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.
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.
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
- 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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Beautiful. I wonder how one hour would have been found adequate.
The Lamp posts reminds me of the Seine river cruise in Paris
Sounds like a yhou had a wonderful trip.
Great shots.
Thanks for sharing.
You had a great tour, but thanks to you so did we!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
What a shame you just had one day in Amsterdam, but a canal trip was probably a good option, enabling you to see lots of the city. I would like to visit Anne Frank's house as well.
Amsterdam holds such allure. I love how almost every piece of European architecture is so beautiful. I'm looking forward to more.
I've always wanted to visit Amsterdam. Sounds like a great trip.
What a wonderful way to see a beautiful city.
Beautiful shot…waiting for the rest of pictures!
argh! i hate it when the weather does its gloomy thing.
glad to hear it didn't ruin your plans, the canal cruise sounds promising.
more fotos puh-leasee. ^0^
It is a great city to visit, I am told. The pictures are beautiful. Any more pictures?
Great shots, a canal cruise sounds wonderful. I would love to visit Amsterdam. Thanks for sharing, have a great day!
A wonderful place, great pictures, I like these streetlights.
What a brilliant idea, lamps are beautiful.
Lovely moody sky!
Wow..A joyful ride..
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How wonderful that you are exposing your daughters to the pleasures of travel at a young age. I finally had a chance to do a tour of Amsterdam about one year ago during a stopover. I was tired but didn't want to miss the opportunity. It is such a pretty little place.
lovely!!! this is one trip i have wanted to go on for long! lets hope can do it soon!
Gorgeous, I love that last shot!!
Sky Shots at my page, come and see. Have a great weekend.
Fun filled trip ………
Subtle and beautiful. Must have been quite an experience for you and your girls.
must have been so much fun!!
Wonderful details.
Please have you all a good Friday.
Wonderful.
Had been there last year this time.
Anne Frank museum was a real memorable experience.
wah!
What a fantastic trip! I did so want to do that when I was in Amsterdam, but I was on a tight schedule at the time! Marvelous captures as always and I do look forward to seeing more! Have a wonderful weekend, Indrani!
Sylvia
Awesome view from cruise deck !