Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Open Boat with Drinks Option

Summary

Glide Amsterdam’s canals by open boat past Anne Frank House & Skinny Bridge

You’ll float through Amsterdam’s famous canals on an open electric boat with a local skipper-guide sharing stories along the way. Sip unlimited drinks if you choose that option, pass landmarks like Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge, and catch those little city details you’d never notice on foot. It’s relaxed and quietly memorable — not just another tour.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the open boat right by the Anne Frank House — I could still hear the soft hum of bikes behind us as we pushed off. Our skipper, Jeroen, greeted everyone with this easy Dutch humor and handed out drinks (I went for wine, obviously). The water was calm but you could smell the city — a bit of damp stone, something sweet from a bakery nearby. We started gliding under bridges that looked like they’d been there forever, and I kept craning my neck to see all those crooked canal houses. Jeroen pointed at one and said it’s been leaning since before his grandmother was born. Not sure if he was joking, but it made me laugh.

There’s something about seeing Amsterdam from the water that makes everything feel softer. We passed Westerkerk — its bells chimed just as we floated by, which felt weirdly cinematic. The Negen Straatjes were busy up above but down on the boat it was just us, some ducks, and the sound of glasses clinking. At one point we drifted past the Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and someone tried to pronounce it in Dutch; Jeroen grinned and said, “Close enough!” You get these little stories about every spot — like why Herengracht is called the “gentlemen’s canal” — but nothing felt scripted.

I didn’t expect to feel so relaxed after just an hour. Maybe it was the gentle rocking or maybe the second glass of wine (don’t judge). The sun came out for a minute as we passed De Bijenkorf and I caught my own reflection in a window — hair all windblown but happy. We looped back toward Central Station eventually, passing the Amstel River and Damrak where people waved from above. The whole thing felt both casual and kind of special at once, you know? I still think about that view under the bridges when dusk starts settling in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Amsterdam canal cruise sightseeing

• Depart from Anne Frank House
• Cruise past Westerkerk
• Pass Negen Straatjes area
• Glide around Amsterdam Canal Ring
• Cruise past Hermitage Museum
• See De Bijenkorf department store
• Pass Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug)
• View Anne Frank House from water
• Pass Amstel River
• See Damrak waterfront
• Pass Herengracht canal
• Return to departure point

Top questions

Where does the Amsterdam canal cruise start?

The cruise departs from either Anne Frank House or Central Station.

How long does the open boat canal cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour.

Is there commentary during the canal cruise?

Yes, your skipper provides live commentary throughout the cruise.

Are drinks included on this Amsterdam canal cruise?

If you select the unlimited drinks option when booking, drinks are included.

Which landmarks will I see on this canal cruise?

You’ll pass Anne Frank House, Westerkerk, Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug), Herengracht, De Bijenkorf, Amstel River, Damrak, and more.

Is this Amsterdam canal cruise suitable for children?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller and must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this tour.

Does the boat have a roof or is it open?

This is an open boat canal cruise for better views and fresh air.

What’s included

Your hour-long Amsterdam canal cruise includes an electric open-boat ride with live skipper-guide commentary as you pass historic sites like Anne Frank House and Skinny Bridge; if you select it when booking, unlimited water, sodas, Heineken beer or wine are served throughout your journey before returning to your departure point near Central Station or Anne Frank House.