Set sail on the 5 best cruises in Amsterdam for a new perspective on the city
We used to think exploring Amsterdam meant endless walking and visiting every tourist attraction on the map, like we’d just settle on museums and picnic spots around the city.
Little did we know, there’s more to discover in the waters just like on land. And we’re not talking about snorkelling or fishing, but if you’ve heard of great cruises, that’s it.
Cruises in Amsterdam are well-known among locals and tourists for offering a unique perspective of the city’s iconic canals and historic architecture. Over the years, we’ve tried some of the best ones, and we’d like you to try them too.
So, check out our list and book your next tour.
1. Lovers Canal Cruises
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Website: https://www.lovers.nl/en/
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 20B, 1012 TL
Contact: +31 20 214 3111
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Lovers Canal Cruises is proud to be an official partner of SAIL Amsterdam. If you didn’t know, SAIL Amsterdam is a spectacular event that showcases historic tall ships, naval vessels, and boats from around the world.
This year, it offers front-row views of one of the most breathtaking maritime parades, the SAIL-In Parade. You can join from the water to see the vessels arrive, or catch a canal cruiser from Central Station or the Anne Frank House to sail smoothly alongside these impressive ships.
We joined the hop-on, hop-off boat tour, which turned out to be one of the most convenient ways to explore Amsterdam’s panoramic views. This service offers 24- or 48-hour tickets that allow you to board and disembark at various stops.
You’ll also like that the tour includes audio guides in 18 languages, including Arabic, Korean, and Portuguese.
Pro Tip:
Download the City Sightseeing Amsterdam app to track boats in real time and plan your boarding, especially at busy spots like Central Station, where the lines can get pretty long during peak times.
2. Stromma
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Website: https://www.stromma.com/en-nl/amsterdam/
Address: Damrak 16, Pier 5, 1012 LH
Contact: +31 20 217 0501
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:10 AM – 9:50 PM | Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:50 PM
Pricing: €€
Stromma’s themed cruises offer a delightful way to experience Amsterdam’s canals. If you’re in the mood for a laid-back yet tasty experience, their Dinner Cruise is perfect.
But if you love pizza, you might want to check out the Amsterdam Pizza Cruise. During a fun 90-minute tour, you can enjoy freshly made pizzas and unlimited drinks.
For a more elegant experience, the Cheese & Wine Cruise offers a selection of top-notch Dutch cheeses paired with fine wines as you glide through the UNESCO-listed canals.
If cocktails are more your style, the Cocktail Cruise serves up drinks like the Pornstar Martini and Espresso Martini, along with complimentary snacks. All of these you can enjoy while you take in the stunning views of iconic 17th-century canal houses.
Pro Tip:
Consider renting a private boat with a skilled skipper through Stromma for a more intimate experience. This offering includes electric open boats for up to 12 people. You’ll enjoy a personalised canal cruise without the stress of planning.
3. Voyage
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Website: https://voyageamsterdam.com/
Address: Singel 359, 1012 WJ
Contact: +31 20 244 7229
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Voyage invites you to indulge in a luxurious canal cruising experience. Their high-end cruises feature an old-school boat and a super comfy setup. They also have live guides and a bar on board that offers drinks by the glass.
Make sure that you make it to their Evening Cruise. This lasts two hours, and you’ll drift past the pretty canal houses and then suddenly, you’re at the Skinny Bridge. Onboard, there’s a bar where you can purchase drinks and Dutch snacks.
But that’s not it because the cruise also passes by the intersection of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht, where you can view the famous Seven Bridges.
Pro Tip:
Spots can fill up fast, especially on weekends, so it’s best to book ahead online to secure your spot. You can easily check the available time slots or browse calendar dates on their website to plan your visit with ease.
4. Blue Boat
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Website: https://www.blueboat.nl/
Address: Stadhouderskade 501, 1071 ZD
Contact: +31 20 679 1370
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: €€
Blue Boat’s City Canal Cruise, a 75-minute adventure, takes you right through the heart of Amsterdam. It’s where you’ll spot landmarks like the Montelbaanstoren to the Magere Brug on the Amstel.
If you’re travelling with kids, we highly recommend the Kids Cruise. It features a fun audio story called ‘Wanted: Freshwater Pirates’, along with activity booklets and pirate binoculars to keep the little ones engaged.
On those lovely sunny days, you should definitely try the Canal Cruise Sloop. This sloop can go through narrow canals, so its skipper will take you to the nicest, well-known canals and the lesser-known corners of the city.
Prices for these cruises usually range from €14 to €26 per person, which honestly feels pretty fair considering you’ll get drinks and enjoy a 75- to 90-minute cruise.
Pro Tip:
Book your tour online in advance. You’ll usually get a discount, skip the ticket line, and lock in your preferred time.
5. Amsterdam Circle Line
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Website: https://amsterdamcircleline.nl/
Address: Prinsengracht 263, 1016 GV
Contact: +31 20 237 4322
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pricing: €€
The Amsterdam Circle Line offers a wonderful selection of canal cruises that truly highlight the city’s beauty.
One standout is the Tulip Boat Cruise. However, it’s a seasonal experience that runs from March 21 to May 30. If you decide to try it, you can enjoy a one-hour cruise departing from two central locations: the Anne Frank House and Amsterdam Central Station.
We also liked the Hamburger Dinner Cruise. We were served mouthwatering Black Angus beef burgers on a perfectly toasted sesame bun with melted cheddar, grilled onions, and a special sauce.
And you know what’s more impressive? The fleet is 100% electric. Yes, the Amsterdam Circle Line ensures a quiet and sustainable journey. But that doesn’t limit the experience because the boat is equipped with open rear decks and glass roofs.
Pro Tip:
Time your cruise just before sunset. Trust me, Amsterdam’s canals look extra magical in the golden hour light, perfect for that IG story.