The Most Budget Friendly Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

I've been to Amsterdam more times than I can count over the past few years and one of the first things I recommend to anyone visiting for the first time is to take a canal cruise through the city centre. Walking around the Amsterdam central you'll find tons of different companies and tours being advertised along the canals and it can be a little overwhelming deciding upon which boat to jump on and usually most people will opt for the first one they see.

Over the course of my first few visits to the Dutch capital, I didn't actually step foot on a boat because the typically crowded, glass-roofed boats with benches that seat nearly 100 people never appealed to me. There just seems to be something a little impersonal about the experience and I can only imagine how dreadful that glass top must be in the summer months! However, last year whilst taking an afternoon stroll through the Red Light District, James and I chanced upon a boat that boasted a huge sign that read: "BOAT TOUR - UNLIMITED DRINKS - €15". Well, we were sold as soon as we read those two beautiful words pieced together like a piece of fine poetry, "unlimited drinks".

Boat Amsterdam canal cruises run every thirty minutes between 11:30 - 22:00 and pick up from Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30, in front of the brewery named 'De Prael'. We enjoyed our experience with Boat Amsterdam so much last year that we decided to sail with them again during our trip this summer too! You don't have to pre-book your tour, but simply turn up and you'll find a host standing beside the canal outside of the brewery who will let you know when the next available boat will be arriving. The boats themselves are incredibly comfortable as the seats are lined with cushions and blankets, and if you're early enough, you can nab the seats right at the front of the boat like I managed to on our most recent trip; being at the front also means you get to take advantage of the perfect photo opportunities.

The tours themselves may not be as thorough as some of the bigger, impersonal boats with a voiceover, but the hosts do give you some snippets and fun facts about the sights you pass en route and because there are fewer people per tour, you have the opportunity to ask any questions about the sights. The whole round trip lasts approximately an hour and takes you through the canals in the centre of the city and there's nothing quite like looking up at the heightened, beautiful architecture Amsterdam from below street level.

The drinks on offer include cans of Heineken, a selection of wines and some soft drinks. However, when we first sailed with Boat Amsterdam last November, there was even some warming glühwein on board, which was perfect in the chillier weather. If you've visited Amsterdam before, you'll know it's quite expensive to drink in the city centre (approximately the equivalent to £5 a pint, so similar to London pricing), so an entire canal tour with unlimited drinks for just €15 is a bit of a bargain! I mean when I see 'unlimited drinks', I take it as a bit of a challenge and I manage to drink 4 - 6 beverages within the hour whilst onboard.

If you need any more information regarding Boat Amsterdam or want to take a look at their timetable, then you can do so here.

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