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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
- Keukenhof Tickets
- Van Gogh Museum Tickets
- Moco Museum Amsterdam
- Rijksmuseum Tickets
- Johan Cruijff Arena
- Fabrique des Lumières
- The Upside Down Amsterdam Museum Tickets
- Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
- Xtracold Icebar Tickets
- AMAZE Amsterdam
- A'DAM Lookout Tickets
- Anne Frank Tours
- Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
- Boom Chicago Tickets
- WONDR Experience Tickets
- Amsterdam Airport Transfers
- NEMO Science Museum Tickets
- Amsterdam Nightlife Tickets
- National Maritime Museum Tickets
Cruise Through Amsterdam - Discover, Dine & Relax
Why book an Amsterdam sightseeing cruise
- Scenic Amsterdam Canals: See the beauty of Amsterdam from a unique perspective as you cruise through its picturesque canals. Admire the iconic 17th-century houses and Dutch Baroque architecture that line the canal banks, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. Spot notable landmarks including the Heineken Experience, NEMO Science Museum, Anne Frank House, Magere Brug, and more.
- Audio commentary in multiple languages: Enjoy live commentary or an immersive GPS audio commentary available in 19 to 21 languages, providing insights into Amsterdam's history, culture, and notable points of interest. There's no way you'll find yourself bored on a cruise!
- Flexible boarding options: Choose between daytime and nighttime boarding options to witness the city's transformation from daylight charm to evening elegance. Evening sightseeing cruises are a cherry on top if you want to see Amsterdam come to life as she lights up.
- Well-maintained boats: For your comfort, the boats have a glass canopy as well as an open space on the deck to take in the fresh air. The boats are also equipped with toilets, heaters, warm blankets, audio guides, and wheelchair accessibility on select boats.
Types of Amsterdam sightseeing cruises
Sightseeing cruises
- Glide through Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canals on a glass-roofed boat.
- See famous sites like the Westerkerk church and the Anne Frank House.
- Learn about the city's rich history and culture with a live guide or a GPS audio guide on boats departing every 15 minutes from multiple boarding locations.
- These cruises are ideal for first-time visitors and those interested in the historical and cultural aspects of the city.
Recommended tickets:
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise
- Evening Guided Cruise with Bar on Board
Flowerboat cruises
- Sail on a flower-adorned, 100% electric canal boat and enjoy engaging commentary from a local guide.
- Pass under the Oosterdok Bridge and see the Houseboat Museum as you buy drinks from the onboard bar to enjoy during the cruise.
- These cruises are ideal for travelers seeking an eco-friendly and quieter experience and those interested in the charm of Amsterdam's houseboat community and lesser-known sights.
Recommended tickets:
- Canal Cruise on Authentic Flower Boat
- 1-Hour Luxury Canal Cruise on Authentic Flowerboat
Cruises with drinks
- Choose from 60, 75, or 90-minute cruises and see unobstructed views of the Amsterdam skyline as you learn about hidden gems, bars, and restaurants from your onboard guide.
- Upgrade to enjoy unlimited drinks or indulge in Dutch cheeses and charcuterie platters.
- These are ideal for couples, social groups, and those who prefer a customizable experience.
Recommended tickets:
- Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drink Options
- Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese
- Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine
Sights covered on your Amsterdam sightseeing cruise
Amsterdam Canals
On your Amsterdam sightseeing cruise, you get to experience a fantastic cruise ride on the iconic canals of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Canals stretch over hundreds of kilometers in the city, forming concentric circles and becoming the reason why the city is called the ‘Venice of the North.’
About Amsterdam Canals
Zaan River
This small river is popular in Amsterdam, and it even has a district named after it, through which it runs. Along the banks of River Zaan, several villages have historic windmills and houses, making it a popular tourist attraction and a perfect site for an Amsterdam sightseeing cruise.
Zaanse Schans
With its name derived from the River Zaan, Zaanse Schans is a neighborhood in the Netherlands famous for its historic houses and well-preserved windmills. Interestingly, Zaanstreek’s old buildings from 1961 to 1974 were relocated to this neighborhood using lowboy trailers.
Explore Zaanse Schans
Skinny Bridge
Also known as Magere Brug, Skinny Bridge is a famous bridge over the Amstel River in Amsterdam, connecting the river banks at Kerkstraat. It is a bascule bridge made of white-painted wood, built in 1934. Since then, it has faced several renovations and conservation to preserve its original design.
Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum Amsterdam, or Het Scheepvaartmuseum, is dedicated to maritime history. It houses several artifacts associated with shipping and sailing, including items like scale models, weapons, world maps, paintings of naval officers, and historical sea battles.
Book National Maritime Museum tickets
A’DAM Lookout
A’DAM Lookout is an observation deck in Amsterdam that offers an amazing panoramic city view. It offers the city’s unhindered landscape view, including the historic center, port, and Amsterdam Canals. It also hosts interactive exhibitions, highlighting the city’s history and culture.
Eye Filmmuseum
The Eye Filmmuseum of Amsterdam functions as a museum and film archive of the city. Featuring two exhibition spaces, it is a famous tourist attraction and an important historic building for the world cinema as it preserves and also presents foreign and Dutch films.
Dam Square
Originally serving as the dam on the Amstel River and hence the name, Dam Square is located in the historical center of Amsterdam. It is a popular area in the city, known for its notable buildings and several important locations for tourists and visitors.
Port of Amsterdam
The port of Amsterdam is the fourth busiest port in Europe. It is located on the banks of the IJ and the North Sea Canal. It is a seaport with a history dating back to the 13th century. Serving as the main port for the Dutch East India Company, this port today stands as the second-largest port in the Netherlands.
Explore the Amsterdam PortKnow before you go on an Amsterdam sightseeing cruise
Timings
Facilities
Rules
Visitor tips
- Canal Cruise on Authentic Flower Boat: 2pm to 7:15pm | 1 hour
- Open Boat Cruise with Unlimited Drink Options: 10:30am to 9:30pm | 1 hour
- Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese: 8pm or 8:15pm | 1 hour to 1.5 hours
- Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine: 10:30am to 9:30am | 1 hour
- Evening Guided Cruise with Bar on Board: 5:15pm to 9:30pm | 1 hour
- Luxury Canal Cruise on Authentic Flowerboat: 10:30am to 9:30am | 1 hour
- Sightseeing Canal Cruise: 10am to 9pm | 1 hour
- Pets are only allowed on some boats, but guide dogs are welcome on all sightseeing cruises.
- Audio guides are available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese on the Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese and in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian on the Sightseeing Canal Cruise.
- A live professional guide is available on the Open Boat Cruise, Classic Boat Cruise with Wine & Cheese, Evening Guided Cruise, and Luxury Canal Cruise on Authentic Flowerboat.
- The Canal Cruise on Authentic Flower Boat, Open Boat Cruise, Evening Guided Cruise, and the Luxury Canal Cruise on Authentic Flowerboat have bars onboard with wine, beer, soda, cocktails, and soft drinks available.
- Blankets are available on the Open Boat Cruise and the Evening Guided Cruise.
- Prams and strollers are allowed on the Open Boat Cruise and the Evening Guided Cruise.
- You can book a buggy to loan on the Open Boat Cruise.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on the Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese.
- Toilets are available on the Canal Cruise with Wine and Cheese.
- Prams and strollers are not allowed on the Canal Cruise on Authentic Flower Boat, the Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine, Luxury Canal Cruise on Authentic Flowerboat, and the Sightseeing Canal Cruise.
- Smoking is prohibited on all sightseeing cruises.
- Large items and suitcases are not allowed on the cruises due to space limitations.
- It’s recommended to arrive at the boarding point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. This will give you enough time to find the right pier and check in smoothly. It will also help you get the best seats near the windows.
- It is chillier on the boat than on the streets of Amsterdam. Make sure to dress warmly to be comfortable during the ride.
How to get to the piers
This is Holland
- By ferry: F3
Nearest stop: Buiksloterweg
Centraal Station
- By metro: 51, 53, 54
Nearest stop: Central Staation - By train: Intercity, Sprinter
Closest stop: Central Staation
Heineken Experience
- By tram: 1, 7, 19, 24
Closest stop: Vijzelgracht - By metro: 52
Closest stop: Vijzelgracht
Hard Rock Cafe
- By metro: 52
Closest stop: Vijzelgracht - By tram: 1, 3, 7, 19
Closest stop: Rijksmuseum
Anne Frank House
- By metro: 51, 53, 54
Closest stop: Central Station - By tram: 13, 17
Closest stop: Westermarkt
Red Light District
- By metro: 51, 53, 54
Nearest stop: Nieuwmarkt - By tram: 4, 14
Nearest stop: Dam
Rijksmuseum
- By metro: 52
Nearest stop: Vijzelgracht - By tram: 1, 7, 19
Nearest stop: Rijksmuseum - By train: Intercity, Sprinter
Nearest stop: Centraal Station
Leidse Square
- By tram: 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 19
Nearest station: Leidseplein - By train: Intercity, Sprinter
Nearest station: Centraal Station - By metro: 51, 53, 54
Nearest station: Weesperplein
Damrak
- By train: Intercity, Sprinter
Nearest station: Centraal Station - By tram: 14
Nearest station: Dam - By metro: 51, 53, 54
Nearest station: Centraal Station
Frequently Asked Questions about sightseeing boat Amsterdam cruises
Can I book a cruise at night?
Yes, you can enjoy evening and night cruises that offer breathtaking views of Amsterdam illuminated by city lights. Evening cruises often include drinks or a dining option, such as wine and cheese, and are perfect for a romantic or relaxing experience.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Some cruises might be canceled due to poor weather conditions, especially those in open-top boats. If your cruise is canceled, you’ll typically be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Are private cruises available for booking?
Yes, private canal tours are available for smaller groups. These often provide a more personalized experience with the option to tailor the route or add special requests like drinks or food. You can book these by contacting the cruise operator directly.