Amsterdam canal cruise: how to choose yours

In Amsterdam, a canal cruise is often the first outing of the trip. The 17th-century canal ring, formed by the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010. The listings count 1,550 monumental buildings along the main canals, and one of them speaks of more than 100 kilometres of canals and about 1,500 bridges.

The five cruises compared here are rated between 4.8 and 5 out of 5, with more than 6,000 reviews each (checked on 17 October 2026). All of them sail through the historic centre; they differ in boat, duration, drinks and the language of the commentary.

The five cruises at a glance

For comfort whatever the weather: the saloon boat

The classic saloon boat cruise is the most reviewed of the five, with more than 33,000 reviews. The boat is covered: a good choice in cool or rainy weather. It leaves from Central Station or the Anne Frank House, and the route changes slightly depending on the departure point. A guide tells the city's story live in English, passing the Westerkerk, the Carré theatre, the Rijksmuseum seen from the Prinsengracht and the Seven Bridges viewpoint.

The "cheese and drinks" option adds Dutch cheese and unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks. There are no toilets on board, and children aged 0 to 3 travel free.

Amsterdam Classic Saloon Boat Cruise with Drinks and Cheese4.8(33,513 reviews)From €16.49From€16.49View activity

For silence: the electric boats

The same operator runs a one-hour cruise on 100% electric boats: an open boat, a covered sloop or a saloon boat. Three departure points are possible: Central Station, the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. The Rijksmuseum option is for over-18s only; the "unlimited drinks" option leaves from Central Station and includes beer, wine, soft drinks and snacks, without cocktails.

Amsterdam Luxury Canal Cruise + Unlimited Drinks and Bites Option4.9(31,834 reviews)From €18.30From€18.30View activity

The Eco Boats small-group cruise also sails on an electric boat, with at most 28 passengers, from Central Station. The captain decides on the day whether to sail open or semi-open, depending on the weather. Its route passes the Basilica of St Nicholas, the Blue Bridge, the leaning "dancing houses" of the Damrak and the Oude Kerk, the city's oldest church.

Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group5.0(6,672 reviews)From €18.43From€18.43View activity

To take your time: 90 minutes with Captain Jack

Captain Jack's cruise lasts half an hour longer and includes unlimited Heineken beer and wine, as well as a selection of Dutch snacks. The listing is firm: this is a cruise devoted to the city's history, not a party boat, and stag and hen parties are refused. The boat is open; a closed boat is only used from 1 November to 1 April. If it rains you may get wet, but the listing says you can always reschedule.

Amsterdam All-Inclusive 90-Minute Canal Cruise with Captain Jack4.9(18,975 reviews)From €24From€24View activity

For a drink starting from the Dam: the cruise with a hostess

Friendship's luxury cruise leaves from the pier next to the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, a 5-minute walk from Dam Square. On board, a captain and a hostess provide the commentary, and blankets are provided. Depending on the option, you get a welcome drink, unlimited drinks with a snack, or unlimited cocktails and craft beers. The route runs along the red-light district, the Oude Kerk, the Amstel and the Magere Brug. Note: because of a city regulation, you disembark at Kloveniersburgwal, 5 minutes from the departure point.

Amsterdam: Luxury Canal Cruise with Cocktails & Snacks4.9(6,869 reviews)From €19.50From€19.50View activity

Tips before boarding

Our advice depending on what you want

• First cruise, uncertain weather: the classic saloon boat.
• Commentary to read in French: Eco Boats and its digital booklet.
• A proper outing, glass in hand: Captain Jack's 90 minutes.
• A departure near the Dam and service on board: the cruise with a hostess.

For the rest of your stay, the city's tours and activities are gathered on the page Things to do in Amsterdam.