Boat Trips and Canal tours in Amsterdam

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
canal cruises

Amsterdam is a city swimming in waterways, canals, and connecting bridges. While not as damp as the likes of Venice, it's about as close as you can get without the stilts. And with so much water, one of the best ways to see the city is by boat. Whether you're looking to see all the biggest landmarks, enjoy a bottomless brunch with your friends, or have a romantic meal on the water, Amsterdam has some amazing boat trips and canal tours to experience in the city. So, which are the best? Well, read our handy list and discover for yourselves! These are our picks for the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

Including:

  • 100 Highlights Cruise
  • Hop on-Hop off Boat Tour
  • G's Brunch Boat
  • Candelight Cruise
  • Pizza Cruise
  • and more!
Image of Water, Waterfront, Vehicle, Watercraft, Boat, Canal, Outdoors, Neighborhood, City, Barge, Metropolis, Urban, Person,

Everything, everywhere, pretty much in one go

If you want to see all the sights Amsterdam has to offer in one fell swoop, consider hopping aboard the 100 Highlights Cruise. Pack your camera and get ready to snap the likes of the Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, and so much more.

Thanks to the audio guide you'll get when you board, available in myriad languages, you'll learn all about the city and canals' history, as well as the highlights of each landmark you pass. It's the perfect introduction to Amsterdam's waterways and gives you the chance to learn about landmarks you might want to visit on land afterward!

Image of Bottle, Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor,

Hop to it

If you're hoping to see the sights up close, then check out a Hop on-Hop off boat tour instead! You're in complete control, so you board when you want, leave when you want to see one of the amazing landmarks that Amsterdam has to offer, and then hop back on the next boat to continue one. It's that easy!

You'll pass the likes of the Rijksmuseum, the Heineken Experience, A'DAM Lookout, and the Anne Frank House, which are all well worth exploring on foot.

So, if you want the freedom to go and see what you please on dry land, a Hop on-Hop off boat tour is one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

Image of Food, Food Presentation, Cutlery, Fork, Knife, Dining Table, Brunch,

Boat brunch like a G

Sure, you could spend your tour of Amsterdam's canals sightseeing. Or, you could enjoy a brilliant bottomless brunch courtesy of G's Brunch Boat!

Two options await you on your watery adventure. Either pick a drink and one of the amazing brunch options from G's impressive menu. Or, go all-in on the bottomless brunch, help yourself to as many cocktails, beers, wines, or proseccos as you like, and top it all off with a meal from the menu.

Food-wise, you'll find brunch classics like Eggs Benny, and breakfast burritos alongside meatier options like chicken and waffles, chicken burgers, and salmon-topped brioche.

Then, sit in for 75 minutes of amazing views, amazing drinks, and amazing food. Does it get any better than that? Probably not.

Image of Glass, Finger, Hand, Person, Adult, Female, Woman, Baby, Alcohol, Beverage, Liquor, Wine, Wine Glass,

Romance on the waves

If you're visiting Amsterdam with that special someone, or you're a resident who wants to impress their significant other, consider a romantic canal Candlelight Cruise!

You and your muse will sit down to a delicious selection of traditional cheese and meats as your tour guide waxes lyrical about all the landmarks you pass. Sip on unlimited drinks, with beers, wines, and soft drinks on offer.

It's a great way to get the lay of the land, while enjoying the lights reflecting off of the water. And your partner's eyes, of course. Romance, right? Top stuff.

Image of Food, Food Presentation, Brunch, Pizza, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Cup,

A pizza paradise

Boats and pizza - typically not two things you'd associate with one another, but when has that stopped humanity from making things happen? We created bacon mayonnaise, after all. So, why not see pizza and boats beautifully combine on a Pizza Cruise of Amsterdam!

Served by one of the city's favorite pizza chains in New York Pizza, you'll get to choose a pizza of your choice before you set off along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Your guide will regale you with tales of the sights and sounds you see along the way, all while you tuck into your slices and a couple of drinks to boot.

Ideal if the sun is shining and you have a group of friends with you, this 1.5-hour tour is easily one of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

Image of Canal, Outdoors, Water, Boat, Vehicle, Watercraft, Arch, Bicycle, Path, Person, Boating, Water Sports, Waterfront,

Learn on the water

What if you could combine your love of water and boats with a sprinkling of learning and culture? Well, we have great news for you. You can, thanks to the Museum Line - Amsterdam's best museum cruise!

Following a set schedule, you'll glide along Amsterdam's canals, stopping off at major museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Hermitage. At each stop, you'll have the chance to explore and learn, filling your withered brain up with key information.

There'll even be the opportunity to do some shopping, should you require tributes to the in-laws back home. And all of that in one-and-a-half hours. Not bad! Not bad at all.

Image of Alcohol, Beer, Beverage, Glass, Water, Waterfront, Beer Glass, Liquor, Lager, Boat, Vehicle, Dining Table,

Sail like a semi-pirate

And finally, we'll end this list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam with an old classic - the booze cruise. Yes, even Amsterdam's beautiful waterways are graced with these bad boys. So why not take a pub cruise and explore the more exciting parts of the city?

Your trip will take you through the red light district, where the eponymous lights will dance off of the canals. Beautiful, right? You'll also be free to drink beer, wine, and munch on a variety of snacks as you go, in case all that booze leaves you with cravings!

And that was our list of the best boat trips and canal tours in Amsterdam!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

breakfast amsterdam
Blog

Best Breakfasts in Amsterdam - Public Transport

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And when you're vacationing in a new city and plan to do a heap of exploring, they might be onto something. So if you're visiting Amsterdam and want to know the best breakfasts available, how do you get to them using the city's brilliant public transport system? Read on, and find out! Including: Omelegg Ted's Coffee & Coconuts G's Brunch Boat The Breakfast Club Getting around Amsterdam Let's start things off by giving you a quick guide to public transport in Amsterdam. You have a number of options available to you that we've talked about in greater detail here. But for the most part, as you'll find the best breakfasts in the city, you'll only be using buses, trams, the metro, bikes, or your own two feet to reach them. For trams, buses, and the metro, you can buy 1-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour travel tickets at every Metro station, on the tram when you board, or at one of the many ticket machines you'll find at bus stops, tram stops, or at Centraal Station. Alternatively, if you're going to be traveling for longer than 48 hours, you might want to pick up an OV Chipcard. This travel card lets you any amount of money you want, and then you simply swipe when you board and alight, and top it up when you're running low. An omelet oasis If you like your eggs folded over a host of delicious fillings and toppings, then you'll love Omelegg; they specialize in the stuff. They offer quality omelets from 7AM on weekdays and 8AM on weekends, so you can definitely get your belly filled before your day truly begins. You'll discover their menu is filled with choices inspired by cuisines from all over the world. The Nordic-inspired Viking Fisherman sits aside the nationally-minded Dutchie. And if their savory offerings don't tempt you, then go for the Banana Peanutbutter - a sugary delight featuring honey, cinnamon, and egg cake. How to get there on public transport You'll find a handful of Omelegg locations all over the city. Their De Pijp location is just down the street from the De Pijp Metro station, as well as the De Pijp and Amsterdam, 2e v.d.Helststraat tram stops . And their City Center location is a five-minute walk from Centraal Station. Theodore, you spoil us If you want an all-day breakfast and brunch spot with some meatier meals to fuel your exploring, head to Ted's. Their bright and burgeoning menu offers all the breakfast treats you'd expect from a top spot. You've got an entire menu dedicated to eggs, featuring the usual affair of Eggs Benny and Eggs Florentine alongside more creative offerings like a bacon, egg, and fried chicken burrito, as well as the magnificent Triple Omega, which sounds like a Transformer but with more eggs, salmon, and sourdough. But, if your stomach is looking for something more substantial, go for one of the french toast varieties, or dip into their fantastic sandwich menu. How to get there on public transport You'll find two Ted's locations in Amsterdam. The Jordaan spot is a short walk from the Anne Frank House, and a 3-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. The Oud-West spot is equidistant from both the Kinkerstraat tram and bus stops and the Overtoom tram and bus stops. Either will leave you with a 3-minute walk. Beans and bigger beans If you're looking for one of the city's coolest spots to be your breakfast backdrop, start your day at Coffee & Coconuts. With a wealth of coffees, teas, juices, and even stronger drinks on offer, you can have your beverage your way. They roast and squeeze everything on-site, so you can be sure you're getting nothing but the freshest morning brew. As for food, they offer breakfast all day, with burritos, pancakes, french toast, coconut bowls, and scambled eggs just some of the things available. Or, from midday, you can dip into their fantastic Deli menu and chomp on some unique sandwich combinations. How to get there on public transport C&C's only spot is located in De Pijp. It's right across the street from the De Pijp Metro stop and a minute's walk from the De Pijp tram stop. Krunk Boat A seaside breakfast is one thing. A seafaring breakfast is another entirely. That's what you get at G's Brunch Boat, and while it might not exactly be sailing the seven seas, it does make its way along Amsterdam's beautiful canals. Oh, and did we mention that you can opt into a bottomless brunch? That's right, party animals. Who said breakfast needed to be boring, or on dry land? Hop onto the party boat and let the good times roll. Choose from one of their many tasty menu dishes - chicken and waffles, eggs benny, breakfast burrito, or even oysters, and then either pair it with a drink, or go for the bottomless choice and have at it. Bloody Mary's, Mimosas, Prosecco, beer, or wine are all on offer. And, for 75 minutes, you'll have your fill. Considering the spectacle of it all, it's easily one of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam! How to get there on public transport Once you've booked your ticket, head to the pickup point near the Anne Frank House. It's a 5-minute walk from the Westermarkt tram and bus stops. Don't you forget about me And finally, we end on a franchise that's taken the world by storm. Named after the eponymous 80s high school film, you'll find Breakfast Clubs in plenty of cities these days. They have a load of breakfast types, burgers, pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and smaller bites on offer, as well as an envious sweet selection. Couple that with a delightful coffee, tea, or other beverage, and you've got yourself a guaranteed good time. How to get there on public transport With six locations all around the city, rather than bore you with all the details here, we'll simply leave a link to their website that gives you every address and shows you which stops are near it! And that's our list of the best breakfasts in Amsterdam, and how to get there by public transport!
Dom Bewley
Colorful canal houses lining an Amsterdam canal
Blog

2 Days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most popular city destinations for its famous mix of complex history, authentic culture and fantastic social hubs. With many of its top attractions compacted into a three-square-mile city center, the Dutch capital is very popular for weekend getaways and short, whirlwind trips. Although there’s more than enough to do throughout the city to last you several weeks, two days in Amsterdam is still plenty of time to experience the best that it has to offer. Instead of putting together a linear itinerary, we’ve rounded up our best suggestions for things to do during a short trip, along with recommended visit durations to help you put together your perfect city break plan.   And why not make the most of your trip by grabbing an Amsterdam pass and save while you sightsee!
Robert Heaney
things to do in amsterdam with teens
Blog

Things to do in Amsterdam for Teens

Teens; the loveable, distracted youth are one of a kind. You may remember being them, but things have changed. Technology has reshaped the teenage landscape and altered the rules of engagement. So, how do you deal with them in the 21st century? Well, by winning their hearts, mind, and attention with the biggest and best entertainment you can find! So, if you're vacationing in Amsterdam, what are the best things to do for teens in the city? We'll tell you, right now. Including: THIS IS HOLLAND A'DAM LOOKOUT Moco Museum Pancakes Amsterdam Anne Frank House and more!   Nederland, but not as you know it Seeing a city from the ground is one thing, but exploring it from the sky is something else. Have you ever flown over a city like a bird? If you answered yes to that, you might need to speak to someone. Unless, of course, you've already taken a spin on THIS IS HOLLAND! This 5D flight simulation experience lets you soar over the Netherlands, looking down on its most famous landmarks. Even teenagers with remarkably short attention spans won't be able to look away. Thanks to state-of-the-art steam and wind technology, they'll feel the mist on their faces as they skim the ocean's surface. The wind will ruffle their middle parting as they duck and dive through a forest. They'll also learn about the country's past and present, but in a dynamic, exciting way, not a school way. Even if you trick them into the theater, they'll soon discover that learning can, in fact, be fun.   LOOKOUT below Speaking of seeing cities from unique perspectives, teenagers will love looking down on Amsterdam from above. After all, they probably think they're better than the average "old" person, right? Well, their prayers have been answered. Simply take your bundle of trouble up to the 360 Sky Deck at A'DAM LOOKOUT and let them live out their overlord dreams. Dance routines and pouty selfies for all! But if that wasn't enough, there's also 'Over The Edge'. What's that? Well, it's a giant swing that dangles over 320 feet in the air. And, if you're teen is a daring sort, they can sit on it and prove their bravery once and for all. Or, if they don't feel like this death-defying feat, they can hop on a VR rollercoaster through the city, and then learn about Amsterdam's history, thanks to a slew of brilliant interactive exhibits! Whichever challenge they choose to undertake, A'DAM LOOKOUT is easily one of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teenagers!   Stencils in the stone Art has changed, there are no two ways about it. And rightfully so - art has always evolved through the centuries. From cave paintings to marble sculptures, art has evolved as we have. Art's current revolution has taken things to the streets, with art staining the very walls we call home. So, if you're teen's into the street art revolution, go get them immersed at the Moco Museum. Curated by none other than Banksy himself, the Moco Museum explores modern-day life through a critical lens. Featuring works from internationally-renowned artists like Damian Hirst, JR, Koons, Kusama, and KAWS, your not-so-little ones will spend a good couple of hours seeing all the sights and sound this eclectic museum has to offer. Plus, phone-savvy teens can even pull out their devices to interact with some exhibits, thanks to augmented reality (or AR). And that's not even mentioning the endless photo ops for the emaciated social following.   Everybody Loves Pancakes It doesn't matter how young or old you are, pancakes are universally loved by everyone. Absolutely everyone. If you don't like pancakes, you're going on the list. The simplest of ingredients combine to create mouth masterpieces. And one of Amsterdam's pancake houses is so good that they named it after the city. That would be Pancakes Amsterdam, and your teen will love it. You'll get a free pancake tasting, where they can pick from myriad ingredients and toppings to make their own mouthwatering masterpiece. On us, of course, because we care. And, if one simply isn't enough, grab a table, pull out a menu, and order like a normal customer. Whether it's a morning treat, a midday snack, or a dinner replacement, your teen will dig the pancakes at Pancakes Amsterdam. See what we did there? Dig? Yep, we're down. With them. Down with them. Exactly.   A must-visit Memorial On a more serious note, vacations are often fact-finding missions. You learn about another culture, immerse yourself in the local cuisine and customs, and discover a country's history while you're at it. Amsterdam has a lot of history, and not all of it is good. However, there's no denying that the Anne Frank House is worth a visit. Though she didn't live to tell the tale, Anne Frank's diary offered the world a candid view into the lives of Jewish people who struggled during the German occupation. Anne Frank was a teen herself when she hid, so it's easy for fellow teens to relate to the everyday struggles she faced on top of the very real threat to her life. In the house itself, they can learn about the family, their history, and the people that helped them hide. Easily one of the most thought-provoking things to do in Amsterdam for teens.   Nothing but the classics Even if street art is the de facto art form these days, nothing quite beats the classics. And if you want your fill of 8,000 classic artistic artifacts, head to the Netherlands' most famous museum - the Rijksmuseum. Discover famous masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including masterworks from Hals, Steen, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. Show your young one how they did it way back when, and brace yourself for multiple age-related jokes. It's okay; after the first barrage, they'll subside. The art speaks for itself.   Bright games for brighter minds And finally, we end our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teens with some fun and games. And not just any games, but arcade games. At the TonTon Club, they'll discover a world of digital giggles. These days, every young person likely plays some videogames, so let them loose and try to keep up. They'll find classic arcade hits, more modern gems, and even just regular games like Mario Kart on offer. Buy them up some tokens and let them do their thing. Trust us, they'll appreciate it. And that was our list of the best things to do in Amsterdam for teens! We hope they enjoy their vacation as much as you do.
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.