Leave the bicycles behind and enjoy Amsterdam from a fresh perspective. The charm, culture and indulgence of this storied city are best enjoyed by water.
As we all know, the residents of Amsterdam have a penchant for pedal power. However, with a canal network that covers over 100 kilometres, there is another way to explore that delivers a fresh perspective on this multifaceted city of cultures.
There are two ways to discover the heart of the city from the water. Hop-on hop-off boats are a popular option, and you can intersperse your trip with countless stops at cafés, shops and museums along the water’s edge.
To begin your waterborne city tour with a picture-perfect view of townhouse-lined Amsterdam canals, head for NH City Centre Amsterdam. Overlooking the Singel, a canal that encircled Amsterdam in the Middle Ages, start your aquatic exploration with Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market, just minutes into your journey.
Alternatively, to take a slower approach to your cultural curation, book a cruise on one of the historic saloon boats. Relics from a bygone age, they can be hired to drive to your dinner reservation. If you choose to stay at NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, located in a row of 17th-century waterfront townhouses, you will have access to a private dock, allowing you to make the most of the city’s waterways in a style that matches the urban elegance of your accommodation.
As you learn to cruise the Amsterdam canals, myriad cultural landmarks quickly come floating into view. The Rijksmuseum has its own boat stop and, as the largest museum in the Netherlands, boasts 800 years of art and history. It’s worth noting that, as well as heritage and history, the museum’s restaurant (RIJKS) has earned a Michelin star for its creative cooking.
No weekend on the waters of Amsterdam would be complete without a visit to The Nine Streets, a historic cobbled neighbourhood bursting with over 250 independent shops and boutiques. Runstraat is home to one of the Netherlands’ most famous cheese shops, De Kaaskamer. Far from being a tourist trap, this Amsterdam institution sells over 400 different types of cheese. Remember to pair your purchase with a bottle from De Wijnwinkel, situated just a few doors down. You can also find a legion of independent Dutch fashion brands, including OU, the avant-garde FUI and sustainable luggage company NORTVI.
For a refined end to your exploration, visit Athenaeum. With its Wes Anderson-esque red and white awning, it is at the epicentre of Amsterdam’s literary landscape, housing over 25,000 titles. Exploring Amsterdam by canal is the ideal way to get a fresh perspective on the city at a speed set by you and the waterways.
You can’t get that on two wheels.
GOING DUTCH
A new generation of restaurants is making the most of the Netherlands’ plentiful produce.
Vermeer
The restaurant in NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace features a locally sourced menu.
De Kas
Located in a greenhouse, produce harvested in the morning will be on your plate by night.
Bak
The freshest of ingredients compete with a riverside view.
