Rediscover the Venice of the North

Leave the bicycles behind and enjoy Amsterdam from a fresh perspective. The charm culture and indulgence of this storied city are best enjoyed by water.

BY THOMAS LOUIS

The view from NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace

Exploring Amsterdam by canal is the ideal way to get a fresh perspective on the city.

As we all know, the residents of Amsterdam have a penchant for pedal power. However, with a canal network that covers over 100 kilometres, there is another way to explore that delivers a fresh perspective on this multifaceted city of cultures.

There are two ways to discover the heart of the city from the water. Hop-on hop-off boats are a popular option, and you can intersperse your trip with countless stops at cafés, shops and museums along the water’s edge.

The Patio at NH City Centre Amsterdam

To begin your waterborne city tour with a picture-perfect view of townhouse-lined Amsterdam canals, head for NH City Centre Amsterdam. Overlooking the Singel, a canal that encircled Amsterdam in the Middle Ages, start your aquatic exploration with Bloemenmarkt, the world’s only floating flower market, just minutes into your journey.

The private dock at NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace

Alternatively, to take a slower approach to your cultural curation, book a cruise on one of the historic saloon boats. Relics from a bygone age, they can be hired to drive to your dinner reservation. If you choose to stay at NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace, located in a row of 17th-century waterfront townhouses, you will have access to a private dock, allowing you to make the most of the city’s waterways in a style that matches the urban elegance of your accommodation.

The canal boat experience from Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam

As you learn to cruise the Amsterdam canals, myriad cultural landmarks quickly come floating into view. The Rijksmuseum has its own boat stop and, as the largest museum in the Netherlands, boasts 800 years of art and history. It’s worth noting that, as well as heritage and history, the museum’s restaurant (RIJKS) has earned a Michelin star for its creative cooking.

For a refined end to your exploration, visit Athenaeum. With its Wes Anderson-esque red and white awning, it is at the epicentre of Amsterdam’s literary landscape, housing over 25,000 titles. Exploring Amsterdam by canal is the ideal way to get a fresh perspective on the city at a speed set by you and the waterways. You can’t get that on two wheels.

Discover more from the world of Minor Hotels.