Do you want to know where you have a Amsterdam canal cruise can you book The Best? Whether you are organizing a company outing, celebrating an anniversary or want to discover the city from the water with friends and family: a cruise through the Amsterdam canals is without a doubt one of the most special ways to experience the capital. From the water you can see the city as it was once intended-open, lively and full of history.
View our offer for a Amsterdam cruise here
Why book a Amsterdam cruise? The main highlights
When you choose a Amsterdam canals, enjoy unique benefits:
- You will discover Amsterdam from the water, the historical lifeblood of the city
- Suitable for groups of 10 to 70 people
- Choose from an open sloop (10-65 people) or stylish saloon boats (10-25 people)
- Possibility of a private Amsterdam cruise with your own skipper
- Combine your trip with catering or opt for a Amsterdam cruise with dinner
- Ideal for company outings, family days, birthdays or networking drinks
- You'll cruise past iconic landmarks like the Anne Frank House and the skinny Bridge
- You will experience the atmosphere of the historic canals of Amsterdam
With a cruise you combine relaxation, culture and conviviality in one experience.
Booking a canal cruise in Amsterdam?
The charm of Amsterdam's canals: a journey through 400 years of history
The Amsterdam canals take you through a unique piece of World Heritage. The famous canal belt was built in the 17th century during the golden age, when Amsterdam became one of the most important trading cities in the world. The semicircular structure of Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht is not only aesthetically impressive, but also functionally designed for trade, transport and defense.
When you glide over the water, you will see the stately merchant houses with their characteristic facades, graceful stepped gables and imposing neck gables. Each building tells a story: from wealthy VOC merchants to modern creatives who shape the city today.
The Herengracht: stately and prestigious
The Herengracht was built for the elite of Amsterdam. Here you will find the widest canal houses and historic city palaces. During your Amsterdam cruise you will see how wealth and power translated into architecture centuries ago.
The Keizersgracht: spacious and impressive
The Keizersgracht is the widest of the three main canals. Here you will get a beautiful panoramic view from the water. Especially in evening light, when the bridges are attractively illuminated, you experience why this is often considered part of the Best Cruise in Amsterdam.
The Prinsengracht: lively and cultural
The Prinsengracht is perhaps the most famous canal. Here you will pass the world famous Anne Frank House. The combination of history and contemporary cosiness makes this part of the cruise particularly dynamic.
Iconic sights during your Amsterdam cruise
During your trip you will pass numerous highlights. A well organized Amsterdam canal cruise makes sure you don't miss anything.
The Skinny Bridge
The romantic skinny bridge over the Amstel is one of the most photographed places in the city. Especially in the evening, when thousands of lights illuminate the bridge, a magical atmosphere is created.
The Rijksmuseum and Museumkwartier
From the water you can see parts of the Museum Quarter, including the imposing Rijksmuseum. The combination of art, history and water makes this route particularly impressive.
Jordan
The Jordaan is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. Narrow streets, authentic cafes and hidden courtyards give this area an intimate look. During a private Amsterdam cruise you sail through here in peace.
The Oosterdok and its shipping history
On the edge of the city centre is the Oosterdok, where you can experience the maritime past of the city. Here you can see, among other things, the imposing NEMO Science Museum with its striking green roof.
Which Cruise suits your group?
Whether you are with 10 or 70 people, there is always a suitable option.
Open sloop (10-65 persons)
An open sloop is perfect for informal and cozy gatherings. You are close to the water and experience the city optimally. In spring and summer, this is the most popular choice for a Best Cruise in Amsterdam-experience.
Advantages:
- Informal and flexible
- Ideal for drinks
- Perfect all-round visibility
- Suitable for larger groups up to 65 people
Saloon boat (10-25 persons)
Do you want more comfort or do you sail in autumn or winter? Then a classic salon boat will be an excellent choice. These boats are covered, heated and stylishly decorated. Ideal for an exclusive private canal cruise Amsterdam.
Advantages:
- Luxurious appearance
- Sheltered from wind and weather
- Intimate and Atmospheric
- Perfect for business events or dinners
Amsterdam cruise with dinner: culinary delights on the water
Do you want to take your cruise to the next level? Then choose a Amsterdam cruise with dinner. As you glide past historic canal houses, enjoy a well-catered dinner, walking dinner or extensive drinks boards.
This concept is particularly popular for:
- Company outings
- Jubilees
- Marriage proposals
- Birthdays
- Network meetings
A dinner on the water creates a relaxed atmosphere in which conversations arise by themselves. The combination of culinary experience and historical surroundings makes this an unforgettable experience.
Private Amsterdam cruise: exclusivity and customization
With a private canal cruise Amsterdam you have the boat completely for your company. That means complete freedom in route, catering and program. Do you want a guide on board? Live music? A specific boarding location? Anything is possible.
For companies, this offers opportunities for:
- Team building
- Relationship events
- Product presentations
- Strategic sessions in an inspiring setting
For groups of friends or families, it means above all: enjoying together without other passengers.
When to book The Best Amsterdam cruise?
Spring and summer are popular because of the weather and long days. But also in autumn and winter a cruise has charm. The city is quieter and the illuminated bridges create a fairytale atmosphere.
For groups of 10 to 70 people, it is wise to make a reservation in good time, especially in the high season (april–september). Want to be sure of your ideal date and boat? Then book at least a few weeks in advance.
Looking for a fun cruise?
We do everything we can to make sure your trip is a fantastic experience and that you don't have to worry about anything.
View our promises here.
All our packages are always incl. unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee and tea.
All our cruises are incl. catering staff and nautical crew.
All boats can sail covered and heated. Most boats can also be open or have an outdoor area.
Why a cruise is also surprising for locals
Do You Think You Already Know Amsterdam? From the water you can see the city from a completely new perspective. Details in facades, hidden courtyards and historic warehouses suddenly stand out.
Even as an Amsterdammer you will discover:
- New stories about famous places
- Rest in the busy center
- Another dynamic of the city
That is why more and more locals are opting for an annual Amsterdam Cruise as a permanent tradition.
Practical tips for booking a Amsterdam cruise
- Determine the number of people (10-70).
- Choose between an open sloop (10-65 people) or saloon boat (10-25 people).
- Decide whether you want catering or a Amsterdam cruise with dinner.
- Check boarding locations in the center.
- Ask for customization options on a private Amsterdam cruise.
Also pay attention to reviews, flexibility in bad weather and experience of the Skippers.
What makes a canal cruise Amsterdam the best choice for your getaway?
The combination of history, cosiness and flexibility makes a cruise unique. You don't have to change location, everyone stays together and you experience Amsterdam in an authentic way.
Whether you choose an open sloop with drinks or a luxurious saloon boat with dinner: you create memories that stick.
Summary
One Amsterdam canal cruise booking is the way to discover the city in a special and relaxed way. You sail through the historic Amsterdam canals, past iconic sights and enjoy together with your group of 10 to 70 people. Choose an open sloop or saloon boat, go for a private Amsterdam cruise or combine your trip with dinner. This way you are guaranteed to experience the best Amsterdam cruise-whether you are a tourist or a local.
