Top Amsterdam Cruise Tours
Seeing Amsterdam from its canals is one of the citys most peaceful and revealing experiences. A boat tour through the waterways shows the Dutch capitals unique layout, elegant bridges, and gabled houses from a calm angle. From open air launches to covered glass boats, cruises fit every season and schedule. Use this guide to choose routes, understand canal networks, and plan how to combine your tour with museums, walking routes, or nearby landmarks at your own pace.
How to choose (quick guide)
Start with your situation
- First time visitors: Take a one hour canal cruise that covers the UNESCO Canal Belt, passing Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Herengracht. It gives a full city overview without long walks.
- Short on time: Opt for a 60 minute express loop departing from Central Station or Damrak to cover major canals and harbour views.
- Families: Choose covered boats with heating and audio guides in multiple languages. Kids usually enjoy the bridges and narrow passages around Jordaan and De Negen Straatjes.
- Romantic plans: Go for a night cruise with lights reflecting on the water. Evening sailings often include drinks and quiet routes past lit bridges and canal houses.
- Photography fans: Morning or sunset cruises offer the best light across gabled facades and reflections near the Skinny Bridge and Westerkerk.
- Accessibility: Check for flat boarding ramps at Central Station or near Rijksmuseum piers. Many operators provide accessible seats and audio guides.
Options explained
- Classic canal cruise: Covers main canals and landmarks such as Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Magere Brug, and the Amstel River. Most include commentary explaining how trade shaped the canal belt.
- Hop on hop off boat: Allows flexible travel between piers near the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, and Central Station. Great for combining sightseeing and short walks between stops.
- Evening or dinner cruise: Offers quiet sailing under illuminated bridges with optional food or drinks served on board. Ideal for a relaxed evening activity.
- Open boat tour: Operates in good weather with smaller groups and low seating for unobstructed views. You can chat with the captain and move around freely for photos.
- Private or small group charter: Customisable trips for events or family gatherings, often with local guides who share stories about daily life on the canals.
- Eco friendly electric boat: Silent and smooth, perfect if you want to enjoy the canals with less noise and lower environmental impact.
Practical tips
- Where to board: Main departure points include Central Station, Damrak, Leidseplein, and Museumplein. Choose a pier close to your hotel or metro line.
- Best time to go: Morning cruises have fewer boats and calm reflections. Evening sailings highlight the bridges and building lights for a scenic view.
- Tickets: Book online to avoid queues during weekends and holidays. Mobile QR codes work directly at boarding gates.
- Weather: Amsterdam weather can shift quickly. Covered boats ensure comfort year round, while open boats are best for mild days from April to October.
- Photo advice: Sit near the side windows or at the bow for the widest view. For night cruises, use steady hands or a small tripod for bridge lights and reflections.
- Combine tours: Pair your canal cruise with museum visits nearby, such as the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank House, both within walking distance from major piers.
- Family comfort: Bring snacks or small games for younger kids during longer routes. Toilets are available on larger vessels.
- Language support: Audio guides usually include at least ten languages. Check this before booking if you prefer live commentary or headphones.
- Evening planning: After sunset cruises, nearby cafes in De Pijp and Jordaan make easy stops for a late meal or drink.
Who it is best for
- First time visitors: A quick loop shows the canal network and main sights without complex planning.
- Couples: Night cruises and smaller open boats provide privacy and calm atmosphere among city lights.
- Families: Safe, enclosed boats and entertaining audio tours keep children engaged while parents enjoy the views.
- Architecture fans: See examples of Dutch Golden Age design along Herengracht and Keizersgracht, plus bridges like Blauwbrug and Magere Brug.
- Art and culture lovers: Combine a river cruise with museums along Museumplein or short walks to nearby art routes.
- Solo travellers: Easy to join and friendly atmosphere with good commentary and minimal navigation required.
- Budget travellers: Choose short 60 minute day cruises or hop style tickets to see multiple sights at low cost.
Suggested day plans
- Classic city loop: Start at Central Station, cruise the main canals, visit Anne Frank House, then walk to Jordaan for lunch by the water.
- Art and water day: Begin at Museumplein, sail past Rijksmuseum and Heineken Experience, then explore De Pijp neighbourhood for dinner.
- Evening reflections: Late day cruise from Damrak, see bridges lit across Amstel River, and enjoy a night walk around Rembrandtplein.
- Relaxed pace: Take a midday open boat tour, enjoy snacks along the canals, and finish at Vondelpark or Leidseplein cafes.
Link your cruise with other Tripindicator tools
- Plan routes using the Amsterdam attractions map to find nearby piers and landmarks.
- Browse best Amsterdam tours to add walking or cycling experiences before or after your boat trip.
- Explore the citys lanes with Amsterdam walking tours connecting canal districts with historic squares.
- For flexible transport, check the Amsterdam hop on hop off bus map for routes linked to main canal piers.
Whether you drift past gabled houses by daylight or under glowing bridges at night, Amsterdam boat tours reveal the calm heart of the city. With easy boarding points, relaxed routes, and seamless connections to top attractions, a canal cruise remains the most authentic way to enjoy the Dutch capital from its original waterways.
Best Amsterdam Canal Boat Tours Price
| Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam | €280 |
| 90-min Amsterdam Light Festival Tour | €140 |
| Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise Including Pizza and Drinks | €37.5 |
| Amsterdam Wine and Cheese Evening Cruise | €29.62 |
| Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise | €16.9 |
| Guided Day Trip - Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague from Amsterdam | €79 |
| Amsterdam Pizza Dinner Cruise Including Drinks | €37.5 |
| 75-minute Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Blue Boat Company | €16.5 |
| 90 minute Blue Boat Company Amsterdam Canal Evening Cruise | €23 |
| Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam + 75 min Blue Boat Canal Cruise | €38 |
1. Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
Duration:
1 hour 30
- 1.5-hour luxury tour through the canals of Amsterdam.
- Unlimited champagne available while you share this tour only with your group.
- The boat has the floating monument status in Amsterdam.
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2. 90-min Amsterdam Light Festival Tour
Duration:
1 hour 30
- Two-hour tour through the beautiful canals of Amsterdam to see the dazzling light sculptures.
- Available from November 28th to January 19th.
- Shared tour in a boat with roof, heating and blankets for the cold winter days.
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3. Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise Including Pizza and Drinks
Duration:
1 hour 30
- An evening sightseeing cruise on the canals.
- A fun introduction to Amsterdam.
- A yummy pizza dinner served onboard.
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4. Amsterdam Wine and Cheese Evening Cruise
Duration:
1 hour 30
- A romantic evening meal onboard a classic River Boat.
- An opportunity to discover Amsterdam's incredible waterways.
- A fantastic combination of sightseeing and fine dining.
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5. Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
Duration:
1 hour 15
- A seasonal November-January 75 minute cruise to see the Amsterdam Lights Festival from the water.
- Light sculptures, projections, and works of art line the banks and float on the canals.
- A magical experience for the whole family.
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6. Guided Day Trip - Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague from Amsterdam
Duration:
10 hours 1
- This is an opportunity to visit three of Hollands less-touristic cities in just one day.
- A full day excursion travelling in Holland.
- A chance to enjoy charming Dutch countryside.
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7. Amsterdam Pizza Dinner Cruise Including Drinks
Duration:
1 hour 15
- A picturesque ricer cruise and a unique dining experience.
- An opportunity to combine sightseeing and enjoying tasty food.
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8. 75-minute Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Blue Boat Company
Duration:
1 hour 15
- A city sightseeing cruise on Amsterdam\'s Canals.
- Travel along the UNESCO World Heritage protected site learning the history of the city.
- Travel on a modern and comfortable glass covered boat.
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9. 90 minute Blue Boat Company Amsterdam Canal Evening Cruise
Duration:
1 hour 30
- A romantic and family friendly sightseeing cruise.
- A chance to enjoy Amsterdam's by night and by boat.
10. Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam + 75 min Blue Boat Canal Cruise
Duration:
3 hours 15
- An opportunity to visit one Holland's best art museums and discover the incredible life of the Italian Surrealist painter Vincent Van Gogh.
- Go sightseeing in the historic centre of Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise.
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11. Amsterdam 75-minute Highlights Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum
Duration:
3 hours
- A super saver combi ticket for a 1 hour canal boat trip and single entry to the Rijksmuseum.
- Satisfy your inner culture vulture with works of art plus canals and architecture.
- Use these tickets on the same day, or different days, it\'s up to you.
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12. Heineken Experience Amsterdam + 75 minute Blue Boat Canal Cruise
Duration:
3 hours 15
- A fun tour which combines sightseeing on one of Amsterdam's iconic river boats and discovering one of the best Amsterdam attractions.
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13. Amsterdam: Walking Tour, Canal Cruise and Transfer
Duration:
3 hours 30
- Amsterdam Highlights. Turn your layover into an extraordinary Amsterdam adventure with Layovers Amsterdam! Embark on our exclusive Canal Cruise & Walking tour and discover the best of this vibrant city in just 3-5 hours.
Feel the excitement as you glide through historic waterways on a glass-top boat, taking in iconic landmarks and... read more
14. Amsterdam Light Festival Boat Cruise
Duration:
1 hour 15
- Hop on one of our luxurious canal boats and make sure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We will take you on a cruise along the canals of Amsterdam, while discovering the 20+ artworks the Amsterdam Light Festival 2022 has to offer. Our lovely host and skipper will make sure to inform you of the background stories of the... read more
