Amsterdam: Historic City Sightseeing Canal Cruise
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Amsterdam: Historic City Sightseeing Canal Cruise

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(424 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step aboard the city's finest cruise just by the Anne Frank House or choose for our boarding location at the Central Station. Cruise past the city's finest highlights in all comfort. From our photo deck you get to capture the most stunning photos.

Our skippers have true Amsterdam DNA, and have been cruising the canals for years. They know all the facts about Amsterdam and guide you through this experience in a personal manner. Feel free to ask them anything about the beautiful city of Amsterdam!

Do you prefer to listen to the most intriguing tales about Amsterdam in your language? We have got you! At Amsterdam Circle Line, we offer audioguides in 7 languages for an optimal experience.

All our boats are covered, heated and in dispose of a toilet for your comfort. During summer, you can enjoy the sun from our exterior photodeck in the back of the boat. Therefore, you get to enjoy our canal cruise all year round!

Available options

Cruise from Anne Frank Museum

Boarding/drop-off location: The exact address of the boarding location is: Prinsengracht 261A, Amsterdam. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Prinsengracht 261a, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cruise from Central Station

Boarding/drop-off location: The exact address of the boarding location is: Prins Hendrikkade 33A, Amsterdam<br/>Starting point:<br/>Prins Hendrikkade 33A, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands

What's included

Sunny rear deck & flexible roof
Coloring page with pencils for children
All Fees and Taxes
Audio commentary in 7 languages
Restroom on board

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

Adventure into Amsterdam’s past and present, through exploring the history of the city’s canals. Start your journey of discovery as you travel back 400 years at the Museum of the Canals.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a writer's house and biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

During World War II, Anne Frank hid from Nazi persecution with her family and four other people in hidden rooms at the rear of the 17th-century canal house, known as the Secret Annex (Dutch: Achterhuis). She did not survive the war but her wartime diary was published in 1947. Ten years later the Anne Frank Foundation was established to protect the property from developers who wanted to demolish the block

3
Stop 3 Pass by

The Westerkerk is a Reformed church within Dutch Protestant Calvinism in central Amsterdam, Netherlands. It lies in the most western part of the Grachtengordel neighborhood, next to the Jordaan, between the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

At the Houseboat Museum, you get the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to live in a houseboat on an Amsterdam canal. The museum is located in the “Hendrika Maria”, a former cargo ship built in 1914. The cargo hold is now a cosy living space featuring all the conveniences and a surprising amount of space and comfort.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

Leidsegracht is a canal in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is a cross-canal in Amsterdam-Center that connects Herengracht, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht and Lijnbaansgracht and flows into the Singelgracht at Marnixstraat.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

De Beulingsloot is one of the oldest and shortest canals in the center of Amsterdam. It is located within the Grachtengordel.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

The Bartolotti House is a canal house at Herengracht 170-172 in Amsterdam. It was built around 1617 for Willem van den Heuvel tot Beichlingen, one of the richest Amsterdammers at the time, who had inherited a lot of money from a childless uncle by marriage, Giovanni Battista Bartolotti, a merchant from Bologna.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

The Melkmeisjesbrug is a fixed bridge in Amsterdam-Center.

There has been a bridge here for centuries. Balthasar Florisz. van Berckenrode (1625), Joan Blaeu (1649) and Daniël Stalpaert (1662) signed her on their maps. The modern history of the bridge starts in 1883. A pedestrian drawbridge was then replaced by a permanent bridge. This was possible because shipping here had largely ended. Nevertheless, the passage turned out to be too narrow. The abutments and bridge were renewed in 1903 by the construction of a so-called paraboolligger bridge with iron sickle girders. The bridge looked slender and fit in well with the street scene. The new version of the bridge, this time made of steel, from 1966 also shows these properties.

The bridge is named after the milk market that was once held here. Later a catering establishment was built here, which had an image of a milkmaid as a sign. The bridge is probably the place where the first (type) Amsterdammertje was placed.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

The Brouwersgracht is a canal in Amsterdam that connects the Singel with the Singelgracht. The canal marks the northwestern border of the Grachtengordel (canal belt). Between the Prinsengracht and the Singelgracht the Brouwersgracht forms the northern border of the Jordaan neighborhood.

The house numbers of the Lijnbaansgracht, the Prinsengracht, the Keizersgracht, the Herengracht and the Singel start to count from the Brouwersgracht. The Herenmarkt is located between Brouwersgracht no. 62 and no. 68, near the West-Indisch Huis (West Indies House).

In 2007 Brouwersgracht was voted the most beautiful street in Amsterdam by readers of Het Parool out of 150 nominations.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

The church was designed by Adriaan Dortsman (ca. 1636-1682) and was opened in 1671. In 1822 the church was nearly destroyed and was rebuilt in 1826. The organ was built by J Batz in 1830 and it was restored in 1983 by Flentrop Orgelbouw. In 1935 the Lutherans left the building and it became a concert hall. In 1975 a tunnel was built by the neighboring Sonesta Hotel, today called the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, for its own access.The hotel rents the church from the Lutheran church which is still the owner today. In 1983 the church was closed for restoration, but in 1993 the dome caught fire; the church was again restored.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

Amsterdam Centraal was designed by Pierre Cuypers, who is also known for his design of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. While Cuypers was the principal architect, it is believed that he focused mostly on the decoration of the station building and left the structural design to railway engineers.

12

The IJ is a body of water, formerly a bay, in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is known for being Amsterdam's waterfront.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

The EYE Filmmuseum building is designed by Delugan Meissl Associated Architects, whose other projects include the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. The building features two gallery exhibition spaces, one 300-seat cinema, two 127-seat cinemas, and a fourth intimate cinema of about 67 seats.

14

The architect of the Posthoornkerk was P.J.H. Cuypers, who designed the building in 1860. The church replaced the hidden church De Posthoorn on the Prinsengracht, from which the name was taken over, and was established in two phases; The choir, transept, crossing tower and nave were built between 1860 and 1863, while the church was completed with a two-tower front from 1887 to 1889. Because the church could not be built free-standing, it was made extra high. To make optimal use of the limited space, the church was provided with galleries above the side aisles on the inside. While the exterior is in neo-Gothic style, the late Romanesque Munsterkerk in Roermond was the model for the interior.

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Stop 15 Pass by

The Amstel is a river in the province of North Holland in the Netherlands. It flows from the Aarkanaal and Drecht in Nieuwveen northwards, passing Uithoorn, Amstelveen, and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, to the IJ in Amsterdam. Annually, the river is the location of the Liberation Day concert, Head of the River Amstel rowing match, and the Amsterdam Gay Pride boat parade.

The Amstel was formed around 1050 BC when a freshwater river cut into a tidal channel of the IJ which are now Damrak and Rokin.

16
Stop 16 Pass by

Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch museum of the Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, Russia, located on the banks of the Amstel river in Amsterdam. The museum is located in the former Amstelhof, a classical style building from 1681. The dependency displayed small exhibitions in the adjacent Neerlandia Building from 24 February 2004 until the main museum opened on 19 June 2009.

It is currently the largest satellite of the Hermitage Museum, with a total area of 12,846 m2 and fits with the museum's plan to make its collections accessible to more people.The exhibition area covers 2,172 m2 and is contained within two large exhibition halls and smaller exhibition rooms. The remaining space holds lecture halls, offices and staff accommodations and a restaurant.

17
Stop 17 Pass by

The Stopera is a building complex in Amsterdam, Netherlands, housing both the city hall of Amsterdam and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet, the principal opera house in Amsterdam that is home of Dutch National Opera, Dutch National Ballet and Holland Symfonia. The building was designed by Wilhelm Holzbauer and Cees Dam.

The name is an abbreviation of the protest slogan "Stop the Opera" and not a portmanteau of "st"adhuis (Dutch: "city hall") and "opera" as is often claimed. Because the word 'Stopera' was a name for the protests against the building, the theater has never used this name in their communication.

Available languages

Audio guide
DE PT EN IT FR NL ES
Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2
104 reviews
5★
63
4★
16
3★
13
2★
3
1★
9
Tripadvisor 4.5
320 reviews
5★
242
4★
32
3★
20
2★
12
1★
14

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Audio guides are available in Dutch, English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. Kindly ask te skipper for your desired language.

Meeting point

As soon as you arrive at the Central Station (from the main entrance), walk straight ahead whilst passing the bridge. On your left handside, the friendly captains will be awaiting you.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the 'Venice of the North,' the city offers a rich blend of art, history, and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history. It houses an extensive collection of paintings, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Museum 2-3 hours €20

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and drawings in the world.

Museum 1.5-2 hours €20

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi persecution during World War II.

Historical 1 hour €16

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and a historic site. It is home to the Royal Palace, the National Monument, and various other landmarks.

Historical 1 hour Free

Jordaan

Jordaan is a picturesque and lively neighborhood known for its narrow streets, canals, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great place to explore, shop, and dine.

Neighborhood A few hours to explore Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Stroopwafel

A thin, round waffle made from two layers of baked dough joined by a caramel-like syrup filling

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat and sugar

Bitterballen

Deep-fried, crispy balls filled with a creamy, spiced ragout, typically made from beef or veal

Snack Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Haring

Raw herring fish, traditionally served with onions and pickles, eaten by holding the fish by its tail and lowering it into your mouth

Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians

Poffertjes

Miniature pancakes made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and yeast, served with powdered sugar and butter

Dessert Vegetarian, contains wheat, eggs, and dairy

Popular Activities

Canal kayaking Bike tours Escape rooms Canal cruises Visiting parks and gardens Spa and wellness treatments Museum visits Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The peak tourist season in Amsterdam is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals, but it's also the busiest and most expensive period.

15°C to 22°C 59°F to 72°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Dutch
  • Widely spoken: English, German, French
  • English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Amsterdam is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bike theft, can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport
  • • Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey

Getting there

By air
  • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol • 17.5 km from city center
By train

Amsterdam Centraal

By bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Getting around

Public transport

Amsterdam's tram system is efficient and user-friendly, with 14 day and night tram lines. A single ticket costs €3.20, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Amsterdam

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Jordaan De Pijp De Wallen (Red Light District) Museumplein Amsterdam-Noord

Day trips

Zaanse Schans
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A picturesque and open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch houses, windmills, and workshops, showcasing the history and craftsmanship of the region.

Haarlem
20 km from Amsterdam • Half day to full day

A charming and historic city known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, often considered a smaller and more relaxed version of Amsterdam.

Utrecht
50 km from Amsterdam • Full day

A vibrant and historic city known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and lively cultural scene, with a unique and charming atmosphere.

Festivals

King's Day (Koningsdag) • April 27 (or April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday) Amsterdam Pride • Late July to early August Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) • Mid-October

Pro tips

  • Use the OV-chipkaart for seamless and convenient public transport
  • Rent a bike to explore the city like a local, but be aware of cycling rules and etiquette
  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm
  • Try local specialties, such as stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-120
1
Childs
Age 4-11
0
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
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Free cancellation available
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