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- About Amsterdam Canals
- Sightseeing Cruises
- Dinner Cruises
- Evening Cruises
- LOVERS Cruises
- Blue Boat Cruises
- Canal Cruise Combos
- Flagship Amsterdam
- Hop-On Hop-Off Cruises
- Harbor Cruises
- Moco Museum Amsterdam
- Van Gogh Museum Tickets
- Rijksmuseum Tickets
- Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
- Johan Cruijff Arena
- AMAZE Amsterdam
- The Upside Down Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Fabrique des Lumières
- Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Anne Frank Tours
- Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
- Boom Chicago Tickets
- Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises
- WONDR Experience Tickets
- Xtracold Icebar Tickets
- NEMO Science Museum Tickets
- Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
Cruise through Amsterdam - Discover, dine & relax
Experience more for less: Combo deals & city cards
- Make the most of this value-packed combo that takes you through the artistic journey of Van Gogh at his museum and a scenic canal cruise of Amsterdam.
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of the artist's paintings in the world, and admire the beauty of his work like Almond Blossom.
- Art enthusiasts delight as you get to view Van Gogh's masterpieces, including The Potato Eaters which depict the harsh reality of country life.
- Rejuvenate your soul as you go on a 60-min cruise of Amsterdam's iconic canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and gaze at the city's 17th-century houses.
- Sit comfortably in a glass-topped boat and experience the beauty of Amsterdam from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of famous sights like Anne Frank's House.
- Make the most of this value-packed combo that takes you through the artistic journey of Van Gogh at his museum and a scenic canal cruise of Amsterdam.
- Explore the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of the artist's paintings in the world, and admire the beauty of his work like Almond Blossom.
- Art enthusiasts delight as you get to view Van Gogh's masterpieces, including The Potato Eaters which depict the harsh reality of country life.
- Rejuvenate your soul as you go on a 60-min cruise of Amsterdam's iconic canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and gaze at the city's 17th-century houses.
- Sit comfortably in a glass-topped boat and experience the beauty of Amsterdam from a unique perspective. Enjoy views of famous sights like Anne Frank's House.
Inclusions
Van Gogh Museum
- Entry to Van Gogh Museum
Lovers Canal Cruise
- 60-min canal cruise
- GPS audio guide in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian
Exclusions
- Audio-guides for the Van Gogh Museum.
Van Gogh Museum
- Tip: Read the placards next to the paintings, they often contain interesting trivia about Van Gogh's life and thought processes.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Handbags bigger than an A4-size paper are not permitted inside the museum.
Lovers Canal Cruise
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the leaning houses along the canal; they're a unique feature of Amsterdam's architecture.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Why go on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise
See unparalleled views
Imagine being gently whisked away on a boat, with the city's iconic landmarks like Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), the Golden Bend, and the National Maritime Museum, unfolding before your eye. There's an undeniable charm to Amsterdam's canals that exudes romance and tranquility. From centuries-old architecture to modern marvels, the view from the canals offers a unique perspective you can't get on land.
Find your Amsterdam Canal Cruise match
Experience
Boarding Point
Timings
Inclusions
Book Tickets
1-Hour City Centre Sightseeing Cruise
Central Station, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Damrak, or Leidse Square
12:35pm to 6pm
Audio guide in 18 languages
Sightseeing Evening Canal Cruise
Hard Rock Cafe, Rijksmuseum, Central Station, or Anne Frank House
5:15pm to 10pm
- Audio guide in 21 languages
- Bar onboard
Dinner Cruise with 4-Course Menu
Central Station
7:30pm
- Multilingual audio guide
- 4-course meal
- Beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Vegetarian, meat, & fish menu
Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese
Central Station, Damrak, or Anne Frank House
8pm or 8:15pm
- Cheese, garnishes, wine
- Free Wi-Fi
- Toilets
Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drink Options
Central Station, Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House
10:30am to 9:30am
- English-speaking guide
- Open bar onboard
- Blankets available
Amsterdam Canal Cruise route map
Types of Amsterdam canal cruise boats
Open vs closed
Food preferences
Comfort and features
Size
- Open boats are perfect for sunny days. They are ideal for couples looking for a romantic experience, photography enthusiasts keen on capturing the best angles and uninterrupted shots of the city, and nature lovers.
- Closed boats offer protection from the weather while still providing great views through large windows. These boats are heated, making them a comfortable choice year-round. These are ideal for families since they are safe for kids, with no risk of them leaning over the edge, those visiting in the winter, and elderly travelers.
- A semi-open boat offers the best of both worlds: it’s partially covered to provide some protection from the elements, but also has open sections so you can enjoy the sights. It is ideal for groups with mixed preferences, and those visiting in milder weather.
- Booze/Drinks boats are designed for a more festive experience, with drinks served onboard. Options can range from wine and cheese tastings to full-on cocktail parties. They are perfect for bachelorette/bachelor Parties, as well as large groups.
- Food-inclusive cruises combine sightseeing with dining, offering meals ranging from casual snacks like pancakes to full-course dinners. The pancake cruises are ideal for families, and the dinner cruises are perfect for couples, and both are great choices for foodies.
- Luxury boats have everything you could want, with several amenities, sunny decks, dining areas, and even a host on some boats. These boats can be perfect for big parties or family reunions.
- Salon boats are a bit smaller and more cozy. They're all about relaxing inside with comfy seats and big windows to enjoy the view. Some boats also have a bar or a bathroom on board.
- Paddle boats are the most basic type of boat, and they are manually powered by paddling. These boats are usually small, just for 1 to 4 people, but there are some bigger ones with paddle wheels that can carry more passengers up to 8.
- Large boats (regular cruises) are spacious with lots of open areas to soak up the sun. You'll find bathrooms, dining areas, and even bars and entertainment on some. These boats can carry 50 to 80 passengers and mostly stick to the three main canals.
- Open boats are smaller, with no enclosed cabin. You're basically out in the open, with a canopy and basic seating. They're perfect for feeling the wind in your hair and getting up close to the canals. These boats can carry fewer people, around 20 to 30.
- Small boats are the most intimate. They're like a cozy little cabin on the water, perfect for couples or small groups. They can go into the narrower canals, giving you a really personal view of Amsterdam. These boats usually only carry a few people, from 2 to 20.
Plan your Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Best time to go
Facilities
Food and drink options
- Peak season: The best time to go on a cruise is between April and October as the weather is pleasant. However, these months draw more crowds and expensive experiences. Expect long lines, packed attractions, and sold-out cruises.
- Low season: If you want to avoid the crowds, book your cruise between November and March. Although the weather is chilly, these months see fewer crowds and reduced prices. You can also save money on flights, accommodation, and tickets.
- On the day: If you want to explore beyond a cruise, opt for a cruise in the day. Book combo tours to save time and money. However, if you want to enjoy the sunset or dine, opt for an evening or dinner cruise. The latter promises a quieter and more romantic experience.
- A free city map is available on all Lovers boats to help you understand the route better and point out the most important attractions to spot.
- A GPS audio guide is available in 18-21 languages, depending on the boat operator, including Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian
- A lost and found service is available on most boats.
- The boats are heated throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy a cruise no matter what the weather.
- Toilets are available only on closed boats. However, you can also make use of the facilities at the departure point before you board.
- All Blue Boat cruises are wheelchair accessible. There are very few wheelchair-accessible boats run by other operators.
- Canal cruise with wine and cheese: Cheese, charcuterie, beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Amsterdam dinner cruise: 4-course meal (Menu)
- River cruise with pancakes: Dutch pancakes, toppings, drinks
- Canal cruise with pizza: Pizzas (Menu), chilled Heineken beer, wine, or soft drinks, cookie dough chocolate chip ice cream
Amsterdam burger dinner cruise: Beers and Barrels burgers, fries, mayonnaise
Boarding points
Most Amsterdam Canal Cruises start at one of these four docking points unless stated otherwise on your ticket. The details about your departure point and specific instructions regarding departure will be provided on your ticket.
Heineken Experience
- By tram: 1, 7, 19, 24 (Vijzelgracht)
- By metro: 52 (Vijzelgracht)
Hard Rock Cafe
- By metro: 52 (Vijzelgracht)
- By tram: 1, 3, 7, 19 (Rijksmuseum)
Centraal Station
- By metro: 51, 52, 53, 54 (Centraal Station)
- By train: Intercity, Sprinter (Centraal Station)
Anne Frank House
- By metro: 51, 53, 54 (Centraal Station)
- By tram: 13, 17 (Westermarkt)
Note: Please carry a valid photo ID for ticket redemption at the departure point.
Top sights covered on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise
See all photos
Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets
Can I bring my pet on an Amsterdam canal cruise?
Yes, you can bring your pets on some Amsterdam canal cruises. Make sure to check the ticket details before bringing your pets along. The 1-hour Open Boat Amsterdam Cruise with Optional Wine and Cheese and 1-hour Evening Luxury Salon Boat Cruise in Amsterdam allow pets on board.
Can I watch the Amsterdam Light Festival from my canal cruise?
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual festival, where renowned artists from around the world come together to create stunning light art installations along its historic canals. If you visit Amsterdam around November to January, you can book special Light Festival cruises to witness these installations.
Is photography allowed during the cruise?
Yes, photography is encouraged, as the canals offer some of the most photogenic views of Amsterdam. Whether you're snapping shots of historic buildings or bridges, the cruise provides countless photo opportunities.
Do canal cruises run during bad weather?
Yes, canal cruises operate rain or shine! Many boats are covered or equipped with heated interiors, ensuring you have a comfortable experience regardless of the weather. However, extreme weather conditions may cause cancellations, so it's good to check in advance.
Are there eco-friendly Amsterdam canal cruises?
Yes, some operators offer solar-powered boats or electric boats, ensuring that your cruise has minimal impact on the environment. These boats provide a quiet and sustainable way to explore the canals.
Can I host a private event on an Amsterdam canal cruise?
Yes, private canal cruises are available for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or corporate events. You can customize the experience with catering, music, and tailored itineraries. For this, you will have to reach out to the respective cruise agencies.
Is tipping expected on Amsterdam canal cruises?
While tipping is not mandatory, it's appreciated if you enjoyed the service provided by the staff or guide. A small tip of 5-10% is generally considered polite.
What kind of seating is available on an Amsterdam canal cruise?
Seating arrangements vary by boat type. Some boats have large windows for optimal viewing, while others may have open-air decks. Dinner cruises often provide table seating, adding to the dining experience.
Is there parking near the canal cruise boarding points?
Yes, parking is available near many canal cruise departure points, but it can be limited and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport, walk, or bike to the boarding location if possible.