Our top 5 favourite canal cruises in Amsterdam

If you're visiting Amsterdam, there's one activity you shouldn't miss: a canal cruise! And there are many boat tours to choose from: a tour on a big or small boat, with or without drinks, covered or open, and there are many other options. There are now so many cruises that it's hard to decide which one to choose. That's why we are happy to share our 5 favourite boat tours in this blog. Hopefully, this will make it a lot easier to choose a cruise that suits your needs!

1. Sail through Amsterdam like a local on a small open boat

Lovely Cruises is the newest canal cruise company in Amsterdam and offers boat tours in small, luxurious open boats. Perfect for discovering what it feels like to sail through the canals like a true local. During this canal cruise, the captain will take you past both the famous and hidden spots of Amsterdam. You will not only discover the famous highlights, but also charming spots that the larger canal boats cannot reach. This makes the cruise a unique experience and allows you to discover a part of Amsterdam that you may never have seen before. This canal cruise is also very relaxing, as Lovely Cruises' boats are silent and fully electric and environmentally friendly. As you glide along the canals, treat yourself to a refreshing drink. 

You can book an open boat ticket that includes drinks beforehand, or order something you like from the small bar on board during the cruise. In addition, the boats are equipped with blankets and umbrellas, and in bad weather, a sail can be placed over the boat. This cruise starts and ends at two locations: the Anne Frank House and Central Station. With these convenient locations, you can continue exploring the city right after the cruise! The captain and guide on board are both very experienced and will guide you to the most beautiful and unique spots in Amsterdam.

2. Enjoy a pizza and a boat trip at the same time

When in Amsterdam, you simply can't miss out on a boat trip! Sail through the canals and make your adventure even more enjoyable with a delicious pizza from New York Pizza. The Pizza Cruise is an experience that's perfect to enjoy with your partner, family or friends. This cruise takes place in the evening when Amsterdam transforms into a magical setting with the many lights illuminating the city. In an hour, you will sail past iconic places such as the Anne Frank House, the Westertoren and the Skinny Bridge, all of which take on an extra special appearance in the dark. Admire the sights, the centuries-old bridges, the stately canal houses and the locals cycling by while enjoying the most delicious pizzas. Refreshing drinks such as Heineken beer, wine and soft drinks are also served on the boat. Enjoy a casual dinner together while exploring Amsterdam, because what could be more fun than eating pizza on the water?

3. Cruise past Amsterdam's top attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off

Step aboard CitySightseeing's Hop-On Hop-Off boat and explore Amsterdam's top attractions while enjoying a beautiful canal cruise. The great thing about travelling with the Hop-On Hop-Off boat is that you can get on and off whenever you want. The boat sails past many of the city's famous sights that are accessible from the water. These include the Amstel, the Rijksmuseum, the Albert Cuyp Market, the Westermarkt and much more. The Hop-On Hop-Off boat departs regularly and is the perfect way to travel from one attraction to another in a relaxed manner. Start at a stop that is convenient for you, enjoy the cruise and get off wherever you want. After your visit, simply continue on to the next hotspot. During the cruise, you can listen to an audio guide that tells you more about Amsterdam, available in nineteen languages. Discover all the highlights of Amsterdam at your own pace with the Hop-On Hop-Off cruise!

4. Enjoy unlimited pancakes during a cruise

The pancake boat takes you on 't IJ, the wide water next to the centre of Amsterdam. And the name says it all, because during this cruise you can enjoy unlimited typical Dutch pancakes! On board, the chefs bake fresh plain, apple and bacon pancakes. It doesn't matter which one you choose, because you can taste them all! Add delicious toppings to your pancake, choosing from fruit, syrup, jam, cheese, chocolate and more. A real Dutch classic is a pancake with syrup and cheese, very tasty and really worth trying! Enjoy pancakes while the boat glides across 't IJ. Admire the city from the water, from historic buildings and modern architecture to colourful ships and bustling docks. An experience that shows you Amsterdam in an unforgettable way and is fun for both young and old!

5. Discover Amsterdam's canals with a drink in your hand

Imagine yourself sailing through the canals of Amsterdam while enjoying a delicious drink, as the historic buildings and bridges slowly glide by. If that sounds like your ideal experience, then this boat trip is definitely for you. During the hour-long canal cruise, the captain will take you past the places the city is best known for: the Anne Frank House, the Herengracht, the Magere Brug and much more. This experience on the water is similar to the classic canal cruise, but with the added relaxation of a drink to sip while you admire the canals. You can choose from a selection of soft drinks, still or sparkling water, Heineken beer and white or red wine. Explore the canals of Amsterdam, enjoy as many drinks as you like and be enchanted by the historic city centre. During the cruise, you can listen to an audio tour, available in nineteen languages. In this audio guide, you will hear all kinds of interesting stories and facts about the places you encounter along the way. The boat is heated and covered, so you will always be comfortable. The boat conveniently departs from four different locations, so there is always a departure point near you, and the captain will bring you back there as well. This cruise departs from the following four locations: Central Station, the Anne Frank House, Leidseplein and the Rijksmuseum. Step aboard, relax with a drink in your hand and enjoy!

Explore the canals of Amsterdam: a day full of discoveries and fun

Whichever canal cruise you choose, sailing through the canals remains one of the most enjoyable experiences in Amsterdam. After all, the city is known for its iconic canals, and every trip is guaranteed to be an memorable experience. Amsterdam also offers plenty of other activities: visit the Van Gogh & Rembrandt light show, discover the fascinating exhibitions at BODY WORLDS, or combine your canal cruise with one of these unique experiences. This way, you can turn your visit to Amsterdam into a day full of memories!