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Sure, everyone loves a sunny beach in the Med. But you can equally enjoy a boating experience in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Amsterdam. With its meandering canals and waterways and its picturesque houses, dotted along the numerous piers, the Dutch capital lends itself to an unforgettable boat ride. Book a boat rental in Amsterdam to explore this vibrant metropolis on a canal boat or a sloop, a local sailboat that is quite popular among Dutch sailing enthusiasts.
Amsterdam is second only to Venice when it comes to the number and beauty of waterways and canals. Not surprisingly, they have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Dutch capital boats 165 canals with a total length of approximately 100km – a boatman’s paradise!
Renting a boat in Amsterdam is perhaps the best way to discover the hidden corners of this vibrant city. You can rent a sloop to Rutger and sail to Keizersgracht, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Singel or Oude Schans. Check the weather forecast, gather your best friends, grab something to drink – perhaps a Heineken? – and get on your boat! In this blog post, we have put together 4 sailing routes to explore Amsterdam at your own pace.
Sailing Itinerary 1 – Plantage
Following the Plantage route is one of the best ways to discover Amsterdam on a boat! This sailing itinerary will take you to the greenest part of Amsterdam, the leafy neighbourhood of Plantage, famous for its unique architectural style. Cruise along the district’s narrow canals and sail past Artis Zoo. With a bit of luck, you may spot a zebra or a gazelle!
(*Itinerary maps courtesy of Waternet)
Sailing Itinerary 2 – Red Light District
The Red Light District is perhaps one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Europe. It’s part of Amsterdam’s old city and particularly famous for being home to De Wallen Street, a dense network of picturesque meandering alleys and beautiful houses. This route also takes you past Oude Kerk, an impressive church that is Amsterdam’s oldest building.
Sailing Itinerary 3 – Rainbow route
June is not just the first month of summer, but also an opportunity to celebrate tolerance and diversity in a city famous for its liberal tradition. Amsterdam Pride, taking place every June, is an extravagant jamboree that you shouldn’t miss if you plan to visit Amsterdam in the summer. Interestingly enough, Amsterdam Pride has a boating sister too, the Canal Parade, held on the 3rd of August. To skip the crowds gathering in Amsterdam on that date, you can always rent a sloop any other day of the year and follow the so-called ‘rainbow’ sailing route.
Sailing Itinerary 4 – A boat rental in Amsterdam can be a culinary journey too
Would you like to enjoy a local snack and a drink by the canals or aboard a traditional sloop? Then this culinary route is the best one for you! Amsterdam has many culinary hotspots to enjoy Stroopwafel or the famous Oorlog French fries. Whether you want to drink local beer, eat vegan food or enjoy various delicacies in a Dutch restaurant, following this route is the best way to familiarise yourself with the Dutch capital’s cuisine.
Have you already enjoyed Amsterdam’s unique ambiance and feel-good vibes on a boat? Check out other up-and-coming boating destinations in Northern Europe, such as Stockholm, Copenhagen and Giżycko!
