Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Open Boat, Dutch Snacks & Drinks

Summary

Electric boat ride through Amsterdam’s canal ring with Dutch bites and stories

You’ll drift through Amsterdam’s historic canal ring on an electric open boat with local guides sharing stories as you snack on Dutch cheese and stroopwafels. Expect unlimited drinks, laughs with fellow travelers, quiet moments under old bridges, and glimpses into hidden corners of the city’s past — all in just 90 minutes that somehow feel longer in memory.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I booked this Amsterdam canal cruise mostly because I was curious if the city would feel different from the water. Turns out, it does — in a way you can’t get from just wandering the streets. The boat left right by the Rijksmuseum, which looked even grander from below, and our guide (I think his name was Bram?) had that dry Dutch humor that sneaks up on you. There were maybe 20 of us, all sorts — an older couple from Spain, some friends from Canada, and a solo traveler who kept taking Polaroids. It felt oddly cozy for being so open to the sky.

The canals themselves are quieter than I expected. You hear a soft hum from the electric motor but mostly it’s water lapping against brick walls and sometimes laughter echoing off old houses. We passed under bridges so close you could almost touch them — one was painted blue and someone had hung a string of plastic tulips across it (no idea why). Bram pointed out the Skinny Bridge and told us if you kiss there your love is supposed to last forever; two people actually tried it and everyone clapped. The air smelled like rain on stone, even though it wasn’t raining yet — just that dampness that hangs around Amsterdam.

I didn’t know much about Dutch snacks before this cruise but now I can say stroopwafels are dangerous if you’re not careful (I ate three). There was cheese too, sharp and crumbly, plus little bowls of pickles that made my mouth pucker. Unlimited wine and Heineken helped everyone relax; nobody got rowdy though — Bram made sure it stayed a history tour, not a party boat. He told stories about Rembrandt living along these canals, about secret churches hidden in attic rooms (we floated past Our Lord in the Attic Museum) and how some bridges used to be so narrow only one person could cross at a time.

It went by faster than I thought — 90 minutes isn’t long when you’re watching sunlight flicker off water or listening to someone explain why Amstel beer is named after the river we were gliding down. I still think about how peaceful it felt, drifting past centuries-old houses while sharing snacks with strangers who suddenly didn’t feel like strangers anymore. If you’re looking for a day trip in Amsterdam that isn’t just ticking off museums but actually feeling part of the city for a bit… well, yeah. This is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise and sightseeing

• Dock at Rijksmuseum
• Enjoy Rijksmuseum building and exhibits
• View Rembrandt's Night Watch
• Cruise Amsterdam canals
• Pass Herengracht canal
• Pass Prinsengracht canal
• Pass Keizersgracht canal
• Pass Amstel River
• Pass Royal Theatre Carré
• Pass Hermitage Amsterdam
• Pass Blauwbrug bridge
• Pass Dutch National Opera
• Pass Zuiderkerk church
• Pass Our Lord in the Attic Museum
• Pass New Market Square
• Pass Singel Canal
• Pass Amsterdam Central Station
• Pass Basilica of St. Nicholas
• Pass Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
• Pass Rembrandt House Museum
• Pass National Maritime Museum
• Pass Amsterdam Red Light District
• Pass Mint Tower
• Pass Museum of the Canals
• Pass Jewish Museum
• Pass Old Church (Oude Kerk)
• Pass Museumplein square
• Pass Amsterdam Museum
• Pass Hortus Botanicus
• Pass Museum Willet-Holthuysen
• Pass Waterlooplein Market
• Pass Dutch Resistance Museum

Top questions

Where does the Amsterdam canal cruise start?

The cruise departs right in front of the Rijksmuseum.

How long is the canal cruise?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Are drinks included during the tour?

Yes, unlimited Heineken beer and wine are included.

What kind of snacks are served on board?

You’ll get typical Dutch snacks like cheese and stroopwafels.

Is this suitable for bachelor parties or drinking groups?

No, this is a history-focused canal cruise and not intended for party groups.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The boats are open so you might get wet; rebooking is possible if rain is expected.

Is there assistance getting into the boat?

Yes, staff will help as there’s a fairly big step onto the boat.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your day includes a 1.5-hour electric open boat cruise through Amsterdam’s canals with unlimited Heineken beer and wine plus typical Dutch snacks like cheese and stroopwafels — all guided by locals who share stories along the way before returning to your starting point near the Rijksmuseum.