📌 This guide helps you quickly and easily find the right canal cruise for your visit to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam was built around its famous canals – nearly 100 kilometers of waterways weave through the historic city center.
It’s no wonder the Dutch capital is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. In fact, Amsterdam has more canals than Venice.
Today, the canal belt of Amsterdam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amsterdam is also known as the “Venice of the North” (Photo by Dr. Uwe Merkel).
There are many types of cruises and boat tours in Amsterdam. We’ve compared the most popular options to help you quickly find the tour that best fits your travel plans:
Please hold your smartphone horizontally.
Classic Canal Cruise Open Boat Cruise Canal Cruise with Dining Hop-on-Hop-off Boat Evening Cruise
Duration ~ 1 hour ~ 1 – 1.5 hours ~ 1 – 1.5 hours Day Pass ~ 1.5 hours
Price(2025) from €15 p.p. from €25 p.p. from €40 p.p. from €30 p.p.
(24 hrs) from €20 p.p.
Features Audio guide,
large covered boats (weatherproof),
low price Smaller boats,
live guide,
drinks included (optional) 1. “Pizza Cruise
incl. pizza & drinks
2. Dinner Cruise
incl. 4-course menu Flexible boarding and disembarking Romantic, great photo spots along illuminated canals, optional drinks & snacks
Popular With
All visitors Groups,
families,
photographers Groups,
couples,
families First-time visitors,
families,
time-limited travelers Couples,
photographers
Canal cruises are a favorite among both tourists and locals. From the water, the city reveals a completely different perspective—with stunning views of historic merchant houses, bridges, and hidden courtyards.
Here’s a closer look at the most popular canal cruises:
A classic canal cruise is the perfect introduction to Amsterdam – informative, relaxing, and ideal for first-time visitors.
The covered boats of the classic canal cruise offer a great experience in any weather (Image: © travelguide.amsterdam)
A cruise on an open boat offers a more intimate and authentic experience—perfect in good weather and for those who want something more personal.
The canal cruise in an open boat offers many great photo opportunities (Image: © Bob C Images).
These cruises combine the beauty of Amsterdam’s canals with culinary experiences like cheese tasting, pizza, or a gourmet 4-course dinner.
A different kind of meal – on a boat tour on the canals in Amsterdam in the evening (Image: © Manuel Barroso).
A cruise at sunset or after dark shows Amsterdam in a magical, romantic light – calm, peaceful, and perfect for photography.
The canals of Amsterdam offer a beautiful evening atmosphere and great photo opportunities (image: © Cor Oosterbeek).
Hop-on hop-off boats allow you to explore the city by water and get on or off at various stops near key attractions.
Hop-on hop-off can also be done by boat in Amsterdam (Image: © travelguide.amsterdam).
The I amsterdam City Card includes a free 1-hour canal cruise with one of the major providers (e.g., Lovers or Stromma). No reservation required.
➡️ More information about the I amsterdam City Card
Combo tickets include entrance to major museums or attractions, plus a canal cruise – perfect for those who want to see a lot in a short time.
Skip-the-line access + 1-hour cruise.
Price: ~€38 p.p.
Skip-the-line access + 1-hour cruise.
Price: ~€40
Skip-the-line access + 1-hour cruise.
Price: ~€35 adults / €25 children (4–13)
Includes 90-minute Heineken tour + ~45-minute cruise. (18+ only)
Price: ~€25
✅ Dogs on Board
Some operators do not allow dogs (except assistance dogs). Check with the provider in advance.
✅ Accessibility
Some boats are wheelchair accessible. Smaller or open boats usually are not. Check the provider’s website for details.
✅ Languages & Audio Guides
Most classic tours offer audio guides in several languages including English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. Open boats often have live commentary (mostly in English).
✅ Weather Conditions
Most cruises run year-round in all weather. Classic boats are covered and heated. Open boats run only in dry conditions. Bring rain gear, warm clothes, or sun protection depending on the season.
✅ Cruising with Kids
Shorter tours (30–60 mins) are ideal for families, especially on open boats or with child-friendly audio. Many operators offer family tickets or free rides for kids under 4.
Many large operators offer boats with flat entry and space for wheelchairs. Smaller or open boats usually are not.
Find more info, updated prices, and a comparison in our online guide.
In our opinion, there is no such thing as “the best” canal cruise — after all, it largely depends on personal preference.
Based on our experience, the classic tour is ideal for first-time visitors because it is informative and comfortable. Those who prefer a more personalized experience can take a canal cruise in a smaller open boat with a personal guide. Couples often prefer an evening cruise with an atmosphere, while families can benefit from shorter tours or flexible hop-on, hop-off boats.
You can find further information, current prices, and our booking tips in our online travel guide.
Yes, many are great for families. Shorter or open-boat rides are ideal. Some providers offer family-friendly guides or discounts. Kids under 4 often ride for free.
More info and ticket tips are available in our guide.
Yes, classic cruises operate year-round. Boats are covered and heated. Open boats only run in dry weather. Cruises may be cancelled during storms or strong winds.
Full info and updated tips can be found in our guide.
We recommend online booking—especially in peak season or for evening/special tours. Many sell out fast, especially in good weather.
See our guide for booking tips and current prices and comparisons.
You can find more information about canal cruises in Amsterdam, including current prices and our booking tips, in our online travel guide. You can also find a direct comparison there.