The Netherlands · HOP-ON HOP-OFF & SIGHTSEEING TOURS
In a city this compact the bus is really a boat, and several of these are both. The 15 below compare route coverage, how often each runs and whether the canal leg is included in the ticket.
Cruise from Willemsplein through Rotterdam’s working harbor for 75 minutes, passing shipyards, docks, container operations, the city skyline, and SS Rotterdam. A clear audio guide is available in Dutch, English, French, and German. The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, a bar with snacks and drinks, and wheelchair access.
“Really interesting tour of Rotterdam harbour that you wouldn’t normally get to see - our toddler loved it!”
Board Splashtours Rotterdam’s amphibious bus in the city center for a one-hour route past major sights, then watch it become a boat on the Maas. English and Dutch guides, including lively hosts such as Francis and Kenny, add facts and humor. The bus is not wheelchair accessible, and large bags, luggage, pets, and strollers are not allowed onboard.
“It was something totally different, and a unique way to see the port of Rotterdam, with the opportunity to sit at the front for a short while made it extra special.”
Use a 24 or 48-hour ticket on Amsterdam’s open-top sightseeing bus, canal boat, or both. Hear commentary in 16 languages, visit Gassan Diamonds, and hop off near Museumplein, Jordaan, Heineken Experience, and the Jewish Cultural Quarter. The boat is especially useful for seeing the city from its canals.
“The route is very good as it takes you around the perimeter of Amsterdam. Loved the commentary. Drivers were all very nice. The diamond tour was a bonus.”
Ride The Hague’s vintage Tourist Tram for one day, hopping on and off at 14 stops from the city center to Scheveningen beach. An audio guide is available in several languages, while Dutch, English, and German speaking staff help you find your way. The tram runs every 30 minutes from 10:15 AM to 4:45 PM.
“we loved it and it was truely going through memorylane - thank you”
Spend about an hour on a glass-topped Lovers canal boat, passing the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Magere Brug, Rijksmuseum, and more. Choose departure points near Central Station, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, or Leidse Square. The audio guide adds city context, while the enclosed boat keeps you comfortable in unsettled weather.
“Great way to get a quick overview of the city, especially if it is your first time visiting Amsterdam.”
See Haarlem from its canals on a 50-minute Smidtje cruise, with a Dutch, English, or German-speaking skipper and audio guides in five languages. You pass De Adriaan windmill, Teylers Museum, Jopenkerk, the Frans Hals Museum, and old bridges from a covered, heated, or semi-open boat.
“Stunning city and wonderful historical stories. The guide was very knowledgeable and funny. Definitely recommend!”
Meet in front of the Anne Frank House for a roughly one-hour cruise through Amsterdam’s Canal Ring. Expect views of 400-year-old canal houses, Westerkerk, Centraal Station, the IJ, and the Amstel, with English commentary that may be live or recorded depending on the boat.
“This canal tour was the perfect way to begin our visit to Amsterdam. We enjoyed cruising through the many canals, seeing highlights of the city.”
See Haarlem from a small covered boat with guide Mo, or Mohammed, at the helm. Over 75 minutes, you pass Teylers Museum, Molen de Adriaan, St. Bavo, Jopenkerk, and other city sights while enjoying drinks, cheese, crackers, and snacks. The tour runs in English and Dutch, with a full refund available up to 24 hours before departure.
“Lovely relaxing way to see Haarlem from the water. Guide was very informative. Snacks and drinks were lovely.”
Cruise Giethoorn’s narrow canals and Giethoornse Lake for one hour with a live guide in Dutch or English. You’ll hear about local history, customs, and village life while passing thatched homes, gardens, and wooden bridges. Guides include Tom, praised for his humor and clear storytelling. Drinks are available before departure, and cheese tasting is optional.
“I had a wonderful tour of Giethoorn with Tom as my guide. His friendly demeanor and deep knowledge made the experience both enjoyable and informative. Tom’s passion for the village’s history and culture truly enriched the journey. I highly recommend him for an authentic Giethoorn experience.”
See Rotterdam from the Maas River on a 45-minute to 1-hour RIB speedboat ride. Your Dutch or English-speaking skipper takes you from the city center toward Schiedam and back, passing Euromast, Hotel New York, Delfshaven, SS Rotterdam, bridges, and old port areas. Expect fast runs, short stops, and lively facts about the city.
“Excellent! So much fun and a great way to see Rotterdam.”
Spend 1.5 hours cruising Haarlem’s Spaarne River from the boathouse opposite Teylers Museum. Your skipper guides you past De Adriaan, the Unicorn windmill, the Weighing House, Amsterdamse Poort, and old city buildings. Choose a semi-open or covered heated boat, use the multilingual audio guide, and buy snacks or drinks on board.
“the friendly boat's captain, Al had to move us from our boat because the engine was overheating. he kindly arranged for another boat to take the group of us onto the windmill. great service😃”
Ride an electric bike through central Amsterdam with an English-speaking guide. You’ll see Dam Square, the floating Bloemenmarkt, Canal Belt, Skinny Bridge, Vondelpark, Museumplein, and Amsterdam Centraal. Guides such as Rissa, Conny, Christian, and Mark are praised for clear safety advice and lively city stories.
“Conny was an excellent tour guide. She kept us safe in the crazy traffic of Amsterdam.”
Spend about an hour cruising Amsterdam’s historic canal belt with a live English guide. You’ll pass the Amstel, Herengracht, Prinsengracht, Anne Frank House, Skinny Bridge, and more. Guides such as Camillo, Jasmine, Lara, and Michel have been praised for clear stories and humor. Drinks are optional, and the boat has a toilet.
“Friendly, knowledgeable hosts, found out lots of new information. The whole family enjoyed this. They have heated seat cushions!”
Start near Amsterdam Central Station with a safety briefing, then follow your guide by e-bike through Vondelpark, Museumplein, canal streets, Marine Terrein, and Prinseneiland. Guides such as Shakira, Sebastian, Lilly, and Stefan have been praised for clear instruction and careful pacing. The small group is limited to 15 riders.
“We had a great time. Mark was our guide. He kept us safe while riding and was very interesting and informative on all the highlighted stops we made. 😍🙏”
Spend two hours touring central Amsterdam in a private bike-taxi rickshaw for up to two people. Guide Jan and other Dutch or English-speaking drivers can tailor the route, reach streets buses cannot, and stop for photos. Central pickup is included, and a cover is provided if rain arrives.
“Great morning. Jan on time, checked what we had seen before we set off and tailored the tour to what we wanted”
Pick a canal, a gallery or a road out of town.
