Amsterdam is colloquially known as the “Venice of the North,” and on most postcards, you’ll see beautiful bridges and canals as the backdrop to daily life here. Thanks to the over one hundred kilometers of canals, largely built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Amsterdam has become a textbook example of picturesque European cities to visit. You won’t be disappointed here.
The three main canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, form the core of the system, and over 1,600 bridges connect the streets across Amsterdam’s canals today. Countless photos have been taken here by people from all over the world, and few views rival the one you get when standing on one of the bridges to watch the sunrise.
Here, just as when the canals were built, much of life revolves around the UNESCO-listed canals at the heart of daily life. The locals are proud of their city and love to use the canals for boat trips in the summer and, for the adventurous, to venture out onto the ice when winter becomes cold enough and the ice settles on the narrow stretches of water.
Tickets for Canal Tours
If you’re in Amsterdam or planning a trip there and are curious about taking a canal tour, it’s easy to buy tickets. If you want to take a tour where you can hop on and off as you wish, you can purchase your tickets directly at the ticket counter where the tour departs.
If you book a quality tour like Get Your Guide, it’s easiest to purchase your tickets online. The tickets include, in addition to the boat tour, a live guided presentation from a host on the boat, as well as cheese, wine, beer, or soft drinks if you add this as an option.
The advantages of choosing Get Your Guide are simply many, and you can book your tickets here.
Experience Amsterdam from the Water
For those who want to experience Amsterdam from its incredible canals, which the city’s history is built upon, there are several pleasant options. Many companies offer you the opportunity to hop on a boat where it suits you and hop off where you wish.
This makes it easier for you to see and experience what you want, in a place where much of what you see in Amsterdam today is actually built on the influence of the canals on society and the Dutch soul.
If you choose among the options, you can advantageously select Get Your Guide’s canal tour, where the starting point is either at Anne Frank’s House or at Central Station. Here, you’ll get a professional and thorough canal tour, with knowledgeable staff and a pleasant route to follow.
You can also opt for the cheese and wine option, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy something truly delicious while experiencing the grandeur of the canals from the water.
Departure Times for Amsterdam Canal Tours
When booking your canal tour, you can choose departure times between 10:30 AM and 9:15 PM. All tours take one hour from start to finish, regardless of the options you’ve selected in your booking. It’s easy to book your tickets any day of the week, year-round. Note that unexpected weather phenomena, such as the canals freezing over, in rare cases, may affect the possibility of going on the tour.
The History of the Canals
Amsterdam was founded in 1250 with the construction of the first canal – Dam, which today has been replaced by the main thoroughfare Damrak (which in Dutch means “the last part of the river leading to Dam”), in central Amsterdam.
During the Middle Ages, the first networks of canals were dug to manage the water in the area, as well as for defense. As the city grew, some defense lines and constructions lost their purpose, but the Dutch then saw a new function for their canals – the transport of goods.
It became an excellent way to transport these to and from the warehouses along the canals to take them out into the world.
During Amsterdam’s Golden Age, the three main canals, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht, were built, along with a number of other canals. This meant that the Dutch Golden Age, with merchants bringing home and transporting goods around the world, drove the economy forward.
In addition, nine floating markets were established, making it easy for locals to purchase the goods they needed.
Although it was an efficient way to transport goods, Amsterdam changed in the 20th century, and what many visitors to the city today don’t know is that many canals have been lost and now consist of busy streets. Today, about 25% of the city’s area consists of waterways, and Amsterdam is still the city with the most water of any in the world.
What You Must Not Miss on the Canal Tour
There is much to see in Amsterdam, and whether you’ve visited the city before or not, you’re guaranteed to find more things to see and new experiences every time. Here are some tips on important landmarks you absolutely must not miss and which you have the opportunity to see during your journey on Amsterdam’s canals.
Anne Frank House
Right at the dock where you can board your tour is Anne Frank’s House, and this is an absolute must when you’re in Amsterdam. The story of 13-year-old Anne, who hid with her family above her father’s office and business, only to be discovered and sent to a concentration camp, is one that has gripped the world time and time again.
Anne’s diary bears witness to life in Amsterdam during the war, for all the Jews who hid from the Nazis, and during the boat tour, you’ll learn more about this.
Westerkerk
The beautiful Westerkerk, located right on the edge of the Jordaan district in Amsterdam, was built in the 17th century and has played a significant role in the Dutch church over the centuries. Here, you can gain insight into the role religion has played in the development of the city and the country, as well as experience beautiful architecture that has influenced Dutch building styles in many ways.
Hermitage Amsterdam
The Hermitage in Amsterdam is an art museum in the city that you don’t want to miss. During the canal tour, you can learn more about how it developed, and afterward, you’re highly recommended to visit the museum to see more exciting art.
The Dancing Houses
These houses, located in central Amsterdam, have the same classic structure and architecture as most other houses in these areas. The big difference is that they are right by the water, and years and weather phenomena have caused them to lean to the right and left, making it look like they are “dancing.”
Magere Brug
Magere Brug – the Skinny Bridge – connects the Amstel River with the other side and is one of the most famous bridges in Amsterdam. It was first built in the 17th century but took its current form in the early 20th century. Passing here is an absolute must when you’re in Amsterdam, and during a canal tour, you can learn more about its history.
Other Experiences on the Canal Tour
You choose how you want to experience Amsterdam from the water and its canals, but a nice option is to book the opportunity to taste delicious cheeses, many Dutch, and drink good wine or other beverages.
In addition to the important landmarks in Amsterdam mentioned above, you’ll also get to experience the Red Light District, one of the city’s oldest districts, as well as the Old Harbor, which has played a crucial role in Amsterdam’s development over the centuries.
You’ll also be able to take beautiful photos of the Maritime Museum’s fantastic building, as well as the prestigious Gouden Bocht area, centered around the impressive Herengracht.
Questions are encouraged, and you can make new acquaintances during the tour, especially if you choose the option with cheese and drinks.
Good to Know Before Your Visit
Unfortunately, there is no possibility to go on a canal tour if you are in a wheelchair. In general, Amsterdam’s canal boats are not equipped for those with limited mobility, and children under 18 are not allowed on the tour without adult supervision.
These tours are also not for those who want to party, as you are instead recommended to visit one of the many bars in central Amsterdam. Alcohol is served for those over eighteen, but guests are expected to enjoy this cultural and historical tour in a calm and pleasant manner.
You’ll Never Regret an Experience on Amsterdam’s Unique Canals
Experiencing Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals in person is a unique experience you don’t want to miss.
It’s an activity that suits the whole family, and you’re guaranteed to learn more about the city’s exciting history, as well as how life on the water is lived even today.
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