Canal Cruise

4.7
4.7/5

Highlights

Overview

Set sail on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Amsterdam with a Canal Cruise Amsterdam — the most relaxing and scenic way to explore the Dutch capital. As you drift past centuries-old canal houses, charming bridges, and bustling houseboats, you’ll discover why Amsterdam is known as the “Venice of the North.”

The city’s canal ring, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a perfect backdrop for both sightseeing and photography. Each cruise provides a fascinating glimpse into Amsterdam’s rich history, from the 17th-century Golden Age to its vibrant present-day culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local rediscovering the city, a canal cruise offers a unique perspective of Amsterdam’s charm and spirit.

What to Expect

A typical Amsterdam canal cruise lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, offering a comfortable and enjoyable journey through the city’s historic waterways. Most boats feature panoramic glass roofs, open-air decks (in summer), and heated interiors during cooler months.

You’ll pass by some of Amsterdam’s most famous sights:

  • Anne Frank House – a poignant reminder of history.
  • Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum – stunning landmarks of art and culture.
  • Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) – a symbol of love and tradition.
  • Jordaan District – charming, artistic, and full of life.

An audio guide, available in multiple languages, provides engaging commentary about the city’s architecture, trade heritage, and daily life. Many cruises also offer optional drinks or snacks, adding comfort and delight to your trip.

Tickets & Tours

Ticket Type Price Information Buy Ticket
Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks EUR 21.50

Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour canal cruise with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks on board.

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Canal Cruise + Dutch Cheese and Wine EUR 31.45

Sail through Amsterdam’s canals while tasting authentic Dutch cheeses paired with fine wine.

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Van Gogh Museum + Canal Cruise EUR 37.50

Combine culture and sightseeing — visit the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy a scenic 1-hour canal cruise.

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Lovers Canal Cruise with New York Pizza & Unlimited Drinks EUR 37.50

Cruise through the canals while enjoying a freshly baked New York-style pizza and unlimited drinks.

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1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise + Heineken Experience EUR 38.45

See the best of Amsterdam from the water and then explore the world-famous Heineken Experience brewery.

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Cruise Options & Experiences

Day Cruise

Perfect for first-time visitors. Capture the city in natural daylight as you pass iconic landmarks, busy markets, and cozy cafés along the canals.

Evening Cruise

A magical experience as the city glows under a canopy of lights. The bridges shimmer, and the reflection of historic houses dances across the water — an ideal romantic outing.

Hop-On Hop-Off Canal Cruise

Combine sightseeing and convenience! This flexible cruise lets you hop off at major attractions like the Anne Frank House, Rembrandtplein, or the Van Gogh Museum — and hop back on when ready.

Private or Luxury Cruise

Celebrate special occasions with a private boat complete with champagne, a personal guide, or even a catered meal.

Themed Cruises

Try fun options like a Pizza Cruise, Wine & Cheese Cruise, or even a Candlelight Dinner Cruise for an extra special experience.

Location

Leidseplein

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! The glass roofs and open decks are perfect for capturing the best views of Amsterdam’s canals and architecture.
Yes, especially during weekends and holidays. Online booking guarantees your spot and often includes discounts.
Definitely! Kids love seeing the boats, bridges, and ducks along the canals. Family-friendly commentary is available on some tours.
It depends on the operator. Many cruises sell snacks and drinks onboard, while private tours often include catering.
Most modern canal boats are wheelchair-friendly, but it’s best to confirm accessibility with the specific cruise company before booking.

Reviews

4.7
out of 5
Based on 7 reviews
S

Sophie Mitchell

Sep 18, 2025

Absolutely magical experience! We took the evening canal cruise, and it was the highlight of our weekend in Amsterdam. The reflections of the lights on the water were breathtaking, and the guide gave fun and insightful commentary about the city’s history. It felt both romantic and educational. Highly recommend booking in advance to get a window seat!

D

Daniel Kraus

Oct 02, 2025

Really enjoyable cruise — comfortable seats, clean boat, and very friendly staff. The multilingual audio guide worked perfectly, though I would’ve loved a few more live stories from the captain. Still, it’s a must-do if you want to see the real beauty of Amsterdam from the water.

L

Laura Pérez

Aug 23, 2025

We bought the combo ticket that included the Rijksmuseum and the canal cruise — great value for money! The cruise was calm and relaxing after walking through the museum. The route passed by the Anne Frank House and the Skinny Bridge, which were just stunning. Would definitely do it again.

T

Tom & Mia Robinson

Jul 11, 2025

Perfect activity for families! Our two kids loved seeing all the bridges and boats up close. The captain was wonderful and even let our son pretend to “drive” for a few seconds. It’s peaceful, informative, and a fantastic way to rest while still sightseeing.

N

Nicolas Jacques

Sep 30, 2025

We took the wine and cheese cruise — what an incredible evening! Delicious snacks, friendly crew, and the illuminated canals made for a truly romantic atmosphere. If you’re a couple visiting Amsterdam, this is one of the most memorable things you can do.

J

Jelena Vukovic

Sep 08, 2025

I’ve visited Amsterdam before, but this was my first canal cruise. It gives you a completely different perspective of the city. The old canal houses look amazing from the water. The only downside — it can get a bit chilly in the evening, so bring a jacket!

A

Andrew Thompson

Oct 08, 2025

Top-notch service from start to finish. Booking was simple, the staff was professional, and the commentary was both fun and informative. It’s a relaxing, picturesque experience that I’d recommend to anyone visiting Amsterdam for the first time.

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Admission

EURO 17.50

/person

Opening Hours

09:30 AM – 08:00 PM

Duration

60–90 minutes

Location

Leidseplein

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See Amsterdam from the Water

The city’s canals tell its most beautiful stories.

Glide past historic bridges, colorful houseboats, and centuries-old architecture. Whether it’s day or night, every cruise offers a new perspective on Amsterdam.