Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) Tours and Activities
299 Reviews

Amsterdam’s Canal Ring (Grachtengordel), the city’s charming 17th-century district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is probably best known for the picturesque canals cutting through it. The area is comprised of three rings of semicircular waterways that are bisected by smaller canals radiating from the middle—like spokes on a very Dutch bicycle wheel. Hundreds of bridges cross the Canal Ring’s channels, connecting the 90 islands that were created during the Dutch Golden Age.
The Basics
The district’s major canals are the Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. From east to west, the major radial canals are the Brouwersgracht, Leidsegracht, and Reguliersgracht. The Canal Ring can be navigated by foot, bicycle, and, of course, boat. A canal cruise is an excellent introduction to the UNESCO-listed canals, as glass-topped boats provide the best views of the city’s main sights. Options include hop-on hop-off boat tours and themed canal cruises that serve food and wine.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A number of cruise departure points are set along the famous canals, and tours are available in several languages.
- The Canal Ring circles some of Amsterdam’s most important sites, including the Red Light District, the Museumplein, the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Square, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum Quarter.
- Barges, powerboats, Frisian skutsjes (sailboats), and rowboats ply the canals at all times of day and night.
How to Get There
The Canal Ring is located right in the center of Amsterdam. Lined with beautiful historic buildings (“canal houses”), the canals can serve as helpful visual guideposts and a fun option for getting around the city. Amsterdam's winding, cobblestoned city center can easily throw off your sense of direction, and the canals will always orient you back in the proper direction.
When to Get There
Because it’s part of the Dutch capital city’s landscape, as well as a mode of transportation and commerce, the Canal Ring is always open. The best times of year to enjoy a canal cruise are during the fine-weather summer months, and in the Christmas and New Year holiday season, when you can take an evening cruise during the Festival of Lights.
Address: Amsterdam, North Holland Province, Netherlands
Admission: Free
73 Tours and Activities to Experience Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
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Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks
134
Do you want to experience Amsterdam in a more authentic way? Step aboard on our beautiful large luxury sloop with enough space for everyone and discover the city like a real explorer.
We’ll welcome you on our stylish, electric sloop with unlimited drinks and delicious Dutch snacks and we will also stop at one of Amsterdams best boat catering to pick up real Amsterdam 'bitterballen'. So lean back, relax en listen to our amazing stories about the secrets of Amsterdam.
During our tour there is always a lot of interaction between the guests and our captain, because we always have a maximum of 12 guests aboard. This guarantees you a personal and amazing experience in the historical city of Amsterdam. You will cherish memories that you won't forget. Of course children are welcome!
Did you know that in 2019 Amsterdam experience cruise became one of the most popular and best reviewed Airbnb experiences? We are currently number 3 in the world with the most positive reviews and bookings
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From
$64.83
From
$64.83
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Open boat tour - All drinks included - 60 Minutes - Live guide
719
The best way to explore the UNESCO-listed Amsterdam Canal Ring is indisputably by boat. Get a different perspective of the Dutch capital while avoiding the crowds on land during this relaxing canal cruise that, unlike other similar tours, includes unlimited Heineken beer, wine, and soft drinks for a budget-friendly price. Plus, several departure times throughout the day mean you can slot the cruise into almost any schedule.
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From
$27.90
From
$27.90
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Small-Group Classic Canal Cruise on Salonboat in Amsterdam
159
Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals are the postcard star of the Dutch capital, and a canal cruise is the quintessential experience for first-time visitors. Glide down the waterways on a traditional salonboat on this small-group cruise, and admire landmarks like the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Opera House.
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From
$30.59
From
$30.59
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Sebi Boat Tours
43
We are Sebi Boat Tours, two true Amsterdammers who want to share their love for this beautiful city. With our 100% electric boat which is open on sunny days and closed on rainy and windy days and has a toilet, we will provide a 2 hour intimate canal tour. We will pass all the highlights Amsterdam has to offer including the world famous canal belt, The Jordaan, The red light district, the river Amstel, the maritime area and places, where big tour boats cannot go. On the way we will make a stop at Amsterdam's best boat caterer, childhood friends of ours, to pick up some traditional Dutch snacks while you enjoy a wide variety of complementary drinks. All this while Captain Sebi will pass on his years of knowledge of the city and canals, on current events and Amsterdam people in Dutch, English and German!
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From
$59.53
From
$59.53
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise
3
Cruising around Amsterdam’s canals is a quintessential experience for visitors to the city. With this tour, see the city at its most magical as you set sail on an evening cruise. Glide past the lively waterfront bars and cafés, spot illuminated landmarks such as Amsterdam Centraal Station and the Anne Frank House, and admire the glittering city skyline from the water.
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From
$15.91
From
$15.91
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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2-Hour Semi Private All-Inclusive Cruise on our Boutique Style boats
230
Cruise Amsterdam’s scenic canals in a fully electric boat, while your hosts give you a glimpse into modern Dutch life. Enjoy an open bar with local goodies like craft beer, wines, and nonalcoholic beverages. A snack platter with fruit, cheese, cookies, and sausages is also provided. This peaceful, scenic cruise is a great choice for first-time visitors and those who want to escape the crowds on land.
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From
$62.44
$15.62 savings
From
$62.44
$15.62 savings
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise
220
Explore the canals of Amsterdam on a boat cruise that takes you past the top landmarks in this beautiful city. Hear informative commentary from the captain during your tour, which can be customized to your interests. Soak in the sights and charms of the canals while learning about the Dutch capital’s history and modern-day attractions. This relaxing tour provides a perfect introduction to Amsterdam and gives you tips on places to visit later on your own, plus it is longer than most canal tours of the same nature.
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From
$73.42
Price varies by group size
From
$73.42
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Amsterdam 1-Hour Canal Cruise from Central Station
62
Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ from the water on this sightseeing cruise. After reserving your preferred departure time, skip past any lines and set off on the UNESCO-listed waterways aboard a glass-topped canal boat. Glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history from the audio guide. Upgrade your canal cruise with a 1-Day Amsterdam Public Transport ticket which is valid on trams, buses, ferries, and the metro.
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From
$15.91
From
$15.91
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Grand Holland Private Tour
2
Experience the best of Holland your way on a custom 7-hour sightseeing tour. Convenient and comfortable transportation takes you from your Amsterdam hotel to the country’s most popular and lesser-known points of interest. You decide what to see and set the pace on your private adventure. Visit Durgerdam, Volendam, Edam, and more. Get a closer look at Dutch cultural icons such as windmills, cheese, tulips, and dikes. It's up to you!
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From
$695.95
per group
From
$695.95
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Sunday Special Amsterdam Experience Breakfast Cruise
At 10AM in the morning we offer you a fantastic breakfast while we tour through the canals of Amsterdam. Experience how the city wakes up and visit the famous highlights and secret places of Amsterdam while you enjoy a sparkling glass of Prosecco and fresh orange juice.
During our trip we will serve crunchy croissants, the real Dutch ‘krentenbollen’ (current buns), chocolate buns, cheese from the cheese farmer, several kinds of fruit, boiled eggs, tea and coffee.
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From
$58.21
From
$58.21

7 Day Taste of Central Europe Tour Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium
This week-long adventure hits several of Europe’s great cities and is an excellent choice for travelers who want to make the most of their travel time. Beginning in Amsterdam, make your way through the Dutch countryside and on to several cities across Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Germany. See the highlights of each city via a luxury coach with the added bonus of traveling with a dedicated tour guide.
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From
$751.18
From
$751.18

Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Recorded Commentary
322
From the peaceful atmosphere of a luxury, glass-enclosed boat, enjoy the highlights of Amsterdam along its UNESCO-listed canals during this cruise. Hear narrated commentary on the sites along the way, including the Anne Frank House, the Golden Bend, the National Maritime Museum, and the Skinny Bridge. With a variety of departure times available, this picturesque and comprehensive overview by water is easy to fit into your day of sightseeing.
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From
$21.41
From
$21.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Scenic highlights of Amsterdam 3 hours bike tour
Exploring Amsterdam’s history by bike gives you a chance to cover much more ground than you would on foot. This private bike tour is an ideal choice for those who want to orient themselves to the city. Customize your tour to the sights on your itinerary, or let your guide choose the highlights. Bike at a relaxing pace and enjoy a personalized tour.
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From
$97.89
Price varies by group size
From
$97.89
Price varies by group size

Amsterdam History Walking Tour
20
During the Amsterdam History Tour you will discover some of Amsterdam’s most iconic squares, buildings, canals and old streets, while learning about the city’s history, liberal culture and Dutch people.
Our knowledgeable local guides will take you on a great walking tour straight through Amsterdam’s historic center. During this 1:45 hour tour our licensed experts explain how freedom and tolerance were born in the Netherlands and how they impacted Amsterdam’s financial development; turning a scanty fishing village into the centre of world trade.
We describe how these same values from the 16th century still shape the attitudes of today’s Amsterdammers. This Amsterdam City Tour is a feast for the eyes; so don’t forget to charge your camera!
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From
$29.26
From
$29.26

Amsterdam Private City And Countryside Tour
1
Rather than following an itinerary devised by someone else, create your own sightseeing schedule on a private custom tour of Amsterdam—the ideal choice for first-time visitors looking to kickstart their trip. Traveling by coach and on foot for a more intimate glimpse into the area, you’ll visit only the sights you wish to see and benefit from the undivided attention and local knowledge of your private guide.
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From
$412.17
per group
From
$412.17
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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The Pizzaboat Amsterdam Min. 8 pax
Group? Min. numbers for a group is 8 pax.
Stag & Hen Parties, yes! we do that ! Bachelor party's
Min. number is 8 pax to cruise away ...or you can pay for that amount
You have a great stay in Amsterdam because its a private cruise!
..
Eat Pizza and cruise away!
Discover our precious Amsterdam while you enjoy freshly prepared pizzas of your choice and unlimited drinks as beer, prosecco and wine.
During the 90 minutes boattour you will cruise down the beautiful canal belts with a local skipper! He can tell you many fascinating stories about this lovely city.
Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements and we will take this into account.
its a private tour so no worries , ask the skipper to show you around red light and Anna frank and maybe the Zoo Artis?
Have a great stay
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From
$73.42
From
$73.42
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Learn More

NEW: 1,5 hour luxury canal cruise starting from Rijksmuseum
72
Get yourself comfortable in our beautifully-designed boat named the MANA. She is fully electric to take you along the canals of Amsterdam for a clean and quite tour. There is a fully equipped bar on board where you can order from a wide variety of drinks, for example local beers, fresh cocktails and hot chocolate. As we are a small company, our tours are personal and we can guarantee a high quality. The skipper and hostess are passionate about the city and love to tell you all about it during the live guided tour. Don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way. See you on the water!
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From
$42.83
From
$42.83
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

Amsterdam 1-Hour Canal Cruise with Live Guide
355
The combination of foot, bike, car and bus traffic on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam can be overwhelming, so experience Amsterdam in peace from the water. Experience the city’s waterways from a unique vantage point on this canal tour while a local guide gives you insight on the history and architecture of this beautiful city. Get a great price when you book this cruise online.
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From
$18.35
From
$18.35

1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour
9
Ideal for first-time visitors, this private 1-hour rickshaw tour showcases more of Amsterdam’s highlights in less time. With your driver-guide leading the way, you’ll travel along Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals, explore the grandiose Museumplein, and admire the dynamic architecture of Concertgebouw. See, too, the picturesque Jordaan district, home to the Anne Frank House, and reflect on Amsterdam’s history at the National Holocaust Memorial. This private tour is limited to two travelers.
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From
$171.31
per group
From
$171.31
per group

The Ultimate Christmas In Amsterdam With A Local
Celebrate the holiday season in true Dutch fashion with a private Christmas tour of Amsterdam led by a spirited local. On a customized itinerary made just for your group, join in the fun at ice rinks, sip mulled wine and hot chocolate, shop for unique gifts at a Christmas market, nibble seasonal treats, and soak up the charm of canals illuminated by the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. It's a personalized way to create your own holiday traditions in one of Europe's most festive capitals.
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From
$143.87
Price varies by group size
From
$143.87
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private Amsterdam Walking Tour
82
Gain an intimate glimpse of Amsterdam on this small-group walking tour, led by an experienced guide. Discover city highlights and hidden gems such as the Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder, Oude Kerk, as well as plenty of locally loved cafes and learn more about the city’s history and culture as you explore its picturesque streets on foot.
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From
$114.10
Price varies by group size
From
$114.10
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Holland Dutch Golden Age Private Tour (Choice of your Own Itineraries)
Choose your own adventure on this fully customizable private tour of the Netherlands. Choose from a list of top destinations; pick three that interest you the most to build your itinerary. Travel in a luxury minivan with your private group, which makes it easy to get between sites. Your guide will provide insightful commentary and answer any questions.
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From
$766.02
per group
From
$766.02
per group

60 Minute Small Group Tour by Captain Jack
58
Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is a must for first-time visitors to the city. This family-friendly cruise provides a personalized experience with a small boat and a maximum of 20 passengers on-board. Get to know each other as you sip drinks, tuck into snacks, and enjoy entertaining commentary from Captain Jack. Cruise around the UNESCO-listed canal ring, spot landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, and hear fun facts and stories about Amsterdam as you discover the city.
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From
$23.81
From
$23.81
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

Private Photo Shoot in Amsterdam with a Professional Photographer
Enjoy the personalized service of a vacation photographer during your stay in Amsterdam. Your professional photographer spends time getting to know you and capturing your travels in a contemporary style. A perfect choice to commemorate your family reunion, honeymoon, or holiday with friends.
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From
$513.93
per group
From
$513.93
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
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