Tips for your Canal tour in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, oh Amsterdam! The adorable narrow and leaning townhouses, streets full of carefully decorated shops, and the impatient chimes of hurrying cyclists make this city unforgettable. Daydreaming, we see the countless canals that give Amsterdam its familiar face.

The magical feeling of cruising the canals is unmatched. Some might even say that those who haven’t seen Amsterdam from a boat haven’t seen Amsterdam at all. 

The Venice of the North  

People romantically call Amsterdam “The Venice of the North, with its 165 canals (or “grachten”) and 1,281 bridges. We start our trip at the Westerdok, just north of the main train station, at Canal Motorboats. We get acquainted with our steady aluminum motorboat in the harbor. Good maneuvering skills will prove valuable in the narrow canals. Remember, smaller boats give way to bigger ones.  

Exploring the Outer Canal Belt  

Our journey begins with the outer canal belt of Amsterdam, the Prinsengracht. This belt consists of four canals encircling the inner city core, known for its Red Light District and coffeeshops. The waterways are straight, so it’s impossible to get lost. Along the way, we admire lovely houseboats on either side. There are about 2,500 houseboats in Amsterdam, ranging from dilapidated pirate ships to designer pieces. 

Don’t forget to capture your canal cruise memories! Check out our guide on the Most Instagrammable places in Amsterdam to discover the best spots for stunning photos. 

Discovering the Negen Straatjes  

We continue along the Prinsengracht, which crosses the Negen Straatjes, an area with nine streets full of hip second-hand shops, nice cafés, and the colorful lifestyle of Amsterdam. We park our boat and disembark at the Elandsgracht in one of the more stylish neighborhoods. Here, we treat ourselves to ice cream at Yscuypje, which offers nearly forty different flavors—so go ahead and make it a big one. 

The Narrow and Leaning Houses of Amsterdam  

As we sail on, the narrow and leaning houses amaze us. These houses are long and slim because, in earlier times, taxes were based on the width of the houses, yet people needed a lot of storage space. Their leaning postures are due to the moist and sandy ground. It takes us about an hour of sailing before we cross the Amstel River in the southern part of the city and turn back. If you have time and love antiques, plan a stop at the Waterlooplein flea market on a Monday or Saturday. 

A Glimpse of Herengracht’s Grandeur  

The return journey takes us along the Herengracht, a parallel canal to the Prinsengracht. This street is historically home to the city’s wealthy bankers and boasts some of the most magnificent and expensive canal houses in Amsterdam. The grandeur is astonishing, with chandeliers as far as the eye can see. For more opulence, take a detour to the Singel canal, passing the floating flower market at the Koningsplein, and see Die goldene Biegung (“The Golden Bend”). This area is known for its stunning houses and brings us back to our starting point. 

Secret Tip: Boatside Pizza  

Feeling hungry? The Pizzeria San Marco in the southern part of the city delivers pizza directly to your boat through a window in the cellar. Delicious! 

For a complete Amsterdam experience, make sure to also check out our guide on Eating in Amsterdam on a budget to find the best affordable dining options in the city! 

Facts and Tips  

• Rental Rates: At Canal Motorboats, the first hour costs €50, the second hour €40, and the third only €30. 
• Boat Specs: The boat is almost six meters long, nearly two meters wide, and has enough room for seven persons. Renting a boat is easy, and the strong material makes it almost impossible for anything to go wrong.