Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Best
Canals
Amsterdammers have always known their Canal Ring, built during the Golden
Age, is extraordinary. Unesco made it official when it dubbed the waterways a
World Heritage site. As of 2013, the Canal Ring has been doing its thing for 400
years.
Best Views
Golden Bend
(Gouden Bocht; Herengracht, btwn Leidsestraat & Vijzelstraat)
Where the Golden Age mag-
nates built their mansions along the regal Herengracht.
Reguliersgracht
The tour-boat favourite 'canal of seven bridges', one of Amsterdam's
most photographed vistas. (
Click here
)
Best Canal Cruises
Boom Chicago Boats
(
www.boomchicago.nl
;
Leidseplein 12; per person €15; tours 2.45pm; 1/2/5/7/10
Leidseplein)
The comedy club's 75-minute tours cater to a younger crowd; it uses smaller
open-air boats (that can be covered in bad weather).
Chicago. Excellent tour in an open-air, 10-seat vessel that can man- oeuvre into the narrow-
est canals. There is no set fee, just a suggested €10 donation. Alas, the club was on hiatus
due to licensing issues at press time. Check the website for updates.
Canal Bus
(
www.canal.nl
; day pass adult/child €22/11)
Offers a unique hop-on, hop-off service; has
17 docks around the city near the big museums.
Blue Boat Company
(
www.blueboat.nl
; Stadhouderskade 30; every 30min 10am-7pm; 7/10 Spiegel-
gracht)
The main tour (adult/child €14/7.50) clocks in at 75 minutes. Blue Boat also offers
evening cruises, kids' cruises and art cruises in conjunction with the Rijksmuseum.
