Sightseeing Boat Amsterdam Tickets | Canal Tours & Audio Guide

From happy customers

Loved by 46 million+

Laura

Netherlands

Dec 2025

5/5

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I thought the tour was great. Quiet, enough room for everyone, the heater was on and it didn't feel touristy. No explanations via speaker, so you could enjoy the view properly.

Israfil

Dec 2025

5/5

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Waiting time was very short and service was nice. We really enjoyed. Especially the boat driver was very kind and informative. Highly recomment it

Regine

Dec 2025

5/5

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The magic light show and the young captain. His friend served hot Glühwein and told us a lot about Amsterdam history and who is living in the wealthy houses.

Ana

Brazil

Dec 2025

5/5

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Comfortable and warm for the cold Dutch winter The tour gives us a spectacular view of Amsterdam. The guide uses both Dutch and English to show you some of the city's sights and curiosities.

Silvana

Dec 2025

5/5

‌

It was a very nice experience and our captain was a great skipper. I can only recommend this event. We had the 7:45 p.m. cruise and were of course amazed by the illuminated works of art, which don't really come into their own in the light. We walked past some of them without even realizing that they were there. So make sure you book the boat after dark.

Simona

Czech Republic

Dec 2025

5/5

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Me and my husband loved the perfect atmosphere, so good vibe was there. Captain was excelent and full of jokes. Our guide was also perfect, he told us many interesting facts about Amsterdam and Light Festival Recommend this company.

Charles

Oct 2025

5/5

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We received very courteous service in asking a number of questions before the tour. The trip and narration was very good!

Ross

South Africa

Oct 2025

5/5

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I liked the bar at the end of the Heineken tour. It's very vibey (almost like a night club) and I enjoyed the beer! In particular, I enjoyed the combo because of the locational convenience of the Heineken experience and the canal boat tour. The canal boat tour is over the road from Heineken so it was very easy to get to!

Quick overview

Cruise options: Select a 1-hour express loop for highlights or a 75-or 90-minute sightseeing boat in Amsterdam for extended festival routes and adult-only cruises.
Routes: Standard tours cover the UNESCO Central Canal Ring; choose a specialised sightseeing boat for the Light Festival to see specific art installations.
Boats & seating: Options range from classic glass-roofed heated boats with first-come seating to luxury saloon sightseeing boats with premium tables.
Boarding hubs: Most depart from Centraal Station or Damrak for central loops, while luxury cruises often dock near Prinsengracht or the Rijksmuseum.
When to book: Sunset and weekend slots for a sightseeing boat in Amsterdam sell out fast; aim to arrive at your designated pier 15–20 minutes before departure.
Good to know: Most trips include multilingual audio; your sightseeing boat in Amsterdam runs in the rain, with cancellations typically required 24 hours in advance.
Best upgrade: Unsure? Pick a sunset glass-roof sightseeing boat in Amsterdam for easy photos and the best city lighting.

Find your best Amsterdam sightseeing cruise here

Cruise type	Route/Sights covered	Boarding point	Inclusions	Boat type
Sightseeing city cruise	Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Skinny Bridge	Centraal Station or Rijksmuseum	GPS audioguide	Closed heated boat
Luxury drinks & cheese cruise	Herengracht, UNESCO canals, Jordaan	Centraal Station or Anne Frank House	Unlimited wine, beer, & Dutch cheese	Heated saloon boat
Evening sightseeing cruise	Illuminated bridges & merchant houses	Centraal Station or Anne Frank House	Onboard bar, optional drinks/bites	Luxury heated saloon boat
Cruise with onboard bar	Golden Bend, Dancing Houses, VOC Ship	Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230	Local guide, onboard bar (buy on board)	Electric boat
Heineken adult-only combo	Amstel River & historic centre	Hard Rock Cafe or Heineken Experience	Heineken Experience + 75-min cruise	Closed heated boat
Rijksmuseum combo	Rijksmuseum & Canal Belt highlights	Centraal Station	Rijksmuseum entry + 1-hour cruise	Standard sightseeing boat
Johan Cruijff ArenA combo	Stadium & Canal Belt highlights	Centraal Station	Stadium tour + 1-hour cruise	Standard sightseeing boat
Light Festival cruise	Official Light Festival artworks	Varies	Optional drinks/snacks	Closed heated boat

What to expect on a sightseeing cruise in Amsterdam

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Effortless boarding & departure

Step onto your sightseeing boat at central hubs like Centraal Station or Damrak. Settle into a climate-controlled glass-topped boat or a cosy, heated saloon boat as you begin a gentle journey through the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring.

Panoramic views of the Golden Age

Glide past the Anne Frank House and the iconic Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug). Your sightseeing boat in Amsterdam offers a unique waterline perspective of 17th-century merchant houses and gabled facades that remain hidden from the crowded city streets.

Onboard comforts & storytelling

Learn the city’s secrets via GPS audioguides available in multiple languages. Most sightseeing boat Amsterdam options feature restrooms and heaters, while luxury saloon cruises offer Dutch cheese, wine, and craft beers for a more indulgent voyage.

Unrivalled photo opportunities

Capture the reflection of illuminated bridges on the water or the striking architecture of the NEMO Science Museum. A sightseeing boat in Amsterdam provides the perfect unobstructed angle for photos of the Westerkerk and the city's charming residential houseboats.

Curated upgrades & combos

Maximise your day by pairing your sightseeing boat in Amsterdam with tickets to the Rijksmuseum or the Heineken Experience. For something special, opt for evening cruises to see the canals transformed by thousands of twinkling fairy lights.

The gentle return journey

As your sightseeing boat loops back to the pier, enjoy the rhythmic sway of the water and a final look at the harbour’s bustling activity, leaving you perfectly positioned in the city centre for further exploration.

Things to know before booking a sightseeing boat Amsterdam cruise

Booking window: A sightseeing boat cruise is a year-round staple, but peak season runs from April to October. Sunset and evening slots are the most popular and often sell out 3–5 days in advance. During the Amsterdam Light Festival (December–January), it is highly recommended to book your sightseeing boat Amsterdam experience at least 7–10 days ahead to secure your preferred departure time.
Cruise formats: Most sightseeing boat options are 60 to 75-minute loops. Standard cruises often feature GPS audio guides in multiple languages, while luxury or saloon boat labels typically indicate a live guide sharing local anecdotes. For a more social atmosphere, look for a sightseeing boat in Amsterdam that includes unlimited drinks and Dutch cheese, or choose an adult-only cruise if you prefer a child-free environment.
Routes and duration: Standard routes for a sightseeing boat in Amsterdam cover the UNESCO-listed Canal Belt, including the Prinsengracht and the Skinny Bridge. A 1-hour central loop is perfect for seeing the core landmarks, while 75 to 90-minute extended routes are common for the Amsterdam Light Festival to ensure you view all the specific art installations across the water.
Boat types and seating: Amsterdam offers various vessels, from large glass-topped boats to smaller electric saloon boats. Most sightseeing boat Amsterdam options are weather-ready, featuring heated cabins and sliding roofs for rainy or cold days. If you want an intimate feel, a luxury electric sightseeing boat provides a quieter ride with an onboard bar and more flexible, lounge-style seating.
Upgrades and combo tickets: You can maximise savings by booking a sightseeing boat combo ticket. Pairing your cruise with the Rijksmuseum, Heineken Experience, or a Johan Cruijff ArenA tour can save you up to 24% compared to individual bookings. For a premium experience, look for a sightseeing boat in Amsterdam that offers optional snackboxes or "unlimited drinks" upgrades at the time of purchase.
Boarding points: Most sightseeing boat Amsterdam departures are centrally located near Centraal Station, the Rijksmuseum, or the Anne Frank House. Boarding usually begins 15 minutes before departure. Always check your specific ticket, as different operators use different docks; arriving early ensures a smoother check-in and better seat selection on the sightseeing boat Amsterdam.
Policies and accessibility: Sightseeing boat operators do not provide wheelchair access. Most sightseeing boat tours offer a flexible 24-hour cancellation policy. Please note that cruises with open bars typically require passengers to be 18+ to consume alcohol.

Your Amsterdam sightseeing cruise boarding points explained

Amsterdam Centraal station with canal boats in North Holland, Netherlands.

Address: Prins Hendrikkade 25, 1012 TM Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on Maps

By metro: Lines 51, 52, 53, or 54 to Centraal Station; use the "Stationsplein" exit.
By train: Intercity and Sprinter trains stop directly at Amsterdam Centraal.
By taxi/car: Drop-off at the Kiss & Ride; parking is available at Q-Park Centraal.

Famous for: The city’s busiest hub, perfect for a sightseeing boat departure. Enjoy views of the Neo-Renaissance station architecture and the historic Damrak waterfront right as your journey begins.

Tourists in line outside the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

Address: Prinsengracht 267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands | Find on Maps

By tram: Lines 13 and 17 stop at Westermarkt, just a 2-minute walk away.
By metro: Take lines 51, 53, or 54 to Centraal Station, followed by a 15-minute walk or tram.
By taxi/car: Best to drop off at Westermarkt; street parking is extremely limited and expensive.

Famous for: Located in the heart of the Jordaan district. Boarding your sightseeing boat here offers a poignant view of the Westerkerk and the iconic narrow canal houses of the Prinsengracht.

What you’ll see on an Amsterdam sightseeing cruise

Magere Brug over Amstel River with canal houses in Amsterdam.

The Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)

This iconic white-painted wooden bridge is a highlight for every sightseeing boat in Amsterdam. As you glide beneath its historic beams, notice how its 1,200 lights create shimmering golden reflections in the Amstel River.

Seen best from the open rear deck

Canal bridge and historic buildings in Grachtengordel, Amsterdam.

Visitors exploring exhibits at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.

A’dam Tower and Eye Film Museum by IJ river in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Eye Filmmuseum exterior with waterfront view and modern architecture.

Plan your sightseeing boat Amsterdam cruise

Standard departures for a sightseeing boat Amsterdam tour typically run from 10am to 9pm daily.

1-hour sightseeing/saloon cruises: 10am–9pm
75 to 90-min Light Festival cruises: 4:30pm–10pm (Seasonal)

Best time to cruise: Board during the "Blue Hour" (just after sunset) to see the canal houses illuminated. For a quieter sightseeing boat Amsterdam experience, choose a morning departure before 11am.

Best season: April to October offers the best weather, though December and January are spectacular for the Amsterdam Light Festival.

Climate control: Heated indoor seating on closed boats; open-air decks for summer.
Refreshments: Onboard bars with beer, wine, and soda; some cruises include Dutch cheese and snacks.
Audio/Live guides: Multi-language audio systems (up to 19 languages) or live commentary by local skippers.
Comfort: Restrooms available on larger vessels; blankets provided on open electric boats.
Safety: Full safety equipment and life jackets are stored onboard every sightseeing boat in Amsterdam.

To ensure a safe sightseeing boat experience, please follow these guidelines:

Luggage: Large suitcases and bulky items are prohibited due to limited floor space.
Smoking: Strictly forbidden on all enclosed boats; permitted only on designated open-air sections of specific "Smoke & Lounge" tours.
Pets: Only certified service animals are generally permitted.
Conduct: Alcohol consumption is restricted to drinks purchased from the onboard bar.

Tips & guidelines

Arrive 20 minutes early to snag rear-deck seats on your sightseeing boat
Open-air sterns offer glare-free photos of the Skinny Bridge. For the evening departures, sit on the left (port) side to capture the illuminated "Seven Bridges" view.
Since canal water reflects GPS poorly, download offline maps before boarding your sightseeing boat in Amsterdam.
If boarding a sightseeing boat for the Light Festival, sit starboard (right) to get the closest angles of the water-level installations.

Other types of Amsterdam cruises

Couple enjoying dessert on an Amsterdam dinner cruise with city skyline in the background.

Dinner cruises

Upgrade your sightseeing experience with a multi-course chef-prepared meal. Unlike standard tours, these longer voyages offer a gourmet dining atmosphere set against the glittering backdrop of the city’s illuminated historical canal houses.

Explore Amsterdam dinner cruises

Amsterdam evening canal cruise with passengers enjoying wine and cheese under illuminated bridge.

Evening cruises

Trade the daytime crowds for a romantic sightseeing boat journey through the "Golden Age" canals. Watch the bridges glow with thousands of fairy lights, a view only visible on an evening sightseeing boat in Amsterdam.

Explore Amsterdam evening cruises

Rijksmuseum exterior with garden and nearby canal in Amsterdam.

Combo cruises

Maximise your day by pairing a sightseeing cruise with top attractions like the Rijksmuseum or Heineken Experience. These bundles offer significant savings compared to booking your sightseeing boat and museum entries separately.

Explore Amsterdam cruise combos

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam sightseeing cruise tickets

How long does a standard Amsterdam sightseeing cruise last?

A typical sightseeing boat journey lasts 60 to 75 minutes. Extended tours, like the Light Festival editions, can last up to 90 minutes.

What’s the difference between a daytime sightseeing cruise and an evening or sunset cruise in Amsterdam?

Daytime trips on a sightseeing boat focus on historic gables and monument details. Evening cruises feature illuminated bridges and a romantic atmosphere, often including drinks or cheese.

Is live commentary or an audioguide included on all sightseeing cruises?

Most sightseeing boat options include a GPS-triggered audio guide in 19+ languages. Luxury saloon boats often feature live storytelling from a local skipper for a personal touch.

Is an Amsterdam sightseeing cruise worth it?

Yes. A sightseeing boat provides a unique water-level perspective of the UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, covering more landmarks in one hour than you could ever reach on foot.

Is seating assigned or first-come, first-served on the Amsterdam canal sightseeing cruises?

Seating is almost always first-come, first-served. To secure a window or open-deck spot on your sightseeing boat, aim to arrive at the pier 20 minutes early.

What happens to my sightseeing boat if it rains?

Amsterdam’s fleet is weather-ready. Most sightseeing vessels feature glass roofs or are fully enclosed and heated, ensuring your tour continues comfortably regardless of the Dutch drizzle.

Can I bring my own food and drinks onto a sightseeing boat in Amsterdam?

Policy varies, but most luxury or electric sightseeing boat Amsterdam operators prefer you use the onboard bar. Some traditional cruises allow light snacks, but check your specific voucher.

Which sightseeing boat in Amsterdam is best for families?

The closed, heated sightseeing boat is ideal for families, offering safety for children and a stable environment. Combo tickets with the Johan Cruijff ArenA are also popular with teens.