Scenes of Amsterdam from the Canals
A boat ride through the Amsterdam canals is a GREAT way to see the city. Amsterdam is filled with 100+ miles of canals and about 1,500 bridges, so if you’re visiting Amsterdam (especially if it’s your first time) you should definitely make it a point to see the city from the water’s vantage point!
Get ready for some beautiful views on the calm Amstel river, all while learning the history of this fascinating city.
There’s no denying that Amsterdam is a beautiful city. I absolutely love it – it’s one of my favorite cities in Europe! The Renaissance architecture, the winding narrow streets lined with bikes, and most recognizably, a web of canals that make it known as a “Venice of the North.”
Just like seeing Paris from an aerial view is a great way to take in the feel of the city from a unique vantage point, seeing Amsterdam from the water on a boat ride seems like the way the city was meant to be seen.
This activity can be as affordable or as fancy as you want it to be. A canal cruise through Amsterdam cost anywhere from €14-70. Of course, the price depends on if you go during the day or evening, take a fancy one that includes dinner, etc. Although it’s one of the biggest tourist activities in the city, you don’t even need to pre-book. Even during peak season, there’s tours going all day so you can usually book on the spot.
Although I usually don’t think to pay to do something like a canal cruise, I did this one with friends in Amsterdam (as well as Prague and Paris, which I will share later). And I must say, I really enjoyed it! It’s “touristy” but worth it. Plus, it’s a good thing to do if you’re tired of walking and just need a break, but still want to be doing something.
You get to pass some amazing views while also getting to learn all about the history of the city! The guides are knowledgable and fill you in on a lot about Amsterdam’s past and present.
I really enjoyed taking in the bustling city streets, the architecture (how cool are the roofs here?!), the boat houses, and the general “vibe” of Amsterdam from a leisurely boat ride through the calm Amstel River.
But I’ll let the photos speak for themselves!
Here are a few shots I got of our boat ride through the Amsterdam canals:
I mean…doesn’t that look like the face of a gal thoroughly enjoying herself?! So, consider taking a boat ride through the Amsterdam canals to see the city from a unique vantage point. I promise you won’t regret it!
