amsterdam lovers canal cruise from central station

• Combination Tickets

Rijksmuseum + Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Don’t miss out on 800 years of Dutch treasures at the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Save money combining a trip to the national museum of the Netherlands with a canal cruise.

Book your tickets

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Important info

Cancellation is not possible.

Rijksmuseum

• See for the current opening hours the website of the Rijksmuseum. 
• Children under the age of 19 can enter the Rijksmuseum for free.
• For the Rijksmuseum it is necessary to enter within a timeslot. Once inside you can stay as long as you want.
• Location: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam.
• The Rijksmuseum has her own privacy policy, terms and conditions, and guidelines for a safe visit. Please review them before visiting the Rijksmuseum.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

• Departs near Central Station (Prins Hendrikkade 25)
• Check-in 15 min before departure
• Child age: 4-13 years

What's included?

• A one-hour boat trip on the UNESCO Heritage canal ring of Amsterdam
• Spend as much time as you want in the museum
• Audio guide in several languages onboard the canal boat
• Enjoy free WiFi onboard the canal boat
• E-ticket is directly available on smartphones
• Fast track admission for the museum

About these activities

• Discover Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh
• Travel through Dutch history from 1200 to the present
• Sail through Amsterdam’s 17th century canal ring

Combine two top attractions

Lovers Canal Cruises offers you the unique opportunity to combine a cruise with a visit to the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Both experiences are not to be missed on a visit to the Dutch capital. This combination ticket is the perfect way to discover Amsterdam.

Enjoy the 8000 artistic and historical objects on display at the Rijksmuseum, before winding your way down the city’s waterways in a canal boat. Or vice versa! The beauty of a Rijksmuseum and cruise combo is that you can structure your day exactly as you want to. It is also one of the better Amsterdam deals, as you will save time and money on both experiences.

The wonders of the Rijksmuseum

Start or continue your day in the impressive Rijksmuseum, the pride of the Netherlands. Covering 800 years of Dutch history, the Rijksmuseum overflows with thousands of famous artworks and historical artefacts. Don’t miss luminous masterpieces by the Dutch masters, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Frans Hals, admired by people from all over the world.

But the beauty is not just inside the Rijksmuseum. The building itself is worthy of a photo or two as well. Located at the Museumplein, or Museum District, and with definite renaissance and gothic influences, the Rijksmuseum is truly the height of architectural talent.

If you buy your tickets from Lovers Canal Cruises, you also benefit from fast track access. Book online and spend more time viewing your favourite works of art, like The Milkmaid, by Johannes Vermeer, or Rembrandt’s most famous canvas, The Night Watch.

Amsterdam canal cruise

An Amsterdam canal cruise is the perfect addition to a trip to the Rijksmuseum. During the hour-long cruise, you’ll discover the beautiful canal belt of the ‘Venice of the North.' The Amsterdam canal cruise is truly one of Amsterdam’s highlights, it’s no wonder that the 100km-long canal belt is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Marvel at the three most famous canals of the city, the Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, and Herengracht, alongside which wealthy spice merchants constructed grand houses during the Dutch Golden Age. The Amsterdam canal cruise is significantly enriched by an audio guide, in 19 languages, packed with fascinating information about the city's history.

Comfortable Modern Boats

Our boats are equipped with modern technology for ultimate comfort

GPS Audio Guide

GPS Audio Guide available on board in multiple languages

Free City Map

Free City Map available in all our boats and shops

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Holland Explorer

Amsterdam & tulips travel guide, lovers canal cruises in amsterdam.

Taking a canal cruise is a great way to explore Amsterdam, especially if you come here for the first time. There are several boat companies which organize canal cruises in Amsterdam, but Lovers canal cruises is definitely our favourite.

Modern comfortable boats, convenient departure locations, audio guide in 19 languages – that’s the best combination for an enjoyable canal cruise.

Lovers canal cruises departure points

Where to board a Lovers Amsterdam canal cruise? Lovers canal cruises have several departure point in Amsterdam – you can board near the Central Station , near the Anne Frank House or near the Leidse Square (Leidseplein).

Your departure point will depend on the cruise you have chosen, please check the cruise description for address.

How can I get there with public transportation?

You can plan your trip useing a free Glimble app :

• Download Glimble for iOS >>
• Download Glimble for Android >>

How long is the Lovers canal cruise?

The classic Amsterdam canal cruise takes one hour.

Lovers Canal Cruises Prices in Amsterdam

How much is an Amsterdam canal cruise? A classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour in 2024 costs € 20 per person. You can book it online for € 17,50.

Order your canal cruise tickets online >>

Buy the Lovers canal cruise tickets with discount

You can book the boat cruise tickets with discount online .

If you plan to visit other attractions or museums in Amsterdam, you can  buy a combination ticket which also includes a canal cruise ticket.

Check all possible combination tickets at the Lovers cruises official website .

Are Lovers cruises free with I amsterdam city card ?

Yes, a classic 1-hour Lovers boat tour is free with I amsterdam city card .

Evening canal cruises

Amsterdam looks completely different after dark! With Lovers Canal Cruises you can take an evening 1-hour cruise , or combine your tour with dinner. There are several options, including:

• Dinner Cruise . 2-hour Amsterdam canal cruise, including three-course meal and drinks. Tickets from €79. Book online >>
• Wine & Cheese Cruise . A 1,5-hour evening cruise with drinks (white wine, red wine or rose, sparkling or still mineral water) and local cheeses. Check availability and book online >>
• Pizza Cruise . A 1,5-hour cruise and your favourite pizza and wine served on board. Tickets from €42,50. Make a reservation >>

Amsterdam Light Festival Lovers canal cruises

From from 30 November 2023 till 21 January 2024 Amsterdam will  transform into a beautiful open-air light art museum for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Lovers canal cruises are considered to me one of the best Amsterdam Light Festival canal cruises.

Amsterdam Light Festival Lovers canal cruises depart from the Central station ( Prins Hendrikkade 25 ) every evening from 16:45 till 21:45. Book your tickets at the official Lovers cruises company website >>

Do I need to make a reservation for the Lovers canal cruise?

It’s highly recommend to book your canal cruise tickets in advance. It is also possible to buy the tickets at the departure locations, but there are no guarantees that tickets will be available.

Do I need to print my Lovers canal cruise tickets?

No, you can just show it on your mobile phone.

Enjoy your Lovers canal cruise and your stay in Amsterdam !

Related articles:

• Things to do in Amsterdam with kids
• Red Light District in Amsterdam
• Canal cruises in Amsterdam: book online!

Privacy Overview

• 6x Best Amsterdam Canal Tours Near Central Station
• Tips for travellers
• On January 1, 2024
• In Tips for travellers Top tours

6 Best Amsterdam Canals Tours

Sure most canal tours are quite touristy, but these boat tours are really a delightful way to see Amsterdam. Several companies depart from at Amsterdam’s Central Station, Damrak, Rokin, at the Heineken Experience and in opposite of the famous Rijksmuseum. Costs are overall pretty similar (about 16 euro per adult). To avoid the steamed-up glass-window effect, look for a canal boat with an opening seating area. During Amsterdam canal tours at night, there’s the bonus of seeing the beautiful bridges lit up (however these canal tours usually cost a bit more).

1 | Blue Boat Company Amsterdam

The canal tours of Blue Boat Company have a duration of 75-minutes and glides by the top sights in Amsterdam. 90-minute evening canal tours are provided at 8, 9 and 10 pm from March to October and at 8 pm from November to February. Other canal tours are a children’s pirate-themed cruise, a dinner cruise and a tour in a tinier, open-top canal boat. The dock is near the Max Euweplein, just in front of the Heineken Experience and Club BonTon – which offers Amsterdam Brothel Tours too.

Blue Boat Company Prices & Departures

Price: 75-minute canal tour 16 euro for adults and 8.50 euro for children. Departure: Stadhouderskade 30. To get there: Take tram 1, 2, 5, 7 or 10 towards Leidseplein.

2 | Those Dam Boat Guys

This is one of the least-touristy canal-tours options. This company offer cozy and personal canal tours (no more than 11 persons) on electric boats. Feel free to bring beers, wine, food and whatever else you want during this 90-minute canal tour. Those Dam Boat Guys have typical Amsterdam boats (see above) that can go underneath every bridge. For rainy days, their boats offer a strong & protective tarpaulin.

Those Dam Boat Guys Price & Meeting Point

Price: 20 euro per person. Departure: Cafe Wester at Nieuwe Leliestraat 2. Departure times: 1 pm, 3 pm and 5 pm. To get there: Take tram 13, 14 or 17 towards Westermarkt.

3 | Boaty Amsterdam

Want to explore Amsterdam’s waterways while being the captain of your own canal cruise? The way locals do it. Boaty Amsterdam offers electric, environment-friendly boats that you can rent with a maximum of six persons. Boaty’s location on the peaceful Amstelkanaal in the south of Amsterdam makes it an ideal launching pad for exploring the waterways before going to the more busy city-centre canals. Rental includes a detailed map of Amsterdam outlining suggested routes; you don’t need a boat license or prior experience for these smaller boats in Amsterdam. It’s recommended to book in advanced online.

Boat rental at Boaty Amsterdam

Price: per 3 hours from 79 euro. Location: Jozef Israelskade, in front of Amsterdam’s Okura Hotel.

4 | Lovers Canal Cruises NL

Lovers has been offering canal cruises since 1950. They have a wide range of cruises; regular canal cruises, dinner cruises, candlelight cruises, evening cruises and also pizza & burger cruises. A few of their boats are fully powered by solar energy. All of Lover’s boats offer audio guides in 19 different languages. You can’t miss their orange boats which are located in front of Central Station. Lovers is open 365 days a year and their boats depart several times per hour.

Lovers Canal Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 16 euro per person. Departure: Amsterdam Central Station, right side. Departure times: every 15 minutes from 9:00 am to 21:30 pm. To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station.

5 | Rederij Plas

This canal cruise company is one of the oldest in Amsterdam. It exist 90 years and is located near Central Station, on the Damrak street.

Rederij Plas Cruises Price & Meeting Point

Price: 12 euro per person. Departure: Across from Amsterdam Central Station, at the Damrak. Departure times: every 20 minutes from 10:00 am to 21:00 pm. To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station, walk 2 minutes to Damrak 28.

6 | Stromma Canal Tours

Stromma cruises price & meeting point.

Price: 11,50 euro per person. Departure: Amsterdam Central Station, left side. Departure times: from 9:00 am to 22:00 pm. To get there: public transport or taxi to Amsterdam Central Station, walk 2 minutes to Damrak 28.

5 Most Beautiful Canals In Amsterdam

12x Free Must See In Amsterdam

10 Amsterdam City Tours

[…] exploration of Amsterdam’s beauty from the galleries to the waterways with our guide to the 6 Best Amsterdam Canal Tours. These tours offer a unique perspective of the city’s iconic canals, bringing to life the stories […]

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• Amsterdam Attractions
• Amsterdam Tours

About Amsterdam Canals

• Sightseeing Cruises
• Dinner Cruises
• Hop-On Hop-Off Cruises
• Blue Boat Cruises
• Canal Cruise Combos
• Harbor Cruises
• Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise
• Keukenhof Gardens Tickets
• Amsterdam Heineken Experience Tickets
• Johan Cruijff Arena
• Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Museum Tickets
• Anne Frank Tours
• WONDR Experience Tickets
• Moco Museum Amsterdam
• AMAZE Amsterdam
• NEMO Science Museum Tickets
• Amsterdam City Cards
• Boom Chicago Tickets
• Amsterdam Dungeon Tickets
• Zaanse Schans Windmills Tours
• Van Gogh Museum Tickets
• Rijksmuseum Tickets
• National Maritime Museum Tickets
• Body Worlds Amsterdam Tickets
• Walking Tours
• Guided Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Bikes & Segway
• Travel Guide

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets & Tours

Select Your Experience

Amsterdam Canal Sightseeing Cruise

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Fall in love with Amsterdam with this glass-roofed boat cruise sailing past iconic landmarks of the city.
• Get to know more about every attraction you see during the cruise via the audio guide. It’s available in 19 languages!
• Catch sight of popular landmarks like the Westerkerk church, Nine Streets, and Skinny Bridge, and admire the canal's Baroque architecture.
• You can board the cruise from various boarding points like Central Station, Hard Rock Cafe and more, choose yours in the next step.
• 1-hour Amsterdam Canal cruise
• Audio guide in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian
• Facilities: free Wi-Fi and toilets.

This is Holland Pier

• 2-min walk from A'DAM Lookout and Eye Film Museum

Central Station

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

Heineken Experience Pier

• 1-min walk from Heineken Experience and Amsterdam, Weteringcircuit

Hard Rock Cafe

• 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 a detailed map of the boarding points.

• Tip: Notice small gardens and green spaces along the canals. These hidden oases add to the city's charm and provide a refreshing touch of nature amidst the urban setting!

• Amsterdam Canal Evening Sightseeing Cruise
• 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

Hard rock cafe pier.

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 Open Boat Cruise with Optional Wine & Cheese
• Catch unobstructed views of the Amsterdam skyline on this open-boat cruise as you learn intriguing facts about the city from your guide!
• This cruise takes you past landmarks like Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), one of the most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam.
• Choose your boarding point, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Central Station, from where an open boat will you away from the city crowds.
• Wait there’s more! You can choose to elevate your cruising experience by choosing the ticket option with unlimited drinks and cheese.
• Live guide and local skipper
• 60-minute canal cruise
• Cheese delights (optional)
• Unlimited drinks: beer, wine, and soft drinks (optional)
• Drinks (see the menu here )

Rijksmuseum Pier

• 2-min walk fromRijksmuseum
• Tip: Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty of Amsterdam's canals. You'll have stunning photo opportunities throughout the cruise!
• The cruise is suitable for pram/stroller users.
• Buggy is available on prior request.
• Pets are allowed.

• 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 Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks

• Unlimited drinks? You saw that right! Enjoy unlimited beer, wine, and soda on a cruise through the world-renowned canals of Amsterdam.
• A professional skipper and host will let you in on the city's secrets, making this experience both fun and informative.
• This cruise is an ideal choice to spend quality time with friends and family and witness city landmarks like Seven Bridges and the Dancing Houses.
• Starting at the Red Light District, the cruise takes you past the NEMO Science Museum, The VOC Ship, and many more iconic spots.
• Choose from the ticket options for your preferred type of boat, and upgrade to include a nightclub entry ticket!
• Amsterdam canal cruise
• Covered boat/luxury boat (as per option selected)
• 2 or unlimited drinks: beer, wine and soda (as per option selected)
• Professional skipper and local host
• Night club entry (optional)
• Tip: Keep a look out for the dancing houses, locally known as De Dansende Huizen. Due to the soft clay soil, these houses are slightly tilted, giving them a quaint appearance.
• Only guests aged 18 and above are allowed to drink.
• Outside food and drinks are allowed.

Combo: Van Gogh Museum + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

• Get a healthy dose of Dutch history and art thanks to this pocket-friendly combo ticket with a canal cruise and an entry ticket to the Van Gogh Museum.
• Set sail on a 75-min cruise through Amsterdam's canals, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard a Blue Boat Company vessel.
• Float past top Amsterdam attractions such as the Anne Frank House and City Hall while enjoying your snack box by upgrading your ticket.
• Enjoy entry to the Van Gogh Museum, where you can admire over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 750 letters from the Dutch artist.
• Admire the famous works of Van Gogh's contemporaries such as Monet and Gauguin.
• 75-minute canal cruise
• Timed entry to the Van Gogh Museum
• Van Gogh entrance + 75-min canal cruise with snackbox (optional)

Van Gogh Museum

• Tip: Pay attention to the chronological arrangement of the artwork. The museum showcases Van Gogh's evolution as an artist, from his early dark and somber works to his vibrant and expressive later pieces.
• Your booked time slot will be your entrance time to the Van Gogh Museum.

Canal Cruise

• Tip: As you cruise through different neighborhoods, be on the lookout for street art and colorful murals adorning buildings and walls.
• The voucher for your canal cruise is an 'OPEN TICKET', which means that no time slot has been allocated and you can board any next available boat at the dock.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Combo: Rijksmuseum + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets
• Tick off two major to-dos from your Amsterdam wishlist while saving quite a bit: The Rijksmuseum and a 75min city canal cruise.
• Skip the lines and explore Rijksmuseum at your pace, admiring Dutch masterpieces including Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait and Vermeer’s Milkmaid .
• Set off on a 75-minute-long Amstel River cruise, learning all about the iconic stops along the way in 18 languages with a trusty audio guide.
• Upgrade your tickets to add some flavor to your adventure: opt to include a snack box containing yummy bites and a drink.

Rijksmuseum

• Admission to Rijksmuseum
• Access to Permanent and Temporary exhibitions
• Access to cloakroom facilities
• Free WiFi at the museum
• Audio guide in 18 languages on board the canal boat
• Snack box (optional)
• Entry to Vermeer Exhibition
• Multimedia museum tour (available for purchase at the museum for €5)
• You need to enter the Rijksmuseum at the selected time slot, but you can stay as long as you like.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible. You can also borrow a wheelchair, rollator, pushchair, walking cane, or foldable museum stool from them.
• Guide dogs are welcome.
• The cruise must be reserved upon arrival. Please check your voucher for more instructions.
• The cruise audio guide is available in Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese & Russian.
• Your cruise ticket is an open ticket. No time slot is allocated, so just board any available 'Blue Boat' boat at the dock.
• Boats accessible by wheelchairs are available at 10:30am, 12pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.

Combo: Heineken Experience Direct Entry + Amsterdam Canal Cruise Tickets

• This ticket is a brilliant combination of 2 truly Dutch experiences! Save time and money with this combo with a canal cruise and entry to the Heineken Brewery.
• Enjoy a 75-min cruise along Venice of the North and learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site with an audio guide available in 14 languages.
• You can choose to upgrade your cruise to include a snackbox, which you'll receive before boarding the cruise.
• The ticket also gives you entry into the Heineken Experience; go on a 90-min self-guided tour of the gigantic brewery.
• Find out about the ins and outs of this massive beer producer while sipping on 2 complimentary drinks!
• 75-minute cruise down the Amsterdam Canal
• Skip-the-line Heineken Experience ticket
• 90-minute self-guided tour of the Heineken brewery
• A snackbox containing chips, popcorn, cheese biscuits, salted peanuts, and a soft drink of your choice (optional)
• Wheelchairs will be provided at the Heineken Experience once a reimbursable €100 fee is deposited.
• The cruise is also wheelchair accessible.

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

Red Light District

• 2-min walk from Royal Palace Amsterdam
• 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.

Sail through the city's iconic waterways on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Embark on a journey through Amsterdam as you glide along its picturesque canals, soaking in the rich tapestry of history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods. With over 62 miles of meandering waterways, dotted with over 1500 charming bridges around 90 islands, the Amsterdam Canal Cruise promises a quintessentially Dutch experience as you drift past historic buildings and iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these canals are a living, breathing part of Dutch culture.

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

Why go on an amsterdam canal cruise.

• Things to know before booking your cruise
• Your cruise options
• Find your cruise match

Amsterdam Canal Cruise route map

• Boarding points for your cruise
• Top sights covered on your cruise
• Plan your cruise

Frequently asked questions about Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets

See unparalleled views of Amsterdam

Imagine being gently whisked away on a boat, with the city's iconic landmarks unfolding before your eye. There's an undeniable charm to Amsterdam's canals that exudes romance and tranquility. From centuries-old architecture to modern marvels, the view from the canals offers a unique perspective you can't get on land.

Immerse yourself in the Dutch experience

The canals are not just a way to get around; they're an integral part of Amsterdam's identity. By cruising along these waterways, you're immersing yourself in the very essence of Dutch culture and history. It's like stepping into a living postcard.

Gain valuable insights

Many Amsterdam canal cruises come with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and insights about the city's history, architecture, and culture. It's like having your own personal tour guide, enriching your experience and deepening your appreciation for Amsterdam.

Create unforgettable memories

Even if you're not a photography enthusiast, the Amsterdam canals are a dream come true. Every twist presents an incredible sight. At the end of the day, what truly sets an Amsterdam Canal Cruise apart is the memories you'll create.

Convenient and comfortable

Let's face it, exploring a city on foot can be tiring. On a canal cruise, you get to sit back, relax, and let the city come to you. By booking your Amsterdam canal cruise, you get a budget-friendly front-row seat to Amsterdam's charm and cover multiple attractions in a short period of time!

Things to know before booking your Amsterdam Canal Cruise

• If you are on a budget, opt for a sightseeing Amsterdam Canal Cruise . These are the most budget-friendly option and take 60-90 minutes depending on the ticket you book.
• There are plenty of dining options on your cruise. You can dine on your Amsterdam Canal Cruise by booking a boat cruise with snacks or a dinner cruise . Check the menu that best suits your dietary preferences before booking your tickets.
• 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 .
• The cruise you book depends on the experience you want to have. You can consider booking hop-on hop-off cruise or combo tickets if you would like to explore beyond your cruise.
• Most Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets can be canceled or rescheduled. Check the cancellation policy for the tickets before booking. For most tickets, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your slot and get a full refund.

Your Amsterdam Canal Cruise options

Sightseeing cruises

• Admire the scenic Amsterdam canals and the city's rich heritage as you spot popular landmarks on your sightseeing cruise.
• Enjoy an informative and immersive experience with an audio guide in 19 languages.

Average duration: 60-90 minutes

Recommended experiences:

Dinner cruises

• Immerse yourself in Amsterdam's beauty on a dinner cruise with delectable 4-course meals, wine, cheese, or snacks.
• Indulge in a variety of culinary experiences, from pizzas and pancakes to a full-course meal.

Average duration: 90-120 minutes

• Amsterdam Canal Candlelight Cruise with Wine & Dutch Cheese

Harbor cruises

• Enjoy panoramic views of Amsterdam's harbor, the world's largest cocoa and petrol port, and learn about their history.
• Explore the historic NDSM yard or the Zaanse Schans with delectable food and drink choices onboard.

Average duration: 2-6 hours

• Port of Amsterdam Harbor Tour
• Zaanse Schans: The Windmill Village Boat Tour from Amsterdam

Combo tickets

• Save time and money with a combo ticket and pair your luxurious Amsterdam Canal Cruise with a trip to one of Amsterdam's popular attractions.
• Choose between an audio guide or a live guide for a more insightful experience at the landmark of your choice.

Average duration: Flexible

• Combo: Tickets to Madame Tussauds + 75-minute Amsterdam Canal Cruise with audio guide

Find your Amsterdam Canal Cruise match

Boarding points for Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Most Amsterdam Canal Cruises start at one of these four docking points unless stated otherwise on your ticket. The details about your departure point and specific instructions regarding departure will be provided in your ticket. Each location is conveniently accessible ensuring smooth transit.

Blue Boat Company

• Heineken Experience (Closest tram stop: Vijzelgracht ; closest metro stop: Vijzelgracht )
• Hard Rock Café (Closest tram stop: Rijksmuseum ; closest metro stop: Vijzelgracht )
• Central Station (Closest metro stop: Central Station )
• Anne Frank House (Closest metro stop: Central Station ; closest tram stop: Westermarkt )

Please note:

• Kindly reach your designated departure point 15 minutes before the cruise begins to avoid missing it.
• Please carry a valid photo ID for ticket redemption at the departure point.

The Amsterdam canals date back to the 17th century, when the city rapidly grew as an economic and trade warehouse, and its leaders sought to improve its transportation. The famous ‘Canal Ring’, also known as the ‘Grachtengordel’ was constructed during those days. These canals were meticulously planned and played a key role in boosting the economy. 

The canals are central to Amsterdam's cultural identity. The canal houses, with their distinctive gabled facades, are an iconic symbol of Amsterdam. The canals are a historical treasure and a testament to the city's ability to adapt and thrive while preserving its heritage.

Top sights covered on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise

Maritime Museum

Dedicated to the country’s maritime museum, the Amsterdam National Maritime Museum houses artifacts related to shipping and sailing, including paintings, scale models, weapons, and world maps. Constructed in 1656, it is located in a former naval storehouse.

Plan your Amsterdam Canal Cruise

• Evening Canal Cruise on a Luxury Boat: 5:15pm to 10pm
• Evening Canal Cruise in Red Light District with Open Bar: 8pm to 9:15pm  
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise with New York Pizza: 6pm to 11pm
• Pancake Cruise in Amsterdam: 5:45pm to 11pm
• Rijksmuseum Tickets + 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise Combo: 9am to 5pm
• Van Gogh Museum Tickets + 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise Combo: 9am to 5pm

The above cruises allow you to select a departure point based on your preferences. Their timings differ based on the departure point. Please check the exact timings at the time of purchase.

Best time of the year:

Peak season: The best time to go on an Amsterdam Canal Cruise is between April and October. The weather is pleasant during these months. This also means that these months draw more crowds and more expensive experiences. Expect long lines, packed attractions, and sold-out cruises.

Low season: If you want to avoid the crowds, book your Amsterdam Canal Cruise between November and March. Although the weather is chilly, these months see fewer crowds and reduced prices. You can also save money on flights, accommodation, and tickets.

Best time of the day:

If you want to explore beyond your Amsterdam Canal Cruise, opt for a cruise in the day. Book combo tours to save time and money. However, if you want to enjoy the sunset or dine, opt for an evening or dinner cruise. The latter promises a quieter and more romantic experience.

Heineken Experience

• By tram: 1, 7, 19, 24 (Vijzelgracht)
• By metro: 52 (Vijzelgracht)

Hard Rock Café

• By tram: 1, 3, 7, 19 (Rijksmuseum)
• By metro: 51, 52, 53, 54 (Central Station)
• By train: Intercity, Sprinter (Central Station)

Anne Frank House

• By metro: 51, 53, 54 (Central Station)
• By tram: 13, 17 (Westermarkt)

Note: These are the most common boarding points. Your boarding point may also vary depending on your experience. Please check your tickets for the details.

• Arrive early: We recommend arriving around 15 minutes before departure to choose a good seat on the boat and settle in before the cruise begins. 
• Carry ID: Carry a valid identification card with you during your Amsterdam canal cruising experience.
• Choose guided cruises: It is best to choose canal cruise tours that include a professional guide or an audio guide for a more informative and memorable experience.
• Check the weather: Open boat tours are ideal for catching impeccable views of the surrounding landmarks. However, make sure to check the weather before booking them. 
• Check details before purchasing: Check all details before booking your Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Check the timings, departure points, exclusions, inclusions, and other details. 
• Book in advance: It's advisable to book your canal cruise tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.

• Cocktail Cruise with a Stocked Bar: Damrak Gin, Heineken beer, wines, (sparkling) water, Gin Tonics
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Wine & Cheese: Cheese, beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Amsterdam Canal Dinner Cruise: 4-course meal ( Menu )
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise with All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes: Pancakes, toppings, drinks
• Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Pizza: Pizza ( Menu ), drinks, desserts

• Free city map on all Lovers boats
• GPS audio guides in multiple languages
• Lost and found
• Wheelchair accessible (Only Blue Boat cruises)
• Dining options

Amsterdam Canal Cruises offer sightseeing, evening, dinner, and harbor cruises. If you’re out to see Amsterdam and her canals in all their glory, a sightseeing cruise is the perfect option. Opt for an evening cruise if you want to see Amsterdam come to life as some of the most popular attractions and cozy cafes on its banks begin to light up and come to life. Pair that spectacular view with a 4-course meal and drinks on a dinner cruise. And if you want to explore more, explore Amsterdam’s ports and villages on a harbor cruise.

Yes, there are evening cruises. You can opt for the 90-minute Amsterdam Canal Evening Sightseeing Cruise with audio guides in 21 languages or the 1-hour Amsterdam Canal Evening Luxury Salon Boat Cruise . Both options serve drinks. You can choose to upgrade your tickets with warm blankets and live expert guides for a more immersive experience.

An Amsterdam Canal Cruise can range from £14.50 to £44.16 based on the experience you book. A standard sightseeing cruise includes an audio guide available in several languages. However, you can also opt for snacks and drinks on your cruise for an additional price. Dinner cruises offer a serene cruise along Amsterdam’s canals with a 4-course meal and drinks. Combo tickets, while more expensive at first glance, offer entry to other popular attractions in Amsterdam in addition to your cruise, saving you the hassle of booking separate tickets.

Most Amsterdam Canal Cruise tickets exclude the £1.50 tourist tax per person that must be paid on-site.

Booking your tickets early is always a great idea as same-day bookings are often more expensive than pre-booked tickets. For those traveling with family, children under 14 enjoy discounted prices, and infants under 3 travel free. However, don’t forget to carry ID to show at the boarding point. Another great tip to save money: book your tickets for a weekday because some cruises offer discounted prices on these days.

Most Amsterdam canal cruise tours have a flexible cancellation policy. If you book these canal cruise tickets online, you can cancel them up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase. 

Irrespective of the type of cruise you opt for, most Amsterdam Canal Cruises are 60-90 minutes long. Harbor cruises can take up to 2 hours. 

On an Amsterdam Canal Cruise, you will sail past popular attractions like the NEMO Science Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Hermitage Museum, and the Royal Theatre Carre, many of Amsterdam’s famous bridges including Magere Brug, scenic streets and quintessential neighborhoods like De Negen Straatjes and The Golden Bend, and of course, Amsterdam’s canals that are over 100 km.

Most Amsterdam Canal Cruises come equipped with a GPS audio guide available in 19-21 languages such as Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Catalan, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian based on the ticket you purchase. Some tickets also come with a live guide who will answer any questions. However, dinner cruises do not include a guide.

Only boats serviced by Blue Boat company offer such cruises. Wheelchair-accessible boats only depart from the dock opposite Hard Rock Cafe, one of the four major docking points for Amsterdam Canal Cruises.

Yes, you can bring your pets on some Amsterdam canal cruises. Make sure to check the ticket details before bringing your pets along. The 1-hour Open Boat Amsterdam Cruise with Optional Wine and Cheese and 1-hour Evening Luxury Salon Boat Cruise in Amsterdam allow pets on board. 

While most sightseeing tours do not include meals, you can upgrade your canal cruise tickets to include a snack box, which will be delivered after you board the cruise. Alternatively, you can book a dinner cruise for a 4-course meal on your cruise.

Some Amsterdam Canal Cruise boats are equipped with a free city map, GPS audio guide in multiple languages, and heaters. Most boats (except open boats) are equipped with toilets. 

The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual festival, where renowned artists from around the world come together to create stunning light art installations along its historic canals. If you visit Amsterdam around November to January, you can book special Light Festival cruises to witness these installations.