Private Boat on the Canals

This is the one thing I tell every person who visits Amsterdam: do not take a tourist canal cruise. Rent your own boat. My roommate does this at least four times every summer. Companies like Mokumboot, Boaty, and Sloepdelen rent small electric boats you captain yourself. No license needed. Five-minute explanation and you are off, cruising at your own pace, going wherever you want. Bring your own drinks and snacks — we always stop at Albert Heijn first and load up on cheese, bread, wine. There is something magical about floating through the Prinsengracht with a glass of wine while tourists on the big boats stare at you with envy. A small boat for 2-3 hours costs 80-120 euros total. Split between four to six people, that is 15-25 per person. Tourist cruises charge 15-20 euros per person for 60 minutes on a packed boat. No contest. Book in advance, especially sunny weekends. Go afternoon — the light between 3 and 7 PM is beautiful. Bring sunscreen, there is zero shade.