10 Best Ways to Cruise the Canals of Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Boat Center is a highly rated operator that hosts classic canal cruises of the city. A 90-minute excursion takes place on a traditional and authentic 20th-century sedan boat. You get to cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals, sailing past iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum.

A knowledgeable captain provides commentary throughout the cruise, giving you a good general overview of the historic gabled buildings and other sights. A free cup of coffee or tea and refreshments are included, too.

The City Sightseeing Amsterdam hop-on, hop-off boat provides the flexibility to embark and disembark as you wish, which means you can visit a variety of major attractions while soaking up the charms of Amsterdam in a truly authentic and budget-friendly way.

Create your own enchanting tour by taking either the Green or Blue route, which can bring you to the National Maritime Museum, the Nemo Science Museum, Anne Frank House, the Amsterdam Icebar, Windmill de Gooyer Amsterdam, and more. While cruising the celebrated canals, you’ll listen to onboard commentary and witness the picturesque bridges, barges, and waterfront buildings with decorated gables.

Jewel Cruises is a leader when it comes to romantic tours in Amsterdam, especially excursions on antique riverboats. It’s a sailing restaurant offering a delicious 3-course candlelit dinner cruise, complete with background music and views of 17th-century canals.

The vessel has elegant features, such as rich mahogany red upholstery and a copper bar. While the route can change to suit special events, it often includes all the city highlights, including the Skinny Bridge along the Amstel River, Seven Bridges, and the Anne Frank House. Couples are even guaranteed a window seat.

Traversing the canals of Amsterdam in an open-air electric boat provides a quieter ride without the noise of a motor. Operated by Amsterdam Boat Trips, the beautifully restored century-old canal boats take advantage of modern technology, powered by underdeck batteries instead.

As it’s a small group tour, no headphones or microphones are needed. This provides an authentic way to enjoy and learn more about the city's many sights. Your host will provide you with a complimentary drink of your choice, and you can sample a Dutch treat while taking in the oldest part of the city.

Amsterdam is a destination where people often come to let loose and get a little wild, so it’s no surprise that you can party out on the water in the form of a booze cruise. Ultimate Party Amsterdam is a pub crawl host that offers this experience almost every night of the week.  

A fun way to celebrate a birthday, stag, or bachelorette party, you’ll have fun exploring this scenic city for 90 minutes, all with a drink in hand. Tours can be customized if you want to add special extras, like tasty bubbly to sip as you weave through the canals.

The Amsterdam Food & Canals Tour by Eating Europe Food Tours brings the ideal combination of a walking food tour and a cruise through the UNESCO-listed canals. In total, the 4-hour excursion takes you to the city's best local haunts, where you’ll delve into Dutch food traditions and meet some of the city’s food icons.

As you explore several neighbourhoods, you’ll dine and drink along the way, with a dozen tastings included such as gouda cheese and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), along with cider and beer. Once aboard your private boat, you’ll enjoy delicious Dutch wine and snacks too. Your local guide will enhance your Amsterdam canal tour by revealing some of their own stories about the city.

M&M SUP Amsterdam offers stand-up paddleboarding tours for those looking to enjoy an active and unforgettable way to experience the beautiful canals and bridges of Amsterdam. It provides yet another unique perspective, paddling while enjoying fabulous views that include hundreds of historic buildings.

As you’ll be standing at full height, you’ll have a vantage point for viewing both the water and what’s out on the horizon. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active during your Amsterdam trip. Customized tours are also available, including private options that are great for a family or group of friends.

Do you like the idea of exploring Amsterdam’s canals independently? Why not be the captain of your own boat? Adam’s Boats offers affordable boat rentals by the hour with no license required. These vessels are battery-powered, comfortable and easy to steer, while the speed is set with a joystick.

You’ll be able to cruise the winding canals with your family or friends in peace, without the loud sounds of a motor. Sail the route of your choice or pick from a variety of routes by Adam’s Boats. Each boat offers space for up to 9 passengers and includes a sailing map with detailed instructions.