Amsterdam is renowned for being a water city, and a canal tour is a must-do for every tourist. The 165 canals of Amsterdam were built in the 17th century to enhance the city’s transportation infrastructure and promote commercial connections.

Currently, this UNESCO World Heritage Site characterizes the landscape of Amsterdam. One of the most acceptable ways to enjoy this urban canal ring and the city’s other waterways is to take a boat trip. It may be tough to know where to begin with so many canal excursions to select from. We’ve included a guide below to assist you in understanding the different kinds of Amsterdam Canal Tours.

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Guided Canal Cruise

Guided boat tours provide unrivaled views of the centuries-old architecture, beautiful canal homes, and historical landmarks. And it’s much better if the views are accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, a drink of wine, or perhaps supper. From the water, take in some of Amsterdam’s most stunning and fascinating sites.

These excursions are usually 1–112 hours long and cover a large portion of Amsterdam’s canals. As you pass by important buildings and landmarks, a live tour guide or audio guide will offer information about the city’s history. The significant difference between this and a hop-on-hop-off cruise is that you will not be jumping off. A guided canal cruise will not usually make numerous stops.

Hop on Hop off Cruise

The Amsterdam Canal Bus is an excellent method for tourists to learn about the city. The bus goes along the canals of Amsterdam, stopping at important sites such as Rembrandt Square and Albert Cuyp. The central audio guide system offers comments to help you enjoy your surroundings more fully.

Download the application for commentary tracks in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and Spanish if you like. When you see something that piques your curiosity, take a step back and explore. When you’re finished, get on the bus and continue your trip. The Amsterdam Canal Bus features three lines and 16 stops, making it an excellent way to explore it.

Like guided canal cruises, these excursions will take between 1 – 12 hours to accomplish, but you will have the chance to get off at various places and get a closer look at historic sites. These tours usually feature audio commentary in various languages, making it simple to learn about the city while you go. Tickets are valid for one or two days, depending on the service you choose.

Circle Line

Smidtje Luxury Cruises’ is a tourist sibling company in Amsterdam Circle Line. It is better known as “The Place of Amsterdam’s Hospitality,” specializing in arranging corporate and private boat parties. Tomas de Smidt established Smidtje Luxury Cruises in 2001 from his mother’s houseboat.

This is one of the world’s most famous cruise lines, and they provide excellent service in Amsterdam as well. They not only cover a lot of important places, but they also include facilities to keep you comfortable. Their chairs are heated in the winter to keep people warm. During the summer, though, they open the boat to keep you cool. You will visit the Anne Frank House, the Floating Flower Market, the Red Light District, Prince’s Canal, Golden Bend, and other locations.

Evening Cruise

Amsterdam Night Cruise is a 90-minute cruise that exposes you to Amsterdam’s distinctive nightlife. Thousands of lights brighten the city’s hundreds of bridges and distinctive canal homes, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

If you don’t want to eat, this is an excellent alternative since it enables you to view the city after dark while floating along Amsterdam’s canals. Evening cruises are the same as guided canal excursions, except they are available at night. These excursions usually run 1–12 hours and contain an audio guide.

Dinner Cruise

While the other cruise choices concentrate on seeing the city and learning about Amsterdam’s history, these excursions focus on sightseeing while having a delicious dinner. Dinner cruises usually include a three- or four-course dinner, beverages, and commentary on the city and everything you’ll see along the route. On average, this kind of voyage lasts about 2-3 hours.

As you walk upon the magnificent wooden boat, which dates back to 1898, you will undoubtedly experience a sense of enchantment in the air. Each boat has a maximum capacity of 20 people, making it one of the most intimate excursions available without reserving a private boat. While there will be no narrative, the skipper will point out attractions along the route. The main draw is the three-course meal, which you’ll savor throughout the unhurried tour, which lasts approximately two hours and 45 minutes.

The dinner cruise timetable varies each week, but trips typically begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays. The trips range in price from €110 to €130, depending on the inclusions. There is all you can drink in Amsterdam, but more wine costs extra. The boat leaves at Singel 250, near Dam Square and within walking reach of many Amsterdam hotels.

Red Light District

Amsterdam’s boat cruises refused to cruise the canals around the city’s notorious Red Light District for many years. The new Friendship cruise line, on the other hand, broke the pattern with its Champagne Canal Cruises. In addition to the Red Light District, you’ll see Hortus Botanicus, the Amstel, the Skinny Bridge, the Maritime Museum, and other essential landmarks.

The Champagne Canal Cruise costs €15 per person, includes a complimentary soft drink, or €25 per person, and includes a glass of Mot & Chandon. On-board purchases of beer, wine, and soft beverages are available. Children aged three to ten pay €7.50, while the children under three are free if they sit on a parent’s lap. Friendship’s contemporary boats depart from the jetty on Oudezijds Voorburgwal 230.