Find Your Amsterdam Canal Cruise
- Multiple Cruises Options
- Multiple Language Options
- Multiple Route Options
- Multiple Duration Options
Choose Your Cruise
Discover the soul of Amsterdam with one of this best-sellers cruises:
The Best Way to See Amsterdam!
A canal cruise in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most popular and iconic attractions for visitors. The canals in Amsterdam are one of the city’s most recognizable symbols, and coming all the way here without taking a canal cruise would be a real missed opportunity.
There is a wide variety of canal cruise options in Amsterdam. You can choose from daytime cruises, evening cruises, dinner cruises, booze cruises, and many other experiences. So let’s set off and see which cruise suits you best.
Select Your Cruise Type
How much will it cost you?
Prices vary from company to company depending on the type of cruise you choose. On average, a standard sightseeing cruise costs between €17 and €20 per person with all the leading cruise companies. If you opt for more special cruises such as a booze cruise, a smoke-free cruise, or a premium evening cruise, prices usually range from about €25 to €40. In the case of a dinner cruise, the average price is around €100 per person.
If you would like to see a detailed breakdown of cruise prices from the leading companies in Amsterdam by type and compare them, check out our full guide on Amsterdam canal cruise tickets prices.
All the Details to Find the Right Cruise
Top Sights You Will See
Although the cruise route changes depending on the company you choose, in general every cruise will pass by some of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks such as Jordaan, the Nine Streets, the Pijp, the Anne Frank House, and the iconic Skinny Bridge, among others.
- Read our full guide about Amsterdam canal cruise routes & highlights
Here are the main landmarks you will pass by on a standard canal cruise in Amsterdam:
Top Amsterdam Canal Cruise Providers
Plan Your Cruise
There is no official dress code for canal cruises in Amsterdam, so it is best to come in comfortable clothing that matches the season. If you choose an open boat without an enclosed or climate-controlled area, make sure to dress appropriately, as strong winds can occur during the cruise.
For dinner cruises, you may opt for a more polished look, but there is no formal dress code required by the cruise companies. In the case of a dinner cruise in Amsterdam, we would recommend going with smart casual.
Most major cruise companies here in Amsterdam operate their tours throughout the day, starting from 9:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening. If you are trying to decide between a day cruise and an evening cruise, we recommend going for a sunset cruise. It combines the best of both, allowing you to experience Amsterdam from the water in daylight as well as after dark.
The duration of canal cruises in Amsterdam with most major companies for a standard sightseeing cruise is about 1 hour. Many companies also operate more special cruises such as pizza cruises, cocktail cruises, lunch or dinner cruises, and other themed options, which usually last between 1.5 and 2 hours.
The departure points for cruises in Amsterdam are located in very central spots in the city and are extremely easy to reach. Most leading cruise companies offer boarding at Damrak Pier 5, the Rijksmuseum, Central Station, and the Anne Frank House.
FAQ
Yes. From our experience, it is always best to book tickets in advance so you can secure a cruise at the date and time that suit you. Booking ahead also allows you to better plan the timing and departure point of your cruise, as well as compare prices and find the most affordable option that fits your needs.
Most cruise companies in Amsterdam recommend arriving about 10 to 20 minutes before departure.
Yes. Most companies offer group bookings and in many cases provide discounts and special rates for groups. You will need to contact the company directly to receive a personalized price quote for your group.
Most boats from the major companies do have restrooms, but some do not. For example, with the popular Lovers company, most of the boats are equipped with restrooms, but they clearly state that some vessels do not have them. If you want to be certain, you should contact the company directly to confirm.
The Amsterdam cruise port, also known as the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), is located relatively close to the city center, making it convenient for cruise passengers to explore the city’s attractions. The cruise port is situated on the IJ river, just east of Amsterdam Centraal, the city’s main railway station. The walking distance from the cruise terminal to Amsterdam Centraal is approximately 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles), which takes about 15-20 minutes on foot.
Most cruises you will find here in Amsterdam include an audio guide rather than a live guide. The audio guide provides commentary on the landmarks you pass during the cruise. The main language offered is English, though some companies provide additional language options.