Scenes from an Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Posted on 20. Mar, 2013 by Marie-Eve Vallieres in Destinations, Europe Travel, Netherlands, Press Trips
It hardly gets more touristy/iconic than this, right?
While I usually prefer to tick off just a few landmarks and then discover the city’s cool neighborhoods, hopping on a canal cruise was of course never part of my master plan in Amsterdam. Not that there’s anything wrong with it - it’s just not something I would normally do (mainly because I’m cheap, and don’t want to pay for attractions when I travel, but shhh).
But mix rain, freezing temperatures, a persisting cold and sore feet, and voilà, I’m on a boat to touristville.
But boy, was I glad to have the chance to simply sit back, enjoy the views and the jokes of the on-board guide, and learn a few fun-facts about Amsterdam on the way.
This is one of the unique perspectives that only canal cruises offer: the Seven Bridges point. It’s the only spot in the whole city where you can see seven bridges line up behind the other in the distance. Sure, you sort of need a magnifying glass to actually see the said bridges, but still. Pretty awesome.
One of the biggest problems with the canals is what goes in and on it - on purpose or by accident. Up until a few years ago, there were no railings around the canal, meaning that anything with a set of wheels could simply roll into the canal overnight and disappear in the dark waters forever.
But one day, insurance companies, being their usual miser selves, decided that enough was enough, and that they weren’t going to pay for canal-related incidents anymore - that’s when they installed railings on pretty much every single canal in the city. All for the sake of clean canals, according to them.
Speaking of dirt… Rumor has it that the Heineken brewery uses canal water for its beer production - but only for overseas client! Locals can drink regular, pollution-free Heineken. Urban legend, I hope?
Another interesting fact that I learned during the canal cruise was about Anne Frank’s House - did you know that the renovations were made possible because Steven Spielberg donated the profits generated by The Schindler’s List to the museum? Talk about having your heart in the right place! Kudos, mister.
For the Anne Frank House Museum is one of the most interesting, oddly fascinating and moving museums I have ever visited.
This is the legendary bicycle-park near Amsterdam Centraal station - more than 10,000 bikes park there daily, and it’s not even close to what the real demand is. Our guide estimated that around 15,000 more spaces would be necessary to accommodate everybody, in this section of the city only.
Because Amsterdam does not kid with its bikes - more than just a lethal danger to lunatic tourists, they’re an intrinsic part of the city’s identity, just as the canals. Incidentally, over 75,000 bikes are found in the canals of Amsterdam every year!
Don’t tell my hipster friends, but I had a lot of fun on that boat. So much, that I would definitely regret not doing it, and that I see what the fuss is all about now. And most of all, don’t tell them that I would gladly do it again in a heartbeat.
Have you been on a canal cruise in Amsterdam? Did you find it too touristy, or rather relaxing and fun?
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Visit Amsterdam & Eurail.com - but I genuinely enjoyed my canal cruise (it really does offer gorgeous scenery, and also I’m very lazy).
18 Responses to “Scenes from an Amsterdam Canal Cruise”
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Hi there! I'm Marie, a 20-something Canadian who moved to Europe to follow her dreams (and handsome husband). Tag along to follow my adventures through the Old Continent and get inspired to travel too!Popular Posts
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Andrea
20. Mar, 2013
I can’t believe I’ve been to Amsterdam like 5 times and have never done this…
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
You should! Especially if it’s raining.
Aggy
20. Mar, 2013
I did when I was a little kid, barely remember anything, should definitely do it again. Love the pictures!
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
Definitely do it again. It’s fantastic!
Michelle
21. Mar, 2013
The only thing I like more than an open-top bus tour is a river/canal tour!
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
Me too! So much more fun.
Alouise
22. Mar, 2013
I did a canal cruise in Amsterdam too, but it was an evening, booze kind of cruise so I sadly don’t remember a lot of the sites we went by. I’d definitely love to take a canal cruise in Amsterdam during the day.
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
That’s a funny story!
Indeed, you should visit again in the day, it’s awesome!
Jenna
22. Mar, 2013
I haven’t been to Amsterdam yet, but I did take canal cruise in Ghent. I was a little hesitant too, but it turned out to be a lot of fun, and it gives a unique perspective of the city!
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
I think it’s probably even more impressive than Ghent, just by the size of the city!
Lesley Peterson
23. Mar, 2013
Loved these pics, Marie! Seeing Amsterdam from the water is a must, a new perspective on one of my favorite cities.
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
Thanks Lesley!
Laura @Travelocafe
25. Mar, 2013
I love the way you have presented Amsterdam. I have almost made it back there last winter, but something came up… uh, better luck maybe in summer…
Marie-Eve Vallieres
28. Mar, 2013
Amsterdam must be lovely in the summer!
Abby
29. Mar, 2013
Gorgeous! Not enough people write about Amsterdam’s beauty. I was struck by it during my (short) visit there many years ago. Of course, when I was there, there was an awful trash strike, so the beauty was sort of camouflaged lol.
Marie-Eve Vallieres
08. Apr, 2013
Amsterdam is gorgeous - except for its central island around the train station. I hate this place!
Meredith@GreenGlobalTravel
18. Apr, 2013
Stunning! Amsterdam is so picturesque! Brings back nostalgic memories of strolling through the canals.
Marie-Eve Vallieres
18. Apr, 2013
Thanks! Amsterdam is very, VERY photogenic, even from a boat!