Amsterdam, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” is a city defined by its picturesque canals and waterways. There is no better way to explore this vibrant city than by taking a canal cruise or water tour. I have had the pleasure of experiencing several water-based activities in Amsterdam. In this comprehensive guide, I will share my detailed experiences with three canal cruises I personally enjoyed and recommend four other must-try water tours. I will provide insights on services, pros and cons, specific locations, routes, discounts, and booking platforms to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
My Personal Experiences
1. Classic Canal Cruise
Overview
The Classic Canal Cruise is a quintessential Amsterdam experience that allows you to explore the city’s historic canals, offering picturesque views of 17th-century architecture, iconic bridges, and lively houseboats. I opted for a one-hour tour with Lovers Canal Cruises, renowned for its quality service and insightful tours in Amsterdam.
Experience
Boarding the comfortable, glass-roofed boat was a delightful start to the tour. The crew greeted us warmly, and we embarked on a guided journey through Amsterdam’s renowned canal belt, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The onboard guide provided engaging commentary, enriching our experience with stories about the city’s history, famous landmarks, and cultural significance.
- Pros: The tour offered informative and captivating commentary in multiple languages, ensuring all guests could appreciate Amsterdam’s rich heritage. The boat’s glass roof provided unobstructed views, perfect for capturing photos of the city’s iconic sights. Comfortable seating enhanced the overall experience, allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Cons: During peak tourist seasons, especially in summer, the cruises can be quite popular, resulting in crowded boats. However, booking online in advance, often with a 10% discount through the Lovers Canal Cruises website, can help secure a spot and mitigate this issue.
- Location: The cruise departs from Prins Hendrikkade 25, conveniently located near Amsterdam Central Station. This central departure point makes it easily accessible for tourists staying in the city center.
- Route: The Classic Canal Cruise covers major canals including Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht, providing a comprehensive view of Amsterdam’s historic waterways and scenic landmarks.
- Additional Offerings: Lovers Canal Cruises offers various tour options, including evening cruises with romantic settings and themed tours focusing on Amsterdam’s architecture or cultural heritage. These options cater to diverse interests and preferences among visitors.
- Booking Platform: For convenience and savings, booking directly on the Lovers Canal Cruises website (lovers.nl) is recommended. Online bookings often come with discounts and allow guests to choose specific departure times that fit their schedules.
2. Evening Canal Cruise
Overview
An evening canal cruise offers a captivating perspective of Amsterdam as the city transforms under the soft glow of twilight. For my experience, I opted for the Amsterdam Evening Cruise with Blue Boat Company, renowned for its serene and romantic voyages along Amsterdam’s iconic waterways.
Experience
As the boat departed from Stadhouderskade 30, near Leidseplein, the setting sun bathed the city in a warm, golden light, setting the stage for a magical evening. The atmosphere was enchanting, with the shimmering reflections of illuminated bridges and elegantly lit canal houses creating a picturesque backdrop.
- Pros: The Amsterdam Evening Cruise provided a romantic ambiance perfect for couples and those seeking a tranquil, less crowded experience compared to daytime cruises. The complimentary drink onboard added to the relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to unwind while enjoying the views.
- Cons: While the evening ambiance was ideal for romance and relaxation, the reduced visibility in low light conditions meant that capturing sharp photos of the scenery could be more challenging compared to daytime cruises.
- Location: Departing from Stadhouderskade 30, near Leidseplein, the departure point offers convenient access for tourists staying in the city center, making it easy to incorporate into an evening itinerary.
- Route: The Amsterdam Evening Cruise by Blue Boat Company navigates through Amsterdam’s famous canals, including the elegant Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and other notable landmarks. This curated route ensures guests experience the city’s enchanting night views from a unique vantage point.
- Additional Offerings: Blue Boat Company provides various themed cruises and private charter options, catering to different preferences ranging from historical tours to culinary experiences aboard their fleet of comfortable and modern vessels.
- Discounts: Couples booking online can enjoy a 15% discount, making it an attractive option for a romantic evening outing in Amsterdam.
- Booking Platform: Guests are encouraged to book directly through the Blue Boat Company website (blueboat.nl) to secure their preferred cruise time and take advantage of special discounts offered exclusively online.
3. Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
Overview
The Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour offers a convenient and flexible way to explore Amsterdam’s iconic attractions at your own pace. I opted for a 24-hour pass with Stromma Netherlands, known for its comprehensive tours and reliable service across Amsterdam’s picturesque canals.
Experience
Embarking from Central Station, the Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour allowed me to customize my itinerary, starting with visits to renowned landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and the vibrant Jordaan district. Each boat was equipped with a multilingual audio guide, providing informative commentary in several languages, which enhanced my understanding of Amsterdam’s rich history and cultural significance at each stop.
- Pros: The tour’s flexibility was its greatest advantage, enabling me to hop on and off at multiple stops conveniently located near major attractions. This flexibility suited my exploration style, allowing me to spend more time at places of personal interest while skipping others if desired. The boats operated on a frequent and punctual schedule, ensuring minimal waiting time between transfers and maximizing my sightseeing time.
- Cons: To fully capitalize on the 24-hour pass, strategic planning was necessary to optimize the itinerary and make the most of the available stops and attractions covered by the tour route. Additionally, while the boats provided ample seating and clear audio guides, outdoor conditions such as weather could impact the comfort level during the cruise.
- Location: The Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour offered multiple departure points, including Central Station and the Rijksmuseum, strategically positioned to accommodate tourists staying in various parts of Amsterdam. This accessibility made it convenient to integrate into my exploration plans.
- Route: Stromma Netherlands’ Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour featured an extensive route encompassing Amsterdam’s major attractions and districts, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the city’s cultural and historical highlights. This included passing through the UNESCO-listed canal ring and navigating picturesque waterways lined with iconic architecture.
- Additional Offerings: Beyond standard passes, Stromma Netherlands offers specialized tours such as evening cruises, combination tickets with museum entries, and seasonal experiences like the Amsterdam Light Festival cruise during winter months.
- Discounts: Travelers can benefit from a 20% discount when purchasing the Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour pass with the I Amsterdam City Card, providing added value for those exploring Amsterdam’s attractions and cultural sites.
- Booking Platform: For convenience and accessibility, booking directly on the Stromma Netherlands website (stromma.nl) is recommended. This platform provides detailed information on tour routes, departure schedules, and special offers, ensuring a seamless planning and booking process.
Recommended Activities
1. Private Canal Tour
Overview
For a more personalized experience, a private canal tour is an excellent option. Companies like Pure Boats offer custom tours tailored to your interests, perfect for families or groups.
Experience
Although I haven’t personally taken this tour, friends have raved about the bespoke service and intimate setting. The private boats are luxurious, and the captains are knowledgeable, offering a unique insight into the city’s hidden gems.
- Pros: Personalized service, customizable routes, luxurious boats.
- Cons: More expensive than group tours.
- Location: Custom departure points.
- Route: Tailored to your preferences.
- Discounts: Discounts available for group bookings.
- Booking Platform: Book through the Pure Boats website (pureboats.nl).
2. Eco-Friendly Electric Boat Tour
Overview
For environmentally-conscious travelers, the Eco-Friendly Electric Boat Tour with Those Dam Boat Guys is a fantastic choice. These tours emphasize sustainability while providing an entertaining and informative experience.
Experience
I plan to take this tour on my next visit to Amsterdam. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable and witty guides who make the tour both fun and educational. The electric boats are quiet and environmentally friendly, enhancing the serene experience on the water.
- Pros: Eco-friendly, entertaining guides, quiet boats.
- Cons: Limited availability, book in advance.
- Location: Departure from Keizersgracht 198.
- Route: Covers main canals and lesser-known waterways.
- Discounts: Discounts for online bookings.
- Booking Platform: Book on the Those Dam Boat Guys website (thosedamboatguys.com).
3. Canal Bike Rental
Overview
For a unique and active way to explore the canals, renting a canal bike (pedal boat) is a great option. Canal Bike offers rentals for up to four people, allowing you to navigate the canals at your own pace.
Experience
Although I haven’t tried this yet, it’s high on my list for future visits. Canal bikes provide a fun and engaging way to see the city from the water. They are easy to operate and offer a great workout while sightseeing.
- Pros: Active and fun, self-guided, flexible timing.
- Cons: Requires physical effort, limited to certain areas.
- Location: Multiple rental locations, including Rijksmuseum and Leidseplein.
- Route: Self-guided, follow designated routes.
- Discounts: 10% discount with the I Amsterdam City Card.
- Booking Platform: Book on the Canal Bike website (canal.nl).
4. Luxury Dinner Cruise
Overview
For a truly luxurious experience, a dinner cruise with companies like Amsterdam Jewel Cruises offers a gourmet meal while cruising the canals. This is perfect for special occasions or a romantic evening.
Experience
Based on glowing reviews, this cruise offers a high-end dining experience with a multi-course meal and fine wine. The boat is elegantly decorated, and the service is top-notch. It’s an ideal way to enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam while indulging in exquisite cuisine.
- Pros: Gourmet dining, luxurious setting, excellent service.
- Cons: Expensive, limited availability.
- Location: Departure from Singel 235.
- Route: Includes iconic canals and landmarks.
- Discounts: Seasonal discounts available.
- Booking Platform: Book through the Amsterdam Jewel Cruises website (amsterdamjewelcruises.com).
Tips and Suggestions
Timing and Seasons
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, summer provides the opportunity to enjoy extended daylight hours.
- Peak Hours: Late morning to early afternoon can be crowded. Consider evening or early morning cruises for a quieter experience.
Booking Tips
- Advance Booking: Always book in advance, especially for popular tours and during peak tourist season.
- Combo Tickets: Look for combo tickets that include multiple attractions to save money.
- I Amsterdam City Card: This card offers free or discounted entry to many attractions and can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Practical Advice
- Weather Considerations: Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Many boats have covered areas to protect you from rain.
- Photography: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the beautiful architecture and scenic views. Evening cruises offer stunning opportunities for night photography.
- Accessibility: Check if the boat is wheelchair accessible if needed. Some older boats may have limited access.
Exploring Amsterdam by water is an unforgettable experience. From classic canal cruises to eco-friendly tours, there’s something for everyone. My personal experiences have shown me the magic of Amsterdam’s waterways, and I hope my recommendations help you plan your own adventure.
By taking advantage of discounts, booking in advance, and choosing the right type of tour for your interests, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable visit to this beautiful city. Whether you’re gliding past historic buildings on a classic cruise or enjoying a gourmet meal on a luxury dinner cruise, Amsterdam’s canals are sure to leave a lasting impression.