Book Your Amsterdam Canal Cruise | Guided Tours & Flexible Options

Sail through the city's iconic waterways on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Say hello to Amsterdam's gorgeous canal cruise experience! With an impressive network - with over 62 miles of waterways, 1,500 bridges, and 90 islands, it's no surprise that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you cruise along, you'll be treated to a panorama of Amsterdam's rich history and vibrant culture. Keep an eye out for famous landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, located among the charming historic buildings and lively neighborhoods. Whether you prefer a leisurely daytime excursion or a magical evening under the twinkling lights, there's an Amsterdam Canal Cruise tailored to suit every preference and schedule.

Things to know before booking your Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Types of cruises: Before booking your Amsterdam Canal cruise, decide if you want to go on a sightseeing cruise, a cruise with dining options, or with a drink.
Cruise duration: Sightseeing cruises are the most popular form of cruise. Most of these depart every 15-30 mins from piers across the city, including piers like Centraal Station, which is easily accessible by public transport. Depending on your time and budget, you can opt for a 60-min cruise or a more extensive 75-min or 90-min cruise.
Departure points: Most sightseeing cruises depart from four major piers that are spread across the city. These include Centraal Station, Hard Rock Cafe, Rijksmuseum, and the City Center. However, there are also cruises that depart from Liedse Square, Damrak Pier, Liedse Square, Anne Frank House, and Red Light District. Based on your plans for the day, you can choose a pier that is most convenient for you. For example, if you plan to spend just a day in Amsterdam and are arriving by train, choose a cruise departing near the Centraal Station. If you are visiting the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum afterward, it’s better to choose the departure point near the Rijksmuseum.
Type of boat: Depending on the season and the experience, most Amsterdam Canal cruises take place on an open or closed boat. Open boats allow you to enjoy unobstructed views from the boat while you feel the breeze. Closed boats, on the other hand, protect you from the elements, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter what the weather.
Evening cruises: Consider an evening luxury cruise to see Amsterdam in its glory at sunset or at night.
Dining: Dining cruises are another popular way to see the Amsterdam canals. You can either opt for a wine and cheese cruise or a burger or pizza cruise. Dinner cruises last longer, from 1.5 hours to 2 hours.
Seasonality: Winter schedules may have fewer departures compared to peak summer months, so plan accordingly. Most canal cruises in the winter offer seating inside a heated boat, with blankets available. Come rain, snow, or even hail, most boats are covered to keep you warm and dry, no matter the weather. With fewer tourists in winter, cruises feel quieter and are slightly lower priced than in summer. However, occasionally, the Amsterdam canal ring freezes over and is closed off, preventing boat traffic.
Winter events: Every winter, Amsterdam lights up with the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. From December to January, international artists decorate the canals with light installations. The best way to see the glowing art is with a canal cruise, which offers a first-class view of the artworks.
Tourist tax: Most Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets exclude the £1.50 tourist tax per person that must be paid on-site.
Discounted tickets: Some cruises offer discounted prices on weekdays. Additionally, discounted tickets are available for children under 14, and infants under 3 travel free.

Your Amsterdam Canal cruise options

Sightseeing cruises

Perfect for: Solo adventurers, cruise newbies, and time-crunched tourists
Duration: 60-75 mins
Guide: Yes

Board from 4+ central spots, including Centraal Station and Damrak, and cruise past iconic sights like Westerkerk, the Canal Ring, and Skinny Bridge. A friendly guide or audio guide shares fun local stories as you sail!

Recommended tickets:

1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise
Luxury Open Boat Cruise
Luxury Saloon Boat Tour

Snacks cruises

Perfect for: Group of friends or couples seeking a special date vibe
Duration: 60-90 mins
Guide: Yes

Float past canal-side gems like the Anne Frank House and Magere Brug while sipping unlimited drinks. Whether it’s wine and cheese or pizza and ice cream, this cozy cruise serves views and good vibes.

Recommended tickets:

Luxury Classic Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine
Evening Cruise with Pizza or Burger and Drinks

Special cruises

Perfect for: Tourists looking for an offbeat experience
Duration: 60 mins
Guide: Depends on your choice of cruise

Swap typical tours for something different—float past Dancing Houses and Seven Bridges on a smoke-friendly cruise, or enjoy tulips or exquisite flowers, Amstel views, and live commentary on a spring-ready luxury boat!

Recommended tickets:

Exclusive Flower or Tulip Experience on a Luxury Open Boat
Cloud Boat Experience

Find your Amsterdam Canal Cruise match

Experience	Boarding Point	Timings	Inclusions	Book Tickets
City Sightseeing Canal Cruise	Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Damrak	10am to 10pm	Audio guide in 21 languages	From €14.47
Evening Canal Cruise with Skipper & Host	Rijksmuseum, Centraal Station, or Anne Frank House	5:15pm to 10pm	Drinks available for purchase	From €22.95
Evening Cruise with Pizza and Unlimited Drinks	Centraal Station or Damrak Pier	5:40pm, 6pm & 6:30pm	Pizza of your choice and unlimited drinks	From €37.50
Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Cheese & Wine	Centraal Station or Anne Frank House	10:30am to 10pm	Unlimited drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks) and cheese	From €34.95
Smoke & Lounge Cruise with 2 Drinks	Bulldog Boat	5pm to 9:30pm	Two drinks (wine, beer & soft-drinks) and 420-friendly	From €30
Exclusive Tulip Experience on Luxury Cruise	Centraal Station and Anne Frank House Pier	10:30am to 9:15pm	Open boat adorned with tulips	From €19.95

Types of Amsterdam canal cruise boats

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, even more so in the winter. These are ideal for families since they are safe for kids, with no risk of them leaning over the edge, and for 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 pizzas to cheese and wine.

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.

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

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. Most cruises are closed, heated, and provide blankets. Plus, you can catch the Amsterdam Light Festival.
On the day: If you want to explore beyond a cruise, opt for a cruise during 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, especially in the winter. 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, especially in the winter.
In the winter, most boats also provide free blankets to keep warm.
Toilets are available only on closed boats. However, you can also make use of the facilities at the departure point before you board.

Canal cruise with wine and cheese: Cheese, charcuterie, beer, wine, and soft drinks
Canal cruise with pizza:** Pizzas (Menu), chilled Heineken beer, wine, or soft drinks
Amsterdam burger dinner cruise: Beers and Barrels burgers, fries, mayonnaise

Boarding points

Most Amsterdam Canal Cruises start at one of these two 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.

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.

Visitor tips

We recommend arriving around 15 mins before departure to choose a good seat on the boat and settle in before the cruise begins.
It's advisable to book your canal cruise tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
From December to January, the city hosts the Amsterdam Light Festival. This is a chance to see dozens of unique light installations on, over, and in the canals. Tickets for these cruises sell out fast, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.
It is best to choose canal cruise tours that include a professional guide or an audio guide for a more informative and memorable experience.
There’s a distinct difference between live commentary and audio guides. While audio guides offer language versatility and clarity, live commentary, often provided on luxurious cruises, adds a personal touch and can be more engaging and humorous. Choose what works best for you!
Open boat tours are ideal for catching impeccable views of the surrounding landmarks. However, make sure to check the weather before booking them; in the winter, a closed, heated boat is a better option without compromising on your views.
Check all details before booking your Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Check the timings, departure points, exclusions, inclusions, and other details.
With the short daylight hours in winter, a night cruise is a fantastic choice. The city's bridges and buildings are beautifully illuminated, creating a spectacular view. For the Amsterdam Light Festival, a night cruise is essential, as the artworks are designed to be viewed in the dark.
Most canal cruises do not allow large luggage due to limited space, but small bags and personal items are generally permitted. If you have larger luggage, storing it at your hotel or nearby luggage storage facilities is best.
Opt for a cruise combo to save time and money. These cruises also allow the flexibility to go on the cruise any time on the same day, with many cruise agencies offering an open ticket or a time slot allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.