We’ve written about the architecture tour in Chicago, but the canal tour in Amsterdam is in a class all its own.

In Amsterdam, the river and canals have been central to city life for the last four centuries

Janet Echelman

With over 160 canals in Amsterdam totaling more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) in length, you can see the influence of waterways ebbing and flowing throughout the landscape.

Looking up, it’s the architecture that nails this city — stair-step gabled rooflines or tall, curved tops adding elegance. But passing by slowly affords you the opportunity to enjoy the air and the loveliness at the same time.

We joined others on our boat who were pointing out “look-fors” — like bicycles on bridges, details on facades, and potted plants living on decks.

And with a city that boasts 1,700 bridges, we peeked under, over and through to form our own picture-perfect brochure shots.

Some boats (well, maybe most) lining the canals are part of the 3,000 houseboats in Amsterdam. And many look as if they’ve been residences for years: mature plants, areas for sitting and viewing, and clothes lines holding the wash of the day.

Not all of Amsterdam’s structures are quaint, old versions of the Dutch Golden Age. Some are new, sparkly, innovative, and spiffy as they glisten in the sun and invite you to wonder how in the world they built it.

Take the tour for the architecture, to see the waterways, or to get that step-back-in-time vibe that’s everywhere in Amsterdam. But for whatever reason, you just have to do it.

In Amsterdam, the water is the mistress and the land the vassal.  Throughout the city, there are as many canals and drawbridges as bracelets on a Gypsy’s bronzed arms. 

Felix Marti-Ibanez

You may even connect with a resident sipping morning coffee and sizing up the tourists.

Travel and wave back,

Rusha & Bert

This post is one in a series prompted by a recent trip to The Netherlands and Belgium. Thank you to Viking cruises (Holland & Belgium 2022) and our travel agent, Lauren Gunnels of Ortelius Travel Advisors, for the arrangements and free time to enjoy the scenery!

Although our canal tour was part of the Viking experience, you can find information about booking your own tour at Amsterdam Canal Cruises.

But as soon as we arrived in Amsterdam, we were especially grateful for the driver’s warning: Don’t walk on the red path.

According to a 2020 article Cycling in Amsterdam, “The Netherlands has a population of 17.1 million people and about a quarter of those (4.25 million) cycle every day. There are actually more bikes than people – 22.8 million bikes or about 1.33 bikes per person.” And we believe it!

After walking in and around Centraal Station, we noted people locking up bikes, taking down bikes, getting on bikes, and sometimes wondering where the heck they parked their bikes!

But then we fell in love with the whole biking phenomenon. Aside from the fact that we’re older and haven’t ridden in years, there was a nostalgia factor going on here. We loved seeing cyclists — young and old — passing by gorgeous Dutch architecture in pursuit of the good life. And, if you ask us, we think they’ve found it. No wonder the trend has caught on!

On any working day between 8am and 9am almost 2 million bikes will be on Dutch roads.

Cycling in Amsterdam

Some even line up for the ferry so they can bike in new places. Or reach a work destination.

After all, the ferry’s free, frequent, and full of interesting people!

Walkers and cyclists line up with bikes, babies in baskets or whatever they need for good times on the other side. And they seem pretty patient and understanding: When the horn blows, it’s too late to board. No pleading or sorrowful faces seem to matter. But another welcoming ferry comes along in only a few minutes.

The best thing about being in a city of cyclists? Watching people have fun.

Some are on a mission. But many are just cruising along the canals, taking in art at the galleries, or searching for an open-air cafe.

So, when in Amsterdam, watch out for red lanes. In fact, avoid them altogether when you can.

Or join the millions: rent a bike yourself to discover side streets, shops, and people enjoying life in The Netherlands. Feel the breeze blowing through your hair as you pedal yourself to new adventures.

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.

John F. Kennedy

Travel by bike,

Rusha & Bert

This post is one in a series prompted by a recent trip to The Netherlands and Belgium. Thank you to Viking cruises (Holland & Belgium 2022) and our travel agent, Lauren Gunnels of Ortelius Travel Advisors, for the arrangements and free time to enjoy the scenery!