Things to do · Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal cruise: how to choose the right boat
The boat slides under a low bridge and everyone ducks a little, though nobody needs to. On the other side the canal opens up again: narrow gabled houses, bikes leaning on the railings and a houseboat with tomato plants on deck.
In short: Amsterdam canal cruises
The 17th-century canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you see it best from the water. You choose between large glass-roofed boats with an audio guide and small open boats with a handful of passengers. The open boat slips into the narrow canals and feels like a trip with a friend who knows the city. In the evening the bridges light up, and the city is at its loveliest.
How to choose a canal cruise
First time in Amsterdam: a small open boat. You sit low and look straight into the houseboats.
Rain or cold: a glass-roofed boat. You see just as much and stay dry.
A special evening: an evening cruise under the lit bridges, ideally with drinks and bites on board.
Museum day: Blue Boat Company leaves from the Stadhouderskade, a couple of minutes from the Rijksmuseum.
Four canal cruises we would choose between
Choose by how many people you want to share the boat with, and whether you want daylight or the lights on.
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Good to know
Departure
Boats leave from several piers in the centre. Check the departure point on your ticket, as it varies from tour to tour.
Best time
Early evening. The light is soft, and the bridges light up as it gets dark.
What to wear
Bring an extra layer for an open boat. It gets cold on the water, even in summer.
Time
Most cruises last between one hour and an hour and a half.
Booking
Book evening cruises ahead at weekends and in summer. Daytime cruises are easier to get at short notice.
How Picolo chooses
Our editors pick every hotel and experience themselves, and most of them we have tried. Nobody can pay to be included or ranked higher. When you book through our links, Picolo earns a small commission. It never changes the price you pay, and it never decides what we write.
Stay by the canals
Canal ring
Pulitzer Amsterdam
- Canal views
25 canal houses between the Prinsengracht and the Keizersgracht joined into one hotel. From many rooms you look straight down on the boats you have just been sitting in.
Best for: For the canal houses
Herengracht
Ambassade Hotel
- Library
A row of canal houses on the Herengracht, with a library full of books signed by authors who have stayed here. Many rooms face the water.
Best for: For peace and quiet
Picolo earns a commission from Hotels.com when you book through the links on this page. The price stays the same.
More things to do in Amsterdam
Amsterdam canal cruise: frequently asked questions
How long is a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
Most cruises last between one hour and an hour and a half. That is enough to see the canal ring and some of the narrow side canals. Evening cruises with food and drinks can run a little longer.
Is an open boat or a glass-roofed boat better?
An open boat is best in good weather. It is smaller, gets into the narrow canals and puts you close to the water. A glass-roofed boat is the safer choice in rain and cold, and usually has an audio guide in several languages.
When is the best time for a canal cruise?
Early evening is our favourite. The light is soft, and as it gets dark the bridges light up. Midday in summer is when the canals are busiest.
Do I need to book a canal cruise in advance?
You can often buy a daytime cruise on a large boat on the day. Small boats and evening cruises fill up, especially at weekends and in summer, so book those before you travel.
Can children join a canal cruise?
Yes. The large boats work well for families. Cruises with an open bar often have an age limit, so check the terms before you book.
Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles