Culture Amsterdam

Canal Boats

Experience the city from the water with a classic canal cruise.

2 min readDamrak 28a

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Amsterdam, the bustling capital of the Netherlands, is home to a wealth of historical splendour and modern charm. For those who truly want to understand and embrace this city, there is no better way than to hop aboard a canal boat and explore its enchanting canals. Below, you will discover why this is an unmissable experience.

Amsterdam is one of the most visited attractions in the Netherlands, with around three million passengers seeking out the magic of the canals every year. The origins of these canal tours date back to 1901, when they were exclusively for the wealthy and those visiting the city. At that time, however, the situation was far from ideal, with the canals polluted and smelly due to sewage discharge until 1935. Fortunately, the Zeeburg pumping station brought relief and a new era began for the canals.

A standard canal cruise, usually lasting an hour, takes passengers on a journey along the picturesque Amstel, Prinsengracht, Leidsegracht and Herengracht canals. Most companies follow a clockwise route, and along the way you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city's historic sights. This is an opportunity to admire the grandeur of Amsterdam from a unique perspective.

Over the years, Amsterdam's canal cruises have welcomed illustrious guests, including Winston Churchill, The Beatles, Nelson Mandela and even the Dutch national football team in 2010. This tradition is cherished to this day, with famous visitors invited to explore the city's enchanting canals.

The canal cruises offer a variety of experiences to suit different tastes. In addition to the standard cruises with covered seating, there are also boats that specialise in catering, private boats for intimate trips and even the striking ‘weed boat,’ where passengers can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and the freedom to use cannabis products on board.

Map showing Damrak 28a, 1012 LJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Damrak 28a, 1012 LJ Amsterdam, NetherlandsAmsterdam
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