Canal Cruise Amsterdam - Best Tours


Best boat tours in Amsterdam

Every single year, over 3,000,000 people take a cruise when visiting Amsterdam!

 Amsterdam’s 165 canals were created in the 17th century to improve the city’s transportation system and to stimulate trade relations. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site defines Amsterdam’s landscape. Taking a boat ride is one of the best ways to appreciate this urban canal ring and the city’s other waterways.
Canal Cruise Amsterdam - Best Tours
Canal Cruise Amsterdam - Best Tours


Amsterdam Canal Cruise Map

Rijksmuseum Cruise

Discover the iconic canals of Amsterdam during our 75-minute City Canal Cruise on one of our luxurious canal boats. Blue Boat Company’s Rijksmuseum Canal Cruise is the ideal boat tour for history and art lovers. The tour operator has teamed up with the Rijksmuseum to create this distinct cruise that takes in locations that inspired the museum’s art collection. You’ll see Rembrandt’s home, the place he painted “The Nightwatch” and much more.

Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Canal Cruise Amsterdam

Unlimited Pancakes on Family-Friendly Tour

The family will have a real party on the Pancake Boat. Grownups will appreciate admiring the landscape along the IJ River. The scenery’s not as striking as the landscape around the canals, but this tour will give you a different perspective of Amsterdam. For children, the real drawcard is those pancakes. Passengers can eat as many plain, apple, or ham pancakes as they like, piled with treats from the toppings bar. What’s better than a 75-minutes boat trip on the Pancake Boat? Exactly, a 2,5 hour boat trip on the Pancake Boat by Night!
Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Canal Cruise Amsterdam


Cruise the Red Light District with Champagne Canal Cruises

For many years, Amsterdam’s boat tours wouldn’t dare cruise down the canals around the city’s scandalous Red Light district. But the new Friendship cruise company broke the mold with its Champagne Canal Cruises. As well as the Red Light District, you’ll pass Hortus Botanicus, the Amstel, the Skinny Bridge, the maritime museum, and other key attractions.

The Champagne Canal Cruise costs €15 with a complimentary soft drink or €25 with a glass of Moët & Chandon. Additional beer, wine, and soft drinks can be purchased on board. Children ages 3 to 10 pay €7.50, and children younger than 3 are free of charge if seated on a parent’s lap. Friendship’s modern boats leave from the Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230 jetty.

Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Canal Cruise Amsterdam

Amsterdam Dinner Cruise

Enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience as you cruise through Amsterdam’s beautiful historic canals and dine under the stars with culinary delights from award-winning chef Frans Kelders. The Amsterdam Dinner Cruise is a one-of-a-kind attraction that’s perfect for couples and families who wish to discover the city from the water and enjoy world-class cuisine in an unparalleled setting. The four-course menu offers a variety of excellent meat, fish and vegetarian dishes, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included during the Amsterdam Dinner Cruise. There is a special children’s menu available for those traveling with kids. Book this spectacular Amsterdam Dinner Cruise for your next visit and see Amsterdam like never before!
Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Canal Cruise Amsterdam

Tips:

  • Sometimes if a boat is already half full -- and all good seats are taken -- it's better to wait for the next one, or use a different company.
  • If you want to take good photos, look for a boat with an open area, or make sure you sit near a window that opens.
  • Bring a drink or snack yourself rather than buying something overpriced on board.
  • If you see a large group of kids or a loud group of tourists, take another boat. The noise inside can be deafening, and you'll have trouble hearing the guide (on tape).
  • At the end of the ride, you have an opportunity to tip the captain. This is completely up to you. I only do so if and when he has shown an interest. E.g. sometime they stop the taped tour guide and provide extra details themselves.

Information about Canal Cruises in Amsterdam



Amsterdam hotel tip:






Hotel ibis is located in Amsterdam's Old Town, close to the main railway station with all forms of public transport and just a 10-minute walk from Dam Square. A very nice location to explore the city. A very good breakfast is served every morning in the breakfast room and this 3-star hotel has non-smoking rooms. Directly in the area there is a large choice of bars and restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and in all public areas. 
More information ibis hotel Amsterdam