Point of interest
Canal cruise (Grachtengordel)
in Amsterdam, Netherlands
A boat trip through the UNESCO canal ring is the classic way to see Amsterdam.
Where it is
The canal ring wraps around the historic centre with its four main canals — Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht — and cruises generally depart near Central Station, along the Damrak or by the Leidseplein.
Address: Leidsebosje, 1017 PN Amsterdam
What it is
A canal cruise is the classic way to experience Amsterdam, taking in the narrow gabled houses, houseboats and countless bridges from the water. Options range from classic sightseeing loops to hop-on-hop-off boats and evening or themed cruises, making it a great first overview of the city.
History
The canal ring was created from 1613 during the Golden Age as an ambitious city extension of concentric canal arcs and served as a model of modern urban planning worldwide. Since 2010 the canal district within the Singelgracht has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.