Rosalia's Amsterdam

Canal with boats and tree-lined banks in a sunny city, with a tower in the distance

Best way to Experience Amsterdam's Canals

Amsterdam was built on its waterways, and there is no better way to experience the city than from the canals themselves. Whether you prefer a private cruise, an active paddle through hidden waterways, a leisurely lunch on the water, or a social evening cruise with drinks, these experiences offer a unique perspective on the city.

For a truly personalized experience, we recommend a private boat tour with Rederij Paping (Book a Tour Amsterdam). Their small electric boats offer a quiet, comfortable cruise through both famous canals and lesser-known waterways. Knowledgeable skippers tailor the route to your interests, while drinks on board and the intimate setting make this one of the most relaxing ways to discover Amsterdam.


To book: contact us directly

Private Canal Tour with Rederij Paping

Canal with moored red-and-white boats, trees, and apartment buildings under a cloudy sky
Canal lined with trees and moored boats under a bright blue sky, with a small boat in the center.

Best Small-Group Canal Cruise: Pure Boats

Pure Boats offers boutique canal cruises aboard elegant electric boats, limiting group sizes to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Their captains take guests beyond the busiest waterways while sharing stories about Amsterdam's architecture, history, and local culture. Options range from morning cruises with coffee and pastries to evening cruises featuring wine and cheese, making it one of the city's most refined shared boat experiences.


To Book: https://pureboats.com

Exploring Amsterdam by kayak offers a completely different perspective. Guided paddles take visitors through peaceful residential canals and lesser-known waterways that larger boats cannot access. Early morning tours are particularly magical as the city slowly wakes up. For active travelers, kayaking combines sightseeing, exercise, and an unusually intimate connection with Amsterdam's historic canal network.


Recommended:

  • https://www.mikang.nl/en/
  • https://kanoschoolhermitage.nl/en/

Best Active Adventure: Kayaking the Canals

Canal with boats and tree-lined banks in a sunny city, with a tower in the distance
Sunlit canal bridge with bicycles, framed by tall brick buildings and trees in a city street scene

Walking the canals of Amsterdam

Not every canal experience has to take place on the water. Amsterdam Gilde offers exceptional guided walking tours led by knowledgeable local volunteers who share stories about the city's canal houses, merchants, architecture, and hidden courtyards. Unlike commercial tours, these walks focus on Amsterdam's history and everyday life, often revealing details that visitors would otherwise miss. It's a wonderful way to experience the canals at a slower pace and gain a deeper understanding of the city that grew around them.


Many routes explore the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, the Jordaan, and historic merchant quarters, making them an ideal complement to a boat tour. The tours are affordable, highly regarded, and led by passionate Amsterdam residents. As a bonus, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, browse local shops, and discover hidden gems along the way.


Book: https://www.gildeamsterdam.nl/en/

Rosalia's Tip: Pair an Amsterdam Gilde walking tour in the morning with an afternoon canal cruise. Seeing the canal houses first from the street and later from the water provides two completely different perspectives on Amsterdam's most iconic neighborhoods.

People in a small boat on a canal beside a tree-lined street and brick buildings.

For the most adventurest....

Feeling adventurous? Did you know that you can also go Paddleboarding and swimming in Amsterdam's waters?