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Top things to do in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum facade with canal and bridge in Amsterdam.
Rijksmuseum Tickets
Heineken Experience guide demonstrating beer pouring in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
Zaanse Schans windmill by the water at sunset in the Netherlands.
Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
Person sitting in colorful light installation at Moco Museum Amsterdam exhibit.
Moco Museum Amsterdam
Visitors enjoying the 5D Ultimate Flight Experience at This Is Holland with Amsterdam backdrop.
This Is Holland Tickets
Anne Frank House in Amsterdam with visitors lined up outside.
Anne Frank Tours
Crowd outside Moulin Rouge in Amsterdam's Red Light District at night.
Amsterdam Red Light District Tours
Visitors exploring immersive digital art projections at Fabrique des Lumières.
Fabrique des Lumières
Visitors enjoying an upside-down room at The Upside Down Amsterdam exhibit.
The Upside Down Amsterdam Museum Tickets
Xtracold Icebar entrance with blue sign in Amsterdam.
Xtracold Icebar Tickets
Visitors at AMAZE Amsterdam viewing a large, colorful digital face display.
AMAZE Amsterdam
A'DAM Lookout tower overlooking Amsterdam at dusk with city lights and river.
A'DAM Lookout Tickets
Wax figure of Johan Cruyff in an orange jersey at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
Red Light Secrets Museum interior with red walls, window view of Amsterdam street.
Red Light Secrets Museum Tickets
Cheese wheels aging on shelves at Zaanse Schans, Netherlands.
Volendam Cheese Factory Tours
Two people enjoying a marshmallow pool at Wondr Experience.
WONDR Experience Tickets
NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam with its distinctive green architecture by the water.
NEMO Science Museum Tickets
National Maritime Museum building facade in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
National Maritime Museum Tickets
Johan Cruijff Arena interior with Ajax logo, Amsterdam.
Johan Cruijff Arena
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam exterior with visitors and cyclist.
Stedelijk Museum Tickets
House of Bols cocktail experience in Amsterdam, showcasing interactive exhibits and tasting sessions.
Bols Cocktail Experience
Amsterdam Museum entrance with historical exhibits, located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Amsterdam Museum Tickets
Rembrandt House Museum facade with visitors walking, Amsterdam.
Rembrandt House Museum Tickets
Canal boat under illuminated rainbow arch at Amsterdam Light Festival.
Amsterdam Light Festival Cruises
Couple watching Rembrandt projection at Amsterdam museum exhibit.
Rembrandts Experience Tickets
Tram number 12 on a street in Amsterdam, Netherlands, part of the GVB public transport system.
Amsterdam GVB Pass
Headout logo on a purple background.
I Amsterdam Card

What is SAIL Amsterdam?

SAIL Amsterdam returns in 2025 with a sea-sized celebration! This legendary maritime festival—held once every five years—brings hundreds of tall ships into Amsterdam’s harbor. From 20 to 24 August 2025, more than 10,000 vessels including tall ships, naval training ships, historic replicas and modern yachts will gather in Amsterdam’s IJ harbour, welcoming over 2.3 million visitors from around the world.

Expect five days of dazzling parades, live maritime demonstrations, fireworks, concerts, and more. Bonus? It’s the 10th edition, SAIL’s 50th anniversary, and the city’s 750th birthday, with some of the biggest ships from over 25 countries making their appearance. It’s Europe’s biggest free nautical event, and this one’s set to make waves!

Check out exciting highlights like the SAIL-In Parade, evening concerts, live performances, themed cruises, fireworks shows, and sustainability-focused workshops!

Things to know before you book your SAIL Amsterdam 2025 tickets

  • Duration & demand: SAIL Amsterdam 2025 will run from August 20 to 24, coinciding with the city's 750th anniversary. Given the possibility of high demand, be sure to book your tickets early to secure your spot.
  • Better perspective: Watching from the quay is free but overcrowded. Cruises take you right alongside the tall ships, offering uninterrupted views from the water that shore spectators cannot experience.
  • Boat options: Enclosed saloon boats provide comfort, but open boats deliver exclusivity. Their open design ensures uninterrupted sightlines, giving passengers exceptional perspectives of the ships throughout the harbour.
  • Cruise options: Various types of cruise tickets are available, ranging from short one-hour sightseeing tours to longer five-hour sails that include snacks, lunch, and drinks. Evening tickets add fireworks views and celebratory drinks, making the night experience especially memorable.
  • Ceremonial cruises: For something extra special, choose a cruise during the SAIL IN or SAIL OUT parades to witness tall ships moving in orchestrated formation, transforming arrival and departure into extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime ceremonies.
  • Concert highlights: Enjoy concerts ranging from classical with Karsu, Laetitia Gerards, and Lucas van Lierop to Dutch pop, EDM sponsored by Heineken, and headline acts like Davina Michelle and Rolf Sanchez. Tickets are available via the official SAIL Amsterdam website.

Which SAIL Amsterdam 2025 ticket is best for you?

Tall ships sailing during SAIL Amsterdam event with flags and spectators.

If you are short on time

Go for: 1-hour cruises

Duration: 60-mins

  • Sail past 10,000 ships on a one-hour cruise with comfy seating aboard a glass-roof or vintage saloon boat, both offering unique views of the tall ship parade.
  • For a more relaxed vibe, hop on a cruise that comes with a complimentary drink.

Recommended experiences:

  • SAIL Amsterdam Cruise
  • 1-Hour SAIL Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise
  • 1-Hour SAIL Amsterdam Luxury Open Boat Cruise with a Drink
Fireworks over Amsterdam harbor during Sail Amsterdam event with ferris wheel and ships.

If you are looking for a night-time experience

Go for: Evening cruise

Duration: 2 hours

  • This 2-hour evening cruise during SAIL Amsterdam includes live music, illuminated ship views, one complimentary drink, and a grand fireworks finale.
  • Opt for extra fancy upgrades like a tasty cheeseboard, sparkling wine, or your favorite drink as the harbor lights and tall ships shine around you.

Recommended ticket:

  • 2-Hour SAIL Amsterdam Evening Cruise with Fireworks and a Drink
Tall ships sailing in Amsterdam harbor during SAIL Amsterdam event.

If you want bites & drinks while sightseeing

Go for: Meal cruises

Duration: 1-5 hours

  • Settle into an open boat with music, a refreshing drink, and stunning waterfront views of 10,000 ships and fireworks lighting up the Amsterdam sky.
  • You can also pick a longer cruise that includes snacks, drinks, or lunch, and enjoy the spectacular SAIL-In or SAIL-Out parades!

Recommended ticket:

  • 2-Hour SAIL Amsterdam Evening Cruise with Fireworks and a Drink
  • SAIL Amsterdam Cruise
  • 1-Hour SAIL Amsterdam Luxury Open Boat Cruise with a Drink
Tall ship with sailors on masts during Sail Amsterdam event.

If you want a special experience

Go for: Parade cruises or long cruises

Duration: 100-mins to 5 hours

  • Join the SAIL-in or SAIL-out parade cruise with lunch or snacks included, reserved seating, and spectacular waterfront views of over 10,000 legendary vessels.
  • You can also choose to enjoy a longer 100-min cruise with prime views of tall ships, spacious deck seating & complimentary drinks from a well-stocked Dutch bar onboard.

Recommended experiences:

  • 100-Min SAIL Amsterdam Cruise with Open Bar
  • SAIL-IN and SAIL-OUT Cruise with Snacks & Drinks

What to see at SAIL Amsterdam 2025?

Tall ship Shabab Oman II sailing on the Seine River in Paris, France, with iconic cityscape in the background.
Alexander von Humboldt II ship sailing near a coastal city with green sails visible.
Europa ship sailing near a coastal city with historic architecture in the background.
El Galeón sail ship docked at a harbor with historical masts and rigging, showcasing maritime heritage.
Christian Radich tall ship sailing in Oslo Fjord, Norway.
Capitán Miranda ship docked at Montevideo port, Uruguay, with tourists exploring the historic vessel.
Clipper Stad Amsterdam docked at the National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam.
Belem ship docked in Lisbon, Portugal, showcasing its tall masts and intricate rigging.
Boats moored at the pier in a scenic harbor, with a backdrop of lush green hills.
Replica wooden ship bow view with intricate carvings, docked at a historical port in Amsterdam.
Tall ships sailing in Amsterdam harbor during SAIL Amsterdam event.
Peruvian tall ship sailing near rocky coastline in Lima, Peru.
1/12

Shabab Oman II

  • 2014 | 86 meters | Oman | Flagship sail training vessel of the Royal Navy of Oman
  • A sleek clipper-style ship with a striking V-shaped hull, it hosts global training voyages and symbolizes Omani maritime heritage and cultural diplomacy.

Alexander von Humboldt II

  • 2011 | 65 meters | Germany | Modern sail training ship with iconic green sails
  • With 24 sails and advanced navigation tech, this bold vessel trains young sailors worldwide while carrying on Germany’s spirit of maritime adventure.

Europa

  • 1911 | 56 meters | Netherlands | Former German lightship turned world-voyaging barque
  • Carrying 30 sails, Europa has braved Antarctic waters and Cape Horn, embodying the spirit of adventure and global seamanship on every voyage.

El Galeón

  • 2009 | 49 meters | Spain | Replica of a 16th-century Spanish galleon
  • Built to honor Spain’s seafaring golden age, this majestic vessel brings centuries of exploration, trade, and high-seas drama back to life.

Christian Radich

  • 1937 | 62.5 meters | Norway | Full-rigged sail training ship with a storied career
  • With 27 sails and a 37.7-meter mast, she has trained cadets, raced internationally, and starred on screen as a proud icon of Norway’s sailing legacy.

Capitán Miranda

  • 1930 | 64 meters | Uruguay | Former survey vessel turned naval training ship
  • Once used for coastal mapping, this three-masted schooner now trains cadets and proudly represents Uruguay with a legendary global voyage to her name.

Clipper Stad Amsterdam

  • 2000 | 76 meters | Netherlands | Modern clipper inspired by 19th-century design
  • With 31 sails covering 2,200 m² and speeds up to 17 knots, this elegant tall ship combines historical charm with luxurious comfort and performance.

Belem

  • 1896 | 58 meters | France | Historic barque with a rich maritime legacy
  • Once a cargo ship and later a luxury yacht, this beautifully restored vessel now trains sailors and showcases France’s nautical heritage with Victorian-era elegance.

Pascual Flores

  • 1917 | 34 meters | Spain | Historic Mediterranean cargo schooner turned floating museum
  • Restored with its original wooden rig and three masts, this elegant ship now sails as a cultural ambassador for Torrevieja and maritime heritage.

Nao Santa Maria

  • 2007 to 2017 (sources unclear) | 28 meters | Spain | Replica of Columbus’s 15th-century flagship
  • Built using traditional shipbuilding methods, this three-masted vessel brings the Age of Exploration to life and serves as a sailing tribute to maritime history.

Eye of the Tiger

  • 1911 | 40 meters | Germany–UK | Historic tall ship and film icon
  • Featuring 750 m² of sail and classic rigging, this windjammer has starred in multiple films and continues to awe as a living piece of cinema and seafaring history.

B.A.P. Unión

  • 2016 | 115.7 meters | Peru | Largest sailing ship in Latin America
  • Featuring 34 sails and an Inca-inspired figurehead, this four-masted barque serves as a floating ambassador of Peruvian culture and naval training.

Events & programs

August 20, 2025

The first day opens with Tall Ships arriving in the celebrated SAIL In Parade (10am to 7pm). Guests can experience the Navy Roadshow (10am to 8pm), Ferris wheel adventures (10am to 10pm), Sail Kids Club (10am to 6pm), and evening highlights with Classy Soundwaves (8pm to 10:30pm) and the spectacular Waves of Light (10:30pm to 10:45pm).

August 21, 2025

Thursday’s program begins with the Sailing Heritage Fleet Review (8am to 12pm), historic ships sailing from Stenen Hoofd. Interactive highlights include SAIL Horizons (12pm to 9pm), DAMEN Experience Center (10am to 5pm), and other family activities, before evening performances by 3JS and Jan Smit take the center stage from 7pm to 10:30pm.

August 22, 2025

Friday opens with the IJveren Defilé and Varend Erfgoed Canal Tour. Daytime activities mirror Thursday's schedule, including SAIL Horizons, Marine Roadshow, Kids Club, DAMEN Experience Center and more. The evening features Dinner by the Dock and Heineken’s dance night (7pm to 10:30pm) with Kris Kross Amsterdam and Zoë Tauran.

August 23, 2025

Saturday’s packed with excitement: family activities at Kids Club, Horizons, and the quays, plus sweeping views from Adventure Seats (10am to 10pm) and the Ferris wheel. The different stages host music all day, while Dinner by the DAMEN Dock (1pm to 9pm) sets the mood before SAIL On Stage and Waves of Light create an unforgettable evening finale.

August 24, 2025

The last day begins with calm along the waterfront, where visitors enjoy final stage performances, ship tours, and sweeping Ferris wheel views. Afternoon brings the emotional SAIL-Out Parade (2pm to 7pm), as crowds wave goodbye to the majestic fleet sailing out of Amsterdam’s harbor.

Know before you go

Amsterdam canal cruise with passengers enjoying drinks on a luxury open boat.

The SAIL Amsterdam 2025 starts on August 20 and concludes on August 24.

  • SAIL-IN Parade (August 20, 2025): The parade begins at 10am, with the first ship reaching Amsterdam around 2pm. The grand procession continues throughout the afternoon, wrapping up by 7pm.
  • August 21 to August 23, 2025: Ships open for tours alongside cultural zones, performances, and evening entertainment, with the event day typically running from 8am through 10:45pm.
  • SAIL-OUT Parade (August 24, 2025): Starting at 2pm and concluding by 7pm, the SAIL OUT Parade marks a stunning finale, bidding farewell to the fleet in grand style.

Address: IJ-haven, 1019 Amsterdam, Netherlands

​Find on Maps

  • By bus: Take bus lines 22 or 48 to reach the harbour area.

Closest stop: IJhaven, just a short walk from the waterfront.

  • By metro: Use metro line 52 (Noord/Zuidlijn) and get off at Centraal Station.

Closest stop: Amsterdam Centraal, about 10 minutes on foot to IJ-haven.

  • By car: Head towards the IJ-haven and follow event signage for designated parking areas.

Closest parking: Parking Centrum Oosterdok, about 15 minutes’ walk from the harbour.

Tourists on a boat cruise during Sail Amsterdam event, with historic ships and city skyline in view.
  • Bar: Many cruises feature a fully stocked Dutch bar, where you can enjoy any drink, including bubbly. Some also offer meals, such as lunch or snacks.
  • Boat options: There are different types of boats to choose from, including glass-roof boats for all-weather sailing with great views, wooden saloon boats for a more rustic feel, and open boats if you want to feel the wind in your hair.
  • Restroom & Wi-Fi: Not all boats have restrooms, and free Wi-Fi may be available on some. 
  • Not wheelchair accessible: Most cruises aren’t suitable for wheelchair users.
No smoking sign on a boat during a Thames River tour in London
  • Guide dogs: Some cruises allow guide dogs, while others welcome pets. Be sure to check the details before booking.
  • Restrictions: For most cruises, smoking and large luggage are not allowed onboard.
  • Safety stipulations: Follow the safety guidelines provided by the cruise operators to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Group enjoying drinks on a luxury open boat cruise in Amsterdam canal.
  • If you haven’t been able to get your hands on the SAIL-IN parade, don’t worry! Try to arrive early to grab a good viewing spot along the IJ or on one of the bridges.
  • Plan for multiple viewing points! See the ships from various angles—visit the quays, bridges, rooftops (like NEMO Science Museum), or book a waterside restaurant with a view.
  • Parking is nearly impossible during this time. Hop on a tram, ferry, or rent a bike to explore the event area easily.
  • Don’t leave after sunset because many ships are beautifully illuminated, and some evenings include fireworks or live performances.
  • Bring binoculars or zoom your camera lens to get a closer look at the ship details, rigging, and onboard activities from the shore or a crowded boat.
  • If you want to board the tall ships, go in the morning because the lines get long fast, especially for iconic vessels like the Stad Amsterdam or Belem.
  • Many crew members love sharing stories, so don’t be shy! Ask questions and learn about life at sea and ship traditions.

Boarding points

Centraal Station

  • By metro: 51, 53, 54

Nearest stop: Centraal Station

  • By train: Intercity, Sprinter

Closest stop: Centraal Station

A'Dam Lookout

  • By bus: 36, 38, and 391

Nearest stop: Buiksloterwegveer

Ms. van Riemsdijkweg 51

  • By metro: 391

Nearest stop: Klaprozenweg

  • By ferry: F4

Closest stop: NDSM

The Starboard Dock, The Amstel

  • By metro: Line 51, 53, or 54

Nearest stop: Weesperplein

  • By tram: Line 1, 7, or 19

Closest stop: Frederiksplein

  • By bus: Line 246

Nearest stop: Weesperplein

What happens to the ships after SAIL Amsterdam?

After SAIL Amsterdam ends, the ships sail out in a grand farewell parade on Sunday, August 24, 2025. They return through the North Sea Canal toward the open sea, heading back to home ports, other maritime festivals, or training voyages. Normal shipping resumes once the IJmuiden lock complex reopens after the SAIL-Out Parade.

Frequently Asked Questions about SAIL Amsterdam 2025 tickets

Do I need a ticket to attend SAIL Amsterdam?

No, the quaysides are free to visit, but tickets unlock the real magic. With a ticket, you can join cruises, board majestic ships, and access unique experiences you won’t get from the shore.

Where can I find the full program or schedule for the event?

The official SAIL Amsterdam website has published the complete program, including ship arrivals, parades, performances, and cruise options.

What are the daily opening hours of the event area?

Public areas along the quays are typically open from 10am to 11pm, but specific activities and cruise times may vary.

Can I go on board the tall ships?

Yes, many tall ships are open to the public for tours, though hours and access vary by ship. Some may require timed entry in advance.

What is the SAIL-In and SAIL-Out Parade, and when do they happen?

The SAIL-In Parade on August 20 kicks off the event as the ships sail into the IJ. The SAIL-Out Parade on August 24 is the grand farewell as they depart through the North Sea Canal.

What’s the best way to reach the event?

Public transport is highly recommended. Use trains, trams, buses, or ferries to get to Amsterdam Central Station. The IJ waterfront is just a short walk away from there.

Are parts of the city closed off for traffic during SAIL Amsterdam?

Yes, road closures and restricted zones will be in place near the harbor. Plan ahead and check the website or city updates before driving into the area.

Is the event accessible for wheelchair users?

Some areas of the quays are accessible, but cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces may be challenging. Most ships and boats are not wheelchair-friendly.

Are toilets available along the quays or on ships?

Yes, public toilets are available in the event area. Restrooms may not be available on all cruise boats, so check before boarding.

Quick Links
About:
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