Just like in Venice, Amsterdam is famous for its canals. These waterways used to be important for trade, nowadays they are particularly commercial used by the canal boats. The tour boats are a great attraction and should definitely not be missed during a visit to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam from the water

Discovering Amsterdam from the water is really a different experience than a walking or cycling tour. You can choose between different types of tours. For example, you can choose from a tour where the guide tells you personally about the city or you can go for an audio guide. Boat trips with dinner or cheese and wine package are also very popular. There are many providers of boat trips, especially near the Central Station you will find many of them. Many start at a fixed point where they end at the same location afterwards.

Hop-on, Hop-off Canal Cruise

In recent years, the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing boat has risen enormously in popularity. The principle is very simple and work the same as the buses of the same name that you see driving around in every major city. The boats follow a fixed route and stop at several attractions in the city. Think of the Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Jordaan, Red Light District, etc... Where you want to look, you get off the boat and when you are ready for the next location you get back in, relax and enjoy the view until the next interesting stop. You pay a fixed amount for a fixed time, this may vary per shipping company.

Disabled

There are a number of boats where it is possible for disabled and wheelchair bound people to enter. It is important to check this out in advance and also to reserve it, the number of seats available for wheelchair users is often very low.