Amsterdam canal cruises

Amsterdam's canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 100 kilometres of waterways through the heart of the city. Built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, these canals were the arteries of global trade — and today they remain the best way to experience Amsterdam.

Our canal cruises depart from 10 locations across the city, so you are never far from the water. The classic Amsterdam Canal Cruise takes 75 minutes and covers the full canal ring, passing the Anne Frank House, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), the Golden Bend, the Seven Bridges of the Reguliersgracht, and the historic harbour. With over 12,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it is our most popular experience.

For something deeper, the VR Amsterdam History Cruise combines a traditional canal cruise with virtual reality headsets that transport you back 500 years. Watch medieval Amsterdam rise around you as you cruise the same waterways that shaped the city. The Evening Cruise captures Amsterdam at its most magical — departure times adjust with sunset so you always cruise during golden hour and into the illuminated night. The Signature Boats Amsterdam Saloon Cruise offers the most intimate experience: a vintage-style boat with leather seating, a glass of champagne, and a guide who brings the canals to life with stories.

All our boats are covered and heated in winter, with open-air sections available in summer. Onboard audio guides are available in 20 languages on the classic cruise. Every booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and instant confirmation by email.

Whether you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time or returning for another look, a canal cruise shows you the city from its best angle — the water. From the grand mansions of the Herengracht to the narrow houseboats of the Jordaan, every bridge and canal has a story to tell.