Top Amsterdam Cruise Tours
Exploring Amsterdam by boat is a relaxing way to see the city from its famous waterways. Glide through the UNESCO Canal Ring, under elegant bridges and past gabled houses along the Amstel River and the inner canals. From daylight views of the Jordaan and museum quarter to evening reflections on the IJ waterfront, a canal tour delivers clear, close-up angles of landmark sights with minimal walking and a calm, unhurried pace.
How City River Cruise Tours in Amsterdam Work
Amsterdam canal cruises run year round, with frequent departures from key piers near Amsterdam Central Station, along Damrak, and by Stadhouderskade close to the Rijksmuseum. Major operators such as Blue Boat Company, Lovers Canal Cruises, and Stromma typically offer 60 to 75 minute loops through the inner canal belt, covering highlights on the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and sections of the Amstel River. Boats range from classic glass roof vessels to smaller open boats used in fair weather. Services begin from late morning and run into the evening, with peak frequency in the afternoon and early evening; in winter, schedules are slightly reduced but still regular.
Boarding is straightforward: arrive 10 to 15 minutes before departure, exchange any voucher at the kiosk if needed, and choose a seat based on the weather and your photo goals. Commentary is usually provided via headphones in multiple languages, with concise notes on canal history, houseboats, merchant architecture, and local customs. Some itineraries extend to the IJ waterfront and Eastern Docklands for a broad harbour panorama, while themed options include evening lights, pizza or dinner cruises, and seasonal experiences. Many boats are partially covered and heated in colder months, helping you stay comfortable while you take in the scenery.
Top Stops and Attractions
- Central Station and Damrak – Busy boarding area with immediate views of the harbour basin and the Canal Ring opening out behind the station.
- Anne Frank House on Prinsengracht – Quiet canal perspective on the Jordaan quarter with the Westertoren tower rising above the house frontage.
- Magere Brug on the Amstel – The Skinny Bridge is one of the citys most photographed crossings; boats often slow as they pass beneath.
- Golden Bend on Herengracht – A showcase of 17th century canal mansions where the curve of the canal frames grand facades and arched bridges.
- IJ Waterfront and Eastern Docklands – A striking contrast of modern architecture, cultural venues, and open water views beyond the inner canals.
Why River Cruises in Amsterdam Are Worth Taking
Amsterdam was designed around water, and a cruise places you in the citys natural vantage point. From the quiet sweep of the Prinsengracht to the grand curve of the Herengracht, you see how the trading wealth of the 17th century shaped the Canal Ring. Reflections off the water brighten brick facades and accent the detail on narrow townhouses, while the rhythm of low bridges keeps the city intimate even near the centre. The shift from historic canals to the wide IJ creates a narrative you can feel: merchants canals opening toward a working harbour that now hosts cultural icons and contemporary design. On board you cover a broad area without navigating traffic or cobbles, pausing for iconic lines under the Magere Brug or long views from the Amstel River back toward the inner ring. Evening departures add illuminated bridges and a softer tone on the water, giving a calm, cinematic read of the city.
Planning Tips for Visitors
- Go early or late: the first cruises of the day and evening departures are usually quieter, with softer light for photos and less queueing at popular piers.
- Pick the right ticket: opt for a standard 60 to 75 minute loop for a first overview, upgrade to an evening lights or dinner cruise for ambience, or choose a combo that pairs a canal tour with the Rijksmuseum, a houseboat museum, or another attraction.
- Target photo angles: the Golden Bend on Herengracht lines up house fronts and arched bridges; the Magere Brug offers a classic under-bridge frame; the IJ waterfront gives wide panoramas of the skyline.
- Mind the weather: bring an extra layer and consider a covered glass roof boat in cooler months; on sunny days choose an open boat for unobstructed shots and lower reflections.
- Accessibility and boarding: selected vessels from operators like Blue Boat Company provide wheelchair access at Stadhouderskade; check and reserve accessible departures in advance.
- Connections and crowds: Central Station piers are the most convenient with strong transport links; for a calmer start, try boarding near the museum quarter or along the Prinsengracht in the Jordaan.
The city river and boat tours in Amsterdam offer a calm, well-paced way to take in headline landmarks and subtle canal details from water level. For visitors who value comfort, broad coverage, and authentic street-and-bridge views, a canal cruise is a clear, time-efficient introduction to the citys layout and character.
Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises and 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
