The Netherlands · CANAL CRUISES

Amsterdam Canal Cruises: The 15 Best Boats

58 tours  ·  from $12 a head

The difference between a good canal hour and a dull one is the boat, not the route. The 15 below compare glass roofs against open decks, audio guides against a live skipper, and what the included drinks actually amount to.

Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option - Electric Engines and the Guide’s Voice
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Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option

1.Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks & Bites option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30,518 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $18Our pick

Cruise Amsterdam’s canals for about an hour on a small electric boat, passing the Jordaan, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Magere Brug, and 15 Bridges. Guides such as Arnoud, Sophia, and Franz have earned praise for lively commentary. Boats vary by departure and weather, so confirm the drinks and bites package before booking.

“This is a fun experience. The crew is friendly and knowledgeable, and quick to fill your wine glass! The dock is easy to find, and the ticketing through Viator is simple and straightforward. I was in Amsterdam for a short visit, and this was a great way to experience some of Amsterdam’s famous canals.”

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Amsterdam: 75 Minute City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide - Getting to the Stadhouderskade departure docks
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Amsterdam: 75 Minute City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide

2.75 Minute City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 17,501 reviews · from $17

See Amsterdam from its historic waterways on a 75-minute Blue Boat Company cruise. You’ll pass the Anne Frank House area, Westerkerk, the Amstel, Magere Brug, NEMO, and the Museum Quarter while listening to commentary in 19 languages. Add a snackbox, or choose the kids’ option with a Fresh Water Pirate story and booklet.

“everything is great! the captain told me how to use the audio guides, and also gave additional comments on the buildings around us. at the end he congratulated my mother on her birthday. thanks for the reception and the quality of work”

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Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise - Leaving from Central Station
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Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise

3.City Centre Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 12,827 reviews · from $18

Start near Amsterdam Central Station for a one-hour cruise through the UNESCO-listed canal district. You’ll see merchant houses, gables, churches, houseboats, and the Magere Brug, with audio commentary in 19 languages. Captains such as Simon and Mo may add their own humor and local observations. Evening departures are available.

“Lovely tour at night and funny captain! You don’t get to see so much of Amsterdam unless you book a tour like this. Food and drink available to purchase at the cafe beforehand.”

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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket - Getting the timing right at Stadhouderskade
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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

4.City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,367 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Start with a timed visit to the Heineken Experience at Stadhouderskade 78, then take an open-ticket Blue Boat cruise from one of two nearby docks. Explore Heineken’s brewing story, enjoy two drinks, and see Amsterdam’s canals, bridges, museums, and modern waterfront through multilingual audio commentary. The Heineken visit is for ages 18 and older.

“I loved having chosen this plan, The Heineken Experience is spectacular, in front of the building are the boats that you can take, the boat ride is very nice. I am very satisfied with having chosen this and would recommend it 100%.”

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Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option - The boat: quiet, open, and close to the water
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Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option

5.Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Unlimited Drinks Option

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,976 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $21

Cruise Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals for about an hour in a sleek electric boat, often with a local captain such as Luuc, Matt, Jaro, or Detrik. Expect views of Westerkerk, Jordaan, the Hermitage Museum, bridges, and canal houses. Choose the unlimited-drinks option, but confirm how self-service drinks work before departure.

“Great location and easy to find. Wonderful staff which made for a great ride on the canals. Despite the time of year we had wonderful weather which made it even better”

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Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket and City Canal Cruise - How much time to allow for the paintings
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Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket and City Canal Cruise

6.Van Gogh Museum Ticket and City Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,899 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Visit the Van Gogh Museum at your chosen time, then take a flexible 75-minute cruise past Amsterdam’s merchant houses, bridges, and modern waterfront. The museum audio guide costs extra, while the boat supplies earphones and commentary in 21 languages. Cruise departures run daily from docks near the Hard Rock Café and Heineken Experience.

“Museum was well curated and spacious. only frustration was people taking numerous photos in front of paintings. An announcement and/ or gentle persuasion by staff m8ght be considered as to mo ing on . Lack of toilets given numbers . cafe was very clean and gave choices. shops also”

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Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar - Boarding near the Jordaan and the Anne Frank House
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Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

7.Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,619 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $24

Cruise Amsterdam’s canals for about an hour on an electric boat with a live English-speaking guide and skipper. You’ll pass the Westerkerk, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Magere Brug, and the Amstel while hearing city stories. Beer, wine, sodas, cocktails, and sometimes cheese are available to buy, but boat type and sights vary by departure point.

“They were so lovely and helped us rebook for a little later in the evening after we just missed the first tour. Hilarious and informative, would definitely recommend!!”

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Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket & Canal Cruise - Inside the Van Gogh Museum
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Amsterdam: Van Gogh Museum Ticket & Canal Cruise

8.Van Gogh Museum Ticket & Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,304 reviews · 1 day · from $47

Choose a timed Van Gogh Museum entry, then take a one-hour Lovers canal cruise past Westerkerk, the Negen Straatjes, canal houses, and Magere Brug. The museum multimedia guide is extra, but the boat includes commentary in 19 languages. Reserve your cruise time at a Tours & Tickets shop.

“Note if you book this: you are not in the group tour, use your tickets for this to walk right into the museum Great experience! I don’t think I would have been able to get tickets for the day I wanted otherwise.”

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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience - Inside the original Heineken factory
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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience

9.City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,133 reviews · 3 hours · from $44

Start at the original Heineken factory for a self-guided visit with brewing displays, tasting, beer-pouring practice, and two drinks. Then take a one-hour cruise through Amsterdam’s Canal Belt with GPS commentary in 19 languages. The cruise needs its own time slot, so reserve it early at a Tours & Tickets shop.

“Canal cruise was interesting and gave good historical and current information about Amsterdam. Some great views from the water. Heineken Experience is a must see with very interactive tour provided. You can do this at your own pace. Of course a couple beers to finish off with!”

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Utrecht: City Canal Cruise - Why a canal cruise makes sense in Utrecht
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Utrecht: City Canal Cruise

10.City Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,895 reviews · 1 - 1.5 hours · from $22

See Utrecht from its quiet canals on a 1 to 1.5-hour cruise with a Dutch or English-speaking captain and audio commentary. You’ll pass the Dom Tower, medieval wharf cellars, canal houses, old defenses, Zocherpark, the Railway Museum, and Hoog Catharijne. The boat is covered, comfortable, and reached by 21 steps.

“The meeting location was difficult to find as it is down a staircase and under a building. We missed our scheduled tour but reception was very kind and accommodating by rescheduling our excursion for later the same day.”

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Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks - Magere Brug and the canal houses
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Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks

11.Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,573 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $20

Spend an hour on a small electric boat through Amsterdam’s Canal Ring with a Dutch and English-speaking guide. Hear stories about Anne Frank House, the Jordaan, Magere Brug, and more while enjoying unlimited Heineken, wine, soft drinks, coffee, or tea. Guides vary, with Jack, Michel, Olaf, and Julian among the names praised for lively storytelling.

“We had such a wonderful experience on the Amsterdam canal cruise! Our guide, Julian, was extremely knowledgeable and shared interesting information about the city. The whole tour had a very laid-back and relaxing vibe, which made it even more enjoyable. You could really tell he knew the town well and had a passion for it. Drinks were unlimited and offered generously throughout the trip, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was the perfect mix of learning, sightseeing, and relaxing—I’d definitely recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Amsterdam!”

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Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks - Starting at Keizersgracht in the canal belt
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Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

12.Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,526 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $72

Set out from Keizersgracht in a small electric sloop carrying no more than 14 people. Your captain, names such as Erik, Stan, Storm, Stephen, and Charly on different departures, guides you past Jordaan, the Anne Frank House, the Amstel, the Red Light District, and maritime sights. Dutch snacks and an open bar are included.

“Captain Storm was attentive to all our needs and provided a wonderful, informative, and enjoyable evening!”

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Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise & Free Flower Cocktail - Picking the right starting point
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Amsterdam: City Centre Canal Cruise & Free Flower Cocktail

13.City Centre Canal Cruise & Free Flower Cocktail

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,310 reviews · from $19

See Amsterdam from its canals on a 60-minute Stromma cruise from Central Station or Damrak, or a 75-minute version from the Rijksmuseum. Expect the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Skinny Bridge, old warehouses, and 19-language audio. A flower cocktail is included, though its sweetness may not suit everyone.

“Funny, entertaining, peaceful, relaxing, with a guide who added their own personal twist to the tour which we enjoyed a lot! Highly recommended”

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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum - The cruise from Stadhouderskade
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Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum

14.City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,129 reviews · from $45

See Amsterdam from its UNESCO-listed canals, then explore 800 years of Dutch art at the Rijksmuseum. The cruise is open-ticket, while museum entry uses a fixed time slot. Audio commentary comes in 19 languages, and the optional snack box includes chips, popcorn, stroopwafels, peanuts, and a drink.

“Great choice! I recommend this to take if you are visiting Amsterdam!”

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Amsterdam: German Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option - NEMO and the Maritime Museum from the water
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Amsterdam: German Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option

15.German Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,108 reviews · from $28

Spend one hour on a small electric canal boat with a native German-speaking guide. You’ll pass the Amstel, Magere Brug, 17th-century houses, Jewish Quarter, and canal belt. Choose the unlimited drinks option for beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. Guide Marta has earned special praise for her warm, fun approach.

“I booked this canal cruise as part of a 9 person stag trip from Scotland. I was booking a number of activities at the same time and I managed to overlook that this was a German cruise. As 9 non German speaking Scottish tourists I can honestly say we had the best time. Although we missed most of what the tour guide Marta was telling the group, both she and the other guests made us feel very welcome, we all had a good laugh together about my booking mishap and the sights were amazing. Was undoubtedly the best hour of our weekend and it will be talked about for months…”

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New in Canal Cruises

★ 4.7Open Boat City Canal CruiseFrom $27250 reviews
★ 4.4Open Boat City Canal CruiseFrom $21156 reviews
★ 4.3Historical Canal CruiseFrom $18158 reviews
★ 5.0Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise With Dutch Snacks and DrinkFrom $89334 reviews
★ 5.0Amsterdam 2-hour Private Canal Cruise with Live Guide and DrinksFrom $151296 reviews
★ 4.7Guided Highlights Canal Cruise on Open BoatFrom $20363 reviews
★ 4.0Combo Ticket: Xtracold Icebar Amsterdam and 1-Hour Canal CruiseFrom $44400 reviews
★ 5.0Eating Amsterdam: Food Tour & Canals CruiseFrom $163496 reviews
★ 4.0Dinner Canal Cruise Amsterdam: 4-Courses Including DrinksFrom $106476 reviews
★ 4.5Historic City Sightseeing Canal CruiseFrom $18444 reviews
★ 4.0Heineken Experience Amsterdam and Canal Cruise with SnackboxFrom $60453 reviews
★ 4.6Amsterdam Combo: Madame Tussauds and Canal CruiseFrom $42503 reviews
★ 4.0Combo Ticket: Van Gogh Museum Ticket and 1-Hour Canal CruiseFrom $45676 reviews
★ 5.0Morning Canal Cruise Amsterdam in Small-GroupFrom $52618 reviews
★ 5.0Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Canal Cruise with Live GuideFrom $22806 reviews

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