How to Get Around Amsterdam - Boat, Street Trolly, Bike and Walk

Getting Around Amsterdam by Boat

One of my favorite ways to get around in Amsterdam is by boat. Amsterdam is full of canals and there are many different options for traveling via the canals. There are water taxis, canal cruises, and hop on/hop off boats.

My method of choice for getting around on the canals was the hop on/hop off boats. For around €20, I purchased a ticket good for the entire day. This allowed me to ride the canal boats to any of Amsterdam’s top tourist destinations. I chose to take the canal to the museum quarter as it is quite a walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

For the tourist who wants to see Amsterdam from the canals, I highly recommend a sightseeing cruise. Another good option is a dinner cruise. It is the perfect combination of nightlife and sightseeing.

Prices below are accurate as of April 2023.

Private 1-hour Amsterdam Canal Tour - $90.96

During this exciting one-hour canal tour, you’ll have a unique opportunity to view Amsterdam’s most popular attractions from the water! Plus, our skipper will give you great tips and info to help you decide which ones you’d like to visit when you’re back on land.
Please feel free to bring your own snacks and drinks aboard so you can truly relax as you cruise through the magical World Heritage Canal District.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise from Rijksmuseum - 75 min - $19.74

Get a comprehensive overview of Amsterdam's top sights on this 75 minutes canal cruise from a very Central spot in the heart of Amsterdam opposite the famous Rijksmuseum.

Canal cruises are the ultimate way of getting to know the city. This Amsterdam Canal cruise passes many of Amsterdam's famous attractions. Such as canal houses from the Golden Age, the Westerkerk, the Anne Frank House, house boats, the Jordaan, Paradiso, Leidse Square. Sightseeing in Amsterdam couldn't be a more relaxing experience.

The Ultimate Amsterdam Canal Cruise - 2hr - Small Group - Exclusive Boat - $65.81

We invite you for a 2 hour all-inclusive adventure aboard one of our personally restored, luxury, electric boats.

With our main focus on quality, you with share the cruise with a small group of guests to ensure a spacious and personalised premium experience.

This cruise is perfect for couples, small groups of friends, families and solo travellers. Please note we only allow over 18's on this tour, our Highlights of Amsterdam Canal Cruise is a perfect tour for families with younger children.

During The Ultimate Amsterdam Canal Cruise you’ll be presented with an extensive selection of Dutch snacks, to match our high-end open bar with seasonal local craft beers from various Amsterdam breweries, handpicked quality wines, soft drinks and juices.

We will share plenty of fun facts about Amsterdam, but will not overwhelm you with too much information and constant talking, like a typical tour might leave you more exhausted than when you arrived.

Luxury Canal Cruise Amsterdam - Tourguide included - $21.54

Luxury and comfort are key, but the tickets, drinks and small bites are still very affordable! Onboard Friendship Amsterdam has a well-filled bar. You can pay for your beer, wine, soda, warm drink, cocktail, champagne, liquor and/or small snacks by cash or card. Of course Friendship Amsterdam will make sure you will be able to keep enough distance to other guests, they provide disinfection gel and will check their guests if they are healthy, so you will have a safe and relaxing cruise. Friendship Amsterdam is the first boat company of Amsterdam with authentic, renovated & electric boats. Each boat has its own interesting historical story. Ask your skipper and he would love to tell you the history about the boat you are cruising with! During colder days or wintertime, the boat will be equipped with heated seats, warm blankets and the boat will be covered. And of course you will be able to order some hot chocolate or gluhwein!

The hop on/hop off boats are also great for seeing the canals and their stunning views. I spent a great deal of time riding the canals taking in the scenery. I strongly recommend that anyone visiting Amsterdam take at least one canal cruise. There are no many places in the world with this unique form of transportation, and for some, it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Getting Around Amsterdam - Table of Contents

Updated – January 23, 2024

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Getting Around by Boat
Getting Around by Street Trolly
Getting Around by Bicycle
Getting Around by Walking
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Getting Around Amsterdam by Street Trolly

Street Trolly is another good way to get around Amsterdam. Each trolly makes it terminus at Amsterdam Central Station. When visiting Amsterdam tourists must be careful as I was almost hit by a trolly a few different times. Tickets can be purchased individually, or a transit card can be used.

Amsterdam has no subway although some ordinary trains run from Amsterdam Central. Most of the ordinary trains are going to the other large cities in the Netherlands such as The Hague or Rotterdam. There are also trains that go to Schiphol Airport every 10-15 minutes during peak times.

I never took the street trolly as I enjoyed walking around and looking at the canals. For people who are a little less mobile, the street trolly provides an excellent method of transportation.

Getting Around Amsterdam by Bicycle

The Netherlands is a very flat country which is well suited for riding a bicycle. Often it is more efficient to get around riding a bike than any other method of transportation. Bikes can navigate the narrow streets, and many of the larger streets have exclusive lanes for bicycles.

When touring Amsterdam one of the most common sights are the parking garages that are dedicated to bicycles. It is incredible to see thousands of bikes all parked right next to each other. Some of these bikes aren’t even locked up.

For tourists, renting a bike is a good option for getting around. Bikes can be rented from kiosks or agencies and are reasonably priced. Riding a bike in Amsterdam is not for the faint of heart. There is a lot of motor and pedestrian traffic on the roads and bikers must always remain alert. I had an unfortunate incident where I was slammed into by a biker who was too busy using their mobile phone. Thankfully both of us were not injured.

Prices below are accurate as of April 2023.

Amsterdam: Bike Rental - $8.97

Rent a bike to make the most of your visit to Amsterdam. On the bike you cycle easily from one hotspot to another. Bike along the beautiful canals, the artsy Jordaan neighborhood, the famous Red Light District or through the breathtaking Vondelpark. You can also cycle out of the city, for example, for a trip through the beautiful landscape around the Amsterdam: the rural Waterland or the green Amstelland, along the Amstel River. With the old windmills, cottages, and castles, you will feel like you are in a different world.

MacBike Bike Rental has been renting out bicycles in Amsterdam for over 30 years. And we are proud of that! Every day we are ready for the many visitors of our city to help them on their way with a rental bike. We inspire our guests with cycling routes, explain the traffic and parking rules, and make sure that they go on the road on a safe and well-maintained bicycle.

What are you waiting for? Book your bike now and make the most of your visit to Amsterdam!

Private Tour: Amsterdam Bike Tour with a Local Expert Guide - $140.55

Meet the most bike-friendly city in the world! On this private bike tour you will explore the most scenic paths with a local expert guide. Colorful districts, iconic landmarks and picturesque views are waiting for you. From art and history to food and people-watching. Amsterdam is culturally rich corner.

• Surrender to the charms of iconic landmarks, comfortable lanes and picturesque views.
• Fall in love with Chinatown, the Jordaan and the Nieuwmarkt
• Explore the Houten Huys, the Nationale Opera & Ballet and the 17th-century Trippenhuis
• Your guide can slightly change itineraries according to your wishes
• Indulge in a Dutch dessert along the way

Amsterdam Bike Tour - $35.90

During your stay in Amsterdam, you can not miss a bike tour through the city’s canals.

The city bike tour of Amsterdam is the best way to get to know those parts of the city that are harder to reach by walking. Walking you can do 80% of the city and with the bike tour, we take you to travel 20% that you lack. Always safely, through independent bike lanes and away from the large crowds of downtown!

For 2.5 hours on wheels, we will take you to the most memorable places in the city: parks, museums, windmills … In this tour, we will not only see the most important thing about the Dutch capital and its best landscapes but also tell you the stories that make these sites special. Do not hesitate! Get on the bike and discover Amsterdam with us on two wheels. It will be a memorable adventure!

The tour includes the bicycle rental during the tour.

Amsterdam features many different tunnels and paths for bikes. Below is a tunnel going through Amsterdam Central Station that is only for pedestrians and bike riders.

Getting Around Amsterdam by Walking

My favorite method to get around Amsterdam is walking. I usually would begin in the area around Amsterdam Central Station and would follow the canals to the main tourist areas of Amsterdam. Navigating the canals can be tricky as they are constantly turning and changing directions. A good map program such as “Ways” or “Google Maps” can help. Without using a map, I would often find myself walking in circles.

Amsterdam is such a historic city that one of the best ways to take in the sights is by walking. Walking is my choice of transportation because each of the canals has a different appearance and charm. Walking is truly the best way to experience the canals of Amsterdam.

I prefer to walk and explore on my own. Many people prefer to take a walking tour or a hire a guide. Either way, Amsterdam is a great city to see by walking.

Prices are accurate as of April 2023.

2-Hour Private Custom Amsterdam Walking Tour With A Local Guide - $71.52

Book a local Amsterdammer for a personalized 2-hour tour. You will decide where to go, what to see, what to do together with your private, personal, like-minded local guide who will naturally gives you the best tips of the city. With a friend who knows what you like, Amsterdam will unveil its best to you.

Our handpicked hosts are culinary connoisseurs and history buffs, bakers and bankers, students and seniors. Like the people who travel with us, they have different backgrounds and interests – but they’re all so passionate about the place they call home, they choose to spend their free time sharing it with the like-minded travelers matched to them.

Your meeting place and time as well as your itinerary are flexible, so you can plan an experience with your host to meet your needs.

Amsterdam walking tour (small groups) - $29.79

Start your journey with the best introduction to Amsterdam. A unique vision of the city which has a unique style of combining history with pure entertainment. This 2.5-hour* walking tour covers the main sights of the inner city.

On this tour, you’ll hear the stories you’d never hear otherwise. With an expert guide, you’ll experience the history of this city, from its start as a muddy village on the River Amstel, to how it became the most important trading city in Europe. From the wild history of prostitution and drug decriminalization to the tragedy of Anne Frank’s story and Nazi occupation, the aim is to give you a perfect introduction to this city. After the tour, you’ll have all the time you want to explore further with fellow travelers.

Whether you visit one of Amsterdam’s famous museums or check out the cafés and bars of the Jordaan District, this tour will help you get your bearings in this often confusing city and allow you to make the most out of your stay here.

Amsterdam Walking Tour - $45.35

See the HIGHLIGHTS of AMSTERDAM in a 2,5 HOUR Walking tour and be photographed at the same time? Shoot Me! Photography takes you to the most epic places in Amsterdam with a professional PHOTOGRAPHER.
Tourists turn into models on this tour which takes you to all the famous places Amsterdam is known for. From a personal photoshoot with the Amsterdam skyline in the background, to a family portret near the canals in the city center. A perfect shot with your friends at Damsquare and a fun playful one of you on the Amstel. Its a guarantee you will go home with amazing pictures!
The Red light district, Anne Frank House and of course the Jordaan are also part of this tour.
The photographer takes amazing photos of you when and wherever you like.

AND Yes! ALL PHOTOS are INCLUDED.

You do not want to miss this…

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