Exploring Amsterdam with a Boat Cruise: 10 Useful Tips for A Memorable Experience

Netherlands, , 85 Comments

Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025

A trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a visit to the world-famous canals of the city.

Amsterdam’s 165 canals have a total length of 75 km. They were built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century to enhance the city’s transportation system and foster trade relations.

Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site defines Amsterdam’s landscape and going on a boat ride is one of the best ways to appreciate this urban canal ring and waterways, as everything in and around the city seems more magical when you set eyes on it from the boat. 

A tour around the network of canals also provides a glimpse into the city’s past and present, as well as fantastic photo options, especially as you nip under the city’s many charming bridges and pass by elegant 17th-century mansions and various neighbourhoods.

Read More: 10+ Crucial Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Marrakech For The First Time

One of many wonderful canals in Amsterdam

As we glided past the former homes of Dutch traders,  sipping on a glass of juice and nibbling on cheese, we passed the city’s most famous landmarks — including the Jordaan neighbourhood and the Rijksmuseum — and listened to our guide share insight into Amsterdam’s rich trading history and culture.

The private cruise took us through Amsterdam’s iconic canals on an electric saloon boat, which was a more relaxing experience compared to our very first boat ride, which was together with dozens of other tourists.

The entire experience was intimate and educational, and the level of service was top-notch.

Instead of a pre-recorded audio guide, you have to listen to a regular tourist boat. Our skipper – a quite charismatic gentleman – was an English-speaking local guide who knew all the ins and outs of Amsterdam and could tell us everything we wanted to know.

Read More: 8 Memorable Things To Do In Ghent, Belgium | Attractions and Activities

The Dancing Houses, Amsterdam

Tips And Recommendations for a Fun Boat Tour in Amsterdam

You’ll find no shortage of canal boat tours in Amsterdam, and in truth, most of them offer fantastic experiences, but some stand out for different reasons.

Whether you choose to join a group tour, make your own ride or hire a private boat, our recommendations and tips will come in handy.

Different Boat Tours To Choose From

Choosing the right tour can be overwhelming as there are so many options, each offering a unique experience – luxury or budget-friendly, day or night, small group or large boats?

Which canal tour is the best will most likely depend on your budget and itinerary. Here are the ones you can choose from:

  • Classic 1-Hour Canal Tour – This is a quick and convenient way to see the canals. Lovers and Storma are the leading companies for cheap and cheerful rides, as they can accommodate more people.
  • Environment-Friendly Canal Boat Tours – These are perfect if you wish to avoid noisy rides and opt for an electric boat instead. Additionally, you get to fish plastic out of the canals while cruising through Amsterdam.
  • Pedal Boat – If you wish to have a unique experience riding the canals, why not book a pedal boat for some fun and exercise? This way, you are in charge of the route and can explore Amsterdam at your own pace.
  • Hop-on and Hop-Off Canal Boat Ride – an all-day hop-on, hop-off tour gives you transportation and flexibility to explore the canals as you can choose to hop on and off at any of the 7 stops along the route.
  • Private Canal Tours With A Tour Guide – One of the best ways to see the city is on a private tour, as you will get to see hidden gems and spectacular canals that other big boat tours just can’t reach.

Read More: The UK Travel Guide: The Most Enchanting Villages in the Cotswolds You Should Visit

The famous seven bridges of the Reguliersgracht canal in Amsterdam.

Book Your Boat Tour In Advance

By booking a tour in advance, you get to compare prices, read reviews, secure a spot on the boat and know exactly what you get.

There are many tours to pick from, and it can be quite overwhelming to choose the right one when booking online.

It gets even tougher when you arrive in the city and are faced with dozens of different companies offering tours from various locations at various durations and prices.

Another reason why we advise you to book in advance is that boats fill up pretty fast, especially from April to September, when the tourist crowds descend on the city.

  • How to book – To make a reservation online, simply select the date and time you want to depart, as well as indicate how many people are in your group.

Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel By Train At Least Once In Your Lifetime

Beautiful architecture and crooked houses along the way

Avoid Weekends and Peak Times

Because taking a boat ride in the city is one of the top things to do, canals in Amsterdam can get terribly crowded with boats of all shapes and sizes zigzagging left and right, especially on weekends or holidays.

If the weather is nice and sunny, locals take out their boats for a ride too, so at times, on sunny summer weekends, canals look like a beehive.

For a more relaxed experience, we took a canal cruise on a weekday late in the afternoon. Not only was it much quieter on and around the canals, but we also didn’t get stuck in a ‘traffic jam’ on the canals.

  • Tip – Strive to book a ride for early in the morning (9-10.30 AM) or late in the afternoon ( 4-5 PM)

Read More: Belfast Bucket List: The 10 Best Things To See and Do In The City

Here, you can see Munttoren Tower, which is part of the old Amsterdam City Wall.

Dress Accordingly

With open boats, fluctuating weather and potential rain,  you’ll want to dress practically and in layers for the seasonal weather, as you may encounter drops in temperature and wind.

A jacket or an extra sweater will provide warmth if it’s breezy, while scarves, hats and gloves are a must for fall and spring trips.

If you are visiting during the summer, make sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses.

The summer temperatures may not be as harsh as in other parts of Europe, but you’ll want to protect yourself from the sun’s rays as you can still get a bad sunburn.

Read More: 8+ Inspiring Mountain Books You Should Read This Year

Beautiful gingerbread houses touching the water

 Opt For an Open-Boat Tour

To feel the full sensation of gliding under a low bridge, we suggest you book an open boat tour, as you won’t be encumbered by a glass roof over the boat, which makes viewing and taking pictures a lot better!

Also, many of the open boats have an onboard bar, so you get to order a drink, sit back, and take in the beauty of the city.

We’ve taken a closed-roof boat tour on a few occasions, too, and while it wasn’t a bad overall experience despite the sunny weather, the windows were only partially open, and we had obstructed views.

Those passengers who arrived last didn’t get a window seat and therefore couldn’t see much.

So nowadays, we always opt for an open boat ride as all the comfortably padded seats are along the side, which means everyone gets to enjoy the views.

Read More: The Very Best Madeira Activities For A Fun-Filled Portuguese Vacation

The view from the water never gets boring

Go on a Boat Cruise At the Beginning Of Your Trip

If you are going to Amsterdam for the very first time, go on a boat tour at the beginning of the trip, as it is a fantastic introduction to the city and a great way to get your bearings.

Not only is a boat tour a great way to increase your knowledge about Amsterdam and snap a few photos, but it is also a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems and cute street corners that you can go back to later in your trip. 

We took the boat trip on our very first day in the city, and it felt as if the unique architecture came alive when we viewed it from the water and therefore left a great impression.

Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh At Least Once

Passing by Paleis van Justitie, designed by Claus en Kaan Architecten 

Save Money With an Amsterdam City Card

The I Amsterdam City Card is a great way to save money, as with this card, you get to see many of the city’s attractions and also go on a canal boat ride.

Yes, in addition to free bike rental for one day and free access to public transportation around central Amsterdam, the card also includes a free canal ride, which is a perfect opportunity to sail through the city’s vast canal system.

You also get the freedom to choose which boat operators you’d like to pick. The ones included are Canal Tours Amsterdam, Lovers Canal Cruises, Blue Boat Company, 100 Highlights Cruise and Stromma.

You can get your Amsterdam card by visiting the iamsterdam.com website and then picking it up in the city at the I Amsterdam Store, which is located on the north side of Amsterdam Central Station.

Read More: A Wee Guide To Some Of The Best Things To See and Do In Brittany, France

Amsterdam canals at night

Final Thoughts on the Amsterdam Boat Cruise

 I hope this post will give you a better idea of what to expect and help you plan a truly memorable boat tour.

Over the years, we’ve been on various boat tours in Amsterdam and can vouch that it is a true adventure for the mind and body. So, if you find yourself in this beautiful city, don’t hesitate to book a boat tour experience. 

Just make sure you follow the rules, avoid drugs and alcohol during the boat trip, and stay safe on the water.

Read More: 50 Fantastic Travel Blog Post Ideas For When You Are Stuck At Home

Dancing Houses during the day, Amsterdam

… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …

Now, over to you!

Have you been on a boat tour in Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Amsterdam and have travel-related questions!

Subscribe

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to stay up to date with all our outdoor adventures

Enter your email below to receive updates.

You can find Our Crossings on Facebook and Instagram

Unknown's avatar

Posted by

Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

85 thoughts on “Exploring Amsterdam with a Boat Cruise: 10 Useful Tips for A Memorable Experience”

    1. Experiencing the beauty of Amsterdam from the water on a cruise along the city’s picturesque canals is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. I hope you get to do it one day. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  2. What a fabulous guide. The open boat experience definitely sounds like the best way, soaking up all those sights and sounds. My only experience of Amsterdam was more than 35 years ago, as part of a Contiki tour. It was interesting, colourful and fun but there was no boat ride. Wonderful photos!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Miriam 🙂 It was great to sit back and relax as we glided along the water and got a new perspective of some of the city’s most famous landmarks like the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, and the charming neighbourhood of Jordaan. I am glad to hear you had a great time visiting Amsterdam 35 years ago. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, John. We had wonderful weather for exploring Amsterdam and seeing its many attractions. I especially loved it during the night because when the sun sets the canals glow with the thousand fairy lights along the water. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. The only reason why we are such frequent visitors to Amsterdam is because we have family and friends who live in the city. You know, it’s easy to associate Amsterdam with coffee shops, canals and red lights, but there’s a depth of culture and aesthetic appeal that rivals any city in Europe, so I hope you get to explore it one day. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

      1. It’s one of those cities that seems to get more and more popular and crowded, and I have to admit that puts me off, but I’m sure there are lots of reasons to visit.

        Like

        Reply

    1. That’s so true, Sheree! Going on a boat trip was the best part of our trip as we discovered hidden corners in Amsterdam’s scenic waterways unreachable by many boats. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad you found it useful. You know, I had no idea there was a ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam. As I’ve been looking for a way to bring our car to that part of mainland Europe, I had to look it up – the journey only takes around 15 hours and would be a breeze as it is done overnight. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. A number of years ago my mom and I went on a Viking River Cruise that started in Amsterdam, so we added a few days at the beginning of the trip so we could explore the city. We took an open-air (1-hour??) canal cruise and it was delightful. I like your advice about doing it at the beginning of your trip. That makes so much sense.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am glad you have fond memories of a canal cruise in Amsterdam. I’ve been on various boat trips in the city, but this was my first time on a private tour. It was a great way to enjoy unobstructed views of Amsterdam’s picturesque waterfront and learn about its history. I had to look up Viking River Cruise and now my travel wish list expanded to unseen heights – they even have a Nile cruise where you can spend days drifting in luxury between the country’s ancient sights! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. What a lovely time! I’d definitely enjoy riding along the canals. It’s nice to have a tour guide so you can enjoy all the views and take all the beautiful pictures. I’ve only been to the Amsterdam airport on a layover, but one day I’ll take a real visit 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. We had a great time, Lyssy as it was so much fun to sail through the heart of the city, exploring its rich history and culture whilst cruising past some of the most iconic sites of Amsterdam. Having a local and knowledgeable skipper who provided us with insightful information and was always ready to answer any questions we had was a big bonus. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. I am glad you have lovely memories from Amsterdam.  It is a city vibrant in culture and has a strong presence of healthy living. Everywhere you turn, people are commuting by bicycle, sipping coffee on outdoor patios, taking in Museums, socializing with friends over great food and wine, and shopping at the many wonderful boutiques. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad you enjoyed the boat tour in Amsterdam. It’s a fantastic way to take in all the sights and learn about local history as well as get a different perspective of the Dutch capital while avoiding the crowds. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Hello, dear Luisa. I am glad to hear that my post brought back many lovely memories. I loved going on a canal cruise, marvelling at the clear, mirrored reflections of canal homes on the water while we slowly floated past many city landmarks. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I hope you get to enjoy a boat cruise in Amsterdam, Maggie as cruising down the city’s iconic canals is one of the best ways to take in the sights and landmarks. From what I’ve heard, an evening Canal Cruise is a must as you get to pass by floodlit landmarks such as the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House and savour the twinkling lights and silhouettes of the canal bridges, merchants’ houses and churches. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly. Taking a canal cruise is a great way to enjoy front-row views of the 17th-century gabled houses, bridges and leafy canal paths of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals and hear tales of Amsterdam’s culture and history. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  14. I have been to Amsterdam many times (both on pleasure and on business) and I have done the boat tour a few times (once during the day and once at night which was also great). It is a lovely city and I love going there though I understand it has become quite busy with tourists (We haven’t been since 2014!). (Suzanne)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am glad to hear you’ve been on a boat tour around Amsterdam’s famous canals, too. I find it’s a great way to soak up unobstructed city views and learn about attractions like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. We visited in early May and the city was already packed with visitors from around the world.  This was especially visible in tourist spots such as Dam Square, Vondelpark and De Jordaan, and also in markets and shopping streets such as Albert Cuyp and Kalverstraat. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  15. We took a canal cruise in 201y7 and it was a highlight. A very good way to see the city from a different angle. Lovers Tours had a multilingual tour commentary that explained a lot and when to take the best photos. Thanks for sharing Aive. Happy Monday. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am glad to hear you have fond memories from your boat tour around the canals. A cruise on Amsterdam’s canals is a must for any first-time visitor! We did it early in our trip and got a great perspective of the wonderful city. Thanks for stopping by and happy 1st of November 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  16. Very useful tips on how to explore and enjoy Amsterdam’s canals! It has been over eight years since I last visited Amsterdam, and I think I’m overdue for a return trip! There’s something so beautiful about strolling along the canals and taking in the historic buildings along the water…Thanks for sharing your guide with us, Aiva!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am glad you enjoyed my post. The best thing about boat cruises in Amsterdam is that they come in many shapes and sizes, so you can choose the perfect experience for you. As we travelled with the girls, we chose a private, family-friendly boat tour led by a local. I think it would be fun to discover the unique atmosphere of Amsterdam at night, too as you could see the thousands of lights that illuminate the bridges and canal houses which give the city a magical appearance. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Glenys. Boat tours are a must when visiting Amsterdam as you get to discover the unique beauty of Amsterdam and see a new side of the city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Francisco 🙂 Boat trips are a great way to discover the beautiful city of Amsterdam, glide under pretty bridges, past 17th-century buildings and landmarks like the Anne Frank House, and learn about the city’s history. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Taking a boat tour is a fabulous way to explore Amsterdam and how lovely to treat yourself with a private cruise. That sounds waaaaay more enjoyable than being crammed in there with other people. The open boat tour definitely sounds like the way to go.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. A private canal tour was a memorable experience as it offered an intimate and comfortable environment to enjoy the beautiful city of Amsterdam while savouring a bite. Of course, it was more expensive but in consultation with the captain, you can organize the cruise in exactly the way you want which was just the thing we were looking for as we travelled with small children. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Seeing the city from a different angle was my favourite part of the Baot trip –  the city is magical and the water offers a beautiful perspective on the many bridges, unique canal houses and historic buildings. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. A boat tour is a great way to get unobstructed views of canal-side attractions from the water and learn about its rich history and culture whilst cruising past some of the most iconic sites of Amsterdam. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. This looks like a lot of fun! It’s definitely something I would do when I go to Amsterdam one day. When do you think is the best time to go to have sunny weather in the city? Too often I stumbled across photos of it with gray clouds.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. It was! The canals provide a tranquil oasis amid the bustling city, and I couldn’t think of a better way to enjoy the city than by sitting back, relaxing and learning about the Dutch lifestyle all while indulging in local beverages.

      As for when to visit Amsterdam – summer is the best time for bike tours, boat tours, and visiting the outdoor markets. Although, the beginning of fall often maintains a summer-like feel, making it a great time for outdoor activities like biking, exploring, or going on a food tour!

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  24. I love Amsterdam and have visited a few times now but sadly, never have I taken a boat ride! You’ve made me want to do this now and your tips are excellent Aiva.

    Your Dancing Houses is great as are all your photos! Have a wonderful day, Nilla 🙂 x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Nilla. I’ve seen Dancing Houses during the day, but this was the first time I had a chance to photograph them at night. I have to say that the crooked canal houses bring out their best look during nighttime, with attractive lights and beautiful reflections on the canal.

      As for a boat ride – cruising down Amsterdam’s iconic canals is one of the best activities in the city. Our skipper shared the city’s most beautiful spots which made for a very memorable boat ride.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  25. I can’t think of a better way to explore Amsterdam than on a boat (especially since there are so many canals) … it’s just perfect! Lovely photos – I especially like one of The Dancing Houses with the reflections in the water. You give a lot of good tips here in your post Aiva – something we can keep in mind when we ever get the opportunity to visit Amsterdam.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hello, Corna, it’s lovely to see you here!

      Enjoying the 17th-century gabled houses, bridges and leafy canal paths as we glided along the city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals and listening to the informative commentary of passing attractions from our skipper, was the best introduction to the city and its history. It was also a great way to escape the crowds on land and an opportunity to put my feet up as on the previous day, we’d done a lot of walking.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. I am glad you found them useful, Diana! Going on a private boat tour with a smaller boat is a fantastic way to see hidden gems and spectacular canals that other big boat tours just can’t reach. I can highly recommend it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It is a fantastic way to see the city especially if you get to sail through the oldest and most beautiful parts of the city enjoying a drink of choice. We travelled on a small cosy boat that had plenty of refreshments and premium seating which provided a truly local and intimate feeling for our open boat tour. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the best views of Amsterdam’s canal houses and houseboats. At first, I wasn’t sure about the trip as Lilly is very active and and always wants to crawl/walk everywhere, but much to my surprise, she was pretty content with the cruise and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by and happy 1st of November 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It really is a must-do when in Amsterdam. Our skipper was well-paced, humorous and knowledgeable which made the whole trip even more enjoyable and memorable. Thanks for stopping by, and happy 1st of November 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly! Seeing and capturing the famous Dancing Houses and their beautiful reflection was a moment to remember and so was going on a boat tour.  While the experience of being out on the water is easily the highlight of the trip, the boat trip is only enhanced by the food and wine that accompanies it as well as stories you get to hear about the city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. It is a beautiful city to explore on a boat and discover the magic of Amsterdam’s waterways. Thanks for making the time to stop by as I know far too well that time is not exactly on your side in the first few months of being a mommy. I hope all is well 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I hope you had a great time on a boat tour in Amsterdam. We were in a city for a few days and did so much walking that it was so nice for a change to put my feet up and let the boat take us on a tour and show us different neighbourhoods and amazing views. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad to hear that you have fond memories of a trip to Amsterdam. As we have family in the Dutch city, we are quite frequent visitors, but I never tire of seeing its wonderful canals and beautiful gingerbread houses. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to NortheastAllie Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.