Best Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Ultimate Guide with Tips

Laced by waterways built during the Dutch Golden Age, lined with gabled houses, and connected by humped bridges, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most magnetic cities. And one of the best ways to explore it is by taking one of the best Amsterdam canal cruises.

There is a lot to fit into your trip to this famous Dutch city, but a canal cruise means experiencing a whole swath of Amsterdam in one activity. And with various cruises to book, from class tourist routes to more adventurous themed cruises (pizza canal cruise anyone?), there’s something for everyone.

The only problem is working out the best Amsterdam canal cruise for you. Here’s a helpful guide to help you determine which cruise you should choose for your trip to Amsterdam.

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Best Amsterdam canal cruise FAQs

From the popular itinerates to the more unusually themed cruises, here’s everything you need to know before you book one of the best canal cruises in Amsterdam.

Why should you take a cruise?

Cruising along the canals is one of the must-do activities in Amsterdam. The city has a lot of waterways, which means you can see a large chunk of the famous sights and city life simply by hopping on a boat and letting the driver do all of the legwork.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as you cruise down the world-famous canals. And it’s not just a tourist activity. The canals are part of the way of life in Amsterdam, stitched into the city’s history, and when the sun shines, the locals board the boats and enjoy seeing their city in all its sunny glory.

What do you see on the best Amsterdam canal tours?

The canals are part of the very fabric of Amsterdam. The city’s famous Canal Ring is so important that it’s a UNESCO site. No matter what time of day or time of year you take a cruise, you’ll see many of the main sights during your tour.

A classic Amsterdam tour itinerary will take you past the 17th-century merchant house that date back to the Dutch Golden Age, under arched bridges, posing by the Anne Frank House, Westerkert, modern marvels of architecture on the IJ river, as well as the Music Building in the harbor and alongside everyday city life.

Other tours will deviate, adding specialty sights or stops along the way. There is also the option to hire your own private boat and cruise the canals independently, creating your very own itinerary for the day.

How long does an Amsterdam cruise last?

The cruises’ length varies depending on the company and the type of itinerary you have chosen. The average length of the best canal cruise in Amsterdam is 75 minutes; this gives you enough time to see many of the main sights at a relaxed pace.

There are shorter cruises, usually around an hour, and some cruises last up to 90 minutes. It all depends on how many canals the company packs into the itinerary. The golden rule of thumb usually is that the longer the cruise, the more money you pay, but that isn’t always the case.

How much does an Amsterdam best canal cruise cost?

The price you pay for a cruise varies. If you want to go on a classic hour-long cruise that will take you along the most famous stretches of the canal, you can expect to pay around 13-20 EUR. This can change depending on the time of day and the month.

For a more specialized cruise with food, alcohol, soft drinks, and evening entertainment, you should budget approximately 40-50 EUR. And, for those who want to embark on a private cruise in Amsterdam, you should expect to pay around 100 EUR for the experience.

What’s the best time of day to go on a cruise?

Working out the best time to go on a cruise in Amsterdam depends on what type of experience you would like.

If you want to see the city with fewer tourist crowds and soak up more of the local life, booking yourself on a boat earlier in the day is a good idea.

If not, the best time would be around 11 am; that way, you can have a nice relaxing morning and enjoy a leisurely lunch afterward.

Some fun evening cruises fly the waterways and include meals and drinks. It is an enjoyable way to spend an evening in Amsterdam, and you see the city lit up at night, too!

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What’s included in the best canal tours in Amsterdam?

The cruises on the canals in Amsterdam come in a variety of different options. Most of them just come with somewhere to sit, an inside area, and a guide who will point out the different points of interest along the way. Some cruises will also come with a complimentary drink included in the price.

There is a good selection of themed canal cruises, too, which add more fun to the proceedings. Some have wine and cheese, and others offer three-course meals and entertainment. The choice really is yours!

Which to book – open vs closed Amsterdam canal cruise?

The boat tours on the canals in Amsterdam do vary. Some have indoor areas where you can shelter if the weather is wet or cold; there are also open-air boats without any inside areas.

I recommend booking a cruise with an indoor seating area if you visit Amsterdam outside of the summer months. Even if it’s not raining, it can be cold on the canals, especially if you’re sitting still in the wind for an hour.

If you choose an open-air cruise, ensure you wrap up warm so the cold doesn’t ruin the experience. When the sun is out and the weather is fine, then an open-air cruise is the way to go.

You can enjoy the lovely sunny weather and have the bonus of snapping some great pictures without the boat’s windows obstructing the view.

Can I reserve specific seats?

Most standard Amsterdam cruises do not offer the option of reserving specific seats. Seating is usually provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so turn up early for your cruise if you want to have the best views on the boat.

Some tours do offer reserved seating, but they are more unusual to come by. If having a fantastic view of the canal during your cruise is really important to you, it might be a good idea to book a private cruise so you’ll always have the best seat possible.

Can a disabled traveler go on an Amsterdam canal cruise?

Many of the tour boats in Amsterdam are designed to be accessible to everyone. When booking a tour, check out the important information at the bottom of the booking page.

Usually, the tour company will include information about the boat’s accessibility credentials and phrases such as ‘the tour is wheelchair accessible.’

Blue Boat Company Cruises is one tour company that offers accessible cruises. Their boats are well-versed in helping passengers who use wheelchairs, but you must book in advance if you wish to travel with them.

Also, not all of the boats that operate are accessible; only certain sailing times feature boats with disability access.

A ramp allows access to the boat, and an electric platform lift connects the docks. Staff will be on hand to assist in the boarding process. Once onboard, there is an area specially designed for wheelchairs, and there are also accessible areas out on the deck. You can also take your service dog along should you need to.

Can I bring my pet on board?

Some canal cruises do allow you to take your pet on the boat with you for your trip. Make sure to check with the cruise company if you are unsure.

Do boats have toilets?

Most of the canal boats that offer tours in Amsterdam do have toilets for passengers to use. If this is important to you, you should check with the company you want to book with in advance.

The best Amsterdam canal cruises

A cruise along the canals in Amsterdam is one of the best ways to see the city. But not all the cruises are the same. Find the perfect cruise for you and make your trip the best adventure ever.

Classic canal boat cruise

The classic Amsterdam cruise is one of the most popular cruises tourists choose. The cruise usually lasts an hour and takes you along the UNESCO Heritage-listed canals past key sights such as the Skinny Bridge, the Red Light District, and the Old Harbor.

The expert onboard guide will tell you about the local history as you sail past the sights and will be happy to answer any questions or offer tips and recommendations for exploring the city.

Ready to cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic canals? Book your spot on classic canal boat cruise easily on your favorite platform: GetYourGuide or Viator — don’t miss out!

Private (classic) canal cruise

For travelers looking for a little more privacy, there’s the option to take a private cruise. The route will still cover all the main sights, such as along the canals, and will come with a friendly guide to explain the city’s history, but it will only be for you and your group.

Having your very own boat is more expensive than booking a typical boat cruise, but it does mean you can leave when you want and tailor the tour a little more to your tastes.

And if you want to be your own skipper, you can even rent a boat and do your own best Amsterdam canal cruise that best suits your taste.  

In case you are traveling with your loved one in Amsterdam, consider booking a private romantic canal cruise with Processo. 

Open boat canal cruise

An open-air boat is a great option, particularly when the weather is fine. When the sun is out, you can spend your cruise relaxing in the sunshine as you cruise past all the fantastic sights along the water’s edge.

The only downside to this type of cruise is that there is nowhere to shelter when the weather isn’t so good. In the winter, it can get quite cold on the canals, so make sure to wrap up warm if you do opt for an open boat cruise. But you will be rewarded with unobstructed views of the city’s surroundings.

Don’t just walk Amsterdam — sail it! Lock in your open boat canal cruise now on GetYourGuide or Viator and experience the city from the water.

Semi-open boat tour

The semi-open boat is a good choice if the weather isn’t so great. You should choose one of these cruises if it’s going to be raining during your trip. You might have to deal with some obstructions as there are windows, but you will be dry and warmer than on an open-top boat tour.

See Amsterdam from its most beautiful angle! Book your semi-open boat tour today on GetYourGuide or Viator and enjoy the city in a whole new way.

Hop-on-Hop-Off cruise

A hop-on-hop-off cruise is an enjoyable way to get around the city. You will be able to board the boat when you want and get off at the point you want to explore. The bonus is that you can save on paying for public transport and see the city in a more laid-back way.

Explore Amsterdam at your own pace with a 24 or 48-hour hop-on hop-off boat ticket — or grab a combo pass for even more sightseeing fun! Book easily now on GetYourGuide or Viator!

Wine / cocktail cruises

Have a little fun on your Amsterdam boat tour and opt for a cruise that comes with a tipple or two. There are many tours on offer that come with at least one drink; some even come with cheese.

If that sounds like a good way to spend an afternoon, then you should definitely book this cruise. Here are a few I recommend: 

• Luxury Cruise Unlimited Cocktails & Snacks Option: Relax in style as you sip unlimited cocktails and snack your way through Amsterdam’s magical canals. Book your spot on GetYourGuide or Viator
• Wine and Cheese Evening Cruise: Unwind with fine wine and local cheeses while the city lights shimmer around you. Reserve your evening cruise on GetYourGuide!
• Cheese & Wine Cruise Tasting Experience: Taste your way through Amsterdam with a cozy wine and cheese cruise — a perfect mix of sightseeing and indulgence. Book your experience on GetYourGuide!

Dinner Cruises

Why not make an evening of it and embark on a canal cruise with dinner? It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or even solo; dining on board the cruise makes the event even more memorable and is a special way to see the city’s sights, which look even more elegant lit up in the evening.

Sail into the evening with a delicious dinner while Amsterdam lights up around you — book your unforgettable dinner cruise now on GetYourGuide or Viator!

Best Amsterdam canal cruise on a historic boat

This 90-minute private canal cruise takes you from the Hermitage Museum along the heritage waterways onboard an over 100-year-old boat.

The traditional Dutch vessel is an elegant way to see the sights. Built in 1911, the boat only holds 12 people, so you can enjoy seeing the city’s highlights without big tourist crowds.

Book your spot on GetYourGuide and let Captain Bow take the lead! 

Fun and weird best Amsterdam canal cruises

Canal booze cruise

Those looking to have a little party as you meander along the canals may consider a booze cruise. You and your friends can make the most of the open onboard bar, fully stocked with unlimited beer, wine, and soda. The route will take you along the city’s main canals, under seven bridges, and past local neighborhoods. Just make sure not to go overboard.

Raise a glass, enjoy unlimited drinks, and cruise through Amsterdam’s legendary canals with good vibes all around! Book your booze cruise now on GetYourGuide or Viator!

Smoke and lounge city boat cruise

Lean into the laidback smoke and lounge boat cruise and enjoy the varied sights of life along the canal. Leaving from the middle of Amsterdam’s Red Light district, you will see famous sights and sip-free drinks in a smoke-friendly environment.

Kick back, light up, and chill as you drift through Amsterdam’s laid-back waterways. Reserve your smoke and lounge boat cruise today on GetYourGuide or Viator!

Canal cruise with Dutch pancakes

Make the most of Amsterdam’s delicious dishes on this pancake-packed canal cruise. Explore the IJ River and admire Amsterdam while feasting on a menu of unlimited pancakes topped with a buffet of cheeses, meats, and jams.

Cruise, sightsee, and feast on as many Dutch pancakes as you can eat — all while floating through Amsterdam! Save your spot now on GetYourGuide or Viator!

Pizza canal cruise

Pizza is the perfect companion to almost all life activities, including a cruise on the canals in Amsterdam. This is one for hungry foodie fans who will enjoy tucking into tasty pizza slices and seeing the sights at the same time.

Fresh pizza, cold drinks, and canal views — what more could you want? Grab your seat on the pizza cruise today via GetYourGuide or Viator!

Tips to make the most of your Amsterdam canal cruise

Book in advance

Don’t disappoint yourself by turning up to the cruise you have selected and finding out that it is fully booked. Booking your chosen best Amsterdam canal cruise at least a few days in advance is always a really good idea.

This is even more important if you’re traveling to Amsterdam at the weekend or peak season when the most popular boat companies and times get booked up in advance.

You really don’t want to miss out on a canal cruise in Amsterdam as it is one of the best ways to see the city.

Consider getting a combination ticket – cruise + a museum visit

If you’re spending a few days in Amsterdam, purchasing a combination ticket might be a good idea. There are a few options to choose from, but most of them will include entrance to the top city attractions.

Some of the best options for combination tickets include a canal cruise and entrance to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum tickets, Heineken Experience Ticket, or Madam Tussauds.

Check the departure point and time

It’s easy to overlook the details of the cruise; double-check where the boat is departing from and when it is leaving. Different cruise companies leave from different departure points, so if you want to pick up a cruise in a specific part of town, you should check cruises that lease from that area.

Arrive early

Give yourselves plenty of time to get on your cruise before departure. Arriving early means you’ll be at the front of the line for the boat and in with a better chance of securing a seat onboard with a good view.

Dress code

It can get cold onboard the boats, particularly during the colder months, because you often sit still for an hour out in the open.

Make sure you wrap up warm by wearing lots of layers, and even bring an extra later, just in case. And, in the summer, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and applying plenty of sunscreen.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Finding the right place to stay can make your Amsterdam trip even more memorable, whether you’re after a cozy hostel, a stylish boutique hotel, or a unique houseboat experience. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Amsterdam for every budget and travel style.

Hostels in Amsterdam

• ClinkNOORD is a superb social hostel in Amsterdam Noord (a short ferry from Centraal) with an industrial-chic vibe, daily activities, and great communal spaces.
• Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is ideal for solo travelers a few steps from the park and Museumplein.
• The Flying Pig Downtown is a legendary party hostel near Dam Square—laid-back, fun, and perfect for nightlife.
• Generator Amsterdam is a trendy hostel in a former zoological university building with stylish private dorm rooms.

Budget-friendly hotels in Amsterdam

• Hotel Not Hotel is a budget-friendly option with quirky rooms designed by artists in West Amsterdam.
• citizenM Amsterdam South offers tech-savvy small rooms with reasonable prices for quality near Zuid station.
• MEININGER Hotel Amsterdam City West is a solid budget pick with easy train access to the city center (5 min).
• Hotel Mosaic City Centre is a clean, basic, and central hotel that is a short walk to Leidseplein and Vondelpark.

Mid-Range hotels in Amsterdam

• Hotel Estheréa is a colorful boutique-style mid-range hotel right by the canal.
• The Manor Amsterdam offers stylish rooms in a historic former hospital in the trendy Oost neighborhood.
• Hotel V Fizeaustraat has spacious rooms, an excellent restaurant/bar, and a quieter location near Amstel station.
• Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam has canal views in a cozy, modern, peaceful location.
• INK Hotel Amsterdam – MGallery is a funky, award-winning hotel near Dam Square, perfect for urban explorers.

Boutique hotels in Amsterdam

• Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park is an elegant, fresh boutique luxury next to Oosterpark.
• The Dylan Amsterdam is an upscale boutique on the Keizersgracht canal – perfect for a romantic trip.
• Hotel V Nesplein offers chic industrial design near the main squares but tucked away enough to feel private.

Houseboats in Amsterdam

• Houseboat Little Amstel is a cozy boat with canal views near the Amstel River.
• Asile Flottant offers a collection of stylishly renovated historical ships where you can stay.
• Houseboat Ark van Amstel is a spacious private boat with excellent access to the city center.
• Bed Breakfast Boat is a small private houseboat for two, perfect for couples looking for something different.

Still haven’t you found the perfect place for your trip to Amsterdam? Click here to browse more amazing hotels in Amsterdam and book your stay!

Prepare for your Amsterdam Trip

Find affordable flight tickets

If you are just planning the trip, haven’t finlized anything and need to see affordable airline tickets from your destination, it’s time to find one as prices always go up!

I use Skyscanner and WayAway the most. Both make it super easy to find the best flight deals, especially when your plans are flexible.

One of my favorite features on both platforms is the “Anywhere” search. Just pick your departure city and leave the destination open, and you’ll get a visual map or list of the cheapest places to fly.

It’s perfect if you’re looking for spontaneous getaways or want to find budget-friendly routes. I usually compare both to get a bigger picture of my options.

Buy insurance before you depart

One thing I do when I plan my trips is to always buy a travel health insurance.

No one plans for things to go wrong while traveling, but unexpected situations happen—flight delays, lost luggage, sudden illnesses, or accidents.

That’s where travel insurance comes in. Having the right coverage ensures you’re not stuck with expensive medical bills or unexpected costs while navigating a foreign country.

I use SafetyWing travel insurance whenever I travel. The plans are built for frequent travelers or digital nomads needing an affordable, easy, and admin-free subscription-based insurance model that works worldwide.

Check out detailed SafetyWing plan coverage, or read my review.

Stay connected without data roaming

Since eSIMS appeared on the market, they have changed the way I travel to a completely new destination.

I’ve been using eSIMs for several years now, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest ways to get mobile data abroad without hunting for local SIM cards or worrying about hefty roaming fees.

My go-to apps are Airalo and Saily. Both let you buy and activate data plans directly from your phone, often within minutes. It’s all prepaid, with no contracts, and you can still keep your original number active in case you need to get a call or an SMS verification.

Airalo is available in most countries worldwide and offers various plans for different travel lengths. Use code BAIA2592 for 3 USD credit at checkout.

Saily, created by NordVPN, also offers affordable packages for international travel and allows you to change your virtual location for safe internet browsing. I also have a discount code BAIAIR6152 to get 3 USD off your first purchase.

Book a pickup from the airport

In case you want to skip navigating public transport in Amsterdam, I advise to pre-book your airport pickup to bring you directly to your hotel.

I’ve been using Welcome Pickups for airport transfers for quite some time now, and it just makes things easier. There is no waiting in taxi lines, no negotiating prices, and no surprise fees.

You get a private driver who meets you right at the arrivals gate, helps with your luggage, and takes you straight to your accommodation.

The company operates in many cities worldwide and is super reliable, especially if you arrive late at night or travel somewhere unfamiliar.

Rent a car for Amsterday day trips

It’s a pitty to miss out on most charming villages in Netherlands if you plan a trip to Amsterdam. Although transport is available, car gives you more flexibility to your exploration.

To book a rental, I usually use DiscoverCars.

The platform is a global search engine that compares major international and local companies to help you find the best deals in one place.