How to Pick the Best Canal Tour in Amsterdam
Exploring the city of Amsterdam is like stepping into a living piece of history. Known for its intricate canal system, this Dutch city offers visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary style. During our recent two-week European adventure, which included stops in Paris, Brussels, Bruges, and Amsterdam, one experience stood out: a canal tour through the heart of Amsterdam. It was so unforgettable that we ended up doing it twice! Here’s everything you need to know to choose the best canal tour for your Amsterdam visit.
Why the Canal Tour is a Must-Do
Amsterdam is often referred to as “the Venice of the North,” and with good reason. The city’s 165 canals form an impressive network of waterways, connecting more than 1,900 bridges. These canals are more than just scenic backdrops; they are integral to the city’s identity and have been part of its life for centuries. Whether you’re passing through bustling neighborhoods or admiring quiet, secluded areas, a canal cruise offers a peaceful escape while revealing hidden corners of Amsterdam’s charm.
The canals of Amsterdam are lined with picturesque buildings, cycling paths, and pedestrian streets, giving you a front-row seat to the city’s beauty. With so much to see and do, no trip to Amsterdam is complete without a canal tour.
Booking Your Canal Tour
It’s wise to book your canal tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons from March to August. That said, it’s still possible to secure tickets the same day, offering flexibility if you prefer to leave your plans open. During our stay, we didn’t book our tours ahead of time and had no issues purchasing tickets upon arrival. If you’re like us and want to keep your schedule relaxed, it’s nice to know that same-day booking is an option.
Where to Book Your Canal Tour
For ease and convenience, we booked our canal tours through Get Your Guide, a platform we’ve used for tours around the world. It’s a great service, and they offer detailed descriptions of each experience, including meeting points, amenities, and restrictions. Our favorite tour was the “Classic Canal Cruise with Optional Wine and Cheese,” which we highly recommend if you’re looking for a relaxed and scenic experience.
Flagship Amsterdam: A Top Choice
After reading countless reviews, it became clear that Flagship Amsterdam is one of the top-rated providers for canal tours in the city. Their tours regularly receive high marks for excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and top-tier amenities. Flagship was also recognized as the #1 Best Day Cruise in the World by TripAdvisor, which certainly piqued our interest.
Our first tour was a family-friendly daytime cruise, followed by a more intimate evening wine and cheese cruise. Both were fantastic, but the evening tour was particularly memorable. As we sipped wine, enjoyed cheese, and drifted through the canals at sunset, we were reminded of just how magical Amsterdam can be.
Tour Options with Flagship Amsterdam
Flagship Amsterdam offers a variety of canal tour experiences to suit all preferences. Whether you’re after a public or private tour, there’s a boat option for everyone, including covered, uncovered, or partially covered boats. They even offer specialty cruises, such as a BBQ tour with a private chef, a pizza cruise, or a Prosecco cruise for sunny afternoons.
We loved the flexibility of having multiple departure points throughout the city. We boarded our first cruise near the Rijksmuseum and our evening tour from the Anne Frank House—both were easy to reach and conveniently located near our accommodations.
What to Expect from Your Canal Tour
Each Flagship Amsterdam tour is unique, but there are some things you can generally expect. The crew typically includes a skipper and a guide, both of whom are friendly and speak English well. Our guides were especially engaging during the wine and cheese tour, keeping the atmosphere light and fun while sharing interesting facts about Amsterdam’s rich history.
The boats are comfortable and well-maintained, with cushioned seating for around 30 passengers. We particularly enjoyed the peaceful, electric-powered boats, which offered a quiet, fume-free experience. During our daytime cruise, we sat in an open-air boat, while the evening tour had a partially covered boat to protect us from the elements.
What You’ll See on Your Canal Tour
As you glide through Amsterdam’s iconic canals, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city’s beautiful architecture. The tour will highlight historical buildings, quaint bridges, and vibrant neighborhoods, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. The guides add depth to the experience by offering stories and insights into the city’s cultural, political, and economic evolution over the centuries.
For us, the tour was an interactive experience that kept both kids and adults engaged. We passed under charming stone bridges, observed locals lounging along the canals, and even witnessed couples enjoying romantic moments by the water.
Conclusion: A Unique Amsterdam Experience
A canal tour is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam. Whether you choose a daytime cruise or a sunset wine and cheese tour, the beauty and serenity of the canals will leave you in awe. The peaceful flow of the water, combined with the rich history of the city, makes this a must-do activity on any Amsterdam itinerary. Book your tour with Flagship Amsterdam, or check out other options that fit your interests, and get ready to enjoy one of the best experiences the city has to offer.
