The best way to discover the fascinating capital of the Netherlands is by taking advantage of what is probably its most peculiar feature, which is to take a boat ride on the canals of Amsterdam. Book your tickets, board a boat and spend an hour sailing through history, architecture and enchanting views!

The journey begins in the medieval center of Amsterdam, which will leave you stunned! Dating back to the thirteenth century and built on a swamp, this first historic core has unique characteristics that are difficult to see in other places. Precisely because of this, many houses literally tilt forward or to one side.

The tour continues to the old port area where you will breathe in the atmosphere of the overseas trades of the Dutch Companies of the 1600s. You will be able to admire the "Amsterdam", a faithful replica of a merchant ship from the seventeenth century, and reach the great waterway where the Amstel River (from which the city takes its name) crosses the network of canals.

It will then be time for the Gratchegordel. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the "newest district" of the city, built in the seventeenth century. At the time, three large parallel canals were dug that today arch incredibly along one side of the city. The canal houses are beautiful and charming with their picturesque windows and typical Dutch architecture.

This Amsterdam canal boat ride also allows you to see important sights such as the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk. You'll have an interesting audio guide that tells you everything you need to know about everything you see. You will cross the Magere Brug (the skinny bridge) and you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a city that is both relaxed and elegant.

This experience is perfect for breathing in the typical Dutch pragmatism. Amsterdam is famous for its bike routes and "lively" (dangerous?) cyclists, but with this tour you will be able to explore the city at your own pace, without the fear of a bike running over you while taking a photo of the monuments.

Insider tip

One of the best times to board a boat in Amsterdam is in the evening, when the sun goes down. You can avoid the long daytime lines and watch the city as the lights start to come on. It's simply magical!