Cruise Through Amsterdam - Discover, Dine & Relax

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.

Navigate your Amsterdam Canal Cruise guide

1. Why go on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise?
2. Things to know before booking your cruise
3. Your Amsterdam Canal cruise options
4. Find your best cruise match here
5. Amsterdam Canal Cruise route map
6. Top sights covered on your cruise
7. Your guide to checking in and boarding Amsterdam Canal Cruises
8. Going on an Amsterdam Canal cruise? Here's all you need to know
9. Amsterdam canal cruise FAQs

Things to know before booking your Amsterdam Canal Cruise

• Before booking your Amsterdam Canal cruise, decide if you want to go on a sightseeing cruise, a cruise with dining options, or a combo cruise.
• Sightseeing cruises are the most popular form of cruise. Most of these depart every 15-30 minutes 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-minute cruise or a more extensive 75-minute or 90-minute cruise.
• Most sightseeing cruises depart from four major piers that are spread across the city. These include Centraal Station, Anne Frank House, Heineken Experience, and Hard Rock. However, there are also cruises that depart from Liedse Square, Damrak Pier, This is Holland, and A’DAM Lookout. 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.
• 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.
• There are multiple Amsterdam Canal cruise operators, but the most popular ones are LOVERS and Blue Boat Company, both easily recognizable by their bright orange and blue exteriors respectively. Both operators are also environmentally conscious, offering solar-powered and electric boats. 
• Most cruises visit all the main canals of Amsterdam - Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prisengracht. Some also travel through Singel and the Amstel River. A handful pass through the IJ River. When booking a sightseeing cruise, ensure that your cruise travels through the canal or river that you would like to see. Prisengracht is particularly known for the many attractions that lie on its banks. However, if you want to explore the IJ River and the Port of Amsterdam, book a harbor cruise. 
• Consider an evening luxury cruise to see Amsterdam in its glory at sunset or at night. You can also choose to pair this with dinner by booking a dinner cruise.
• Dining cruises are another popular way to see the Amsterdam canals. You can either opt for a wine and cheese cruise, a burger cruise, an all-you-can-eat pancake cruise, or an extravagant 4-course dinner cruise. Dinner cruises last longer, for 1.5 hours to 2 hours. For your 4-course dinner cruise, you can choose between vegetarian, meat, or fish menus. Check the menu that best suits your dietary preferences before booking your tickets.
• Most Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets exclude the £1.50 tourist tax per person that must be paid on-site.
• Some cruises offer discounted prices on weekdays. Additionally, discounted tickets are available for children under 14, and infants under 3 travel free. 

Amsterdam Canal Cruise route map

Visitor tips

• We recommend arriving around 15 minutes before departure to choose a good seat on the boat and settle in before the cruise begins. 
• 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. 
• Check all details before booking your Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Check the timings, departure points, exclusions, inclusions, and other details. 
• It's advisable to book your canal cruise tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• 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 serve basis.