Locks of gates in Amsterdam Canals

There are actually so many things to do in Amsterdam! Today, we are going to talk about the Amsterdam Canal Cruise! One cruise to see them all – all the attractions in Amsterdam!

On our last day in Amsterdam, we finally decided to take the river cruise to enjoy the canals of Amsterdam. Partly because Tom wanted to go on the cruise but mainly because it was a nice and sunny day (eventhough the temperature was about 10 degrees Celsius). The price of of the river cruise ticket in Amsterdam was 13 euros (approximately 20SGD) per person. Quite expensive for asian standards but what the heck. One ride to see them all…(sounds like one ring to rule them all…)

Price of tickets to Amsterdam River Cruise
Price of tickets to Amsterdam River Cruise
Amsterdam Canal Cruise to see all the attractions of Amsterdam!
Amsterdam Canal Cruise to see all the attractions of Amsterdam!

It was quite spacious inside the river cruise boat. You can choose to face backwards, forwards, to the left or to the right side of the boat. Window seats would be best cause you can take pictures and videos without other passengers onboard disrupting you! :p The boat also had transparent roofs to allow sunlight through which really brightened up the internals of the boat. This is a really good idea considering that the river cruise takes about an hour (1 hour) to complete.

View of the Amsterdam Canals
View of the Amsterdam Canals

Things to do in Amsterdam – Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

The cruise started with a great view of the canals (see above). Along the way, there would be running commentaries (in different languages) that tells you what to look out for such as these locks of gates…

Locks of gates in Amsterdam Canals
Locks of gates in Amsterdam Canals

These locks of gates in the canals of Amsterdam help to regulate the flood situations by keeping high tides out. Along the way, you would also see the typical skinny Amsterdam houses (some as thin as 2 metres!) as well as bridges that link the various parts of the waterways.

Typical skinny buildings along the canals of Amsterdam
Typical skinny buildings along the canals of Amsterdam


Video of wide houses in contrast to skinny ones

Bridge linking various parts of the waterways
Bridge linking various parts of the waterways
Bridge along the Princess Canal
Bridge along the Princess Canal

One of the main attractions or things to do in Amsterdam would be to see the boat houses along the canals of Amsterdam!

Boat House with Beer Bottles as Decorations
Boat House with Beer Bottles as Decorations
Modern Looking Boat House
Modern Looking Boat House

It was said that these boat houses used to be “parked” along the canals in an unorderly fashion. To regulate things a little, the authorities relocated the boat houses here and gave them leases as well. Enjoy this short video of the boat houses along Amsterdam Canal!


Boat Houses along the canals of Amsterdam

Another interesting thing that we saw was someone shifting into a unit along the canals. You will then notice that each building along the canals have some sort of a hoist at the top of the building…

Hoist at the top of each building
Hoist at the top of each building
A family shifting in
A family shifting in

The hoists are points where pulleys can be used to lift heavy and bulky items such as furniture and refrigerators into the house. As the stairs are too narrow, this is the usual way of shifting stuff in and out! The other way would be to use ladders or lifts (or in this picture a combination of both) to bring items in and out of the unit.

7 Arches or 7 Bridges along Reguliers Canal Amsterdam
7 Arches or 7 Bridges along Reguliers Canal Amsterdam

The other must see is the 7 arches or 7 bridges along Reguliers Canal. Here you can have a view of all 7 bridges lined up in 1 row! Don’t worry if you’re seated on the wrong side of the boat cause the captain will slow things down for passengers to take a shot here.

Other Attractions in Amsterdam

There are many other attractions that you can see from the Amsterdam Canal Cruise…

Anne Frank House
Anne Frank House
Oldest Protestant Church in Amsterdam
Oldest Protestant Church in Amsterdam
Office of the Mayor of Amsterdam
Office of the Mayor of Amsterdam
City Hall & Opera House Amsterdam
City Hall & Opera House Amsterdam
The Skinny Bridge Amsterdam
The Skinny Bridge Amsterdam
The Mint Tower Amsterdam
The Mint Tower Amsterdam
The oldest financial institution in Amsterdam
The oldest financial institution in Amsterdam
The oldest church in Amsterdam
The oldest church in Amsterdam
Sea Palace - A Chinese Restaurant Amsterdam
Sea Palace – A Chinese Restaurant Amsterdam
The Library Amsterdam
The Library Amsterdam
The Nemo - Science Centre Amsterdam
The Nemo – Science Centre Amsterdam

As the boat circles out of the canals, the waters get a little choppy. Here you can get great views of the harbour…

Looking back at Amsterdam City
Looking back at Amsterdam City
View of the Amsterdam Central Station
View of the Amsterdam Central Station
Map of Canal Cruise with outline of the route
Map of Canal Cruise with outline of the route

The map above outlines the route that the canal cruise took. Basically, you will circle the canals (1 round) from Prinsengracht to Herengracht to Rokin, Damrak, out to the sheltered waters and back.

If you enjoyed our content, “Like” us on Facebook Today!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Amsterdam right here!

We hope you have enjoyed this post about the Amsterdam River Canal Cruise! There are so many things to do in Amsterdam, be sure to check them out the next time you’re in Amsterdam!

Related Posts

Top 10 Things To Do And Attractions In Amsterdam!

Eurotrip Day 9 & 10 : Ending Off In Amsterdam | Things To Do In Amsterdam

How To Get To Zaanse Schans , The Netherlands

Sumptuous Japanese Buffet In Amsterdam! | Things To Do In Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans : Windmills , Clogs, Cheese & Museums!

Clogs & Wooden Shoes Making Demonstration @ Zaanse Schans!

How To Get To Zaanse Schans , The Netherlands

Oldest Albert Heijn (Supermarket Chain) In The Netherlands : Since 1887!

Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam : Luxury With A Choice Of Tradition Or Modern Living

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Amsterdam Canal Cruises!

La Place Amsterdam : The Netherlands’ Version Of Singapore’s Marche

Anne Frank House Amsterdam : Museum, History & Movement

Zaanse Schans Holland : Eurotrip Day 8!

Things To Do In Amsterdam : Day 1 Of Europe Trip

Best Beer Ever At Heineken Experience Amsterdam!

I Love Street Markets! – Albert Cuypmarkt Amsterdam

Spring Arrives At Museumplein Amsterdam! – Visit World Renowned Museums Here

Flower Market Aka Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam: Tulips Galore!

Enjoy The Sights And Sounds Of Dam Square Amsterdam!

Royal Palace Of Amsterdam Dam Square Aka Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam

National Monument Dam Square Amsterdam : A World War 2 Memorial

Shopping Street Amsterdam : From Nieuwendijk To Kalverstraat

Recommended Articles

2 Comments

  1. MERRY CHRISTMAS!…

    1. Hi Jason! Merry Christmas to you too!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

[NEW] 2BearBear Travel App - Never Miss Another Travel Inspiration! 🐻🐻✈️🧳
This is default text for notification bar