Why Canal Cruise is Best Thing to do in Amsterdam Holland

Amsterdam, a city big and beautiful, and I had planned just one day for this. Pity! How do we tour this city in just one day! Canal Cruise through Amsterdam city was the last thing in our mind.

The main purpose to visit the city was to show my daughters (15 and 11yrs) Anne Frank’s house. That done, we had the remaining half day to ourselves.

Totally lost on how to tour this city, we decided to go on a canal cruise through Amsterdam Canals. And I am glad we took that decision quickly.

The final moments of the day were a few hours away and we were not keen to do night driving all the way to Antwerp.

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam City Canals

Amsterdam City Canals

How Canal Cruise Started in Amsterdam

This tradition of canal cruise in Amsterdam started in 1621, when Queen Elizabeth Stuart of Bohemia visited the city.

She was taken on a pleasure trip along the canals, welcomed in a parade of festively decorated sailing boats. Thousands of residents cheered her along bridges and canal sides.

VIPS like Winston Churchill, the Beatles and Nelson Mandela; all have admired this city from the deck of a canal cruise boat. Cruise through Amsterdam City Canals is an irresistible tourist attraction of Netherlands.

Sights from Canals of Amsterdam

Canal Cruise for One Hour

Of the various options provided by cruise operators we chose an hour long cruise of canals. The boat was a good one with glass roof; we got the window seats too.

Captain of the boat gave a good commentary of the different sights of the city as we cruised along. The skies weren’t too friendly but that did not dampen our excitement and what a grand tour we had that day!

Do check this Photo Essay: Canals and Bridges of Amsterdam

And also: Pictures from Cruise through Canals of Amsterdam

Why Canal Cruise is Best Thing to do in Amsterdam Netherlands

Why Canal Cruise is Best Thing to do in Amsterdam

  • Well, they say: If you did not try the cruising experience, it is same as you have ever visited Amsterdam.
  • Amsterdam is a great historical city; the cruise gives you a great perspective of the city and understand some of Amsterdam’s history.
  • Excellent views of the impressive 17th century buildings lining the city canals.
  • Soon you get the contrasting views of 21st century of Amsterdam.
  • Views of 2 facets of the same city in a span of one hour are a great way to learn the city. And that too in a fun way – a perfect edutainment experience.
  • You get to learn and see local’s daily life.
  • Canal cruise is a perfect option to take if it is rainy day. Escape the rain for an hour in a glass roofed boat.
  • Give your feet a rest. We had walked for miles and this one hour was totally relaxing.
  • There are various options to choose from depending on your budget and the time you can spare for this city of Amsterdam.

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Why Canal Cruise is Best Thing to do in Amsterdam Netherlands

People Photography - Captain of Cruise Boat from Amsterdam
Gothic Cathedral Door of Our Lady Cathedral, Antwerp

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