Bikes & Boats
Amsterdam canal cruises
Amsterdam was built around its water, and the view from the deck is the one its architects had in mind. Choose a classic one-hour cruise, an open boat by candlelight or dinner under the bridges — from the water, the city finally makes sense.
Find your cruiseThe canals from the water
Canal cruises in Amsterdam: types, prices & departure piers
Amsterdam's canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, designed to be viewed from the water. An hour on a boat reveals how the city fits together — facades, bridges, houseboats — faster than a whole day on foot.
Which canal cruise should you pick?
There's a cruise for every mood: a classic one-hour covered ride (from €17.50 online), a small open boat with a guide, a candlelight ride with wine and cheese, or a full dinner cruise with a chef on board.
Where canal cruises depart and how to book
Main piers are at Centraal Station, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Booking online or via a city card usually saves a few euros over the counter — and for evening or themed cruises, reserving ahead is wise.
Cruise types
Which cruise?
From a simple classic to a romantic evening ride — there's a cruise for every mood.
- 01
Classic covered cruise
1 hour, audio in many languages, heated in winter. The easy all-rounder.
- 02
Open boat
Smaller, more intimate, a guide on board. Loveliest on sunny days.
- 03
Evening / candlelight
The canals lit up; often with wine and cheese. Romantic.
- 04
Dinner cruise
Three- or four-course menu on board. Book well ahead.
- 05
Pizza or drinks cruise
Casual, with pizza or unlimited drinks. Fun with a small group.
- 06
Hop-on hop-off
Not one ride but a water bus — get off at the museums and back on.
Cruises
Canal cruises in Amsterdam
The main operators in one place — from classic audio cruises to small open boats with a guide. Filter by type and book direct with the operator.
5 results
- 75–90 minutes
Blue Boat Company
Blue Boat Company — 75-min Cruise
- Classic
Iconic blue boats with 75- or 90-minute cruises; departs near Leidseplein.
from €19.5Book on Blue Boat Company - 1 hour
Lovers
Lovers — Classic Canal Cruise
- Classic
Affordable, great for a first cruise — central departures right by Centraal Station.
from €17.5Book on Lovers - 1.5 hours
Mokum Open Boat Tours
Mokum Open Boat Tours
- Open boat
Small open-boat tours with a local skipper — relaxed, intimate and on the official city operator list.
from €32Book on Mokum Open Boat Tours - 1.5 hours
Smidtje Canal Cruises
Smidtje — Candlelight Cruise
- Candlelight
Smaller, traditional boats — popular for candlelight evening cruises along the UNESCO canal belt.
- All day
Stromma
Stromma — Hop-on-Hop-off Cruise
- Hop-on-hop-off
Open and covered boats with hop-on-hop-off stops at the main museums and sights.
from €26Book on Stromma
Prices are indicative — confirm with the provider before booking.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Practical tips
- Book online — almost always cheaper than the counter.
- A free cruise is included with several operators on the I amsterdam City Card.
- Reserve in advance for dinner, evening or themed cruises.
- Main departure points: Centraal Station, Rijksmuseum, Leidseplein, Anne Frank House.