Cruising Amsterdam Canals | thePlanetraveler.com

If someone asked me to describe the Amsterdam canals in terms of beauty, I would compare it to a dog that is so EF’N ugly and yet it’s so cute at the same time. When you look at the canals as a whole, they are beautiful, charming, romantic, and any other complimentary adjective you could think of to describe it. And at the same time, when you stare down at its water, you’re first inclination will be, “Yuck!” Having said that, the Amsterdam canals have a charm that few other cities can compare with. The opulence of the surrounding buildings combined with the reflection of the water will make you fall in love all over again with your lover.

THE HISTORY OF AMSTERDAM CANALS:

Amsterdam was a bustling industrial city back in the 16^th,17^th, and 18^th century. It was a major port for trading goods back in the day and the population size reflected such. It was like the city’s planners had the foresight to see Amsterdam becoming an expansive city, back then. They were careful to lay out the design of the canals. Amsterdam canals are laid out in a semi-circle around Amsterdam Central station and it was a designed that worked well for many years.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR WHILE CRUISING AMSTERDAM CANALS:

Honestly, you won’t have to watch out for anything while you cruise the Amsterdam canals. There are so many things that will catch your eye. One thing that will immediately stand out while you are on your cruise, are the slanted building. Even when you aren’t looking for it, the slanted buildings will signal to your brain that something isn’t quite right with those buildings. The slant can be pretty significant in some of the buildings and make for some great photo opportunities. If you are wondering why the buildings slant, I’m sure by now you have no undoubtedly guessed that it may have something to do with the canals. If that was your suspicion, you would not be entirely wrong in your hypothesis. At one time, Amsterdam was a swamp land and to compensate for the soft ground, buildings were built on stilts. Those that built these buildings didn’t anticipate what would happen hundreds of years later. Had they thought that far in advance, I’m sure they would have gone deeper into the ground and use something other than wood for stilts.

WHERE TO GO TO CATCH A CRUISE ON THE AMSTERDAM CANALS:

The simple answer to this question is, “Anywhere along the canals”. I haven’t price compared, but it seems that the closer you are to Central Station, the more you are likely to pay for your canal cruise. For simplicity’s sake, the easiest thing to do is take a train to Central Station and look for signs for canal cruises. It’s not hard to find. As soon as you leave the station and walk towards Dam Square, you will see them straight away. I must warn you though, be careful of what cruise you book. Not all cruises go the same route. I’ve been on two cruises. One Amsterdam Canal cruise took me through the Redlight District and surrounding areas and it was amazing! The other took me around Central Station, but nowhere near the Redlight District and was a disappointment.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMSTERDAM CANALS CRUISES:

Here are a couple of recommendations for you. First, make sure you ask the sales reps to show you what the route is before you book with them. The tour around Central Station could only be described as, “Lackluster.” Second, size does matter. Only in this case, smaller is better. The smaller boats can go through the narrower canals and it will allow for a much more pleasant experience. I’ve been on both larger and smaller boats. The smaller boats will allow you to see more. The larger boat also had more people on it. Third, if the weather is good, make sure you book an open top boat. If you are like me, you don’t like reflective and dirty windows messing up your prize winning photograph. Lastly, if your budget and time allows you, I would do two cruises. One during the day and another during sunset. Around sunset is the magic hour which does wonders for pictures. This is the time when the light in the sky is so vibrant with colors of yellow and orange. Plus, as a bonus you get to see the city and the Amsterdam canals with its beautiful city lights.

IN CONCLUSION ON THE AMSTERDAM CANALS:

Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is guaranteed not to disappoint. Make sure you do your research on the route of the tour operators. It’s the difference between how much you enjoy your tour. The cruise I took around Amsterdam Central was nice, but the route through the canals around the Redlight District is far more spectacular and interesting. Sunset is my favorite time to do the cruise, but any time is good. Many operators offer extras such as dinner and drinks while you cruise. Of course that cost more. After you go, please leave a comment comparing your experience to mine. I would love to hear how it went. Also, if you know someone who would benefit from this article and information, please share.

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