Canal Routes Amsterdam

Amsterdam Canal map

Amsterdam has countless charming canals, bridges, buildings, and parks to cruise through. It’s no surprise that the canal belt has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2010. But which Amsterdam canal route will you choose? It’s wise to decide on a route beforehand and familiarize yourself with the canal rules. This way, you can cruise without any worries and ensure you don’t miss a thing. Check below the most beauitful routes in Amsterdam, including some famous attractions.

The best canal routes in Amsterdam

We’ve compiled two delightful boating routes in Amsterdam Center for you: The Royal Route and The Artis Toute. You can also combine them for a longer trip. These routes take you along the most iconic canals in the centre of Amsterdam, passing by at least 15 famous highlights.

Royal Canal Route Amsterdam

On the royal route, you’ll cruise along Amsterdam’s most renowned canals such as the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht. Along the way, you’ll encounter the following highlights:

Prinsengracht

• Lekkeresluis Bridge
• Noorderkerk
• Amsterdam Tulip Museum
• Anne Frank House
• Westertoren and Westerkerk
• 9 Streets / 9 Straatjes
• Houseboat Museum
• Amstelkerk

Amstel

• Amstelsluis
• Skinny Bridge / Magere Brug
• Hermitage / H’Art Museum

Keizersgracht

• Reguliersgracht
• Museum van Loon
• 9 Streets / 9 Straatjes
• Homomonument

Artis Canal Route Amsterdam

On the Artis route, you’ll cruise past, among other sites, the Artis Zoo. You’ll encounter the following highlights in Amsterdam:

Amstel (part 1)

• Skinny Bridget / Magere Brug
• Amstelsluis

Entrepotdok

• Artis Zoo

Oosterdok

• Het Scheepvaartmusem
• NEMO Science Museum

Oudeschans

• Montelbaanstoren
• Sint Antoniesluis
• Café de Sluyswacht
• Rembrandthuis

Amstel (part 2)

• Amsterdam City Hall
• Spinoza Monument
• The Dancing Houses / Dansende Huizen
• Waterlooplein
• National Opera & Ballet
• Blue Bridge / Blauwbrug
• Hermitage / H’Art Museum

Which Amsterdam route will you choose?

Have you already decided which canal route in Amsterdam you’ll take? You’re the captain, so you decide where to go and for how long. You can rent a boat for 2 hours or longer. At Canal Motorboats, you can rent a boat without a license. Don’t worry; it’s not complicated. We’ll explain the rules and provide you with a route map on board.

Create your own Amsterdam canal route

Would you prefer to create your own fun route through Amsterdam? Check out Amsterdam’s boating route planner, map out your own route, and show your friends or family what a fantastic skipper you are. In addition to the boating routes and popular attractions mentioned above in Amsterdam, there are plenty more attractions in the capital city where you can cruise by. This way, you can decide which boating route you want to take yourself.