Hop-on and Hop-off Amsterdam’s Canals

Sightseeing on Amsterdam’s waterways is the best way to explore the city:

Amsterdam’s extensive canal network makes it possible to get around the city by canal and there are many operators offering canal tours.

However, Amsterdam’s canals and waterways offer more than a means of transportation.  Along the waterways are many magnificent buildings and charming bridges that make up some of the city’s long and rich history.  Many of the city’s main sightseeing attractions are along the canals as well.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Amsterdam, one of the first things you should do is a canal boat tour to get a bearing of the complex waterways.  After the introductory tour, you can go back and explore the places again on your own. This is where a Hop-on Hop-off Canal Bus Pass comes in handy.

As the name implies, the Hop-on Hop-off Canal Bus Day Pass lets you get on and off the canal bus at a number of stops that are close to Amsterdam’s main tourist attractions. The Canal buses provide recorded commentary by audio headphones which is an ideal introduction to Amsterdam for first-time visitors. What could be more enjoyable than seeing the sights of Amsterdam from the water.

Features of the Hop-on Hop-off Canal Passes:

• You have the choice of a 24 hour or a 48 hour pass.
• Hop-on or off as often as you like at any of the 14 stops located near Amsterdam’s major museums, attractions and shopping centers.
• There are multiple departure times and locations available.
• Receive discounts at selected restaurants, shops and attractions
• The on-board commentary (in English) provides interesting information about Amsterdam

The boats operate a regular service along Amsterdam’s canals, following three routes: the Green Line, Red Line and Blue Line.

Your Canal Bus Day Pass is valid for the following stops. You can start and end the Canal Bus tour at any of these 14 stops throughout the city.

Rijksmuseum | Leidesplein | Westerplak/Keizergracht | Anne Frank House | Central Station East | City Hall | NEMO | Maritime Museum | Artis Zoo | Tropenmuseum | Rembrandt House | Gassan Diamonds | Rembrandtplein | Central Station West

Your Canal Bus Day Pass also provides discounts or special offers at the following establishments:

Amsterdam Canal Tours

• Amsterdam Historical Museum
• Madame Tussaud’s
• Scheppvaarrtmuseum
• Holland Casino
• Wagamama
• Mac Bike
• Gassan Diamonds
• Hard Rock Cafe
• McDonalds
• Holland International Rondvart
• Jewish Historical Museum
• Heineken Experience

Departure Time:
First departure: 10:00
Last departure: 17:00 (January 01 to March 24, and November 01 to December 31)
Last departure: 19:00 (March 25 to October 31)
On December 25 and January 01, first departure is at 12:00 (noon). On December 31, cruise does not operate after 8:00pm

Canal buses run every 20-30 minutes. You will receive a full schedule when exchanging your voucher.
Valid from the time you exchange your voucher, for the consecutive days selected.

See here for more about the costs of Hop-on Hop-Off passes and how to book.

Things to do in Amsterdam

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