Emperor's Canal (Keizersgracht) Tours

The second of Amsterdam’s three major waterways, the Emperor’s Canal (Keizersgracht) is the widest in the city. Its quiet waters wind through otherwise bustling neighborhoods, and it is lined with picturesque old houses—some of which have had famous residents. A boat trip along the canal lends itself to some wonderful photo opportunities.
The Basics
The beautiful Emperor’s Canal provides a quiet respite from some of the busier parts of town, and is a great place to wander or go on a scenic boat ride. The waterway is lined with lovely old houses and interesting buildings, from apartment complexes housed in former whale-blubber storage depots to the Red Hat (Rode Hoed), which once served as a secret Catholic church.
Many of the city’s hop-on hop-off boat tours use this canal. You can also experience the canal via a private cruise replete with drinks and snacks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Emperor’s Canal is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers, and all first-time visitors to Amsterdam.
- For an authentic experience, the canal is best explored by boat, but foot and bike are great modes of discovery too.
- Bring your camera—there are lots of picturesque houses lining the canal.
How to Get There
The Emperor’s Canal, which runs right through Amsterdam, is situated between two other major canals: Prince’s Canal (Prinsengracht) and Lord’s Canal (Herengracht). It is easily accessed throughout the city center, and its northern section is about a 15-minute walk from Centraal Station.
When to Get There
Like all of Amsterdam’s waterways, the canal is a year-round attraction. Though if you’re getting around by boat, you’ll certainly be more comfortable visiting in the warm summer months. In winter the canal can freeze over and double as a de facto ice-skating rink for daring residents.
Famous Keizersgracht Residents
Over the years, a number of historical figures have stayed in houses lining the Emperor’s Canal. Daniel Fahrenheit, the inventor of the Fahrenheit scale, stayed here, as did German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. John Adams, the second US president, allegedly lived here during his tenure as ambassador to the Dutch Republic.
Address: Amsterdam, Netherlands
25 Tours and Activities to Experience Emperor's Canal (Keizersgracht)
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Amsterdam Small-Group, Guided Evening Canal Cruise with Bar on Board
Come and join us on one of our legendary and Tripadvisor top 3 boat tours and get ready to cruise along the Amsterdam canals on our unique, electric boats. We have small open boats so you are able to enjoy the full experience!
On our 1 hour evening cruise you will explore Amsterdam, its famous landmarks, culture, and rich trading history whilst relaxing on our luxury boat. At night all the bridges light up in the city so it will feel like sailing through a fairytale. The cruise will be done with a small group of people, so expect an interactive tour, with enough space for questions and any needed recommendations for your further stay in Amsterdam. Our canal cruise is a great alternative compared to those old-school tourist canal boats that your grandma probably recommended.
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Luxury River Boat - Small Group - from AnneFrank House
Glide through Amsterdam's canals in style and comfort aboard a luxury open-air boat with no windows or walls between you and the sights. Settle into comfy cushioned seats, and warm up with provided blankets and a drink from the cash bar if the weather is chilly. The cruise departs multiple times daily from the Anne Frank House, so it's easy to fit into most sightseeing itineraries.
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Classic River Boat With Drinks & Dutch Cheese
Cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam during this 75-minute boat tour. Hop aboard the classic wooden saloon boat and sit back and enjoy the beautiful city pass you by. See landmarks while nibbling on Dutch cheese and having a drink.
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From
$35.91
From
$35.91
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands

City Canal Cruise with Bar on board and Departure to Anne Frank House
Amsterdam is a a canal city so see it the best way possible: from the water. Aboard a well-equipped boat, cruise through the city's canals, soaking up the sights, while your skipper and hostess provides background information about each of the landmarks.
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29

PRIVATE and SAFE Saloon Boat Ride: Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Unlimited Drinks
The combination of foot, bike, car and bus traffic on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam can be overwhelming. Escape the crowds with this private canal tour. Experience the city’s waterways from a unique vantage point. Enjoy a chilled drink while a local guide gives you insight on the history and architecture of the city.
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From
$174.59
Price varies by group size
From
$174.59
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Sebi Boat Tours
We are Sebi Boat Tours, two true Amsterdammers who want to share their love for this beautiful city. With our 100% electric boat which is open on sunny days and closed on rainy and windy days and has a toilet, we will provide a 2 hour intimate canal tour. We will pass all the highlights Amsterdam has to offer including the world famous canal belt, The Jordaan, The red light district, the river Amstel, the maritime area and places, where big tour boats cannot go. On the way we will make a stop at Amsterdam's best boat caterer, childhood friends of ours, to pick up some traditional Dutch snacks while you enjoy a wide variety of complementary drinks. All this while Captain Sebi will pass on his years of knowledge of the city and canals, on current events and Amsterdam people in Dutch, English and German!
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From
$60.24
From
$60.24
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Private canal cruise on small historic boat
Leave the crowded tourist boats behind. Explore Amsterdam’s canals on a private tour in a traditional Dutch canal boat. Follow in Rembrandt’s footsteps and see the iconic painter’s favorite streets and neighborhood haunts from the water. Enjoy the intimate experience of an exclusive tour for your group of up to 12 people, as you are taken through Amsterdam’s history aboard the Delphine.
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From
$439.23
per group
From
$439.23
per group

Luxury Canal Tour with Local Live Guide - Sightseeing - from Rijkmuseum
We depart from the Rijksmuseum and sail through a beautiful area that was created by the Dutch in the 18th century. From here we will discover old Amsterdam and the beauty of the canals. The view from our 100% electrical luxury boats is amazing and a must when visiting Amsterdam. Sit back and relax on our boats and let our skipper and hostess guide you through the small canals where all large boats can't come. Relax with a drink and enjoy the best tour of the city!
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Amsterdam Must-See Historical City Walk with Local Expert
Meet Amsterdam, the city which invented tolerance, liberalism and open-mindedness. This tour will bring you a colorful mix of must-see spots and local charms. It is a great way to explore the city, if you don’t know where to start. Discover the must-see landmarks, beautiful canals and important historic areas. All along the way your guide will bring Dutch culture and history vividly to life.
• This compact journey will introduce you to the most iconic Amsterdam spots
• You will get a better understanding of Dutch liberal culture
• Learn more about Amsterdam’s rich history and heritage
• Find out how a small fishing town became the center of world’s trade
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From
$59.00
From
$59.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas

Private Tour: Amsterdam By Night Tour with Complimentary Drink
Experience intimate magic of Amsterdam at night! You will see the other side of the city during very romantic and informative night tour. This compact journey is a photographer’s delight and a perfect introduction to Amsterdam.
In the end you will stop for a drink to feel like a local. Are you interested in some specific attraction? Tell your guide about it at the beginning of the tour and personalize your tour.
• Admire the majesty of city lights reflecting from the water and enjoy the view of atmospheric illuminated canals
• Take a walk along vivid canals and find out more about country’s history and culture
• Enjoy an included drink at a local bar
• This is a private tour for ultimate personalized experience
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From
$70.00
Price varies by group size
From
$70.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Small Group Bike Tour (Maximum of 6 People) for 2hrs and 30m Guided by The Owner
Small group bike tour
Safer and more refined our tours cater to a maximum of 6 people.
Owner Guided Tours
Expect the finest value for money with a professionally qualified guide.
Scenic Routes
Take in local neighbourhoods, hidden gems and a variety of tour sights along the safest and most scenic routes available with your excellent guide.
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From
$41.48
From
$41.48

Boat Tour private min.8 pax
Enjoy a quintessential Amsterdam experience as you cruise around the city’s famous canal ways. Hop aboard a nostalgic 1960’s lifeboat for a private 1.5-hour cruise and drift through the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht districts. Sip a cool beer or a glass of Prosecco, and nibble on snacks as you spot city landmarks like the Old Port, the Skinny Bridge and the notorious Red Light District.
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From
$61.91
From
$61.91
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands

60 Minute Small Group Tour by Captain Jack
Cruising the canals of Amsterdam is a must for first-time visitors to the city. This family-friendly cruise provides a personalized experience with a small boat and a maximum of 20 passengers on-board. Get to know each other as you sip drinks, tuck into snacks, and enjoy entertaining commentary from Captain Jack. Cruise around the UNESCO-listed canal ring, spot landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House, and hear fun facts and stories about Amsterdam as you discover the city.
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

NEW! Authentic Amsterdam Evening Cruise!
We will go on the most relaxing, cosy and beautiful nightly open boat ride through the canals of Amsterdam. But not just any boat ride. You will be indulged with food, drinks (Juices for the youngest) , stories, history and humor. You will get to know and see the rich history of Amsterdam and so much more. . And you will also meet with guests from all over the world who all speak English. So not only get to know Holand but also France, India, Spain, Andorra, Italy , US and so much more while your at it. And because I'm your host for the whole tour, I will entertain you with amazing facts, funny and
exciting stories.
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Personal Private Canal Cruise, all inclusive. 60 minutes
The best private canal tour on the famous canals of Amsterdam! The cruise is private for 1,5 hours and inclusive local skipper/guide and inclusive beer, wines, soda's and snacks (due the Corona virus, snacks are not available at this time). The luxe boat is equipped with pillows and in case of rain a roof top. Anamazing experience to enjoy with friends and family. You will see the famous hotspots of Amsterdam. The starting location is at the famous Rijksmuseum, the biggest museum of Amsterdam.
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From
$278.60
per group
From
$278.60
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

Amsterdam History Walking Tour
During the Amsterdam History Tour you will discover some of Amsterdam’s most iconic squares, buildings, canals and old streets, while learning about the city’s history, liberal culture and Dutch people.
Our knowledgeable local guides will take you on a great walking tour straight through Amsterdam’s historic center. During this 1:45 hour tour our licensed experts explain how freedom and tolerance were born in the Netherlands and how they impacted Amsterdam’s financial development; turning a scanty fishing village into the centre of world trade.
We describe how these same values from the 16th century still shape the attitudes of today’s Amsterdammers. This Amsterdam City Tour is a feast for the eyes; so don’t forget to charge your camera!
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From
$29.61
From
$29.61

Hop-On Hop-Off Amsterdam Canal Sightseeing Cruise
With the hop-on hop-off boat day pass, enjoy an easy overview of Amsterdam at a pace that suits you. Step aboard boats that operate along Amsterdam's canals and travel along the route that passes highlights like the Anne Frank House and the Heineken Experience. While on board, listen to engaging commentary on the city and sights you see along the way. Choose between a 24- or 48-hour pass, and get on and off as often as you like.
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From
$30.96
From
$30.96
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Kickstart Your Trip To Amsterdam With A Local: Private & Personalized
Amsterdam is a labyrinth of cobbled lanes and canals. Get your bearings in the Netherlands’ capital with ease on a private, custom tour that gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary. You’ll explore on foot to ensure that you notice less-obvious details and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide.
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From
$84.66
Price varies by group size
From
$84.66
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Private Small Luxury Boat Tour 2hrs
Join us for a private cruise on Amsterdam’s historic canals. Let us show you the hidden treasures along the smaller canals you normally wouldn't see on the larger group cruises. We are offering this unique private cruise for parties up to 5 persons on a small comfortable "Salon" boat. You can choose to sit comfortably in- or outside on salon-boat Tzar according to the weather conditions.
Our experienced local skippers are the perfect guides to tell you about the history and other interesting stories about this wonderful city. And don't worry we always carry a fully stocked bar with snacks onboard should you want refreshment along the way. We depart from a nice quiet location on the canals in the center of town. Join us for a memorable experience!
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From
$464.33
per group
From
$464.33
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Mini Private Romantic Canal tour Amsterdam for 2
Looking for a more Romantic activity on the Amsterdam Canals? Our Mini Private Romantic Canal Tour is perfect for you and your partner.
Discover Amsterdam during an intimate journey along the canals.
Picture this: You and your partner snuggled together. The sound of water lapping softly against the sides of the boat as we drift beneath Amsterdam’s iconic bridges and past its magnificent 17th-century canal houses.
Against this picturesque backdrop, your guide shows you the intimate side of the city. Sharing stories that speak to the heart: tales of love, and details of the art and architecture that make Amsterdam such an open-air museum. Brought to life with a carefully chosen selection of music.
The heart opens in silence so we will sail on a silent solar-powered electric boat. And the end of the tour we will leave you and your partner set for a cosy evening together.
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From
$60.67
From
$60.67
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized

Luxury Summer Boat Tour with Bar on board
Board a customized electric boat for a one-of-a-kind cruise on the canals of Amsterdam. Choose your sailing time and relax during a luxurious 1-hour ride on a small, open boat. The narrated tour begins and ends at a convenient location, in front of the Anne Frank House. Blankets and pillows are provided.
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From
$22.29
From
$22.29
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Skip-the-line & Private Guided Tour: Rembrandt House & Neighborhood Guided Tour
Walk in the steps of the famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt, during this 2.5-hour walking tour. Stroll through the Spiegalquarter, the artist’s old neighborhood, and visit areas like the Emperor’s Canal and Waterloo Square that he used to frequent. Then skip the long lines and explore Rembrandt’s 17th-century home filled with period pieces, personal items, and etchings from the artist.
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From
$124.69
Price varies by group size
From
$124.69
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Skip-the-line Rijksmuseum & Rembrandt House & City Guided Tour - Private Tour
Discover two of Amsterdam's key attractions during this half-day private tour to the Rijksmuseum and the Rembrandt House Museum with skip-the-line entrance tickets. Stroll through the massive art gallery and learn about Dutch culture as you peruse 8,000 pieces. Then head to the neighborhood and home of the famous Dutch artist, Rembrandt, to learn more about his influence on the art world and Dutch culture.
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From
$221.81
Price varies by group size
From
$221.81
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Skip-the-line Rembrandt House & Neighborhood Guided Tour - Semi-Private 8ppl Max
Explore the streets of Amsterdam through Rembrandt’s eyes during this 2.5-hour small-group walking tour. Stroll through the artist’s old neighborhood of Spiegelquarter and see key attractions like the Emperor’s Canal, the Night Watch Guards, and Waterloo Square. Then enjoy skip-the-line admission at the Rembrandt House Museum and head straight inside the artist’s 17th-century home filled with period pieces, personal items, and etchings.
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From
$124.69
Price varies by group size
From
$124.69
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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