Charm of canal cruise in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s canals are more than 100 kilometers long, and listed as one of World Heritages by UNESCO. / Courtesy of www.iamsterdam.com

By Kim Se-jeong

• Published Jun 25, 2015 4:57 PM KST
• Updated Jun 25, 2015 4:57 PM KST

By Kim Se-jeong

AMSTERDAM ― Cruising has gained popularity among travelers over the years. It offers travelers with a perspective that’s different from a walking tour. A traveler can get a broader picture of the place he or she is visiting in a short amount of time. All the necessary services are there, from food to lodging, to accommodate the traveler’s needs.

Cruising through canals in Amsterdam has unique charms that attract torrents of visitors who visit the city every year.

The canals define the city’s landscape and are all over the city and are interconnected. They are more than 100 kilometers long, with almost 1,500 bridges and 90 islands. In 2010, the UNESCO recognized the canals as one of its World Heritages.

They are an integral part of the city’s history. They were built in line with the city’s expansion in the 17th century when the city was prosperous with merchants from all over Europe and goods from Asia and the Caribbean. The United East India Company and West India Company were two major trading companies responsible for bringing in goods.

There are wide canals that are old and historical, while smaller canals intersect with big ones.

A 90-minute ride takes you to all the important landmarks in the city, from Central Station and Hermitage Amsterdam, a museum, to the Anne Frank House, Heineken brewery and Oude Kerk, the oldest monument in Amsterdam.

Besides tourist attractions, the boat ride gives travelers a sense of modern, energetic and energy-saving life in Amsterdam.

One can seek bikes parked at every corner and people riding them. In fact, the city’ mayor once said there are so many bikes in the city and managing them well so that there is no stolen bikes and no bike traffic is a tall order. The city is small enough to walk and it’s common to find people doing so.

Tiny electric cars painted in blue and white are seen at charging stations or running on the roads.

Cruising also gives you a glimpse into locals’ life on boats. Thousands of houseboats are registered to the city and they float along the canals. They are connected to the city’s sewage system and electricity grids. During summer, they move around from one canal to another, or to the sea. Locals say traffic congestion is something they see during summer time and during the city’s famous Gay Pride and Dutch King’s Day.

The canal cruise is also a good lesson on Dutch architecture. Narrow brick buildings ― the world’s narrowest building is in Amsterdam ― façade and window frames indicate the timing of the construction. Buildings near the harbor present modern, simple and innovative Dutch architecture, with the Science Center NEMO as an example.

The canal cruise is available regardless of weather conditions. All the boats have glass ceilings that open and close depending on the weather. In fact, cruising on a rainy day is quite enjoyable. Cruises run all year around, including the winter time as the water never freezes.

Visitors can have their exclusive cruise experience in Amsterdam as they can rent an entire boat for themselves.

Some cruise boats have a dinner service, which is particularly popular in summer evenings. A five-course meal is served over during two-and-a-half hours. Some boats offer pizza and beer and other snacks which are very much favored by tourists.

All boats are equipped with personal audio devices that have spoken guides in 19 languages. Korean is one of them. The canal cruise costs 16 euros per person. There are discounts for children and those who make reservations online. Visit

www.amsterdamcanalcruises.nl

for reservations and more information.

For other tourist attractions in Amsterdam, visit

www.iamsterdam.com

.