See the sights of Amsterdam’s famous seaport on a 1-hour canal cruise. Discover why the canals of Amsterdam have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and compare contemporary architecture with the boatyards and warehouses of the Golden Age.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 1 hour - 75 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
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Audio guide included: English, Spanish, Turkish, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Thai, Hebrew, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Arabic, Russian, Korean

Highlights

Learn the vibrant history of Amsterdam from its historic waterways
See old boatyards and warehouses of the "Golden Age"
Cruise the Canal Belt, and see monuments such as the Westerkerk and Anne Frank House
Compare the modern architecture of the IJ lake with the old houses of the city center
Sail around the fashionable Amsterdam-Noord district

Full description

Learn the vibrant history of Amsterdam from its historic waterways on a 1-hour canal cruise that takes in more than 100 highlights! Board the boat by the Stromma Central Station or the Rijksmuseum in the city center, and set sail from the IJ waterfront. The on board commentary will explain the city’s emergence in the 13th century, to the merchants of the Dutch East India Company that led to the so-called “Golden Age.” See some of today’s modern architecture as you cruise around the southernmost part of fashionable Amsterdam-Noord. Sail past old warehouses, dockyards, and boatyards. Cruise under enchanting bridges from the past and present. Watch the centuries merge as you experience Amsterdam in its purest form - as a seaport. Along the way, you will pass many of Amsterdam’s most famous monuments, and discover why UNESCO declared the city’s canals a World Heritage Site.

Includes

1 hour and 10 minutes canal cruise
Onboard commentary
Free Wi-Fi at the tour operator's mooring and shops

Gratuities

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

Traveler requirements

You must present either proof of full vaccination, proof of a Covid-19 infection in the past 6 months, or a negative test taken no more than 24 hours before the activity starts
You are required to bring and wear a mask

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Meeting point

Meeting point varies depending on option booked.

Important information

Know before you go

This tour will take place rain or shine

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 233 reviews

Review summary

Transportation
3.9/5
Value for money
4.1/5
Safety
4.6/5
Service
4.3/5

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Very enjoyable

We liked the whole experience. The audio guide what spot on on the details. We would've liked the audio time to be better timed with the attractions, meaning it always started a little too early and by the time we arrived to each attraction, you had already forgot some details the audio guide mentioned. But, otherwise, the ride was very nice. Recommended!

August 28, 2017

Good way to get an idea of the city

Canal cruises are popular in Amsterdam but honestly, nothing super special for me. I think this is because the bridges are very low in Amsterdam and so the boats are quite low to be able to go under the bridges. This also means the view you are offered is from a very low point. Because of the unreliable weather, cruises boats are all covered. There is no deck. Everyone sits in the cafe style boat, 4 people around each table. It's a good first experience but I would not repeat it. Compared to cruise experiences in Berlin, Paris and Prague this was nothing special at all.

August 27, 2013

November 8, 2021

Amsterdam: Highlights Canal Cruise

Amsterdam: Highlights Canal Cruise

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Very enjoyable

Good way to get an idea of the city

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