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Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tours

What are Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tours?

The Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tour is a unique way to explore Amsterdam. It offers a fully narrated tour around the canals of Amsterdam, providing gorgeous views of the city's landmarks and historical sites. The cruise combines sightseeing with the convenience of hopping on and off at various points along the river, allowing passengers to explore the city at their own pace.

Why take an Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tour

Panoramic views: Catch a glimpse of the 'Venice of the North' from a unique perspective as you cruise past must-sees like the Anne Frank House, NEMO Science Museum, the Heineken Experience, and more.
Flexibility and convenience: This tour is perfect for spontaneous travelers and anyone who wants to avoid rigid schedules. Unlike traditional cruises, you can hop on and off at various stops along the Amsterdam Canal banks, allowing you to customize your itinerary and spend as much time as you would like at each landmark.
Value for money: The cruise is a cost-effective way to explore Amsterdam, offering affordable ticket options and access to several iconic landmarks.
Avoiding crowds: The cruise is a great way to avoid crowds and enjoy the city's landmarks without the hassle of navigating busy streets.

Things to know before booking an Amsterdam hop-on hop-off boat tour

Discounts are available for children under 14. Infants under 3 years old can travel for free.
The Amsterdam hop-on hop-off boats do not operate on April 27 due to King’s Day.
Amsterdam Canal Hop-on Hop-off cruises are not wheelchair accessible. However, that does not mean you cannot enjoy a cruise experience on Amsterdam's majestic canals. Opt for a Blue Boat sightseeing cruise and board from the dock opposite the Hard Rock Cafe.
It's recommended to book your tickets a few weeks in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or holidays, to ensure availability. However, same-day bookings are also possible depending on availability.

Sights covered on your Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tour

Body Worlds

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Plan your Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tour

Timings

Boarding point

Facilities

Visitor tips

The Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tours are available every day.

Summer: First departure at 10:05am and last departure at 6pm
Winter: First departure at 10am and last departure at 5pm

Frequency: Every 25 minutes

Loop duration: 2 hours 5 minutes

The cruise starts from Amsterdam Central West. However, you can board the cruise at any one of the 9 stops on its route. The hop-on hop-off cruise stops at Passenger Terminal, NEMO Science Museum, Gassan Diamonds, Amstel, Albert Cuyp Market, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, and Westermarkt.

Central Station West: 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands

By train: Take Intercity or Sprinter to Amsterdam Centraal
By metro: Take metro lines 51, 53, or 54 to Amsterdam Centraal

Audio guide in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, Turkish, Polish, Russian, Thai, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic and Hebrew
Free earphones are available that you can keep and reuse when you hop on again.
Free city map available onboard to plan where you want to hop on or off.
Free Wi-Fi is available onboard the boat.

Morning or afternoon cruises are ideal to avoid peak crowds. For a magical experience, book a sunset cruise to see the city illuminated in the evening.
Amsterdam weather can vary, especially on the boat, so dress in layers and bring a light jacket or sweater for evening cruises when it can get cooler on the water.
Opt for comfortable shoes as you may need to walk short distances between hop-off points or explore nearby attractions.
For daytime cruising, don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay comfortable while soaking up the sights from the deck.
Research the cruise route and schedule, and plan your hop-off points to manage your time.
Take advantage of the audio guide to learn interesting facts and historical insights about the sights you pass.
When booking your tickets, choose a window seat so that you get a fantastic view outside.
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to stop at popular family-friendly attractions, like the NEMO Science Museum, Artis Zoo, and Vondelpark.

Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off boat tours

Are food and drinks available onboard?

No food or drinks are served on the hop-on hop-off cruises. However, you can hop off at any of the stops and enjoy nearby cafes and restaurants.

What happens if it rains?

Amsterdam hop-on hop-off boats are equipped with partial coverings to protect passengers from the rain. However, you should still dress appropriately for the weather to stay comfortable.

Is the cruise kid-friendly?

Yes, children will enjoy the experience as they get to explore multiple stops around Amsterdam.

Is there a time limit on my visit at each stop?

There’s no strict time limit for how long you can spend at each stop. The flexibility of the hop-on hop-off service allows you to explore attractions at your own pace. Boats arrive every 25 minutes, so you can plan your time accordingly.

Is the Hop-On Hop-Off boat tour suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! The cruise is a relaxing way to explore Amsterdam, whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a group. The flexibility and onboard guide make it ideal for solo travelers looking to explore at their own pace.

From happy customers

Henrique

Spain

mai, 2025

We loved the experience. When we arrived at the boat station, we discovered that there was super flexibility in the timetable. So we visited the Heineken factory first and then took the boat trip. The boat was super comfortable and also had an outside area so we could take photos. We also bought a snack, which exceeded our expectations. There was plenty of food and it helped curb our hunger. 😅

View original review in Portuguese

Combo: Heineken Experience Tickets + 75-Min Canal Cruise

Easwaran

France

abr, 2025

Very easy and simple process. On boarding very systematic. Driver is excellent He explained so well about history. We learned a lot about The Netherlands

From Amsterdam: Day Trip to Keukenhof & Tulip Farm

Christophe

France

abr, 2025

Clean and punctual boat. Friendly staff speaking different languages... but not French. At the start of the tour, headsets are provided and you can either use the boat's audioguide (including a French version) or use your own cell phone with a Qr code. The tour lasts an hour and a half and covers a good part of the city center. The landing stage is just opposite the heinecken museum. I recommend this tour. A version with lunch is also available.

View original review in French

Amsterdam: 75-Minute City Canal Cruise

Rita

Belgium

abr, 2025

The rijkmuseum visit was great. For the lovers cruise, we had to wait 45 minutes. In general, we're satisfied with our reservation. Do it again

View original review in French

Combo: Rijksmuseum Entry Tickets + 75-Min Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Marja-lisa

abr, 2025

We really enjoyed the Tour! The boat was well-maintained and really comfortable. The service was great – and our captain was just amazing: super friendly, happy to answer any questions, and he shared lots of interesting little details on top of the audio tour that we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. We’d definitely do it again and can wholeheartedly recommend it!

Amsterdam: 75-Min City Centre Sightseeing Cruise

Cristina

Brazil

abr, 2025

The experience was great, but Headout sent me to the wrong location, so I missed my reservation. I had to rebook for the next day at a different time slot. But Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans are amazing!

From Amsterdam: Keukenhof & Zaanse Schans Windmills Guided Tour

Sarah

abr, 2025

Was a good boat tour for the cheap price. Wasn't an hour, was closer to 40 mins. Saw a decent amount of things. I am not sure we ever passed the Anne Frank house as advertised, and if we did the audio guide did not point it out like it did the other attractions.

Amsterdam: 1-Hour Sightseeing Canal Cruise

Rekha

mar, 2025

Embarking on a canal cruise in Amsterdam through Headout offers a delightful and immersive experience. The luxury electric boats provide a serene journey through the city's historic waterways, allowing passengers to enjoy iconic sights such as the Dancing Houses and the Skinny Bridge. The presence of knowledgeable guides and skippers enhances the trip with engaging stories and insights about Amsterdam's rich history and culture. Additionally, the availability of onboard amenities, including well-stocked bars and warm blankets, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable voyage for all guests.

1-Hour Luxury Canal Cruise in Amsterdam