterdam for families and nature lovers alike. Commonly known simply as ARTIS, the location comprises both a botanical garden and zoological garden. Home to over 200 unique species of trees – many on the brink of extinction – alongside over 900 animals from all manner of habitats around the world, the zoo serves to educate visitors as to the vital role that every living creature plays in nature. The site is also home to an aquarium, a planetarium and an impressive art and sculpture collection. Parks Recommended Visit: – For a brief escape from the bustling city streets, Amsterdam is home to a wide selection of beautifully serene green spaces. Most popular among these is the Vondelpark, whose 120-acre footprint houses ancient trees, scenic lakes, charming gardens and a variety of delightful bars and cafés. Westerpark is another popular choice as, connecting to the Westergasfabriek complex, it serves as a home to some of the city’s most hip bars and restaurants, along with an arthouse cinema. Visitors can hire a boat to cruise along the Haarlemmerweg canal into the city, or attend some of the great food and music festivals hosted in the park throughout the year. Getting Around Public Transport While most of the city center is easily accessible on foot, with most top attractions rarely more than a short walk from one another, Amsterdam’s extensive public transport system can be a huge boon for getting your two-day itinerary rolling smoothly. Between the capital’s three primary bus operators, 14 tram lines and 39 citywide metro stops, you should have no trouble at all hopping from the likes of the Rijksmuseum straight to Westerpark at your leisure. If you’re trying to cover a lot of Amsterdam in a limited amount of time, public transport can often cut your journey time by at least half when compared to simply walking. All of the services within the Amsterdam public transport system are integrated with each other, meaning any multiple-use pass you purchase will be valid on any mode of transport. You can buy single- or multi-use tickets at most transport hubs, alongside passes valid from anywhere between 24 and 96 hours should you plan to use public transport fairly regularly. Cycling If you’re looking for the full Amsterdam experience, then there’s nothing more truly Dutch than exploring the city on your own set of wheels. With over 470 miles of cycle lanes making up the Amsterdam Bicycle Network, cycling is easily one of the most convenient means of getting around. Most rental shops dotted throughout the city offer rates of around €10/day. On the Water While we’ve already covered the value of Amsterdam’s canals for providing a new perspective on the city, they also serve as a great way to get around the city center. A ticket for a hop-on, hop-off boat tour can last you the whole day or even your whole trip and offers much the same experience as other tours, while also operating regular stops to help you get from A to B. That being said, given the limited range of the canals, it should be noted that this is not a viable means of traversing the whole city.
Robert Heaney
Iconic Amsterdam canal houses reflected in a canal
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Amsterdam in October

At the peak of fall, Amsterdam finds itself in the middle of its late-year shoulder season. Just as the weather begins to make way for the colder climates of winter, so too do tourism rates reach some of their lowest. With that, a trip to Amsterdam in October guarantees you’ll be able to experience the capital’s famous mix of history and hedonism at its most genuine. Visiting Amsterdam in October Average Temperature: 46 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 hours/day Marking the height of Amsterdam’s fall shoulder season, October sees some of the year’s lowest turnover of tourists, with the summertime masses now long gone and the brief waves of Christmas vacationers still a good way off. While the Dutch capital is never truly quiet, this temporary lull offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the city at its most genuine. Many of Amsterdam’s top attractions and activities are evergreen, meaning you can enjoy them at just about any time of year. However, lower tourism rates mean you’ll get to experience these attractions much more at your leisure, often without having to battle such large crowds. And if that’s not enough to convince you, then perhaps the low-season hotel rates and airfare will be. With fall now in full swing, Amsterdam’s weather takes a fairly noticeable dip in October. With typically mild highs and rather cool lows, you’re likely to find yourself – quite rightfully – leaning more toward indoor attractions and cozy cafés. If you’re looking to spend more of your time exploring the city’s iconic streets and squares, then just be sure to pack some slightly warmer clothes, and don’t forget your umbrella. Things to do in October Few things represent Amsterdam better than its wealth of renowned historical and cultural hubs. Taking pride of place, the Rijksmuseum stretches along the Museumplein, housing its vast selection of some of the Netherlands’ most celebrated artworks and historical artifacts. The Amsterdam Museum takes a much more direct approach to history, chronicling the development of the Dutch capital from the middle ages to present day. However, easily the most visited historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where a museum dedicated to the famous wartime diarist immortalizes the very place she and her family evaded German capture. Should you have an eye for art, you’ll know that some of history’s most notable artists were Dutch through and through. In tribute to these famed painters, Amsterdam is dotted with a variety of art galleries, such as the Van Gogh Museum, along with hotspots like the Rembrandt House, frozen in time, where enthusiasts can walk in the footsteps of one of Europe’s greatest creatives. Alongside art, culture and history, Amsterdam is particularly famous for its hedonistic delights, and nothing reflects that more than its bustling nightlife scene. As a general rule of thumb, Jordaan is a particularly popular area with young people for its selection of trendy bars, and the clubs on Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein serve as a great place to continue the night. For a unique way to explore the city while you still have the weather for it, a canal boat tour can offer a fantastic view of some of Amsterdam’s top attractions from along its iconic waterways. Alternatively, a hop-on, hop-off boat tour offers somewhat the same experience, while also offering a great way to get from A to B. If you’re looking to escape the cold for a few hours, whether it be with a steaming cup of coffee and a hearty slice of homemade cake or a few beers over a friendly game, a number of specialty venues throughout the city can deliver just that. The homely atmosphere and wide library of board games and books at Checkpoint Charlie makes it a great place to spend a few hours, while Mooie Boules has visitors sinking a few drinks while playing or watching a few rounds of French boules. Events in October Amsterdam Lift-Off Film Festival Over the course of a week in October, filmmakers and film fanatics alike come together to celebrate their shared passion for the medium at the Lift-Off Film Festival. The event invites upcoming talent to submit films of any genre to be vetted and subsequently screened in various iconic locations across the city. Throughout the festival, submissions will be subject to audience choice awards, in which viewers vote on their choice for the best candidate in various categories. Some of the largest categories include Best Actor, Best Screenplay and Best Director, with other awards specific to genres, techniques and media. The festival serves to provide a platform for rising creators to gain recognition and further opportunities in the film industry and related professional circles. Amsterdam Dance Event The Amsterdam Dance Event is the world’s leading electronic music festival. Taking place over a little under a week, the event features over 300 performances from more than 2,000 DJs throughout more than 80 venues and clubs throughout Amsterdam. With an immense program of events featuring both the biggest international names and fresh talent, the festival briefly transforms Amsterdam into the world’s busiest and most thriving nightlife hub. The event attracts over 350,000 visitors from around the globe each year to revel in performances covering the full spectrum of electronic sub-genres. Camera Japan Festival Camera Japan is another lauded film festival with a Japanese twist. Beginning in Rotterdam often in late September before moving to Amsterdam, the event features a vast program of Japanese film screenings. From short films to top animated pieces, many of these screenings offer English subtitles, attracting thousands of fans of world cinema each year. Alongside the impressive array of movies is also a plethora of cultural events and activities. Visitors with an interest in Japanese art can join a calligraphy class, while foodies can indulge in some of the best Japanese cuisine in the region and watch a traditional dance or Japanese fashion demonstration.
Robert Heaney
things to do in amsterdam with teens
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Things to do in Amsterdam for Teens

Teens; the loveable, distracted youth are one of a kind. You may remember being them, but things have changed. Technology has reshaped the teenage landscape and altered the rules of engagement. So, how do you deal with them in the 21st century? Well, by winning their hearts, mind, and attention with the biggest and best entertainment you can find! So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, what are the best things to do for teens in the city? We'll tell you, right now. Including: THIS IS HOLLAND A'DAM LOOKOUT Moco Museum Pancakes Amsterdam Anne Frank House and more!   Nederland, but not as you know it Seeing a city from the ground is one thing, but exploring it from the sky is something else. Have you ever flown over a city like a bird? If you answered yes to that, you might need to speak to someone. Unless, of course, you've already taken a spin on THIS IS HOLLAND! This 5D flight simulation experience lets you soar over the Netherlands, looking down on its most famous landmarks. Even teenagers with remarkably short attention spans won't be able to look away. Thanks to state-of-the-art steam and wind technology, they'll feel the mist on their faces as they skim the ocean's surface. The wind will ruffle their middle parting as they duck and dive through a forest. They'll also learn about the country's past and present, but in a dynamic, exciting way, not a school way. Even if you trick them into the theater, they'll soon discover that learning can, in fact, be fun.   LOOKOUT below Speaking of seeing cities from unique perspectives, teenagers will love looking down on Amsterdam from above. After all, they probably think they're better than the average "old" person, right? Well, their prayers have been answered. Simply take your bundle of trouble up to the 360 Sky Deck at A'DAM LOOKOUT and let them live out their overlord dreams. Dance routines and pouty selfies for all! But if that wasn't enough, there's also 'Over The Edge'. What's that? Well, it's a giant swing that dangles over 320 feet in the air. And, if you're teen is a daring sort, they can sit on it and prove their bravery once and for all. Or, if they don't feel like this death-defying feat, they can hop on a VR rollercoaster through the city, and then learn about Amsterdam's history, thanks to a slew of brilliant interactive exhibits! Whichever challenge they choose to undertake, A'DAM LOOKOUT is easily one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teenagers!   Stencils in the stone Art has changed, there are no two ways about it. And rightfully so - art has always evolved through the centuries. From cave paintings to marble sculptures, art has evolved as we have. Art's current revolution has taken things to the streets, with art staining the very walls we call home. So, if you're teen's into the street art revolution, go get them immersed at the Moco Museum. Curated by none other than Banksy himself, the Moco Museum explores modern-day life through a critical lens. Featuring works from internationally-renowned artists like Damian Hirst, JR, Koons, Kusama, and KAWS, your not-so-little ones will spend a good couple of hours seeing all the sights and sound this eclectic museum has to offer. Plus, phone-savvy teens can even pull out their devices to interact with some exhibits, thanks to augmented reality (or AR). And that's not even mentioning the endless photo ops for the emaciated social following.   Everybody Loves Pancakes It doesn't matter how young or old you are, pancakes are universally loved by everyone. Absolutely everyone. If you don't like pancakes, you're going on the list. The simplest of ingredients combine to create mouth masterpieces. And one of Amsterdam's pancake houses is so good that they named it after the city. That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and your teen will love it. You'll get a free pancake tasting, where they can pick from myriad ingredients and toppings to make their own mouthwatering masterpiece. On us, of course, because we care. And, if one simply isn't enough, grab a table, pull out a menu, and order like a normal customer. Whether it's a morning treat, a midday snack, or a dinner replacement, your teen will dig the pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam. See what we did there? Dig? Yep, we're down. With them. Down with them. Exactly.   A must-visit Memorial On a more serious note, vacations are often fact-finding missions. You learn about another culture, immerse yourself in the local cuisine and customs, and discover a country's history while you're at it. Amsterdam has a lot of history, and not all of it is good. However, there's no denying that the Anne Frank House is worth a visit. Though she didn't live to tell the tale, Anne Frank's diary offered the world a candid view into the lives of Jewish people who struggled during the German occupation. Anne Frank was a teen herself when she hid, so it's easy for fellow teens to relate to the everyday struggles she faced on top of the very real threat to her life. In the house itself, they can learn about the family, their history, and the people that helped them hide. Easily one of the most thought-provoking things to do in Amsterdam for teens.   Nothing but the classics Even if street art is the de facto art form these days, nothing quite beats the classics. And if you want your fill of 8,000 classic artistic artifacts, head to the Netherlands' most famous museum - the Rijksmuseum. Discover famous masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including masterworks from Hals, Steen, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Show your young one how they did it way back when, and brace yourself for multiple age-related jokes. It's okay; after the first barrage, they'll subside. The art speaks for itself.   Bright games for brighter minds And finally, we end our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teens with some fun and games. And not just any games, but arcade games. At the TonTon Club, they'll discover a world of digital giggles. These days, every young person likely plays some videogames, so let them loose and try to keep up. They'll find classic arcade hits, more modern gems, and even just regular games like Mario Kart on offer. Buy them up some tokens and let them do their thing. Trust us, they'll appreciate it. And that was our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teens! We hope they enjoy their vacation as much as you do.
Dom Bewley

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