Created in the 17th century to keep the sea at bay, Amsterdam’s UNESCO-protected canal belt is the quintessential postcard-perfect vision of Amsterdam. It is an unbelievably pretty sight, especially after sundown, when the bridges are lit up by fairy lights and the whole area, takes on a magical feel. Floating along the canals by guided boat tour is a great way to get under the fabric of the city, and you’ll learn lots of fascinating facts along the way – such as why the tilting homes along the canals are known as ‘dancing houses. There are many different canal cruises on offer, from hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours to atmospheric candlelit nighttime cruises with food and wine.