By far the best way to see Amsterdam is by boat!  From the canals, you have the best view of Amsterdam, and there are a couple of ways to get around on the canals.

Amsterdam Canal Tours – Taking a canal cruise in Amsterdam is probably the most popular tourist attraction in the whole of Holland, over 3 million passengers a year choose to enjoy a canal cruise from one of Amsterdam’s many operators. They do so for a very good reason, as the city was built to be seen from the canals.

With over 3 million tourists and locals to accommodate, there are many companies offering canal cruises all with different locations, prices and boats! You’ll find a very comprehensive list of canal tour companies on Google

Canal Bus - (www.canal.nl) does several circuits between Centraal Station and the Rijksmuseum between 9.50am and 8pm. Day passes cost €18/12 per adult/child.  The day pass is valid until noon the next day.

Canal bikes – The Canal Bus company also offers canal bike (pedal boat) rental (www.canal.nl/bike/en/).  Canal Biking is the ultimate way to enjoy the capital city: you can forget the traffic and in your own tempo take a truly memorable and fun trip round the canals.  These cost €8 per person per hour, and are open from 10am until 6pm (10pm in summer).  Moorings are at Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House and Keizersgracht/Leidsestraat.

Renting a boat – You can rent a boat with friends, family or colleagues and spend a few hours or an entire day cruising through the Amsterdam canals, and could potentially see many Amsterdam events from your own private boat.  You can either opt for a boat with a skipper or a boat without a skipper.  There are many boat companies who offer trips on an hourly basis or private party boats.  All boat companies are collectively listed on www.rentaboatamsterdam.com.