Encounter the Beautiful Canals in Amsterdam

Canals in Amsterdam

The three main canals are Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, though there are of course many more. It is estimated that the city contains over 100 canals, though the exact number is not known. Originally constructed in the Dutch Golden Age, almost 400 years ago, they were built for practical purposes, commissioned as part of a grand city planning scheme.
Today, the canals are predominantly used for leisure purposes, and no visit to this beautiful city would be complete without exploring the canals and the attractions which pepper their banks.

Canal Tours in Amsterdam

There are several ways one can experience the canals but the chief way is, of course, by boat. There are numerous companies offering tours which can be easily arranged upon your arrival. If you want to check out some of the many museums, eateries and other canal side attractions at your leisure then an open, hop-on hop-off ticket is a great option. This way you can explore the four key routes along the canals in Amsterdam as and when you wish. Available ticket durations are normally 24 or 48 hours. Booking online is recommended to secure the best deals and note that your ticket entitles you to discounts at selected shops and restaurants. Wi-Fi is also available at every stop, so you can easily check departure times online and plan the rest of your day.
If you are looking for a fixed tour, as opposed to the hop-on hop-off option, then Holland International is a popular choice. The 100 Highlights Cruise, which takes in sights such as the Westerkerk and the Anne Frank House, departs every 15 minutes from just outside Central Station.

Amsterdam Canals by Bike

Biking is also an option and is, after all, an authentically Dutch way to explore the canal rings. Central Amsterdam is relatively small in comparison to other cities and its terrain mostly flat, meaning that cycling is easy enough for those who are even moderately fit. Mike's Bikes, located between the Prinsengracht and Kiezergracht, on Kerkstraat, offers bike rentals as well as guided tours. For those who are not content to enjoy the canals from the sidelines, it is even possible to rent canal bikes that can hold up to four people. You can rent them from several locations across the city, including the Rijks Museum and outside the Anne Frank House.

Amsterdam Canal Walking Tour

Whilst there are no specific walking tours which focus explicitly on the waterways, the vast majority of tours are curated with the canals in mind. The popular Free Walking Tour, which operates on a tip only basis, is a great option. Alternatively, there are many others which are more extensive.
Of course, you can always explore the canals in Amstedam by yourself, but bear in mind that you will need more time to cover a reasonable amount of ground. If you are walking or biking around the canals, be sure to arm yourself with a good map. The numerous streets and bridges can make navigation a little tricky, although there are worse places to get lost than in this labyrinth of stunning architecture!

Alternative Amsterdam Canal Tours

Evening dinner cruises are highly popular and with good reason The low slung bridges and crooked houses coupled with the warm lights from surrounding buildings make for an enchanting backdrop to a romantic meal.
If you are seeking a more cultural, urban adventure, then the New Herengracht canal is located in the popular Plantage district. The area is home to countless inviting cafes, part of the famous University of Amsterdam, Artis Zoo and botanical gardens. Head north along the New Herengracht and you arrive at the imposing Amstel River, overlooking the industrialised north island. Here you will find the Ship Museum and NEMO, a family-friendly science museum which is perfect if travelling with youngsters.

Go to an ice-skating in Amsterdam’s canals

Ice-skating for the Dutch is huge and so are the opportunities for tourists and travelers to join them in their national winter sport by renting a pair of skates. Besides, let’s all remember that Dutch teams and athletes aren’t alien to the podium at Winter Olympics, so you should be ready for some serious competition and the not-so-amateur performances on ice.

The downside is that you never know how long freezing temperatures will last so you cannot plan a trip to Amsterdam just to ice-skate on its canals. Increase your chances by visiting the Netherlands in late January and February. And if you must scratch ice-skating in Amsterdam from your bucket list, some canals and lakes always get frozen enough and, just in case, they place some outdoors ice rinks all around the city.

A trip through the canals in Amsterdam is a must for any visitor to the city, with each canal having its own unique flavour and telling fascinating stories about this beautiful and historical European city.

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Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!