Amsterdam isn’t a huge city but it can be bustling and hectic nonetheless, but a great way to get away from the crowds and see it from a different level, literally, is by canal – Tomas Mowlam unhurriedly explores Amsterdam.

By touring the city by the canals you get to see Amsterdam from the ground up at a leisurely pace.

The Canal Bus tours Amsterdam is a regular transport service; it runs three routes, red, blue and green, with fourteen stops. It’s set up for tourists so it stops at the major museums attractions, and shopping areas.

There’s also a tour guide providing you with commentary on Amsterdam’s history and culture. They even offer a Rembrandt’s Amsterdam tour.

The building of the canals was a conscious decision to organise the rapidly expanding city in the early 17th century. Three concentric canals, the Herengracht, Keizergracht and Prinsengracht, with an outer canal for defence and maintaining the water called the Singelgracht, were constructed from 1613 onwards.

These areas include many of the modern tourist attractions which is why it’s such a great way to experience the history of Amsterdam.

Day tickets are valid until midday the following day, giving you great value for your money.

If you fancy a more individual approach then why not try riding a Canal Bike, a four-seater pedal boat you can then paddle through Amsterdam at your leisure.

You can rent one from moorings at the Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House and Keizersgracht/Leidsestraat.

The Canal Bus green line operates from moorings at CS West, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Leidesplein, City Hall and CS East.

Red line runs from moorings at CS East, Sea Palace, Rembrandt House, the Hermitage, Albert Cuyp, Rijksmuseum, Leidesplein, Anne Frank house and CS West.

The blue line runs from CS East, NEMO, Passenger Terminal, the zoo, Tropen museum, Hermitage Museum, City Call, Gassan Diam and CS East.

All services run daily from 10:00 until 18:00, and in summer until 22:00.

Image Credit: Pear Biter

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