The best Amsterdam river cruises

A canal cruise is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to see Amsterdam. The 17th-century canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an hour on the water takes you along the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, past gabled merchants' houses, houseboats and dozens of bridges, often out onto the Amstel or the harbour behind Amsterdam Centraal. The cruises on this page include classic one-hour sightseeing boats, small open boats, evening sailings and cruises with drinks or cheese and wine.

Before you book

Sightseeing cruises run all day, all year, and most last 60 to 75 minutes. Check which pier yours leaves from, as operators use different stops near Centraal, the Damrak, the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House and Leidseplein. Covered saloon boats are heated in winter; open boats are best in summer and usually provide blankets in cooler months.