Amsterdam has 165 canals stretching over 100 kilometers—more than Venice! Together, they form the iconic Grachtengordel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the watery backbone of the city.
Amsterdam’s canals are more than just scenic. They reflect centuries of smart engineering, trade, and urban planning. From hidden bridges to floating homes, here are some surprising facts behind the city’s iconic waterways.
The layout was designed in the 17th century to expand the city efficiently. It helped with trade, defense, and water management while creating a structured flow of goods and people.
Herengracht, especially the Golden Bend section, is the most elegant. It’s lined with 17th-century mansions that once belonged to Amsterdam’s wealthiest merchants and city officials.
Most canals are around 2.5 to 3 meters deep, though it varies slightly. They’re shallow enough for safe navigation but deep enough to manage water drainage and boating.
They are entirely man-made. Built mostly in the 17th century, the canals were engineered to support trade, urban planning, and water control in the marshy land.
Many canal houses tilt forward to allow goods to be hoisted up and down without hitting the façade. You'll often see hooks at the top of buildings for this reason.
The canals are part of the drainage system. Rainwater is directed into them, and sluices and pumps regulate water levels to prevent flooding in this below-sea-level city.
No. While some were standardized, others vary. Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht are wider and straighter, while canals in the Jordaan or Red Light District tend to be narrower and more winding.
“Gracht” is Dutch for canal. Names like Herengracht or Keizersgracht reflect their historical function or the social class they were built for, like “Heren” (Lords) and “Keizer” (Emperor).
Not usually. Most tours cover select highlights like Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and the Amstel River. To see more hidden canals, opt for a longer or custom cruise.
Inclusions
60-min luxury Amsterdam canal cruise
Boarding point near Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, or City Centre (which includes two docks: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 or Meet at Amstel 178) (as per option selected)
Luxury open boat
Interactive skipper and English-speaking guide
Hostess (as per option selected)
Open bar with drinks for purchase including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, sparkling water (as per option selected)
Heating on board (blankets on board during winter) (as per option selected)
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
1-hour Amsterdam sightseeing canal cruise
Boarding point near Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, Hard Rock Cafe, or A'DAM Lookout (as per option selected)
Glass-top roof boats
Multilingual audio guide
Additional paid upgrades:
75-90-min Amsterdam sightseeing canal cruise
English-speaking guide
Live skipper commentary
Retractable glass-top roof electric boats
Heating on board
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
60-min Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Boarding point near Centraal Station or Anne Frank House (as per option selected)
Unlimited cheese
Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks)
Luxury seating saloon boat
Interactive skipper and English-speaking guide
Heating on board (blankets during winters)
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
60-min luxury Amsterdam canal cruise
Boarding from near Centraal Station or City Centre (which includes two docks: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 or Starboard Dock, Amstel)
Luxury seating in an open boat
Unlimited drinks (beer, wine, and soft drinks)
Unlimited bites (as per option selected)
Interactive skipper and English-speaking guide
Heating on board (blankets during winters) (as per option selected)
Open bar, including alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, sparkling water (as per option selected)
Inclusions
1-hour canal cruise on an electric boat
Boarding from Central Station
Open or partially covered boat
Local skipper
Bar onboard
Small group
Multilingual digital booklet available in English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, German, French and Italian.
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
90-minute evening canal cruise
Audio guide in 20 languages
Complimentary earphones
Free "Kids Cruise" audio story and booklet with every kids' ticket
Beverages, including Glühwein or hot chocolate
Dutch spiced cookies created in memory of Mayor Eberhard van der Laan
Wine & cheesebox (as per option selected)
Snackbox with one soft drink and a variety of sweet and savory snacks (as per option selected)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
1-hour evening Amsterdam canal cruise
Boarding from Centraal Station Pier, Rijksmuseum Pier, or Anne Frank House Pier (as per option selected)
Bar onboard (drinks available for purchase)
Luxury seating boat
Interactive skipper & host
Heating on board (blankets during winters)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
60-min luxury romantic cruise
Boarding from Centraal Station or Anne Frank House (as per option selected)
Comfortable seating on an electric saloon boat
Unlimited bubbles and a serving of yummy snacks
Live commentary by an interactive skipper
A local English-speaking guide
Heating on board (blankets during winters)
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
Inclusions
60-min day or evening cruise
Boarding point near Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum & Centraal Station (as per option selected)
Luxury saloon boat
Interactive skipper and host
Heating on board (blankets during winters)
Exclusions
What to bring
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Inclusions
60-min luxury cruise with flowers or tulips on board
Boarding from Centraal Station, Red Light District, or Anne Frank House (as per option selected)
Luxury boat filled with life-like tulips or other flowers (as per option selected)
Interactive skipper
Onboard bar with drinks available for purchase
Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.