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 10 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.”
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.”
Walk Maastricht with a private English-speaking guide, often René, for about two hours. Begin at Theater aan het Vrijthof, see Markt, the old Town Hall, Sint Servaas Basilica, and Basilica of Our Lady, then continue through lesser-known corners and historic streets. Pickup can be arranged, and your group alone takes part.
“Well-dosed information with a personal character from all areas! Highly recommended!!!! 😻😁👍Auto-translated”
Pick a canal, a gallery or a road out of town.
