10 Best Ways to Cruise the Canals of Amsterdam

Taking a cruise along the iconic canals in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most popular things to do. You’ll be able to take in grand 17th-century canal houses, historic museums like the Anne Frank House, the famous Seven Bridges, and much more, while giving your feet a rest from all of the walking you’re bound to do.

There are multiple ways to cruise Amsterdam’s beautiful canals, from classic journeys to unique trips focusing on history, comedy, food, beverages, and music. Choose the one that interests you most and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. After all, Amsterdam is a city that’s best seen from the water.

Amsterdam Hotels

1. Amsterdam Boat Center

An authentic sedan boat to tour Amsterdam’s highlights

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

The Amsterdam Boat Center is a highly rated operator that hosts classic canal cruises around the city. A 90-minute excursion takes place on a traditional and authentic 20th-century sedan boat. You get to cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals, sailing past iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum.

A knowledgeable captain provides commentary throughout the cruise, giving you a good general overview of the historic gabled buildings and other sights. A free cup of coffee or tea, and refreshments, are also included.

Location: Binnenkant 1A, 1011 BG Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5 pm (closed Saturdays and Sundays)

Phone: +31 (0)20 428 2725

2. City Sightseeing Amsterdam

Build your own tour with this hop-on, hop-off service

Good for: Budget, History, Photo

The City Sightseeing Amsterdam hop-on, hop-off boat provides the flexibility to embark and disembark as you wish. This means you can visit a variety of major attractions while soaking up the charms of Amsterdam in a truly authentic and budget-friendly way.

Create your own enchanting tour by taking either the Green or Blue route, which will bring you to the National Maritime Museum, the Nemo Science Museum, Anne Frank House, the De Gooyer windmill, and more. While cruising the celebrated canals, you’ll listen to onboard commentary and witness the picturesque bridges, barges, and waterfront buildings with decorated gables.

Location: Damrak 34, 1012 LK Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Phone: +31 (0)20 420 4000

3. Jewel Cruises

Romantic dinner cruise on a candlelit antique riverboat

Good for: Couples, Food, Luxury

Jewel Cruises is a leader when it comes to romantic tours in Amsterdam, especially excursions on antique riverboats. They offer a sailing restaurant offering a delicious 3-course candlelit dinner during your cruise, complete with background music and views of 17th-century canals.

The vessel has elegant features, such as rich mahogany, red upholstery, and a copper bar, creating a relaxing and intimate ambience. While the route can change to suit special events, it normally includes all the city highlights, including the Skinny Bridge along the Amstel River, the iconic Seven Bridges, and the Anne Frank House. Couples are even guaranteed a window seat.

Location: Singel 235, 1012 WE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm

Phone: +31 (0)20 422 1385

4. Amsterdam Boat Trips

A peaceful small-group tour without the noise of a motor

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Traversing the canals of Amsterdam in an open-air electric boat provides a quieter ride without the noise of a motor. Operated by Amsterdam Boat Trips, the beautifully restored century-old canal boats take advantage of modern technology, powered by underdeck batteries instead.

As it’s a small group tour, no headphones or microphones are needed. This provides an authentic way to enjoy and learn more about the city’s many sights. Your host will provide you with a complimentary drink of your choice, and you can sample a Dutch treat while taking in the oldest part of the city.

Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 226, 1012 GJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Daily from 9 am to 10 pm

Phone: +31 (0)68 404 0040

5. Ultimate Party Amsterdam

The ultimate Amsterdam party getaway

Good for: Group, Nightlife, Photo, Unusual

Amsterdam is a destination where people often come to let loose and get a little wild, so it’s no surprise that you can party out on the water on a purpose-built party boat. Ultimate Party Amsterdam is a pub crawl host that offers this experience almost every night of the week.

A fun way to celebrate a birthday, stag, or bachelorette party, you’ll have fun exploring this scenic city for 90 minutes with great music and an exciting vibe. Tours can be customized if you want to add special extras, like tasty bubbly to sip as you weave through the canals.

Location: Herengracht 564, 1017 CH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: 24/7

Phone: +31 (0)61 432 1209

6. Eating Europe Food Tours Amsterdam

A tasty way to explore Amsterdam’s canals

Good for: Couples, Families, Food

The Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour by Eating Europe Food Tours brings the ideal combination of a walking food tour and a cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals. The 4-hour excursion takes you to the city’s best local haunts, where you’ll delve into Dutch food traditions and meet some of the city’s food icons.

As you explore several neighborhoods, you’ll dine and drink along the way, with a dozen tastings included, such as gouda cheese and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), along with cider and beer. Once aboard your private boat, you’ll enjoy delicious Dutch wine and snacks too. Your local guide will enhance your tour by revealing some of their own stories about the city.

Location: Noordermarkt 34, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone: +19 (0)17 909 6432

7. M&M SUP Amsterdam

A fun and active way to explore Amsterdam’s canals

Good for: Adventure, Unusual

M&M SUP Amsterdam offers stand-up paddleboarding tours for those looking to enjoy an active and unforgettable way to experience the beautiful canals and bridges of Amsterdam. It provides yet another unique perspective, paddling while enjoying fabulous views that include hundreds of historic buildings.

As you’ll be standing at full height, you’ll have a vantage point for viewing both the water and what’s out on the horizon. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active during your Amsterdam trip. Customized tours are also available, including private options that are great for a family or group of friends.

Location: Zeeburgerstraat 1, 1018 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands

Phone: +31 (0)62 120 2222

8. Adam’s Boats

Your own vessel to sail the route of your choice

Good for: Luxury, Unusual

Do you like the idea of exploring Amsterdam’s canals independently? Why not be the captain of your own boat? Adam’s Boats offers affordable boat rentals by the hour with no license required. These vessels are battery-powered, comfortable, and easy to steer, while the speed is set with a joystick.

You’ll be able to cruise the winding canals with your family or friends in peace, without the loud sounds of a motor. Sail the route of your choice or pick from a variety of routes set by Adam’s Boats. Each boat offers space for up to 9 passengers and includes a sailing map with detailed instructions.

Location: Mauritskade 3a, 1091 GC Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10.30 pm

Phone: +31 (0)61 431 6465

9. Those Dam Boat Guys

A comedic canal-sightseeing tour

Good for: Couples, Families, Unusual

Booking a comedy cruise through Those Dam Boat Guys is a great way to discover Amsterdam in an entertaining yet educational way. On this laidback tour, you’ll learn about the city’s history while taking in the stunning sights, as well as sailing past several quirky attractions.

Your brilliant guide is sure to bring plenty of laughs and will be happy to answer any questions about the city, with no topics off-limits. If there are children on board, the comedic material will be toned down to accommodate all.

Location: Prinsenstraat 13H, 1015 DA Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

Phone: +31 (0)20 210 1669

10. Amsterdam Canal Cruises

A canal tour designed for families with children

Good for: Families, Photo, Unusual

Amsterdam Canal Cruises offer a family-friendly canal cruise called “Wanted: Freshwater Pirates” that ensures kids stay entertained while parents enjoy the views of the city. It’s a 75-minute excursion that tells the story of Johnny the Mouse.

Tailored for children, the youngsters get their own pirate binoculars to spot animals in Amsterdam. They can also design a tattoo, lucky sign, and ship house to become a certified Freshwater Pirate. The adults get their own audio guide to learn about all of Amsterdam’s magnificent sights, making it an ideal outing for the whole family.

Location: Stadhouderskade 550, 1072 AE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Daily from 10 am to 9 pm

Phone: +31 (0)20 679 1370

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