Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Local Guide and Small Group

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. See Amsterdam on the UNESCO listed Canals of Amsterdam

   1 h

2. This basilica features an impressive facade with twin towers and a central dome, while its interior boasts beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate artwork, and a majestic organ. The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and Amsterdam, reflecting the city’s maritime heritage. Visitors often appreciate its serene atmosphere and rich historical significance, making it a key landmark in the heart of Amsterdam.

   Passes by

3. Designed to resemble a traditional Chinese pagoda, Sea Palace provides a distinctive dining atmosphere. The interior is adorned with authentic Chinese decor, creating an immersive cultural experience. With seating for up to 600 guests across three floors, the restaurant accommodates both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

   Passes by

4. In 1606, the tower was enhanced with a decorative spire designed by architect Hendrick de Keyser, giving it its current iconic appearance. The spire includes a clock and carillon, which was added to make the tower more visually appealing after it lost its defensive purpose.

   Passes by

5. This canal is lined with traditional Dutch canal houses, houseboats, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings, reflecting the city’s blend of historical and modern living. Its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

   Passes by

6. The Amstel is the iconic river from which Amsterdam derives its name. Flowing through the heart of the city, the Amstel is central to Amsterdam’s identity, offering scenic views and a connection to the city’s rich history and culture.

   Passes by

7. The Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge) is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic bridges, located over the Amstel River and connecting the Rembrandtplein area to the Waterlooplein area. It is named after the original wooden bridge that stood in the same spot in the 17th century, which was painted blue.

   Passes by

8. The H’ART Museum is a prominent art museum situated along the Amstel River in Amsterdam. Established in 2009 as a satellite of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, it rebranded to H’ART Museum in September 2023 after severing ties with its Russian counterpart in 2022

   Passes by

9. The Dancing Houses (Dutch: Dansende Huisjes) is a nickname given to a row of historic, leaning canal houses located along the Damrak canal in Amsterdam. Ask our guide why these houses lean

   Passes by

10. The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is Amsterdam’s oldest building and parish church, located in the heart of the city’s historic De Wallen (Red Light District). It was consecrated in 1306 and has since served as a significant religious, cultural, and architectural landmark.

    Passes by

11. The Red Light District (De Wallen) in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most famous and controversial neighborhoods. Located in the heart of the city near the Oude Kerk (Old Church)

    Passes by

12. Zeedijk is one of Amsterdam’s oldest and liveliest streets, located near the Nieuwmarkt in the city center. Once part of the city’s defensive sea dike, it has transformed over the centuries into a vibrant area known for its cultural diversity, historic landmarks, and bustling atmosphere.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 6,580 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Amazing

  Amazing !!!! With Sebastian the best 🤩🤩🤩

  douerrachadsSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Wonderful boat tour!

  Thank you Igor and Gabriella for a great tour!

  ErmidipietroSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Canal cruise

  Jack was great. Loved all the stories about the canals and the boats. Liked all the extra history too, especially fascinating about the architecture and real estate pearls. This one hour cruise was definitely worth it and a great value.

  988JohnBSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Nice little boat ride!

  Great little boat ride around the canals. Hard to hear the driver talk about the stuff we were seeing and passing, so we missed some of the information/history. But doing it around sunset was beautiful!

  HEATHER_BSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Best Captain!

  Captain Mike was terrific! I suggest the evening for the lights . Fun. Captain Mike gave great information

  Greg_KSeptember 2026via Viator

• 5Boat

  Mike was the best guide ever! The boat ride was so cozy!

  O794UTalicetSeptember 2026via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

How it compares in Amsterdam

• Its from-price is 85% below the median of the 293 city tours we list in Amsterdam.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1 of 293.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam rings its golden-age centre with tree-lined canals, gabled houses and bridges, packing great art and easy cycling into a compact city.

The canal ring, dug in the seventeenth century, curves around the old centre in concentric arcs: Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, lined with tall merchants' houses. The Jordaan, just west, is a maze of small canals, courtyards, brown cafés and independent shops, and the Anne Frank House stands on the Prinsengracht at its edge.

Top-ranked sights in Amsterdam: Amstel River, Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Anne Frank House.

See all 2120 experiences in Amsterdam