Day 1 & Day 7 (Tue, Mon 20170606/12) Canal Cruise

The canal cruise gave a good orientation of the canal ring. This was good for planning the visits. On another note, it was also a good way to wrap up the trip - a quick summary of the visits in the past one week.

As I bought two 3-day IAMsterdam ticket, took the cruise on both Day 1 and Day 7 - starting from different parts of the canal ring. With the cruise provided by two different companies, what's saw and the extent of coverage and details varied, too.

The first one by "Lovers Canal Cruise" focused a lot more within the Amsterdam canal region, from Centraal (its starting point) to the Jewish Quarter region, also covered part of the Amstel Canal. It was a good introduction of the city and that's where I marked out areas to look for when walking around the city. Thanks to the captain who gave quite an extensive description of the places.

The one by "Blue Boat" which started near the Rijksmuseum had a wider coverage, from the museum area to the Jewish Quarter, and out to passenger terminal, near to the Java-eiland; however, with much lesser commentary.

  

Buildings along the canal ring

VOC-schip De Amsterdam

The Maritime Museum, view from the canal.

Some of the suspension bridges that were still operating. 

How did we know? Look out for those with traffic lights by their side.

Going under the bridge... it was close!

Residential area with a pretty modern look

It's a common sight to find people sitting by the canal.

Bicycle parade, from another perspective.

Getting closer to the water line when in the canal.

Spot on! It's Hard Rock Cafe!

In contrast to the calm water in the canal, the sea near the Passenger Terminal is far much more choppy.

 Spotted me?