Canal Ring

Canal Ring tickets and tours

The Canal Ring is Amsterdam’s seventeenth-century belt of canals and merchant houses. Here are the main ways to see it and what to know before you choose.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ticket options compared

What each kind of ticket lets you see, and how the options differ in price and cancellation terms.

OptionWhat’s includedGood forBook
Canal cruise through the Canal RingA boat trip along the main canals, passing narrow gabled houses and going under many bridges.Most first-time visitorsBook now
Walking tour of the Canal RingA guided walk beside the water that explains the houses, the trade that built them and daily life.Those who prefer to go slowly and stop oftenBook now

Check live prices

Open each option to see the price and the cancellation terms for your date.

About the Canal Ring

The canals were dug in the seventeenth century, when Amsterdam was a rich trading city. The three main canals, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, curve around the old centre. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Powered by GetYourGuide
See more tours and experiences

Good to know

Choosing a Canal Ring cruiseCruises differ in length, boat type and commentary. Check the duration and the language of the commentary before you book.
Cyclists on the Canal Ring streetsThe streets beside the canals are busy with bicycles. Keep to the pavement and look both ways before you cross.

Nearby

The Nine Streets

A shopping district of small streets between the canals, with independent shops and cafés.

Magere Brug

The Skinny Bridge, a white wooden drawbridge over the Amstel river.

Also in Amsterdam

Members save 5% on tours we run

A free account lets you save experiences, compare them later and keep your bookings in one place.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a canal cruise in the Canal Ring take?

Most cruises last around an hour, but lengths vary, so check your booking.

Is the Canal Ring easy to explore on foot?

Yes. The area is flat and compact, and a walk gives you time to see details that you miss from a boat.