Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Amsterdam Canal Ring. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minute Canal Cruise by Captain Jack

• Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option

• 10 Tastes of Amsterdam: Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan

• Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks

• Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

While it’s free to explore the Amsterdam Canal Ring, sightseeing cruises are among the city’s most popular tours. Canal cruises start at US$21 per person, including unlimited drinks on board, but you can also admire the canals on walking tours of Amsterdam, which start at just US$4.

Yes, the Amsterdam Canal Ring is worth visiting. Amsterdam's historic canals are an iconic part of the city, not to mention a UNESCO–listed feat of 17th-century engineering. Whether you stroll or cycle along the canal sides, pose for photos on the flower-lined bridges, or visit one of the old canal houses, you can't miss the Amsterdam Canal Ring. Boat cruises are the quintessential way to explore, and let you access parts of the historic center that can only be seen from the water.

Per one customer who booked the Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minute Canal Cruise by Captain Jack, "We were with Joe, who did a great job explaining the history of Amsterdam and its canals, while we were enjoying the beauty. It was nice to have beer, wine, and a variety of snacks, too. Captain Joe did a great job keeping everyone engaged and really connected with the guests. Recommended!"

Yes, you can take an Amsterdam Canal Ring cruise—it’s one of the best things to do in the Dutch capital. Cruises range from straightforward 1-hour sightseeing jaunts to options with craft beer, cheese tasting, all-you-can-eat pizza, and bars with unlimited drinks. Some depart after dark to showcase the illuminated waterways along the canal belt.

While canal cruises are the most popular way to explore, walking the Amsterdam Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) tours can show you the waterways from a different perspective. Some tours take you around the Red Light District at night, while others combine canalside attractions such as Westerkerk and the quaint Jordaan neighborhood with bustling Dam Square.

The Amsterdam Canal Ring is a year-round destination that shines in every season. Summer is a nice time to visit, as sunny weather means you can sit outdoors. The city hosts the Amsterdam Light Festival in December and January, where artists create light installations—when an evening canal cruise is ideal.

Yes, you can explore the Amsterdam Canal Ring on a self-guided walking or cycling tour. Amsterdam is one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, so renting a bike is a great way to explore all the popular neighborhoods in Amsterdam. Hop-on hop-off canal cruises and bus tours give you extra flexibility when sightseeing.

Yes, most of the Amsterdam Canal Ring is good for families. You might want to avoid the Red Light District and the “coffeeshops” where smoking marijuana is legal, but overall, it’s a great place for kids. Family-friendly attractions nearby include the NEMO Science Museum and ARTIS Royal Zoo.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Amsterdam Canal Ring. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Amsterdam:

• Anne Frank House

• Herengracht

• Bloemenmarkt

• Amsterdam Central Station

• Rijksmuseum

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Amsterdam.