Cruises & Water Tours

Admittedly, it’s not the most original way of sightseeing, but still something not to be missed when visiting Amsterdam: a boat trip through the canals. Yearly over three million tourists step in a luxury glass-topped boat for a cruise through the Canal Belt admiring iconic sites such as the Anne Frank House, the Skinny Bridge and the picturesque Seven Bridges of Reguliersgracht and the old port area. And even though all this can also be seen from the quays, the view from the water adds something special, almost fairytale like. It makes the gabled houses appear even more impressive, you’ll be amazed about the many bridges Amsterdam has and it gives you the opportunity to peek inside the houseboats.

What options do you have?

Boat tours through Amsterdam come in all shapes and sizes. You can cruise past the highlights of Amsterdam, add a trip to a famous museum to the ride or enjoy a drink, a snack or even a gastronomic meal whilst you soak in the quaint, relaxing atmosphere of the vibrant Dutch capital. Click Cruises and Water Tours to directly get an overview of all the cruises and water tours Amsterdam has to offer or read on for more information.

Highlights of Amsterdam

If you want to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals or the Amsterdam harbor area without any frills, you could go on one of the scenic sightseeing cruises listed below:

Amsterdam harbor sightseeing cruise – 1,5 hours – from € 12,5
Amsterdam canals sightseeing cruise – 1 hour – from € 15,5

Boat trips with refreshments

Sit back, relax and sip from your drink whilst enjoying the lovely scenery floating by. During a boat trip with refreshments, sightseeing the canals of Amsterdam is complemented with drinks, a snack or even a gastronomic meal. Will you be going for a romantic candlelit cruise, a pizza or a fancy cocktail?

Beer cruise – 1,5 hours – from € 25
Cocktail Cruise -2 hours – from € 37,5
Pizza Cruise – 1,5 hours – from € 37,5
Candlelight Cruise with wine and cheese – 2 hours – from € 37,5
Dinner Cruise – 2,5 hours – from € 67,5
Dinner Cruise Deluxe -2,5 hours – from € 75
Dinner Cruise and onboard commentary – 2 hours – from € 75
Lunch Cruise with van Gogh and Rijksmuseum – 7 hours – from € 89

Hop-on Hop-off Cruises

You can also use the canal boats as if they are part of the public transport of Amsterdam. The canal boats operating the hop-on hop-off lines stop at 16 points along 4 different routes, and with a pass that is valid for 24 of 48 hours, you can get in and off as much as you like. While cruising along the picturesque canals you listen to onboard commentary and when you get inspired by this you just get off as the stops are strategically located near major museums, sights and shopping areas. You can also choose to add a museum ticket to the cruise and get dropped off right in front of it.

Canal Cruise Hop-on Hop-off – from € 20,5
Canal Cruise Hop-on Hop-off with Rijksmuseum – from € 36
Canal Cruise Hop-on Hop-off with Van Gogh Museum – from € 36
Canal cruise Hop-on Hop-off with Hermitage – from € 36
Canal Cruise Hop-on Hop-off with Heineken Experience – from € 37

Day Tours

If you are all about convenience, opt for a day trip. A professional private guide will take you to the most beautiful parts of Amsterdam, and guide you past the waiting lines at popular museums like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum to get you in first.

Pizza Cruise with Heineken Experience – 1 day – from € 50
Canal Cruise with lunch, van Gogh and Rijksmuseum – 7 hours – from € 89