amsterdam tour cruise

The boutique Amsterdam canal cruise company

Pure boats most popular canal tours.

Spectacular Evening Canal Cruise

1,5hr cruise incl. cheese platter and 3 drinks

Kingsday Cruise

Kings Day Boat Rental Amsterdam

Private Canal Cruise

The most popular cruise of the Amsterdam canals

Highlights of Amsterdam Cruise

1.5hr Cruise with Apple Pie & 2 Drinks

The Ultimate Canal Cruise

2hr cruise incl. Dutch snacks, craft beers & fine wines

Welcome to Pure Boats

The boutique Amsterdam canal cruise company.  We specialise in hosting private cruises, small group tours and fully tailored experiences aboard our collection of personally designed, luxurious electric boats.

We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

Instantly Book Your Private Boat

Private Boat – Lucy

Private, Romantic & Luxurious

Classic Boat – Schollevaar

Beautifully renovated salon boat from 1912

Small Open Boat – Geertje

Classic luxury sloep perfect for smaller groups

The Flagship – Pure Spirit

Exceptional luxury on our largest boat

Luxury Boat – Stan Huygens

The super yacht of the canals

Instantly Book Your Small Group Tour Tickets

Good Morning Amsterdam Cruise

Morning Amsterdam Canal Cruise 75 min inc. welcome drink

Read what our guests say about us

Excellent time.

My wife and I had a great time on the tour! The small boat/group was perfect and made the 2 hours much more personal than the larger boats. Our guide was very knowledgable, personable, and gave a great tour of the city. There were a variety of different snacks and drinks on board, which made the 2 hours even more enjoyable. We would recommend Pure Boats to anyone, and we look forward to another tour in the future!f

Highlight of our trip

I can’t say enough good things about our experience. Very classy, professional, and extremely friendly. We opted for snacks and open bar. Everything was on hand and excellent. I would recommend this company to anyone. From the most discerning, all the way to the most laid back. Amazing experience!

Tailor Made Experiences & Special Events

Lunch Cruise

Combine a delicious lunch cruise with a perfect view

Exclusive Brunch Cruise

Enjoy a lavish boat brunch cruise with optional mimosas

Company cruise

Treat your team to the best company outing idea in Amsterdam

Proposal in Amsterdam

We know how special this occasion is ♥️

Why book an Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Pure Boats

#1 — a true luxury amsterdam canal cruise.

Are you looking to book a Luxury Amsterdam canal cruise aboard the most high end and exclusive boats on the canals? Do you prefer to travel without looking like a mass tourist, and give onlookers serious boat envy? Look no further! Created by our in-house team of superyacht designers, our fleet of 4 carefully restored classic electric canal boats are truly unique and handcrafted to the finest quality.

#2 — A Fun, Informative & Personalised Amsterdam Canal Tour

It is our passion to provide the best service, with a pure and personal approach. We love connecting with smaller groups so that you can experience the Amsterdam canals as if cruising aboard your own private boat.

Whether you are joining us for a private cruise or small group tour, our selection of carefully curated Amsterdam canal tours ensure that we provide the perfect boating experience for you and your guests. 

#3 — Local Amsterdam Experiences

Your cruise with Pure Boats will be a true local experience. From the feeling of cruising on your own private boat to the careful selection of our products. From our gin to our tasty bites, if it’s not local we most likely do not serve it. Our selection of seasonal craft beers and quality European wines are a big focus. Paired with our Dutch farmhouse cheese, the comfort of our unique boats and the amazing canal views, what’s not to enjoy? 

By going local, we believe we can provide you with the best experience possible. Because this way you can not only see, but also taste Amsterdam!

#4 — Sustainable tourism

One of our  core values at Pure Boats is sustainability within tourism. That’s why we upcycled our canal boats from complete scraps to one of a kind, head turning fully electric canal boats. Our aim is to create a positive environmental impact on the Amsterdam canals, meaning you can enjoy classy sustainable design in a (close to) zero waste environment. So while you’re relaxing and having a good time on your canal tour, you’re also adding to a healthy and happy world! 

#5 — More than Just a Canal Boat Tour

We love to make you feel most welcome and comfortable, before, during and after your Amsterdam canal cruise. We genuinely want you to make the best of your trip to Amsterdam and offer much more than just a canal boat tour. From the moment you consider joining us for a canal cruise, we love to help with local recommendations of the new hotspots and other fun activities to suit you and your travel companions. Feel free to contact us to receive personal recommendations or have a look at our blog .

Previous clients

Send us a message.

Do you have a question about booking your Amsterdam canal cruise? Or are you already planning your trip, and do you want to know what’s on in Amsterdam during your stay? Contact us by sending an email via the contact form or give us a call! We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

Telephone number: +31 20 2157420 Email address:  [email protected]

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Amsterdam Canal Tours

All our boat tours in amsterdam.

Want to know what is the best way to discover the city's hidden gems? By our Amsterdam canal tours, of course! These tours are famous, and an absolute must when visiting. Just pick the cruise that suits you best. Stromma offers multiple ways to explore the city by boat so you can choose the cruise that meets your wishes and desires. All options include an enormous amount of spectacular sights and attractions. What are you most looking forward to? Stromma´s canal tours will cover all of your favorites! Take a look at our overview of Amsterdam canal cruises.

Discover Amsterdam on a canal boat tour

It is a special feeling to cruise the city's historical canals in a boat that takes you around Amsterdam. Regardless of your choice of boat tour. Just imagine the movement of the water towards the boat and the closeness to it, and the guide – either in headphones or in person – who tells you all there is to know about this beautiful city. Either way, enjoy your canal cruise.

All the city's highlights in one tour

You are welcome to sail past a hundred points of interest on Amsterdam’s #1 canal tour: the Amsterdam Canal Cruise , formally known as the 100 Highlights Cruise. Hurry up with your camera – there will be plenty of occasions to get your vacation-photo of-the-year!

Take a trip on a small boat tour in Amsterdam 

If you prefer smaller groups and a more intimate setting choose an Open Boat Tours . The captain at this smaal boat tour  adds a personal touch to your trip by telling fun anecdotes while cruising through the smaller, more concealed – as well as the well-known – parts of the canals. In addition to the personal touch, you get on fully electric boats making it sustainable, and wonderfully quiet on the water. 

Pedal Boats - a canal tour at your own pace

More of a Do-It-Yourselfer? No problem! With our pedal boats you can enjoy the monumental canal belt at your own pace. This is fun with anyone, whether it is a friend, family member or a romantic date. You will be conquering the canal and be your own captain of the Amsterdam tour!

Discover the canals during an evening cruise

Experience the charm of Amsterdam with an evening canal cruise, where the city's waterways become a tranquil pathway to discovery. As the sun sets, the reflections of historic architecture and lively neighborhoods create a serene ambiance, making an Evening cruise in Amsterdam a great way to unwind and enjoy the scenic beauty of the city.

Enjoy a dining cruise on the canals

Are you planning a nice dinner out on the town? Don't miss our popular food and drink cruises along Amsterdam's canals. Read more and book your tickets today: Cheese & Wine Cruise Amsterdam Pizza Cruise Amsterdam

How to book your boat tour in Amsterdam

It’s really easy and quick to book your canal cruise tickets online. Just choose from one of the canal cruises below by clicking on their icons. Press the green ‘book’ button, choose your departure date and time, the size of your party and you’re good to go. You won’t just save time when booking your tickets on our website, you will also save money! We offer an online discount for every online reservation to ensure you get the best deal on your Amsterdam boat tour.

Of course, we also welcome you to one of our conveniently located ticket shops in the city center. As your host in the city, our shop hosts tell you more about the canals and provide you with personal recommendations regarding your cruise.

Ticket shops and departure points

Stromma is working to reduce use of fuel and energy as well as switching to renewable fuels and clean energy sources.

Stromma has ambitious goals for our sustainability work – one of them is to reduce CO2-emissions by 50% by 2030.

At Stromma we are continuously working to reduce our use of plastic. Our efforts reduced our plastic consumption by 1 097 kg in one year.

In Sweden and Denmark Stromma together with WWF and local partners have placed out Seabins to improve the environment in/of the Baltic Sea.

Stromma Netherlands participates in World Cleanup Day. Together we scoop the trash out of the canals from our Pedal Boats & Open boats.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise - 100 Highlights

1-hour boat tour on the canals, evening cruise amsterdam, amsterdam by night cruise on the canals, open boat tour amsterdam, discover the canals on an electric boat, pedal boat amsterdam, rent a canal bike and explore the city from the water.

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The 7 Best Amsterdam Canal Cruises [2024 Reviews]

Amsterdam is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world, and it’s no wonder why. The history alone is fascinating, but then incorporate its delicious food, endless nightlife activities, beautiful architecture, and stunning canals and it’s incredible.

We’re going to focus a bit on the latter today, as cruises along the canal are one of the most popular activities to do. However, there are also a lot of tours available, so which one is the best? No need to wonder, as we have all the top canal cruises in Amsterdam right here!

Don’t leave Amsterdam until you see all the things there are to do in this beautiful City!

Best amsterdam canal tours, quick answer: the 7 best amsterdam canal tours for 2024.

• Best Romantic Tour: Amsterdam: Romantic Canal Tour with Bubbly
• Best Budget Tour: Amsterdam Private Canal Booze Cruise
• Best Value Tour: Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks
• Best Evening Tour: Amsterdam Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night
• Best Private Tour: Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam
• Best Family Tour: Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise
• Best Small Group Tour: Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks

Be sure to see our reviews of Red Light District Tours, Van Gogh Museum Tours and Windmill Tours .

Amsterdam Canal Tour Reviews

1. best romantic tour: amsterdam: romantic canal tour with bubbly.

• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Departure: Keizersgracht 198, 1015 CZ
• Departure Time:  4:00 PM
• Includes: Expert romantic tour guide and skipper , blankets and heated seats , local cheese, grapes and crackers, small bottle of Prosecco and water

One of the best ways to see Amsterdam is from a canal cruise. There’s just something magical about floating down the calm waters as you pass by centuries-old buildings and under beautiful bridges.

The Romantic Canal Tour with Bubbly is one of the best if you’re looking for a great way to spend time with your significant other. What’s great about this tour is that you can customize it, depending on your specific interests.

Your guide will ask if you have any particular interests so they can tailor the experience to them. There are plenty of different departure times, and lasting 1.5 hours, it’s super easy to fit into even the busiest schedules. Whether you go day or night, it’s simply a magical experience you have to try at least once.

Meet up with your guide, and hop on board, where you’ll be acquainted with your local, certified skipper who is an expert in all things “Amsterdam”.

They’ll tell you all about the city’s history and specifically that of the canals. The district is UNESCO-listed, and it’s unique to just this area.

Not only that, but they provide insight into the locals’ way of life and how the canals are used present-day. There are many people who actually live in house boats docked at the sides of the canals, which is pretty cool!

As you’ll get to see so much of the city, once you’re on land you’ll find that navigating around is much easier.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best budget tour: amsterdam private canal booze cruise.

• Departure:  Jungle Dock
• Departure Time:  12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Includes:   Live tour guide, t ransport for activity duration: sightseeing cruise, b eer, w ine,  s oft drinks

Amsterdam is a city that’s known for having a good time, and if you’re looking for one, you’re in the right place. The Amsterdam: Private Canal Booze Cruise lasts 1.5 hours and is a great way to start off the evening or day of sightseeing.

Take a break to relax, but cruising through the gorgeous canals with a refreshing beverage in hand! Sure, there are tons of bars in the city, but trust us when we say this way is much more fun! If it’s your first time in the city, it’s a must-do!

If you’re traveling in groups, this is a nice way to get everyone together from some simultaneous excitement and sightseeing. It’s available for groups of 10 people and under. Meet up with your guide near Central Station, which is easy to get to from just about any part of the city.

Board your boat, where you’ll be able to relax on the padded seats with plenty of leg room.  There’s also a restroom on board, which is ideal if you’re going to be drinking!

Crack open a cold beer, pop open a bottle of champagne, or some simple mixed drinks while you cruise around the canals. Think of it as like an open bar because you don’t have a limit on how many drinks you can have.

You’ll pass through the Amstel River, under 7 stunning bridges and some hidden gems your skipper will point out to you. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the city, where famous landmarks are, and will make it easier to plan excursions on land based on this.

Other Amsterdam Experiences To Try:

3. best value tour: amsterdam small-group canal cruise plus snacks and drinks.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departure: Keizersgracht 106, 1015 CV Amsterdam
• Departure Time:  1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:30 PM
• Includes:  Snack platter, unlimited drinks (open bar), professional guide, all taxes & fees, snacks, bottled water

The next one up is a bit longer than the other two we’ve covered so far. Clocking in at 2 hours, you’ll get to learn all about the local history, lifestyle, landmarks, and the canals, specifically.

Do it all while enjoying some delicious snacks and drinks on Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks . If you’ve just arrived in Amsterdam, it’s one of the best ways to get an introduction to the city.

The ride is relaxing and beautiful, and ideal for a small group (maximum of 9 people) for a customized experience and the ability to ask any questions you may have to the skipper.

Start out in Jordaan, which is a great place to explore if you want to escape the crowds and general hustle-and-bustle of the city.

It’s a lovely area to sit back, relax, and take the views in. They’ll offer you all kinds of local eats like a snack platter with fruit, cheese, cookies, and sausages.

Wash it all down with some craft beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Pass by the city’s oldest hat factory, called the Rode Hoed (Red Hat), which now serves as an event center. Your guide will tell you all about its interesting (and lengthy!) history.

They’ll continue offering an educational commentary on the canals’ history and heritage, and how important they are.

Not only that, but you’ll get to see the gorgeous side houses that line the canals, along with the enormous mansions that sit on the bigger main canals.

The route does vary a bit, depending on the weather and time of day you book for. However, each trip is a very enjoyable experience!

4. Best Evening Tour: Amsterdam Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night

• Duration: 50 minutes to 90 minutes
• Departure: At the canals (white boat with blue tops)
• Departure Time:  Variety Available
• Includes:   Private boat cruise at night, c aptain/storyteller, g lass of mulled wine (winter), s mall bottle of Prosecco (summer), l ocal cheese, grapes, crackers, and waffles, b lankets

On the hunt for the perfect date night adventure? If so, there are a lot of choices to select from, but this next tour always seems to rank quite high.

The Amsterdam: Private Romantic Canal Cruise at Night tour is a great alternative to heading to a fancy restaurant, because you have it all right here on board! While the city is beautiful just about any time of day or with any weather, it’s really something different at night.

The city is all lit up, with the warm lights reflecting off of the rippling waters. It’s also a great way to preface dinner, as it won’t spoil your meal but will definitely satisfy any hunger pangs and quench your thirst.

Board your comfortable, private vessel for the next 50 to 90 minutes while you get settled and cruise down the canals. The glistening lights light the way, as your skipper tells you all kinds of fascinating stories about the city’s history, culture, and notable landmarks.

They’ll share facts about important people from here, as well as local legends that always are fun to learn about.

With cozy blankets provided, along with some sparkling champagne, wine, cheese, and waffles, we can’t recommend this tour enough if you really want to get in some quality time with that special someone.

It’s also perfect if you want to learn more about navigating the city and how to access certain tourist hot spots.

While it’s not required, you do have the option of having the guide play some romantic music as well. It’s all up to what you and your partner would like to do – they’re all very accommodating and there to ensure you have a wonderful romantic evening.

5. Best Private Tour: Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam

• Departure: Oosterdokskade 8, Oosterdokskade 8, 1011 AE Amsterdam
• Includes:  Alcoholic beverages, soda

This next tour is perfect for couples or groups of friends and family, alike. You can reserve the boat for up to 12 people, making it a great way to spend some quality time and have a blast while doing it!

The Private Boat Tour: Champagne Canal Cruise in Amsterdam lasts 1.5 hours full of laughs, adventuring, and learning about this unique city!

Start out by meeting down at the wooden dock next to the “Sea Palace” restaurant. We found the boats to look brand-new, and are in excellent condition. It actually is one of the more luxurious boats we’ve seen, with the wooden sitting area sporting traditional windows and padded seats.

Actually, this traditional vessel is one of just a few in all of Amsterdam that holds the title of “floating monument status” due to its historic traits! If you’re curious, your guide will tell you all about this beauty.

Enjoy unlimited champagne and sip the bubbly while you watch out over the gorgeous canals, as you cruise under bridges and past elaborately-designed homes that line each side.

The boat’s owner will tell you all about the history of the city and offer interesting anecdotes and personal stories, as well.

Enjoy attentive service as you cruise by important landmarks such as the Anne Frank House, Magere Brug, the Red Light District, National Maritime Museum, Heineken Experience, Café de Sluyswacht, Bridge of 15 Bridges, and much more.

We highly recommend checking at least some of those out once you’re on land, and now that you know how to get to them!

6. Best Family Tour: Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise

• Departure:  Keizersgracht 198, Keizersgracht 198, 1015 CZ Amsterdam
• Includes: Variety Available

If you’re looking for a fun and affordable excursion to take the entire family on, you’ve found it! The Amsterdam 90-Minute Private Family Canal Cruise tour is a fantastic way to explore the legendary Dutch canals, and see some of the most popular landmarks from a different perspective.

This is a must-do if you’re bringing the entire family along, and is great for all ages! With a max passenger limit of 10 people per boat, you can feel confident you’re going to receive personalized attention and be able to have any of your questions answered by a professional.

They captain will ask you if you have any specific interests, so they can tailor your cruise to them, too. While food and drinks aren’t served on the boat, you’re more than welcome to bring your own. After exploring, you may want to go grab some food, anyway.

This 1.5-hour tour offers quite a bit of flexibility with start times, making it easy to fit into busy schedules.

As you cruise down the charming canals, they’ll teach you all about the city’s history, modern-day attractions, and many stories with cultural relevance. They’ll show you some hidden gems that not many tourists get to see or even know about, too!

If you’re new to the city, they’ll offer some tips on places to visit later, including any restaurant recommendations! This is a fantastic way to learn about local lifestyles here, and how the canals impact them.

They’re an excellent mode of transportation and offer a bit of relaxation away from the crowds.

7. Best Small Group Tour: Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Plus Snacks and Drinks

• Departure: Keizersgracht 401, Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam
• Includes:  Snacks, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, fees and taxes

This next tour is always a blast, super affordable, and one of the most highly-rated canal cruises out there! The Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise plus Snacks and Drinks tour is one everyone should try, even if you’ve already done a canal cruise before!

Lasting 2 hours long, it’s a fantastic way to have fun, eat some delicious traditional snacks, and enjoy the views without the crowds. Located right in front of the Museum for Photography, you’ll meet up with your guide where you and the rest of your group will be escorted to the boat.

Due to the space, you will be limited to groups of 12 people. We really enjoyed the configuration of this boat, which is open on the ends but has a glass covering to keep you protected just in case of rain (which can happen even in the summertime!).

It also offers unobstructed views of this gorgeous city, where you’ll be able to fully enjoy the incredible architecture and canal views.

To keep your thirst and hunger at bay, they provide mulled wine and authentic Dutch snacks like the “bitterballen” and “stroopwafel” which are delicious and perfect if you like sweets! Start out in the old quarter of the Jordaan, which is arguably one of the prettiest areas.

Cruise along and spot landmarks such as the Anne Frank house,  Red Light District, National maritime Museum, Hortus Botanicus, and even the East Indiaman ship dating from back to the Golden Age!

You’ll even get to see various “hidden gems” that not too many tourists know about, and can go back to visit them once you’re on land.

Why You Should Take an Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tour

Taking an Amsterdam canal cruise is a great way to experience the city from a unique perspective.

• See the city from a different angle : Amsterdam is of course famous for its canals but taking a canal cruise/tour allows you can see can see sights that visitors walking around don’t get to see. You will get to see the city’s narrow streets, historic buildings and picturesque bridges from the water.
• Learn about Amsterdam’s history and culture : Most canal cruise tours have audio guides or live commentary which can provide interesting information about Amsterdam’s history, architecture and culture. You’ll learn all about the city’s most famous residents, its trading history and its most famous landmarks.
• Relax and unwind: A canal cruise is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. have a glass of wine while you enjoy the sights. Most canal cruises have food and drink options so you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.
• Ideal for all ages : A canal cruise is a great activity for families, couples or groups of friends. It’s a good option for families and is an enjoyable experience for everyone.

What Will You See on Canal Tour/Cruise?

• Architecture : Amsterdam’s canal ring is home to many stunning buildings, including 17th-century merchant houses, grand public buildings and its modern architecture.
• Bridges : Amsterdam has over 1,200 bridges many of which are historic and offer unique views of the city.
• Houseboats : Amsterdam is famous for its houseboats which line the canals and give you a glimpse into the city’s unique culture.
• Landmarks : A canal cruise will take you past many of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks, including the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and of course the Van Gogh Museum .
• Bustling streets : As you cruise through Amsterdam’s canals, you’ll also see bustling streets and neighborhoods, giving you a feel for the city’s vibrant energy and lively atmosphere.
• Red Light District – This area is probably one of the more obvious neighborhoods to go adventuring around at night. The iconic red windows and notorious coffee shops are everywhere and while this area is full of tourist traps. You should take a Red Light District tour so you can see all the cool spots like Belushi’s, Hill Street Blues, and Aepjen.

Tour Guides

The Private 1.5 hour Canal Tour in Amsterdam with your Loved One is our Editors Choice for the best canal tour in Amsterdam

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Discover tours and activities in and around Amsterdam

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City Canal Cruise

• Wheelchair accessible
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Half Day Keukenhof Gardens, Tulip Farm and canal cruise

Heineken Experience

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Top canal cruises in amsterdam.

New York Pizza Cruise

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Our customers give us a score of 4,5/5

Serene, relaxing, invigorating.

Great people, good service, decently priced. A cruise you can’t and shouldn’t miss when in Amsterdam. Beautiful boats with exceptionally smooth ride and good ongoing commentary in most of the major languages. Enjoyed it. Worth it. Highly recommended. Closing note: Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Buy with other attraction ticket, particularly  Heineken   Experience  (just opposite them) to maximise saving money and time

Perfect way to view Amsterdam!

This is a great way to see Amsterdam. Such a different view from the canals and there are so many beautiful boat homes to see along the way. Highly recommend. Also very nice on a rainy day to see the city but stay warm and dry! Headsets to explain the tour as you go were easy to understand!

Lovely cruise

This cruise was well worth the money. We were on boat for an hour and a half. We went in an evening trip which was beautiful with all the lights. We got to see parts of Amsterdam we had missed, but will definitely be returning so we can go and visit these also. Boat was lovely and warm and drinks were reasonably priced. Staff very friendly.

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Book Amsterdam Canal Evening & Night Cruise Tickets

Select Your Experience

Amsterdam Canal Evening Sightseeing Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Board your cruise and explore the canals of Amsterdam in the warm glow of the city illuminated at night.
• You will be welcomed onboard the comfortable boat by the cruise staff and can kick off your journey by ordering a cold drink.
• As you explore the UNESCO-listed canal belt, listen to the onboard audio guide with your free headphones, available in up to 21 different languages.
• The cruise will also drift past the canals that run through the district where most day cruises do not go - the infamous De Wallen or De Walletjes.
• Upgrade your cruise to the luxury boat for cozy blankets and live guides. Depart from Central Station or Anne Frank House Pier for an enhanced experience.
• 1-hour or 90-min canal cruise
• Evening cruise with bar service
• Multilingual audio guide in 21 languages
• Snackbox (optional)
• 1-hour luxury boat cruise from Central Station/Anne Frank House Pier (optional)

Central Station Pier

• 2-min walk away from Basilica of St Nicholas and Park Plaza Victoria

Hard Rock Cafe Pier

• 1-min walk from Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience

Anne Frank House Pier

• 2-min walk from Anne Frank House and Anne Frank Monument

Click here for the detailed map of the boarding points.

• Tip: Amsterdam is known for its vibrant street art scene. As you cruise along the canals, keep an eye out for colorful murals and graffiti artwork adorning the walls near the water.
• The audio guide is available in the following languages: English, French, Russian, Spanish, German, Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Thai, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Indonesian, Cantonese, Swedish, Korean, and Hindi.

Amsterdam Canal Evening Luxury Salon Boat Cruise

• This post-sunset cruise on a luxury boat brings to life the city of Amsterdam, with brightly lit with all its bridges brightly illuminated.
• Your experienced English-speaking skipper and guide will tell you all about the city’s culture and fun places you can visit!
• Starting from the Anne Frank House, you’ll explore the stylish Jordaan neighborhood, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), and the Golden Bend.
• To make things even more convenient, you can choose from 3 boarding points, Red Light District, Central Station Pier, or Anne Frank House Pier.
• 1-hour canal cruise on a luxury boat
• Local and experienced skipper and English-speaking guide
• Blankets available
• Departure from Red Light District/Central Station Pier/Anne Frank House Pier (as per option selected)
• Meal and drinks inclusions

Central Station

Red light district.

• 2-min walk from Royal Palace Amsterdam

Click here for a detailed map of the boarding points.

• Tip: If you need recommendations on how to explore more of the city, feel free to ask your guide!
• Pets are allowed onboard.
• Suitable for pram/stroller users.

Amsterdam Canal Dinner Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Date idea: an evening dinner cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. You get just that with this ticket!
• Enjoy a world-class 4-course dinner prepared by gourmet chef Frans Kelders, with vegetarian, meat and fish options.
• It gets dreamier than this, you also get drinks of your choice, from beer, wine and soft drinks, to make the experience even better.
• 2-hour evening cruise
• 4-course dinner (menu here )
• Complimentary drinks: beer, wine, soft drinks
• Hotel transfers

LOVERS Canal Cruises Amsterdam

• 5-min walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Pizza & Optional Drinks or Guide

• Cruise, eat, explore! Experience Amsterdam's iconic sights on a delicious pizza cruise with drinks and dessert aboard a comfortable sightseeing boat.
• Choose from a variety of flavors and savor its fresh-baked goodness as you cruise Amsterdam's scenic canals.
• Begin your journey at the Anne Frank Museum, weaving through charming De Negen Straatjes. Don't miss the Skinny Bridge and Central Station photo ops.
• 75 or 90-min Amsterdam canal cruise (as per option selected)
• Pizza of your choice (menu here )
• Drinks and dessert (optional)
• Private host and audio guide in English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese (optional)
• Tip: Amsterdam is famous for its Golden Age mansions which line the canals. Keep an eye out for this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the cruise.
• The menu options for the pizza can be found here .
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities are permitted on board. Proper identification is required.
• Private tables and window seating are subject to availability and may not be guaranteed.

Home to over 100 km of canals, Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination around the world. Explore these beautiful canals on your Amsterdam evening and night canal cruise and witness some beautiful, historic sites on the way. The Amsterdam canal evening & night cruise is the best way to experience the city’s beauty and lights during the evening and night as you float around the iconic canals of Amsterdam on a luxurious cruise.

Why go on an Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruise?

• Romantic evening cruise: Experience the charm of Amsterdam's canals at night on a 90-minute or 1-hour evening cruise, surrounded by enchanting lights and unique architecture.
• Onboard refreshments: Sip on wine, beer, or soft drinks from the onboard bar as you cruise through the illuminated canals, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Multilingual audio guide: Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's history with a personal audio guide available in 21 languages. Learn about the city's past and cultural significance while taking in the scenic beauty from the water.
• Venice of the North: Discover why Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North" as you navigate its extensive canal network, providing a unique perspective and making it an ideal city for canal cruises.
• Red Light District exploration: Cruise past the renowned Red Light District, delving into its intriguing and controversial history. Experience a side of Amsterdam that many daytime tourists may not encounter.

Types of Amsterdam Canal evening cruise tickets

• Explore the lively Amsterdam nightlife during your evening cruise, offering a captivating journey through the city's canals against starry skies.
• Uncover the rich history of the "Venice of the North" using the complimentary headphones and audio guide, available in 21 languages, providing a fascinating narrative of Amsterdam's past.
• Enjoy the convenience of bar service during the evening canal cruise, where you can choose from a selection of drinks, including wine, beer, or soda, catering to your individual preferences.

Recommended: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise in Amsterdam

• Witness the famous Amsterdam Light Festival aboard a modern, heated boat that takes you through the 24 illuminated art installations.
• With an audio guide available in 6 languages and a professional English-speaking host present on the boat, get to know the stories and inspiration behind the artworks.
• Upgrade your tickets to make your experience even more special with unlimited drinks at the bar, as you can choose from beer, wine, soda, and more.

Recommended: Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Optional Drinks | Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise with Audio Guide & Host | 1.5-Hour Amsterdam Light Festival Evening Cruise from Hard Rock Cafe

• Get your hands on the pocket-friendly combos that take your Amsterdam adventure up a notch - hop aboard a comfortable canal cruise and enjoy some popular Dutch experiences.
• Visit the Heineken® Brewery with complementary chilled beers or get admission to the Rijksmuseum: combine your cruise experience with any combo option that best suits your interests.
• The tickets offer flexible duration that you can tailor according to your trip plans.

Recommended: Skip-The-Line Tickets to Heineken® Experience with Free Drinks + 1 Hour Cruise | Combo: Rijksmuseum Entry + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

Sights covered on your evening canal cruise

Amsterdam Canals

Amsterdam is home to over 165 canals , many of which were dug in the 17th century. Herengracht, Prinsengracht, and Keizersgracht are the three main canals forming a circle around the city. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 and offers views of several historic buildings and monuments.

Amstel River

Located in North Holland, the Amstel River flows from Aarkanaal in Nieuwveen to IJ in Amsterdam. It has been used for transportation and water supply in Amsterdam and plays a major role in Dutch culture.

Magere Brug

The Magere Brug, also known as the Skinny Bridge, is an Old Dutch-style wooden bridge. It spans the Amstel River and is one of the highlights of the Amsterdam Canal Cruise. This is one of the most beautiful bridges to witness in Amsterdam, especially when it is illuminated with lights during the night

Negen Straatjes

This cute neighborhood in Amsterdam is located in Grachtengoderl – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Negen Straatjes consists of 9 side streets filled with shops and restaurants. The streets are illuminated at night and look gorgeous from the Amsterdam Canal cruise.

Amsterdam Light Festival

Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual event held between December and mid-January. In this festival, the Amsterdam canals, bridges, and parks are decorated with colorful lights created by talented artists. Some of the Amsterdam evening & night canal cruises give you a tour of the Light Festival as well.

Know before you go on an evening & night cruise in Amsterdam

Please note that there are multiple Amsterdam evening & night canal cruise ticket options available. Your cruise details such as timings, boarding points, and inclusions will depend on your ticket. For more information, please check your tickets before purchasing.

Timings For evening canal cruise

• Duration: 1 hour 30 mins
• Timings: 7pm, 7:30pm, 8pm, 8:30pm, 9pm & 10pm

Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruise

• Duration: 1 hr 15 mins - 1 hr 30 mins
• Timings: Daily at 4:30pm

Amsterdam evening & night canal cruise usually lasts for one to two hours. For more information, please check your tickets before purchasing.

• Boarding point: Blue Boat Company ticketing office, Stadhouderskade 501, Amsterdam.
• Nearest landmark: Hard Rock Cafe Find it on the map

Central Station - Loetje: Lovers Canal Cruises Boating Point, Stationsplein 10, 1012 AB Amsterdam, Netherlands. Find it on the map .

Evening canal cruise

• 90-minute cruise
• Multilingual audio guide
• Snackbox - contains chips, popcorn, cheese biscuits, salted peanuts, and a soft drink of your choice
• 75-minute canal cruise
• Free WiFi onboard
• Audio guide in English and Dutch
• Amsterdam Light Festival tickets
• Make sure you arrive 15 minutes before your booked time slot to avoid delays.
• Collect the physical ticket for your Boat tour in Amsterdam at the redemption center by showing your mobile voucher.
• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible so, plan accordingly.
• Personal alcohol, smoking, and outside food are not allowed on board.

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruises

Yes, it is recommended to buy the Amsterdam evening canal cruise and night canal cruise tickets online. By purchasing your tickets online, you can get amazing discounts and offers on the tickets and select your desired date and time for the booking.

There are multiple Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruise tickets to choose from, each with its own specialties. Amsterdam evening canal cruise is a popular option as the 90-minute cruise comes with a multilingual audio guide with a snack box and bar service facilities.

Yes, there are discounts available on Amsterdam Canal cruise tickets, depending on the ticket type. For more information, check your ticket before purchasing.

Yes, there are Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruise tickets with access to the Amsterdam Light Festival. For more information, make sure to check your ticket before purchasing.

Yes, many Amsterdam Canal evening and night cruise tickets include drinks. For more information, make sure to check your ticket before purchasing.

The Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruise is generally one to two hours long, depending on the ticket you purchase. For more information, check your ticket before purchasing.

There are multiple Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruise tickets with redemption points and boarding points mentioned in the ticket. Make sure to check your ticket before purchasing.

There are multiple Amsterdam Canal evening & night cruise redemption and boarding points. Your boarding point is mentioned in the ticket. Make sure to check your ticket before purchasing.

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Our public cruises

Choose your cruise boat through the Canals of Amsterdam

Public tour Amsterdam Evening Cruise

Departure from Anne Frank House or Central Station

• Duration: 1 hour
• Discover romantic Amsterdam
• Enjoy illuminated streets and bridges
• Small group with personal guide

Public tour Luxury Saloon Boat Cruise with Cheese and Wine

• Learn about Amsterdam's history and cultural heritage
• Enjoy the unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and cheese

Public tour Amsterdam Luxury Cruise

Departure from Anne Frank House, Central Station or Rijksmuseum

• Legendary cruise
• Unique 100% electric boat

Public tour Luxury Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

Departure from the Anne Frank House

• Explore the city centre of Amsterdam
• Unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks

Public tour Exclusive Canal Cruise with Dutch Snacks & Drinks

• Duration: 2 hours
• Live & enthousiastic guide

Public tour 90 Minutes All Inclusive Canal Cruise

Departure from Central Station or Rijksmuseum

• Duration: 1,5 hour
• Small group and fun skipper
• Typical Dutch bites and unlimited drinks

Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise

The Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise takes you through the unique canals from the Golden Age of Amsterdam, listed on the UNESCO list. Cruise through the Jordaan, a neighborhood known for its famous Prinsengracht, towards the most romantic Skinny Bridge, the Amstel, the 7 bridges, the impressive Golden Bend and then along the nine streets back to the Anne Frank House.

• From € 19,95  per person;
• 60 minute cruise.

Luxury Classic River Boat Cruise

Discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam in 60 minutes and sail past Amsterdam sights, monuments & learn more about the history and secrets of the city. Step aboard a classic saloon boat and enjoy the luxury saloon boat cruise.

• From € 32,50  per person;

Discover Amsterdam in the evening

Get on board at the best evening canal cruise in Amsterdam. Small, personal and unique. In the evening the bridges and streets are illuminated and there is hardly any traffic. This will give you a different view of the city while enjoying snacks and drinks for 60 minutes on the sailing monument, the saloon boat Ms Agatha.

Free cancellations

Plans changed? No problem! Cancel up to 24 hours before your cruise starts and you will get your money back.

Personal cruise

Enjoy a personal canal cruise through Amsterdam with an enthusiastic, genuine local skipper.

Service oriented

We are available 24/7 to answer any questions that you may have. Contact us via phone, email and/or WhatsApp.

What others think of Flagship Amsterdam

Amazing experience.

"We rented a big boat for Gaypride and we had such a great experience! The boat was perfect, in a great spot, and... working with Eduke was great. He was SO nice and patient with us, and reliable. "

Very nice cruise

"This is the cruise you should take! Why choose one of those standard tour boats when you could choose this one!! Super relaxed. It was so much fun! I highly recommend this."

Beautiful cruise, beautiful boat, excellent service!

"A day out with family in Amsterdam - a beautiful city when you walk around but you only see the real beauty of it from the water! Giel and Carrie were super and created a good, relaxed atmosphere on board with nice stories about Amsterdam. Thank you for an unforgettable hour on the Amsterdam canals!"

With how many people will you be boating?

What type of boat would you like to cruise on.

Up to 35 people , including skipper, 100% electric

Riverboat small

Up to 20 people , including skipper, 100% electric

Riverboat medium

Up to 30 people , including skipper, 100% electric

Riverboat large

Up to 75 people , including skipper and hostess

How long do you want to cruise?

Where do you want to board, inside city centre.

Boats departing at Oosterdokskade 8

Outside city centre

Additional fees may apply

Would you like a drink on board?

Soft drinks package.

Soft drinks, water, ice

Basic package

Heineken beer, white and red wine, rosé, soft drinks, Spa water, ice

Medium package

Basic package + Prosecco

Luxury package

Basic package + Prosecco, spirits (Vodka, Rum, Whiskey and Gin)

Would you like to eat something on board? * Multiple options possible

Platter with appetizers.

For 10 people , includes cheese, sausage, nuts, olives, tapenades

Cold appetizers

8 pieces per serving , includes aged and young cheese, dry sausage

Warm appetizers

8 pieces per serving , mix of meat and veg, incl. sauces

Choice of different pizzas, meat and veg

Homemade burger with lettuce, mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle and onion

Luxury sandwiches

Assorted sandwiches, 2 per person

Barbecue with chef

Extensive meat selection, including salads and sauces, baguettes and herb butter

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* All prices quoted are excluding VAT ** The prices mentioned are indicative. Actual prices may vary depending on the situation

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Amsterdam Cruise Port Guide | 10 Best Things To Do in Port

Welcome to Amsterdam cruise port guide! (Post updated: January 2024)

Known for its beautiful canals, tulips, authentic Dutch architecture, bicycles, and tolerant, friendly locals, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the most visited ports by cruise ships and river cruises in Europe.

Amsterdam is a relatively small city easy to get around and most of the main city attractions can be reached on foot. In this insider cruise port guide, read about:

• Amsterdam Netherlands cruise port (Amsterdam cruise terminal, getting around, helpful links)
• 10 best things to do in Amsterdam cruise ship port including Amsterdam shore excursions to Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof Gardens and Delft. 

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow) , Belfast , Holyhead , Dover , Invergordon (Inverness) , Cork/Cobh , Le Havre

Amsterdam Cruise Port

Port Amsterdam’s main cruise port terminal is known as Passenger Terminal Amsterdam , located within walking distance from Amsterdam downtown. Ships may also dock at Felison Cruise Terminal located in the town of IJmuiden approximately 30 km (18.6 miles) from Amsterdam, but this rarely happens (check the cruise calendar ).

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam

Most of the cruise ships dock at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), conveniently located in the city center within walking distance from Amsterdam central station and city attractions. Housed in a modern, wave-like glass building, PTA has 2 berths that can accommodate ships up to 630 m combined length.

Inside this modern building, cruise passengers will find a reception hall, a tourist information center, a cafe, shops, and free wifi internet.

The cruise port of Amsterdam is also a popular homeport (passengers embark and disembark in Amsterdam) for several cruise lines, including river cruises (Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways…).

A locker rental facility is available in the terminal and you can rent lockers to store your luggage for 24 hours. You can also rent segways and bikes, or book boat and sightseeing tours in the terminal.

There is large underground parking available for a fee as well.

Getting Around & Local Transportation

• Passenger Terminal Amsterdam is located approximately 2.2 km (1.3 miles) from Amsterdam city center (a 30-minute walk) and main city highlights. To get to the center, you need to follow the road to Amsterdam Central Station along Piet Heinkade Street located in front of the terminal building (you’ll see the street upon exiting the terminal, turn right and you’ll reach the station). The walk to the central station takes about 20 minutes. When you reach Central Station, the city center will be on your left-hand side.
• If you don’t want to walk, a tram station is just across the street. The tram station’s name is Muziekgebouw Bimhuis and here you need to catch a GVB tram 26 and get off at the next station which is the Central Station. Only cards are accepted, no cash, and you buy the tickets on the tram. You can also take a taxi to the Central Station or Uber.
• Public transport in Amsterdam is operated by Gemeente Vervoerbedrijf Amsterdam (GVB) and you can check the timetables and prices at the official webpage https://www.gvb.nl/
• At Central Station, you can rent bicycles, book canal and sightseeing tours, get a Hop on Hop off bus , or catch a connecting train to one of the nearby cities. Check out Amsterdam Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
• If you want suggestions on the best local places to check out in Amsterdam, check out this Local Guide to Amsterdam and discover the city from the local’s perspective!
• Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is located 26 km/16 miles (a 30-minute drive) southwest of Amsterdam Passenger Terminal. The trains from Central Station run frequently and the journey takes around 20 minutes.
• The currency in the Netherlands is EURO (€). ATMs and currency exchange are available in the town. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Explore Amsterdam tours and activities
• Find hotels near Amsterdam cruise port

10 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam Cruise Port

1. anne frank house.

Located in the center of Amsterdam, Anne Frank House is one of the most visited sites welcoming more than a million visitors every year. In this house, Anne, her family, and four other people used to hide for 761 days during the Nazi persecution during World War II.

Unfortunately, in 1944 all eight of them were captured and sent to the concentration camp. The museum features personal objects of the people who hid in the house annex, including Anne’s diary.

Anne Frank House is located a 20-minute walk from Central Station. Alternatively, you can take a tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt stop. Due to the popularity of this site and limited capacity, you should consider pre-purchasing your tickets online.

Explore Anne Frank House tours and activities

2. Rijksmuseum

Visit the only Museum with a road inside of it but not for cars, only for bicycles. The Rijksmuseum features almost one million objects but only 8000 pieces of artwork are displayed including several of Rembrandt’s portraits and his famous “Night Watch”. The second floor houses the largest library in the Netherlands.

It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance as you will need to select a time for your visit. To get there, take a tram 2 or 5 from Central Station and get off at Hobbemastraat stop.

Check out Rijksmuseum tours and activities

3. Van Gogh Museum

Another must-stop during your visit to Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum where you can discover the life and the largest artwork collection of the famous Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch impressionist painter suffered from mental illness since his early years and remained poor throughout his life, becoming famous one century after his death.

To get there from Amsterdam cruise ship terminal, take trams 2, 5 or 12 from Central Station and get off at Van Baerlestraat station. After a few minutes’ walk, you’ll reach the museum.

Check out Van Gogh Museum tours and skip-the-line tickets

4. Royal Palace

Dominating Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam, the Royal Palace is one of the three palaces in the Netherlands. This imposing palace was originally built as the City Hall back in the 17 th century and then became the seat of the Royal family.

When there is no official event, the Palace is open to the public and you can take a tour of the magnificent interior, see original furniture and learn about the rich history with a certified guide.

If your time in the port of Amsterdam is running short, it is worth admiring the palace’s stunning architecture from the exterior. The Royal Palace is located only a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.

You can also take tram 2 , however, I strongly suggest you enjoy a nice stroll through Damrak Avenue full of stores, cafes and souvenir shops.

Explore Royal Palace tours and activities

5. Red Light District

This famous neighborhood is located in the center of Amsterdam and houses the world’s oldest profession. Dating back to the 16 th century, this district was the favorite area for sailors arriving from around the world due to its proximity to the harbor.

Even though all the action takes place during the night, Red Light District is still a very popular tourist destination during the day.

The best way to explore it is by foot or bicycle due to its narrow alleys. Here you can find selected museums, small cafes, souvenir shops and of course the famous ¨coffee shops¨ and red light window shops.

Explore Red Light District tours and activities

6. The Heineken Experience

If you are a beer lover, this tour is the perfect pick for you! Discover the history behind this famous beer on an interactive, self-guided 90-minute tour through the old brewery and enjoy a refreshing tasting at the end!

To get to the Heineken Brewery, take tram 24 at Central Station and get off at the Stadhouderskade stop. Guests with mobility challenges are welcome as the museum is wheelchair-friendly.

Explore Heineken Brewery tours and activities

7. Take a Canal Cruise

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without taking a boat trip through the famous and colorful canals listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Experience Amsterdam from the water, see many of the main city landmarks, admire the 17th-century architecture, and learn about Dutch culture and history!

To book a canal tour, you can make your way to Central Station and you will find a variety of tour options there or you can schedule your trip directly with your cruise ship or with an independent tour operator.  These tours last approximately an hour so you still have plenty of time to explore or visit other attractions in Amsterdam.

Explore Amsterdam Canal tours and activities

8. Zaanse Schans Windmills

Take a trip to the most popular attraction located in the north of the capital, approximately 18 km/11 miles (a 25-minute drive) from the cruise port Amsterdam.

In Zaanse Schans village, you can see original windmills from the 17th and 18th centuries, some still operating to this day. You can do so many fun things in this village , including a visit to unique museums such as the Wooden Shoe Workshop and Bakery Museum. Cheese tasting is a must!

There is no entrance fee to Zaanse Schans village but there is a fee to visit each Windmill and Zaans Museum; however, you can purchase a Zaanse Schans Card that will give you access to all windmills, museums, and much more! Visit https://www.dezaanseschans.nl/ and https://zaansmuseum.nl/ for more information.

To get to Zaanse Schans, you can take the R-net bus line 391 from Amsterdam Central Station. Buses run frequently (every 15 minutes) and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

You can also take the train from Central Station to Zaandijk – Zaanse Schans station. The trip by train takes 17 minutes. Once you get off at the station, you need to walk 15 minutes to get to the village. Zaanse Schans village is fairly flat for guests with mobility challenges.

Explore  Zaanse Schans tours from Amsterdam

9. Keukenhof Gardens

The breathtaking Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden and the most visited attraction during the summer, welcoming over a million visitors per year.

The Keukenhof gardens feature over 7 million flowers including 800 different types of tulips spread across an area of 32 hectares. Open throughout the year, the best time to see the tulips is from March to May.

Keukenhof is located in the town of Lisse approximately 35 km/22 miles (a 1-hour drive) from Amsterdam cruise port. There are several ways to get from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens , including taking a 20-minute train to Haarlem Station and then taking bus 50 to the gardens.

Check out Keukenhof Gardens tours and activities 

Explore this beautiful medieval town known for its hand-painted blue-and-white pottery, charming canals, and famous for being home to the renowned painter Johannes Vermeer. Delft is located approximately 70 km/44 miles (a 1h 15-minute drive) from Amsterdam port.

From Central Station, there is a direct train to Delft and the ride takes approximately 1 hour. Due to the distance from the port, it’s advisable to visit Delft on a guided tour from Amsterdam.

Visit Delft from Amsterdam  

Visit also our cruise port guides to Greenock (Glasgow) , Belfast , Holyhead , Dover , Dublin , Invergordon (Inverness) , Cork/Cobh ,  Copenhagen , Le Havre

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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Amsterdam pre or post cruise package

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Available daily - 2-night pre or post cruise stay in Amsterdam. Includes hotel accommodation with breakfast, arrival and departure transfers, and a half-day city tour.

Amsterdam - Arrival

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Upon arrival you will be met at the airport or port and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam City Tour Bus and Boat

During your Panoramic Tour of Amsterdam you will visit the Royal Palace, the National Monument, the Skinny Bridge, the Albert Cuyp market, the beautiful houses along the canals, a windmill on the river Amstel and a stop will be made at a diamond factory where you will see the traditional way of polishing. Overnight in Amsterdam. (B)

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Amsterdam to slash river cruise stays in over-tourism drive.

Amsterdam is planning to slash the number of river boat cruises coming to the city as one of “a hundred” measures the city is taking to reduce over-tourism.

Some 2,300 cruise ships moored on the city waterfront last year but by 2028, the city wants to reduce that to 1150, a measure that would cut tourist numbers by 271,000 and hit the region’s economy to the tune of €73.5 million a year.

The problems caused by the cruises are particularly acute during the spring bulb season when 1,000 river boats anchor in the capital, city finance chief Hester van Buren said. “We have a commitment to keep tourist numbers under 20 million a year.”

“I am not saying this is going to solve the problem of too many tourists,” Van Buren said at Wednesday’s presentation of the plans, when asked if the plan would unfairly impact on elderly tourists who don’t cause trouble.

“But we are not going to divide tourists up into good and bad. This is one of a string of measures to reduce the number of tourists in total. It is about the overcrowding and the coaches parked all over the pavements.”

Research carried out on behalf of the city also shows the measure will lead to almost 200,000 fewer nights being spent in the city’s hotels and cut the number of journeys by coach by 64,400 kilometres.

Hotel owners point out, however, that they will be forced to look for alternative holidaymakers to fill their vacancies instead.

“We don’t take bus tours in general, but we do a lot with river cruises,” said Remco Groenhuijzen, the general manager of the city centre Movenpick hotel. “But we will need to fill the empty rooms. This policy has symbolic value only. It does not solve anything.”

The city has recently launched the second phase of its “stay away” campaign in an effort to cut the number of budget tourists coming to the city to smoke weed and have a good time.

It has hiked tourist taxes to some of the highest levels in the world and research on the impact of ocean-going cruises will also be published before summer with a view to making cuts there too.

“Over tourism is a worldwide problem, and tourists don’t like it when places are so full either,” said Van Buren. “But we can’t simply put a fence around Amsterdam.”

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Amsterdam bans new hotels and puts limit on overnight tourists

Amsterdam continues to crack down on overtourism by prohibiting the development of new hotels and limiting the number of travelers allowed to stay overnight in the city. 

“We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors,” the Netherlands city said in an announcement last week. 

Amsterdam has had strict policies for new hotels since 2017, but the new initiative seeks to “ensure that the number of hotel stays does not increase even further,” according to the announcement.

Under the new regulation, a new hotel may only be built “under certain conditions, if a hotel closes elsewhere,” the city said. This way, the number of accomodations in the city will stay stagnant. The hotel must also “be better,” like being more sustainable. 

Traveling to Europe soon? Barcelona is another popular European city increasing its tourist tax to battle overtourism

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Twenty-six previously approved hotel projects will proceed with their construction as planned, according to the announcement. New hotels are being encouraged to be built outside the city center. 

Along with the hotel ban, the city is also limiting the number of overnight stays to 20 million for the year. 

The limit comes after residents complained of the effects of the high number of tourists. In 2023, the city experienced 20,665,000 overnight stays in hotels alone, not reflecting holiday rentals, bed and breakfasts and cruise nights. 

The regulation is the latest in a string of moves by the popular European destination to address rowdy visitors and mass tourism. This year, the city’s tourist tax increased from 7% to 12.5% – the highest in Europe. The city also banned guided tours through its famous Red Light District in 2019.

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

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Boston lighthouses highlighted on harbor cruises ahead of whale watching season.

Whale watching excursions pushed back to protect endangered right whales in Mass. waters

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Boston’s treasured lighthouses are being highlighted on harbor cruises while an endangered species is given space to feed in the waters off Massachusetts.

“Everyone loves a lighthouse!” said David Coffin, the narrator of the Boston Harbor City Cruise lighthouse tour. “How can you not like a lighthouse?”

The two-hour tour is a limited-edition cruise meant to highlight the historic structures and Boston history. Visitors onboard can opt for indoor or outdoor seating, where they get a view of the U.S.S. Constitution, the Boston Light, Graves Light and other notable points in these waters.

And during the journey, Coffin, a noted sea chantey singer, who’s made a name for himself on TikTok, will treat visitors to a rendition of a locally inspired chantey.

In addition to relying on interest in lighthouses, the tour also replaces a traditional whale-watching excursion.

“We used to start whale watches at the end of March,” said Coffin. “But now, as of last year at least, there’s a speed restriction out on Stellwagen Bank where the whales feed, and our boats will take you. So a whale watch today with a speed restriction would be about eight hours.”

Video below: How scientists identify and track right whales

That speed restriction on these waters is meant to protect one of the most endangered animals on the planet - the North Atlantic right whale.

“We’ve created this problem, we’ve caused this population to decrease significantly,” said Dr. Sarah Sharp, an animal rescue veterinarian with the International Fund for Animal Welfare. “But the good side of that is that it’s also in our hands to help save this population and really be a part of that solution for these animals.”

Watch the video above to learn more about conservation efforts to protect the North Atlantic right whale.

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Baltimore seafarers' center sees record attendance for annual cruise.

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The Baltimore International Seafarers' Center held its annual Harbor Cruise Wednesday night, which included a view of the site of the Key Bridge Collapse from the Patapsco River.

"We visit almost every ship that comes into the port of Baltimore. The seafarers on board are the men and women that make our world move," said executive director of the BISC, the Rev. Joshua Messick. "They bring all the goods to us that come in on the containers, the cars, the trucks, everything that we need."

The BISC, who serves seafarers that come into the Port of Baltimore, said there are currently eight ships, including the Dali that are stuck in the Port of Baltimore due to the collapse.

"We have more than eight ships at a time from the port, but they come and go. So, these ships being stuck has been unique. They're on this side of the bridge collapse and have nowhere else to go right now," Messick said.

Messick said they are serving the seafarers stuck on these ships the same way they do each vessel that comes into the city.

"We have been offering transportation ashore for them. We've gotten Wi-Fi hotspots on board, thanks to our partners in Tampa. We got them on board so they could deliver those. (We provide) pastoral support for those that need it. It's just sort of constant care and support," Messick said.

Messick said the seafarers are often underpaid and spend months at sea away from their families. He said the BISC ensures no human rights of seafarers are violated and provide things like toiletries and transportation off the ship, as well.

"That's our primary offering to seafarers, is transportation ashore. They can't leave the ship without an escort. So, our staff and volunteers have the credentials to escort them out of the restricted zones in the Port of Baltimore, which are all of the zones in the port of Baltimore," Messick said.

On Wednesday, roughly 150 people attended the cruise. Messick said typically, they have under 80 people each year.

"(The bridge collapse) affects a lot of jobs," said Mike Singer, who attends the Harbor Cruise each year. "I think it's to help the seafarers because they can, they can come out and see where these ships are stuck. People from the other side of the world who work on these ships that don't get to go home for six or (so) months and see their families. So you're helping a fundraiser to help them."

"This year's unprecedented in the number of people we have. A big part of that is, it's an unprecedented situation. There's a great deal of interest in what's happening in the Port of Baltimore right now," Messick said. "There's also more of a spotlight on seafarers and the ships that are here now. So, more people are interested in what's going on."

If you'd like to donate to the Seafarers' Center, you can do so by clicking here .