About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, everyone in the travel biz loves to talk about "authentic hidden gems," but let's be real for a second—sometimes the tourist traps are popular for a reason. While some operators are obsessed with squeezing every last cent out of occupancy rates, the Amsterdam canal cruise remains the one "cliché" I actually defend. Is it a bit of a lead-magnet for every first-timer in the Dam? Sure. But when you're drifting past those 17th-century merchant houses, you realize the city was literally built to be seen from the water. Don't let the cynical "overtourism" crowd talk you out of this one; even for a jaded industry vet like me, there's something about the way the light hits the Skinny Bridge at sunset that just works. Just don't expect the same route twice—the skippers here play it by ear based on traffic, which actually keeps the experience from feeling like a conveyor belt.
About the Tour
Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North," but honestly, it has a character that is entirely its own. This one-hour cruise takes you through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal district, offering a perspective of the city you simply can't get from the cobblestone streets.
What to Expect
You’ll board a comfortable glass-topped boat for a 60-minute journey through history. As you glide along, you'll see the stunning gables of merchant houses from the Dutch Golden Age and pass under some of the city's 1,200+ bridges. To make sure you actually know what you're looking at, an audioguide is provided in 19 different languages, so you won't miss the stories behind the architecture.
Flexible Departure Points
One of the best features of this tour is the flexibility. You can choose from four different departure locations, making it easy to fit into your itinerary regardless of where you're staying or what you're visiting:
- Central Station: The main hub and the easiest point for those just arriving in the city.
- Anne Frank House: Perfect for a post-museum reflection while you're already in the Prinsengracht area.
- Leidse Square (Leidseplein): The heartbeat of Amsterdam's nightlife and theater scene.
- Rijksmuseum: Ideal if you've just finished admiring Rembrandt and want to rest your legs.
A Unique Experience Every Time
Keep in mind that Amsterdam's waterways are living, breathing transit routes. Because of this, each boat tour follows a different route. While you're guaranteed to see the "hits" like the iconic Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and beautiful historic churches, the exact path depends on the day's water traffic. This spontaneity adds a bit of genuine charm to what could otherwise be a cookie-cutter tour.
Whether you're looking for that perfect photo op or just want to understand how a swamp turned into a global trade empire, this cruise is the quintessential Amsterdam experience.
Highlights
- Take a 1-hour cruise through the UNESCO-listed canal district in Amsterdam
- Admire the elegant houses lining the canals and the lovely churches and bridges
- Learn more about Amsterdam with the audio guides provided
- Enjoy an optional evening cruise in the canals of Amsterdam
- Heated boat for ultimate comfort
Know before you go
- Children under 4 years old go free of charge if they do not occupy their own seat
- Child ticket: 4-13 years
- The duration of the cruise itself it 1 hour, but please note that it takes some time to board the boat, so the total duration of the experience might be up to 90 minutes in peak season
- Only service dogs (who must be identifiable as such) are allowed on the boat
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
4 starting location options:
Leidseplein 28, Stadhouderskade 511, Rondvaart Amsterdam, Lovers Canal Cruises
IJ River, Amsterdam
Pass by
Amsterdam Centraal Station
Pass by
NEMO Science Museum
Pass by
Amstel
Pass by
Stopera
Pass by
H’ART Museum
Pass by
Magere Brug
Pass by
Prinsengracht
Pass by
Westerkerk
Pass by
Anne Frank House
Pass by
4 drop-off locations:
Leidseplein 28, Rondvaart Amsterdam, Stadhouderskade 511, Lovers Canal Cruises