Discover Amsterdam
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Live, Work and Study
Meetings and Conventions
Discover Amsterdam
Meetings and Conventions
Business
Live, Work and Study
Chair at the window in hotel Andaz with view on the Prinsengracht.
Image from Geert Meier

Meeting venues on the canals

What better way to welcome guests to your Amsterdam event than with a memorable view of the city’s picturesque canals? Find a list of canal-side venues in Amsterdam, big and small, here. 

Allard Pierson

Find yourself among the richest heritage collection in Amsterdam at Allard Pierson. As the archaeological museum for the University of Amsterdam, it’s packed with decades-worth of artefacts, from ancient treasures to the famous Amsterdam Bleau atlases, theatre costumes, original prints and manuscripts.

Meeting-goers will find this neoclassical gem in the heart of the city centre. Guests can enjoy a dinner with a theme that’s linked to pieces from the museum collection, or end their meeting with a drink and go for a boat trip along the canals.

Allard Pierson | Oude Turfmarkt 127-129 

Felix Meritis

Felix Meritis exterior.
Image from Felix Meritis

Felix Meritis was founded in 1777 as a society of entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and philosophers. This special house has seven beautifully decorated rooms with the concert hall as the central space. The stately Zuilenzaal is a favorite for conferences, symposia and product presentations – with a magnificent view over the canal.

It’s said Emperor Napolean danced at Felix Meritis together with his wife Marie Louise among the Corinthian columns, impressive domed roof and imposing stairwell. Fast forward to the 21st century and the venue is equipped with state-of-the-art tech and streaming gear to bring your event to life. 

Felix Meritis | Keizersgracht 

Apollo Hotel

The Harbour Club at the Apollo Hotel Amsterdam
Image from Rob Lipsius

Apollo Hotel Amsterdam is known for its spectacular waterside setting, overlooking the intersection of five canals. First built as a residents’ accommodation for the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, this luxury hotel offers five event venues, including a rooftop terrace, and ballroom, conference rooms, and a restaurant, with a view of the canals. Nestled in the Oud-Zuid district, the hotel is within walking distance of Amsterdam’s famous museums, parks, markets and city centre. The RAI Conference Centre and World Trade Centre are just 1km away.

Apollo Hotel | Apollolaan 

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

The former public library on the Prinsengracht canal was transformed into the five-star Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht hotel ten years ago. In the heart of Amsterdam’s lively Jordaan district, every space in this unique Alice in Wonderland-inspired hotel tells a story.

Meeting planners can get creative with the 598 square metres of inspiring studio event space, suited to everything from workshops, conferences and executive meetings to a private dinner. Afterwards, wind down at the spa, fully equipped gym or cocktails at the award-winning, and sustainable, Bluespoon Bar.

Het Grachtenmuseum

For a location that meets the canal-side criteria, and the chance to learn how Amsterdam’s canals came to exist, Het Grachtenmuseum has it all. Event planners can choose from three ornately decorated period rooms, or use the entire first floor for larger groups. The space is suited for all types of events, including conferences, private seated dinners, a fashion show or product launch.

Het Grachtenmuseum | Herengracht 

Stromma

Image from Stromma

Why be canal-side, when you can host your event on the water? Stromma’s fleet is ready to cruise up to 1,000 guests around the historic canals, whether it’s for an on board meeting, a transfer from venue to venue, or a traditional sight-seeing canal cruise.

Stromma | Damrak Pier

Sofitel Legend The Grand

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Image from MICHAELGRASTE

Situated between the two oldest canals in the heart of the city, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is one of the finest locations for meetings, mixing French elegance with five-star facilities. The former royal lodgings boast no fewer than 19 meeting rooms and banqueting halls in total, five of which are listed as historical monuments. The Alderman’s Chamber and Burgomaster Chamber have spectacular views of the canal and iconic canal houses. The Princenhof wing has 14 contemporary meeting rooms with audio-visual equipment, and some with canal views, too.

Sofitel Legend The Grand | Oudezijds Voorburgwal

The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam

Image from Sander Smits

The stately InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is celebrated as the most prestigious hotel in The Netherlands. Imagine original regal features, elegant staircases, chandeliers and marble floors. Situated on the banks of the Amstel river, it’s an easy reach to Amsterdam’s financial district and the main cultural and shopping highlights. 

Host a meeting or event at one of the hotel’s six stylish suites, all with natural daylight and fitted with meeting facilities. Three authentic canal boats await for guests to tour the canals of Amsterdam.

Pestana Hotel

Image from Rene Mens

Also rising above the Amstel river in the vibrant De Pijp district, Pestana is a contemporary hotel with a spa, swimming pool and restaurant. For meeting-goers, choose one of three rooms for groups up to 10, or four spacious rooms that can be combined into a single event space. With interiors complementing the original architecture, this hotel can be the perfect spot for a conference or company party facing the Amstel river.

Pestana Hotel | Amsteldijk

Waldorf Astoria

Image from joseph briaire

This historic hotel overlooking Amsterdam’s central Herengracht occupies six 17th and 18th century palaces, where distinctive heritage decor meets picturesque views of the canal or garden. With a total of seven meeting rooms, planners can choose from a range of different seating styles, from ballroom to theatre or reception, to host events big or small. If you plan to stay, the hotel boasts a spa and fitness centre, two Michelin star dining, cocktail masterclasses, canal boat trips and painting tutorials. 

Discover more meeting venues in Amsterdam with the Venue Finder.