Amsterdam Canal Cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore the city of Amsterdam. The city has a network of canals that are over 100 kilometers long, and they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The canal cruises typically last about one hour, and they offer a unique perspective on the city’s history, architecture, and culture. The boats are comfortable and have panoramic windows, so you can enjoy the views in all directions. Many tours also offer audio commentary in several languages, providing interesting information about the landmarks you pass along the way.
Depending on the tour you choose, you may have the option to enjoy snacks or drinks on board, such as local cheese and wine. Some tours also offer a candlelit evening cruise, which provides a romantic and magical experience as you float through the illuminated canals.
Overall, Amsterdam Canal Cruises are a great way to discover the beauty of the city from a unique perspective, and to learn more about the history and culture of this vibrant city.
Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises
| Amsterdam: Open Boat Canal Cruise with Bar | Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise | Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise | |
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| Duration | 1 hour | 1.5 hours | 1.15 hours |
| Starting Time | 11:15AM - 7:15PM | 6:30PM - 10:00PM | 10:00AM |
| Meeting Point | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Stadhouderskade 501, 1071 ZD Amsterdam, Netherlands | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Includes | 1-hour canal cruise Live commentary Local skipper and host | 75-minute City Canal Cruise Complimentary earphones Tour is wheelchair accessible | 75 minute City Canal Cruise Complimentary earphones Complimentary earphones |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises For [2024]
- Amsterdam: Open Boat Canal Cruise with Onboard Bar
- Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise
- Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise
- Amsterdam: 1-Hour Canal Cruise with GPS Audio Guide
- Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge 70-Minute Boat Cruise
- Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum
- Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks
Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises Reviews
#1. Amsterdam: Open Boat Canal Cruise with Onboard Bar
An Open Boat Canal Cruise with an onboard bar is a great way to explore the canals of Amsterdam while enjoying a refreshing drink. The boats used for this type of tour are smaller and more intimate than the traditional canal cruises, providing a more personalized experience for you and your group.
During the tour, you’ll travel through Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, passing by iconic landmarks, stunning canal-side houses, and charming bridges. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the city’s history and culture through onboard commentary provided by your expert guide.
The onboard bar is a unique feature of the open boat canal cruise, allowing you to enjoy your favorite drinks while taking in the views. You can choose from a selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks, as well as snacks to nibble on as you cruise along.
The tour typically lasts around 90 minutes, providing ample time to see many of Amsterdam’s famous landmarks and hidden gems. The boats used for the tour are also covered, so you can enjoy the experience no matter what the weather is like outside.
Overall, an Open Boat Canal Cruise with an onboard bar is a fun and relaxed way to explore Amsterdam’s canals while enjoying a drink with friends or family. With stunning views and informative commentary from your expert guide, it’s an unforgettable way to experience this beautiful city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise
An Evening Canal Cruise is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Amsterdam at night. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a magical place, with the shimmering lights reflecting off the water and the city’s famous landmarks taking on a new beauty.
During the cruise, you’ll travel through the city’s historic canals, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Westerkerk. You’ll also see the beautiful canal-side houses and bridges illuminated by the evening lights, providing a unique and romantic atmosphere.
Many tours offer an audio commentary in several languages, providing interesting information about the landmarks you pass along the way. Some tours also offer snacks or drinks, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience even more.
The duration of the tour is typically around 1-2 hours, providing ample time to see the city’s highlights and soak up the atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, or friends, an Evening Canal Cruise is a memorable and romantic experience that you won’t forget.
Overall, an Evening Canal Cruise is an excellent way to discover the beauty of Amsterdam at night, and to experience the city’s enchanting atmosphere in a unique and unforgettable way.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise
A City Canal Cruise is a popular way to explore the beautiful city of Amsterdam. The city has a network of canals that are over 100 kilometers long, and they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the City Canal Cruise, you’ll get a chance to see many of the famous landmarks and picturesque views along the canals.
The cruise typically lasts around 1 hour and covers the main canals in Amsterdam, such as the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht. You’ll see stunning canal-side houses, charming bridges, and iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Westerkerk.
Many tours offer audio commentary in several languages, providing interesting information about the landmarks and the city’s history and culture. Some tours also offer snacks or drinks, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience even more.
The boats used for the City Canal Cruise are comfortable and have panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy the views in all directions. Some boats have open-air sections, providing a unique and refreshing way to experience the city.
Overall, a City Canal Cruise is a great way to discover the beauty of Amsterdam’s canals and to learn more about the city’s history and culture. With stunning views and informative commentary, it’s an unforgettable way to experience this beautiful city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Amsterdam: 1-Hour Canal Cruise with GPS Audio Guide
A 1-hour Canal Cruise with GPS Audio Guide is a popular way to explore Amsterdam’s beautiful canals at your own pace. This type of tour offers an immersive and informative experience that allows you to learn about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks while enjoying the beautiful views from the canals.
During the tour, you’ll be provided with a GPS audio guide that you can use to navigate the canals at your own pace. The guide is available in multiple languages and provides fascinating commentary about the various landmarks and attractions along the way.
You’ll see the stunning canal-side houses, charming bridges, and iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, and the Westerkerk. The boats used for the tour are comfortable and have panoramic windows, providing an unobstructed view of the city and its surroundings.
This type of tour is a great option for those who want to explore the city independently and at their own pace. You’ll have the freedom to stop and explore the sights that interest you most, and you’ll have access to interesting information about each location through the GPS audio guide.
Overall, a 1-hour Canal Cruise with GPS Audio Guide is a unique and informative way to discover Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and landmarks. With the freedom to explore at your own pace and informative commentary along the way, it’s a memorable way to experience the beauty and history of this amazing city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Amsterdam: Smoke and Lounge 70-Minute Boat Cruise
The Smoke and Lounge 70-Minute Boat Cruise is a unique way to experience Amsterdam’s beautiful canals while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and cannabis-friendly environment. This tour is designed for adults over the age of 18 who want to enjoy Amsterdam’s famous coffeeshop culture while exploring the city’s iconic canals.
During the cruise, you’ll be able to smoke or consume cannabis products while lounging comfortably on the boat. The boat is equipped with comfortable seating, ambient lighting, and a sound system to enhance your experience.
The tour covers the main canals in Amsterdam, including the Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht, and offers stunning views of the canal-side houses, bridges, and landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. The boat also offers a bar service where you can purchase drinks and snacks to enjoy during the cruise.
This tour offers a unique and relaxed way to experience Amsterdam’s canals and coffeeshop culture. However, it’s important to note that cannabis consumption is only allowed in designated areas in Amsterdam and not in public spaces. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the local laws and regulations regarding cannabis consumption during the tour.
Overall, the Smoke and Lounge 70-Minute Boat Cruise offers a memorable and one-of-a-kind experience for adults looking to explore Amsterdam’s canals and indulge in the city’s famous coffeeshop culture.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum
The City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum tour is a great way to explore Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and one of its most famous museums. The tour typically starts with a 1-hour canal cruise, during which you’ll see stunning canal-side houses, charming bridges, and iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk.
After the canal cruise, you’ll visit the Rijksmuseum, one of the largest and most famous museums in the Netherlands. The museum houses a vast collection of artwork, including Dutch masterpieces from the Golden Age, such as paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
During the museum visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the various galleries and exhibits at your own pace, with the option of using an audio guide to learn more about the artworks on display. You’ll see some of the most famous Dutch paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts, providing a fascinating insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
This tour is a great option for those who want to combine a relaxing canal cruise with a visit to one of Amsterdam’s top museums. It offers a comprehensive and informative way to explore the city’s culture and history, with stunning views of the canals and access to some of the world’s most renowned artworks.
Overall, the City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum tour is a great way to experience Amsterdam’s canals and cultural heritage. With the combination of a relaxing canal cruise and a visit to one of the city’s top museums, it’s a must-do activity for anyone visiting Amsterdam.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Amsterdam: Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks
The Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks is a great way to explore Amsterdam’s picturesque canals while enjoying delicious food and drinks. This tour typically takes place in the evening and lasts for around 1.5 hours.
During the canal cruise, you’ll see the charming canal-side houses, beautiful bridges, and iconic landmarks such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. The boats used for the tour are typically comfortable and have large panoramic windows, providing an unobstructed view of the city and its surroundings.
One of the highlights of this tour is the pizza and drinks that are served onboard. You’ll typically be able to choose from a variety of pizza options, including vegetarian and meat options, along with a selection of drinks such as beer, wine, or soft drinks.
This tour is a great option for those looking for a relaxing and enjoyable evening in Amsterdam. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups of friends who want to combine a canal cruise with a delicious meal and drinks.
Overall, the Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks is a great way to experience Amsterdam’s beautiful canals while enjoying a tasty meal and drinks in a relaxed and comfortable setting. With stunning views of the city and delicious food and drinks, it’s a memorable way to spend an evening in Amsterdam.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.