Things to do in
Canals of Amsterdam

Canals of Amsterdam: Our most recommended tours and activities

Amsterdam: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option

Amsterdam: Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option

Relax on a canal cruise through the UNESCO Heritage listed Golden Age Canals of Amsterdam. View city highlights like the Skinny Bridge, the Red Light District, and the Old Harbor. Have the option to choose standard tour or a tour with unlimited delicious Dutch cheese, wine, and other drinks. Board the ship and let your local skipper tell you about local history as you sail past sights in the Jordaan district and the Skinny Bridge on the the Amstel River. Admire views of parts of the Red Light District, the former city locks, and Old Harbor. Capture pictures of the stately architecture of the Maritime Museum and the prestigious Gold Bend neighborhood. See pieces of history as you sail by places like the Anne Frank House. Ask your guide questions about the city and get recommendations for things to do and places to eat.

Amsterdam: Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option

Amsterdam: Canal Booze Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option

You can drink in a bar in any city in the world, but for a true Amsterdam experience, you can’t do better than a boozy canal cruise along the world-famous waterways, taking in the sights with a cold beer in hand. Join our intimate Shared Cruise with a maximum amount of 26 people on board. Depart from the city center and cruise through some of the city's main canals. Make your way onto the Amstel River, under the 7 bridges, and discover hidden gems that only a local skipper and host(ess) will know how to find. Your cruise will eventually return to the same spot in which you started, right in the city center, exactly where you will want to be after a cruise with an open bar.

Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket

On this 75-minute canal cruise, you’ll experience the best of our historical city. It offers you the best views of the 17th-century buildings lining the city canals, and will also show you the 21st-century city that Amsterdam has become. You’ll come across new architecture and bridges, showing a city that is rooted in history but continues to develop and change. Have a great time on board while listening to your personal audio system. Your visit to Heineken Experience includes a 1.5-hour self-guided tour where you’ll learn about the company’s heritage, the beer brewing process, Heineken’s innovations, and about what it takes to serve a world-famous beer. Find out the 4 natural ingredients that make this beer, and discover the brand’s sponsorship activities with Formula 1, the UEFA Champions League and the Rugby World Cup. And sure enough, at the end of the tour you can raise your glass with new friends. Please note that Heineken Experience is only for guests 18 years and older!

Amsterdam: Light Festival Canal Cruise from Anne Frank House

Amsterdam: Light Festival Canal Cruise from Anne Frank House

Step aboard and admire the stunning light artworks of the Amsterdam Light Festival 2024/2025 from the water. Our electric boats are whisper-quiet and offer fantastic views of the artworks from anywhere you sit, thanks to the glass panoramic roof. You can choose to sit at a cozy table inside with your group or enjoy the open aft deck, perfect for taking the best photos. On board, an audio guide in both Dutch and English is provided, offering interesting commentary on the artworks. Before boarding, you can enjoy the winter stall at our canal-side restaurant, Smidtje Canal Café Dialoog. While listening to atmospheric Christmas music, you can comfortably sit on the canal-side terrace, with a heater to keep you warm. Complete your experience with a treat or a glass of mulled wine from the Christmas stall. In case of poor weather conditions, you're welcome to warm up inside our café. We offer an extensive selection of beers, excellent wines, and, of course, delicious coffee and tea. Step aboard our heated boats for a memorable cruise along the beautiful Light Festival. At the end of the tour, you'll disembark at Smidtje Canal Café Dialoog, right in the heart of the city. From there, you can continue to enjoy Amsterdam and explore one of the many cozy cafes, restaurants and experiences nearby. Enjoy your time in Amsterdam carefree!

Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise Unlimited Drinks and Snacks

Amsterdam: Light Festival Cruise Unlimited Drinks and Snacks

Embark on an enchanting winter evening canal cruise in Amsterdam. As the city lights twinkle along the historic canals, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this charming Dutch city. Amsterdam's bridges, adorned with lights, create a captivating scene, making this cruise a must-do experience for anyone seeking a touch of winter romance. Admire the annual Amsterdam Light Festival from a unique angle with a canal boat cruise. See the city's iconic canals illuminated by the glow of light art installations as you take in the views. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Amsterdam Light Festival and cruise past the spectacular illuminations on a luxury canal boat. Find out the story behind the festival as you watch the lights reflecting off the water and feel free to ask your skipper any questions you may have. Treat yourself to an evening of glamor onboard an electric boat that includes its own extensive bar. Choose from a deluxe or classic open bar option for complementary drinks during your cruise, including local or craft beers, wines, cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

Amsterdam: 10 Tastings Guided Food Tour by UNESCO Canals

Amsterdam: 10 Tastings Guided Food Tour by UNESCO Canals

Avoid the usual tourist paths and experience the true flavors of Amsterdam on an authentic local food tour. Embark on a culinary adventure with a local expert, exploring the city's most tasty and authentic bites and sips. Relish 8+ tastings at five local gems located in three historical neighborhoods. Indulge your tastebuds with samplings from a duet of Gouda cheese and wine to the irresistible aroma of freshly-made Stroopwafels in a two-century-old bakery. Immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s merchant past in the charming 9 Streets shopping district. Unearth the rich history of the evocative Jordaan district while enjoying poffertjes. Embark on a foodie journey suitable for all ages. Traverse a gentle 3-km/2-mile stroll along Amsterdam’s scenic canals, with pauses to relax at local eateries. Indulge in local food, Dutch drinks, and engaging Amsterdam tales, all combined into one memorable experience. Arrive with an appetite, and leave with a belly full of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam: This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo

Amsterdam: This Is Holland 5D Flight and Canal Cruise Combo

Discover the Netherlands in an amazing 5D flight simulation at THIS IS HOLLAND. Get carried away with the four different shows that give you all the insights of this unique country, the Dutch people and the culture. With special effects like wind, sounds and smells it will feel like you are actually soaring through the Dutch skies. Fly over the Dutch countryside and iconic landmarks, like the Amsterdam Canal Belt. And thanks to this combination, you get to experience the canals in person too! Enjoy the views of the canals, the merchant houses and the people of Amsterdam during your canal cruise. Learn more about the canals and the landmarks that you will pass, with the GPS audio guide. Sit back in the comfortable boat, relax and enjoy the views and commentary. Get a great insight of what makes the Netherlands the country that it is with this combination deal.

Amsterdam: Amsterdam Dungeon and Canal Cruise Entry Ticket

Amsterdam: Amsterdam Dungeon and Canal Cruise Entry Ticket

Enjoy two must-dos in Amsterdam and save time and money with this combination ticket. The thrilling fun at Amsterdam Dungeon matches perfectly with a cruise through the beautiful and calming canals at the canal belt. Horrible Dutch history, gruesome shows, and special effects - your Amsterdam Dungeon experience will surely leave a mark. There is no better way to learn about the city's dark past than by experiencing it. Professional stage actors and the newest high-tech effects create an experience like you have never seen. Step into history with witch burning, murders, the Council of Blood, the Spanish Inquisition, and much more. Try out some machinery at the torture chamber at your own risk. Discover the dungeon before or after you cruise through the seemingly sweet and innocent canal belt. You will soon learn more about these canals. During both your dungeon visit and the cruise, you will gain a lot of knowledge about Amsterdam in a thrilling way. While you are cruising through the 17th-century canal belt, listen to the GPS audio guide. Choose one of the 19 languages and learn all about what you see outside. Sit back and enjoy the waters of Amsterdam. Cruising the canals is the best way to get to know the city! Explore Amsterdam by boat and by stepping into the thrilling experience of the Dungeon.

Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum & Canal Boat Cruise

Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum & Canal Boat Cruise

Start your adventure at the Van Gogh Museum. As the world's largest museum dedicated to a single artist, it showcases the overlooked brilliance of Vincent Van Gogh, whose works have now become both visually stunning and culturally significant. Prepare to dive deep into his world with the guidance of an art expert and discover remarkable insights into his life and artistic genius. Get ready for a leisurely and immersive experience as we absorb Van Gogh's extraordinary masterpieces. After a lunch break, it's time to explore Amsterdam's other must-visit museum, the Rijksmuseum, for an up-close encounter with world-renowned artworks from Amsterdam's golden age of creativity. From Rembrandt to Vermeer, you'll get an insider's peek into the masterpieces that put Amsterdam on the global art map, such as the iconic Night Watch painting, the crown jewel of the museum. The Rijksmuseum is an unmissable attraction and a must-have on any Amsterdam itinerary. Having indulged in fully guided tours at both the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, it's time to take to the water and witness Amsterdam from its best vantage point. Step aboard a charming canal boat and embark on a picturesque voyage through the city's stunning waterways. Experience a whole new perspective with cyclists zooming by and the breathtaking architecture adorning the canal banks. As the day draws to a close, you'll have embarked on an exhilarating journey through Amsterdam's most captivating sights and attractions. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, dive into its vibrant art legacy, and proudly check off these three major items from your Amsterdam bucket list!

Amsterdam: STRAAT Museum and Canal Cruise Combination Ticket

Amsterdam: STRAAT Museum and Canal Cruise Combination Ticket

Combine one of the coolest museums in Amsterdam with the always required Canal Cruise! With this ticket you get to enjoy STRAAT museum, which is all about street art and an one hour cruise through the Amsterdam canal belt. Street art gained a lot of importance and popularity over the last decades. STRAAT museum celebrates this art form by showcasing Dutch and international artists, new and established ones all in a big warehouse in the street area of Amsterdam. The street art works are made especially for this museum. The artworks inside are always changing, if you are lucky you might even see artists at work inside the museum. After you have admired the many street-art-artworks at STRAAT museum, it is time to admire the scenery of your Amsterdam Canal Cruise. Board the comfortable boats and explore the city centre of Amsterdam. You will cruise past iconic landmarks, like Westerkerk and the Anne Frank house. Listen to the GPS Audio Guide that is available in many languages. Sit back and enjoy the view while you are learning about the history and culture of Amsterdam.

All activities

23 activities found
Sort by:

Top Attractions in Amsterdam

Experiences in Canals of Amsterdam

Tours in Netherlands

Things to do in Netherlands

Other Sightseeing Options in Canals of Amsterdam

Want to discover all there is to do in Canals of Amsterdam? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Canals of Amsterdam

Overall rating

4.5
(2,373 reviews)

Great tour! The boat was very elegant, it was a good idea to have cheese and wine/beer on board, it really made the experience more cohesive. The guides were extraordinarily fun and really kind, telling us all sorts of interesting anecdotes about the city! Fantastic experience I highly recommend!

Lovely tour in the evening. Friendly, knowledgeable guides and an overall nice experience. The boat is comfortable and very different from others. Worth doing even if you have already done a 'day' cruise and well worth the wine and cheese upgrade.

Excellent for a family of four. Our guides were brilliant and very knowledgeable. Wine and cheese to accompany. We loved it, thank you

Lovely canal tour and the guide shared interesting facts about the city

Guide was excellent and informative. Made the ride quite enjoyable