This is how the most famous group of our canals called the Canal Belt (Grachtengordel in Dutch) came into being. The following bars, for example, allow their guests to sit back, relax and share a drink with friends whilst marvelling at Amsterdam… "A friend of ours recommended Pure Boats to us, and we’ll be listening to … On one of Amsterdam’s oldest canals, in the heart of the Negen Straatjes – the ‘Nine Little Streets’, a hip shopping, café and restaurant quarter. The capital city of the Netherlands boasts more canals than Venice (which is dubbed the City of Canals). Amsterdam's Best Canal Tour - Lovers Cruise. Finding first-rate outdoor seating in Amsterdam is rarely a chore, thanks to the city’s famous café culture and impressive roster of superb bars. I definitely recommend trying to take a tour during the late afternoon/early evening. That way you get to experience the canals during the daytime, see the sun set, and tour the waters at night, which is super magical! There are about 3,000 houseboats in Amsterdam… The city of Amsterdam is built entirely on reclaimed swamp land, a characteristic that has defined its shape, purpose and the look of its canal houses. Often called the Venice of the North, Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, is one of the most beautiful cities in… She was great at fielding our questions and we got to know about the locals’ everyday life, stories behind the unique architecture, city laws and regulations, the history of the Red Light District, and more. Now he's turned his passion into food tours, so Eating Europe guests can also share a taste of local life (read more). Besides providing a stunning backdrop to the city’s historical centre, floating down Amsterdam’s canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city's sights and attractions.Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, everything in Amsterdam … Attempts to clean up Amsterdam’s canals for swimming. Toronto-based content writer with the constant itch to explore the world. Each of the 225 rooms, spread across 25… 465 reviews. https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-small-canals-in-amsterdam-1456861 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Those Dam Boat Guys operates on a smaller boat and there’s no set route – you’re encouraged to request specific sights you want to see and ask questions about things you’re actually curious about, so it’s really up to the passengers to set the vibe of the tour! https://amsterdamcanalboatrental.com/most-beautiful-canals-amsterdam Before booking a tour, it’s important to do a little research so that you get the experience you want. That’s why finding the best canal tour in Amsterdam … Give them the gift of food. Hobbies include watching movies that make her cry and ordering way too much takeout. Read about 10 most popular boat companies for your Amsterdam canal cruise. The canals in Amsterdam are beautiful. What I'd give to get caught in a downpour, alone, Thank you for being the absolute best companion th, How We Spent One Day in Madrid While Jet Lagged, My Favourite Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants in Barcelona. The best way to explore them is on a boat, so I’ve made here a little guide with the best canal cruises in Amsterdam and some interesting facts about those famous canals. The tour was so informative while still feeling very informal. Amsterdam has 165 canals! Whether you are here for a few hours or a few weeks, no time in Amsterdam would be complete without experiencing our canals for yourself and getting to know a little bit more about them, too. It is our assessment that seeing Amsterdam from the water will be a surprising and delightful experience for visitors. Expect picturesque views and rich history abound when you depart on one of the many Amsterdam canal tours offered in the city. This canal borders popular areas such as Leidseplein, Heineken Brewery, Rijskmuseum, and is the closest to the Vondelpark. The Singel – the network’s oldest canal – was the major route for all trade vessels coming and going from Amsterdam. If you’re looking for a fun and personalized tour experience, then I highly recommend Those Dam Boat Guys. Amsterdam’s houses are tilted because the soil they’re built on is so damp—it’s truly a water-logged city! They encourage you to feel at home and experience the tour the way you want to, so long as you’re being safe and respectful to the other passengers. One of the best ways to discover Holland’s capital city is by navigating around its famous canals. The Prinsengracht flows past the blue-crowned Westerkerk and somber Anne Frank House. Another “The Venice of the North,” Amsterdam began building its famous canals in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. Taking a boat ride is one of the best ways to appreciate this urban canal ring and the city’s other waterways. With this sweet, super-saver combo, not only do you get to tour the heart of the Dutch capital via its world famous canals, but also visit the famed Rijksmuseum, both being two of the most … The oldest of the main canals and the first canal you will encounter if you are setting off from Dam Square heading west, Singel used to be the moat that provided protection for Amsterdam. Once home to many warehouses stocking supplies from Asia and other far-flung destinations that Amsterdam’s mighty fleet brought home, the Brouwersgracht is connected to all four of the previously mentioned canals on the north side of the canal ring. Why? Oudezijds Voorburgwal Canal This canal is the largest canal that cuts through the Red Light District, running directly behind the oldest building in all of Amsterdam, De Oude Kerk (The Old … The first canals were dug in the Middle Ages, but most, including the three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, were constructed during Amsterdam’s Golden Age in … Their mesmerizing concentric shape, the way their bridges nobly arch, the way they look at night when lights twinkle off their waters, I could go on forever about Amsterdam’s canals…. The classically beautiful Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is made up of six … Amsterdam’s canals are probably the most famous and most romantic canals in the entire world. A baroque vibe prevails in these two 17th-century canal-side buildings on Keizersgracht, … You’ll notice that many of the buildings here have an almost palatial look to them. They are much wider than the other canals and are filled with fashionable homes which were once owned by the city’s newly rich merchant class. While Amsterdam’s canals may not be entirely clean or safe now, there are attempts to make them swimmable in the future. If you’re visiting Amsterdam, the most watery city in the world, then simply walking to explore just won’t cut it. Since the city was in the middle of an economic boom, the Canal Belt was specifically designed to be a showcase of the city’s wealth and grandeur. The Amsterdam Water Vision 2040 (Watervisie Amsterdam 2040) outlines plans and goals by the city for Amsterdam… The Toren. Our 5:30 pm tour only had 10 passengers in total, and the cozy quarters and interactive set up really encouraged us to get to know each other. Most people know that using a  bike in Amsterdam is a must: the city of tulips is the most bicycle-friendly capital in the world. I definitely didn’t want to do one of those large commercialized boat tours where you feel like you’re stuck on a specific route with a tour/audio guide just going off from a spiel. Your email address will not be published. Ranging from general day tours and hop-on hop-off sightseeing, to romantic nighttime cruises, to party boats, there’s a tour geared towards every kind of traveller and vibe. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. In the 16th and 17th centuries Amsterdam was the trade hub of the world. The best canal cruise in Amsterdam with different boats. This canal isn’t too far from the Nieuwmarket nightlife district either. For 400 years, the canals of Amsterdam have been the city’s lifeblood. The Best Canal Tour in Amsterdam. The 17th-century canal ring area, including the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and Jordaan, were listed as UNESCO Worl… Expect picturesque views and rich history abound when you depart on one of the many Amsterdam canal … He fell in love with the city’s backstreet eateries, and even more with the people and stories behind each dish. 0 One of the best ways to discover Holland’s capital city is by navigating around its famous canals. Check out this list of which ones are the prettiest and which ones you need to see. The whole time, it really felt like we were just hanging out and having a casual conversation with a local! Whether it’s your first time in Amsterdam or you just want rediscover all the best things about the city, they’ll definitely show you a good time! The largest canal running north-to-south directly through the center of Amsterdam, the Zwanenburgwal flows by the Waterlooplein market, which is a huge daily flea market, and the famous painter Rembrandt’s former residence. Most notable on the Brouwersgracht is the Dutch West India Company’s former headquarters. There are so many different canal cruises in Amsterdam to choose from, it could be hard to pick the best … Now, there are a total of 165 canals that stretch for a combined length of over 100 kilometers – that’s a lot of water! Alongside the main canals are 1550 monumental buildings. For many people, this canal is the city’s most beautiful. The Dutch joke that you can experience 4 seasons in one day, and they’re justified! Here’s why I think they give the best canal tour in Amsterdam. Eat Like A Local On The Canals Of Amsterdam. Written by Stephanie Sulit. Whether you end up exploring Amsterdam’s canals from the water or stay on dry land and see them by foot, here is a starter guide to get you primed and ready. Check out the best boat tours in Amsterdam. It costs 25 euros per person, which is a little bit more than some of the other tours that I looked at, but it’s definitely worth it! The three main canals, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel. Sorry, Venice. Amsterdam was bursting at the seams, so the city decided to build the Canal Belt outside the existing city confines for its citizens. Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, has more than 100 kilometers (62 mi) of grachten (canals), about 90 islands and 1,500 bridges. Today, this canal bustles with many shops and cafes and the world famous floating flower market known as the Bloemenmarkt. The exposure to the charm and elegance of the canals … Make the most of your evenings in Amsterdam with a nightlife pass that is valid for two to seven days. I’d definitely do the tour again when I’m back as I’m sure the experience will be a little different yet just as fun! (C) 2019 - Solo Pine. The three main canals (Herengracht, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht), dug in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age, form concentric belts around the city, known as the Grachtengordel. Have friends or family travelling in Europe? Kenny’s love for European cuisine was sparked after moving to Rome in 2009. 11 March 2019. If you’re planning on drinking wine, stop by. Want to see them all? #amsterda, amsterdam canals, canals in amsterdam… The unique mix of beautiful gabled architecture and state-of-the-art engineering that was the result is what you see today; and, as of 2010, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Bicycles are used for over ... Sam Wood, the co-author of the popular travel blog, Indefinite Adventure, shared with us his Vegan Scone Recipe. A canal cruise is an excellent … Although most terraces in Amsterdam are already awesome, some are a little more impressive than others. Not to be confused with Singel, Singelgracht is one canal past Prinsengracht, and was the official boundary of the city upon the Canal Belt’s completion. The Canal Ring can be navigated by foot, bicycle, and, of course, boat. From the very beginning, Amsterdam has attracted people in droves and has seemingly always been outgrowing its borders. Amsterdam Canal … You may be wondering how many canals in Amsterdam there are today. Eat Like a Local through Amsterdam's Jordaan neighbourhood. Order your canal cruise ticket . The Pulitzer, an Amsterdam icon for centuries, received a much-needed refresh. Shops, bars, and business hummed on the Prinsengracht back then, and they still do today. Best Canal Cruises in Amsterdam. The furthest west of the main Canal Belt, the Prinsengracht may mean “prince’s canal” in Dutch, but it was the canal where more real life took place during the Golden Age. Subscribe to receive the very best Eating Europe stories in your inbox. Perhaps an Amsterdam Canal tour is best. Required fields are marked *. From east to west, the major radial canals are the Brouwersgracht, Leidsegracht, and Reguliersgracht. Info about costs, Information and experience the best … Since 2010, the canals of Amsterdam is a recognized UNESCO heritage. Crazy to think of the planning that went into making sure they all formed this perfect system. The history of Amsterdam’s canals. Even after the tour, Morgan hung around to give everyone personalized recommendations for restaurants to try and sights to check out. I love meeting people when I’m in a new place and it was great not only getting to know the city better, but also learning more about our fellow travellers! Morgan, our tour guide, was great at breaking the ice and making the group feel at ease (because forced interactions between complete strangers is always a little awkward at first!). Pure Boats. While TDBG is the only tour I went on, I’m confident in saying that it’s the best canal tour in Amsterdam if you’re looking for a relaxed yet entertaining alternative to the more commercialized offerings in the city. You can pack some food for a little picnic and they even give you suggestions for where to buy alcohol and marijuana to bring on the boat. Amsterdam’s 165 canals were created in the 17th century to improve the city’s transportation system and to stimulate trade relations. All Rights Reserved. These are the canals that truly display Amsterdam’s desire to show off its burgeoning wealth and importance. The canals empties into the IJ, and is regarded as the oldest canal in Amsterdam. During the 17th Century, which was the Golden Age of Amsterdam’s wealth and power, the city was rapidly expanding due to its flourishing role as a major world trade center. The process of reclaim-ing has lead to many feats of engineer-ing to create a liveable city on water, which in turn generated a prosperous maritime shipping port.As Amsterdam … This canal is the largest canal that cuts through the Red Light District, running directly behind the oldest building in all of Amsterdam, De Oude Kerk (The Old Church). These 2 canals are the next you encounter after Singel, and they have a good amount in common. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive offers, discounts and the best in food and travel advice across Europe. Today there are over 100 km (60 miles) of canals … Home Amsterdam Amsterdam Travel Guide Best Time To Visit Amsterdam Amsterdam, fondly known as the city of canals is one of the prettiest cities in Europe with an unparalleled artistic heritage. The tour lasts around 90 minutes so make sure you use the bathroom beforehand, especially if you’re planning on drinking. Those Dam Boat Guys isn’t a party boat, but they’re completely chill about drinking and smoking. The Amsterdam Nightlife Experience pass provides access to more than 13 clubs, special events, and other attractions in Amsterdam, along with a canal … Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site defines Amsterdam’s landscape. A favourite amongst most travellers, Amsterdam … List of which ones are the prettiest and which ones you need to see Nieuwmarket nightlife district either in! So the city ’ s houses are tilted because the soil they ’ re on. Singel, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city, known as the grachtengordel to... Ride is one of the best in food and travel advice across Europe movies that her... Tour during the late afternoon/early evening was bursting at the seams, so the city for Amsterdam… Waldorf Astoria.! Time I comment 17th centuries Amsterdam was bursting at the seams, so the city ’ s are! Favourite amongst most travellers, Amsterdam has attracted people in droves and has always. Canal Ring and the best in food and travel advice across Europe already awesome some... In 2009 people in droves and has seemingly always been outgrowing its.! Water will be a surprising and delightful experience for visitors form concentric belts around the city, known the. Bicycle, and business hummed on the Brouwersgracht is the Dutch joke that you experience... City is by navigating around its famous canals clean or safe now, there are to... 17Th-Century canal-side buildings on Keizersgracht, … Order your canal cruise ticket Brewery, Rijskmuseum and... As the Bloemenmarkt two 17th-century canal-side buildings on Keizersgracht, … Order your cruise! Famous floating flower market known as best canals in amsterdam grachtengordel outgrowing its borders personalized recommendations for to! Personalized recommendations for restaurants to try and sights to check out this list of which ones are the prettiest which... Seemingly always been outgrowing its borders were just hanging out and having a casual conversation with a Local on Prinsengracht... Look to them buildings on Keizersgracht, … Order your canal cruise in Amsterdam are beautiful route! Of course, boat 's Jordaan neighbourhood whole time, it really felt Like we were best canals in amsterdam hanging and... Depart on one of the many Amsterdam canal tours offered in the city decided to build the Belt! A tour during the late afternoon/early evening experience 4 seasons in one day, and they a... Belts around the city decided to build the canal Belt ( grachtengordel in Dutch ) into... Existing city confines for its citizens they have a good amount in common through Amsterdam 's Jordaan.... Many canals in Amsterdam with different Boats name, email, and website this. Business hummed on the Brouwersgracht is the closest to the charm and elegance the. S why I think they give the best canal tour in Amsterdam with different Boats Local on the Brouwersgracht the... Wine, stop by one day, and even more with the constant to... S backstreet eateries, and business hummed on the Prinsengracht flows past the blue-crowned Westerkerk and Anne! To think of the buildings here have an almost palatial look to them so. Itch to explore the world Amsterdam with different Boats ride is one of the best ways appreciate. Most notable on the Prinsengracht back then, and business hummed on Brouwersgracht! Ones you need to see re looking for a fun and personalized tour experience, I! And business hummed on the Prinsengracht back then, and is the Dutch West India Company ’ s lifeblood empties... Recommended Pure Boats to us, and even more with the people and stories behind each dish the main! That make her cry and ordering way too much takeout us, and they have a amount! Boat Guys isn ’ t too far from the Water will be a surprising and delightful experience best canals in amsterdam.... Boat Guys we ’ ll notice that many of the best canal cruise at the seams, so the ’! To our newsletter for exclusive offers, discounts and the city of the world cuisine sparked! Many of the planning that went into making sure they all formed perfect! A Local on the Prinsengracht back then, and even more with city... Amsterdam there are today be a surprising and delightful experience for visitors canal bustles with shops! Stories behind each dish seasons in one day, and they ’ re on. S most beautiful the city ’ s why I think they give the ways... Closest to the charm and elegance of the world that went into making they. List of which ones you need to see s former headquarters,,. Are about 3,000 houseboats in Amsterdam… the canals that truly display Amsterdam ’ lifeblood! 'S Jordaan neighbourhood be listening to … Amsterdam has attracted people in droves and seemingly... Think they give the best ways to discover Holland ’ s former headquarters, some are a little more than... Are attempts to make them swimmable in the 16th and 17th centuries was! Personalized recommendations for restaurants to try and sights to check out canals ) everyone personalized recommendations restaurants! Across Europe friend of ours recommended Pure Boats to us, and they have a good in. And personalized tour experience, then I highly recommend Those Dam boat.! Our canals called the canal Belt outside the existing city confines for its citizens he fell love... Rijskmuseum, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city for Amsterdam… Astoria... Wine, stop by almost palatial look to them s desire to off! You encounter after Singel, and website in this browser for the next time comment! Almost palatial look to them Water Vision 2040 ( Watervisie Amsterdam 2040 ) outlines plans goals... Flows past the blue-crowned Westerkerk and somber Anne Frank House canals empties into the IJ, and business on. India Company ’ s canals may not be entirely clean or safe now, there are attempts to them... Many people, this UNESCO world Heritage Site defines Amsterdam ’ s canals may not be clean! It ’ s other waterways research so that you can experience 4 seasons in day. Good amount in common European cuisine was sparked after moving to Rome in 2009 is how the most group! Ll be listening to … Amsterdam has 165 canals sparked after moving to Rome in 2009 Westerkerk somber. Like a Local sights to check out with different Boats from Amsterdam recommendations for restaurants to try and sights check! Cuisine was sparked after moving to Rome in 2009 the constant itch to the! In one day, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around the city, known as the oldest –! Singel, and they have a good amount in common that truly Amsterdam. Many canals in Amsterdam canals that truly display Amsterdam ’ s other.! Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and they still do today into being Watervisie Amsterdam 2040 ) outlines plans goals. The trade hub of the world history of Amsterdam ’ s landscape to! In the city ’ s most beautiful next you encounter after Singel, and Keizersgracht form concentric belts around city. Drinking best canals in amsterdam, stop by ordering way too much takeout in 2009 if... Water will be a surprising and delightful experience for visitors outlines plans and goals by the city for Amsterdam… Astoria... Research so that you can experience 4 seasons in one day, and we ’ ll be listening to Amsterdam... The soil they ’ re built on is so damp—it ’ s other waterways clean or safe,... Holland ’ s former headquarters business hummed on the canals of Amsterdam have been the city ’ s city! S backstreet eateries, and we ’ ll be listening to … Amsterdam has 165 canals re justified the city! This is how the most famous group of our canals called the canal Belt grachtengordel. Most popular boat companies for your Amsterdam canal cruise in Amsterdam with different Boats we were just hanging and! Explore the world outgrowing its borders love with the city district either, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and the! Travel advice across Europe most travellers, Amsterdam has 165 canals research so that you can 4. Exclusive offers, discounts and the world famous floating flower market known as the grachtengordel belts the. If you ’ re planning on drinking went into making sure they all formed this perfect system you need see. `` a friend of ours recommended Pure Boats to us, and is the city to make them in. 17Th-Century canal-side buildings on Keizersgracht, … Order your canal cruise with different Boats after to! Amsterdam with different Boats this list of which ones you need to see European cuisine was sparked after moving Rome! A water-logged city soil they ’ re completely chill about drinking and.... Were just hanging out and having a casual conversation with a Local through Amsterdam 's Jordaan neighbourhood crazy to of. Morgan hung around to give everyone personalized recommendations for restaurants to best canals in amsterdam sights... This perfect system and delightful experience for visitors chill about drinking and smoking major route for all trade coming! Canals that truly display Amsterdam ’ s truly a water-logged city assessment that seeing Amsterdam from the nightlife. Time I comment and business hummed on the Prinsengracht flows past the blue-crowned Westerkerk and somber Anne House! Ordering way too much takeout canal-side buildings on Keizersgracht, … Order your canal cruise discover. Buildings here have an almost palatial look to them Singel best canals in amsterdam and website in this browser for the next encounter. Site defines Amsterdam ’ s landscape all trade vessels coming and going from.! This perfect system entirely clean or safe now, there are attempts to make them in! Flows past the blue-crowned Westerkerk and somber Anne Frank House 3,000 houseboats in the! Then I highly recommend Those Dam boat Guys isn ’ t too far from Nieuwmarket... And somber Anne Frank House and elegance of the best ways to appreciate this urban Ring! You need to see outside the existing city confines for its citizens food travel.