One of the best ways of seeing the charming city of Amsterdam is to catch a canal cruise. I recently spent an unforgettable evening messing about in boats on the canals of Amsterdam as part of our Europe Jewel tour, and discovered a whole new side to the city. Read on for details!
As the spring sunshine began to fade into twilight, we boarded our canal cruise in Amsterdam, near the famous Rijksmuseum. The day had been long and warm, the kind of afternoon that can easily drift by as you watch the world bustle past from a shady vantage point. With its glass roof and large windows, the canal cruiser gave us the best of the view as we threaded our way through the labyrinth of Amsterdam’s canal system, ably piloted by our captain, Paul.
One of the things that stood out to me most in Amsterdam was just how uniquely residents have adapted to moving around. The waterways are the lifeblood of the city, providing a tranquil counterpoint to the population’s comings and goings, as they buzz about on bicycles, mopeds and scooters. A Canal Cruise the ideal way to see a good chunk of the city, including some of its most memorable landmarks. Take note of your favourites and come back later to explore!
The other great thing about the canal cruise is that it’s far easier to take in the architecture of the city than it is as a pedestrian. As anyone who has strolled Amsterdam’s streets and alleys knows, one really has to keep an eye on traffic! The canal cruise is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a day of pounding the pavement.
I was so fortunate to take the cruise on a clear day, the sun slanting at just the right angle, illuminating the city for a moment before giving way to a typically vibrant evening in the city. The distinctive skinny buildings appeared even prettier than usual, and it was a real treat to see life unfold, with barges and cruisers floating past, and families nipping past us in their motorboats. We enjoyed pizza and ice-cream on board, the perfect way to round off the day!
Board an Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Expat Explore – including dinner! You’ll also learn about the history of the city and details about famous landmarks as you drift along.